1988 Ford Tempo Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 9%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 11 complaints about the fuel system of the 1988 Ford Tempo, 9% of the 126 complaints for this model year. 6 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.
“This vehicle has stalled on startup position in traffic since it was new and has continued to do so after numerous complaints to the dealer. This presents a safety hazard as cross traffic is not responsible to wait while we restart the vehicle. This is not due to driver error as it occurs with several different drivers.”
NHTSA complaint #754640, filed 2001-11“Gasoline leaks on engine. Consumer noticed gasoline coming out of the vacuum hose that runs from the fuel pressure regulator to the vacuum fitting, consumer realized the regulator must be faulty.”
NHTSA complaint #8017131, filed 2002-08“After putting gas in the car with the windows rolled up there is an odor of gas inside the car. The odor is also there with the windows down while driving the car. It goes away after about 15 minuets of driving.”
NHTSA complaint #743383, filed 2001-04“Driving vehicle, acts like vapor locking; then vehicle would stopped running; took to dealer and he could not fix problem. Took to local mechanic, who informed consumer that it was fuel pump; had it fixed, but problem still exists; working on fifth (5) fuel pump.”
NHTSA complaint #811964, filed 1997-05Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 21 | 13% |
| 1993 | 13 | 6% |
| 1992 | 10 | 6% |
| 1991 | 10 | 9% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1989 | 4 | 3% |
| 1988 | 11 | 9% |
| 1987 | 6 | 11% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 3 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford Tempo
50 complaintsEngine cooling
26 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 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 Oct 31, 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