1988 Ford Tempo Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 13%of 126 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,790miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the seat belts of the 1988 Ford Tempo, 13% of the 126 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,790 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Dt: the consumer stated she is having retraction problems with her seat belt. The seat belt is not retracting correctly from the lap belt, from the buckle to the door post. This is happening on the drivers side only. The seat belt is allowing too much webbing and not retracting all the way back into the holder on the door post. When the driver is applying brake pressure, the seat belt is not holding the driver securely and safely in the seat. …”
NHTSA complaint #10127897, filed 2005-07, 34,790 miles“I was driving, wife in passenger seat with lap belt engaged. Upon stopping, lap belt would not release. Impossible for her to exit car because of automatic retractor installed on belt assembly. This is a mojor safety item and Ford will not accept any responsibility. Had we been in an accidnet and car was buring, wife would have been burned to death. The only way I could get wife out of the car was to cut the belt and there wouldn't have been time to do this in a burning car! Even with the lap belt cut, I am still unable to release the buckle. …”
NHTSA complaint #754264, filed 2001-11“When trying to pull out, vehicle will stall and sound like it is about to cut off. Also,driver side seat belt won't work properly. When driving the consumer can hear the motor running, but the seat belt goes over the consumer and locks right.”
NHTSA complaint #833339, filed 1999-01“Seat belts malfunctioned. Automatic belts realeased & unreleased while driving. Consumer tried to find manuel to override . Took vehicle to dealer. Dealer found out that motor & track had to be replaced at consumer's expense.”
NHTSA complaint #860298, filed 2000-04“The lap belt on passenager side front will not stay clasped. Drivers shoulder strap (automatic) will not slide open. The motor can be heard inside, but will not move.”
NHTSA complaint #9005921, filed 2002-03Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 36 | 22% |
| 1993 | 61 | 27% |
| 1992 | 41 | 23% |
| 1991 | 13 | 12% |
| 1990 | 28 | 21% |
| 1989 | 20 | 16% |
| 1988 | 16 | 13% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1984 | 2 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford Tempo
50 complaintsEngine cooling
26 complaintsFuel system
11 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