1992 Ford Tempo Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 45about this part
- Share
- 26%of 176 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1992 Ford Tempo, 26% of the 176 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Tl * the contact owns a 1992 Ford Tempo. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, the contact heard a noise. The contact stopped the vehicle and saw that some of the lug nuts were missing. A local mechanic inspected the vehicle. The vehicle was found to contain no catalytic converter; furthermore, neither the horn and nor any of the electrical component functioned correctly. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were approximately 66,000. Updated 5/12/10 updated 06/11/10.”
NHTSA complaint #10322369, filed 2010-03, 66,000 miles“All gaskets & seals leak. Needs about a quart of oil per 15 miles. Because of oil dripping, car catches on fire. Nothing has been done to correct problem, too expensive!”
NHTSA complaint #10122321, filed 2005-05, 89,000 miles“The horn quit working, the cooling fan has quit twice and had to be replaced , now the fan problen is in the wiring , havent fixed it yet, the fuel pump has been replaced twice, the righ headlight hs been replaced 7 times in 3 years, the drivers side seatbelt no longer works , the transmission leaks at the drivers side cv axle and the drivers side cv asle has had to be replaced 3 times in the last 3 years , the max fuel economy is 16 mpg (highway), the engine idles up and down at stop signs , the ignition switch on the steering wheel has came unplugged while driving twice , the A/C has quit…”
NHTSA complaint #10071044, filed 2004-01, 170,000 miles“Vehicle experinceing on going/intermittent problem with stalling, mostly in hot weather condition. Vehicle would restart aproximately 1/2 hrs later on. Dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time. Provide any further informaton.”
NHTSA complaint #890317, filed 2001-06“While traveling engine indicator light would flash on/off. Soon after vehicle would stall, dealer has replaced the starter switch and the gas filter every 6 months, but the stalling still occurs, possible engine problem.”
NHTSA complaint #873028, filed 2000-10Related recalls
- 97V019000Feb 25, 1997These vehicles are originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, iowa, minnesota, nebraska, north dakota, and south dakota. The…Covers: Ford Tempo 1992–1994, Mercury Sable 1992–1995, Ford Taurus 1992–1995 +2 more
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 45 | 28% |
| 1993 | 61 | 27% |
| 1992 | 45 | 26% |
| 1991 | 31 | 28% |
| 1990 | 19 | 14% |
| 1989 | 26 | 21% |
| 1988 | 26 | 21% |
| 1987 | 14 | 26% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 7 | 23% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1992 Ford Tempo
43 complaintsSeat belts
41 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1992 Ford Tempo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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