1988 Ford Tempo Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 6%of 126 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1988 Ford Tempo, 6% of the 126 complaints for this model year. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Drove to store, returned home, noticed brake light still on, checked underneath and bundle of wires was smoking, unplugged brake switch, wires overheated. Consumer had to disconnect the battery and repair wires they melted together, consumer was told that the switch wire had melted together causing a hot short.”
NHTSA complaint #985522, filed 1996-06“The haedlight bulbs are made out of a plastic material. Over a period of time the material wears out, causing little light to shine from the headlight, resulting in limited visibility. Dealer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #850211, filed 1999-10Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 1988 Ford Tempo
50 complaintsEngine cooling
26 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsTires
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Ford Tempo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology