Investigation PE88034: 1984–1986 Ford Tempo

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Mar 18, 1988

Closed

Sep 19, 1988

Model years

1984–1986

Subject

Halfshaft failure

Component: Power train

Summary

Summary:the subject vehicles may be equipped with either a 2.3 liter4 cylinder engine or a 2.0 liter diesel engine.the transaxle may beeither a 5 speed manual or a 3 speed automatic transmission.thehalfshaft assemblies are identical for automatic and manual use, but theright interconnecting shaft on a diesel equipped vehicle does not have atorsional damper.the 1987 model vehicles (gas or diesel) do not use thetorsional damper.the right side interconnecting shaft is longer thanthe left side shaft (25 inches versus 12 inches).most of the reported failures involve the right halfshaft assembly.failure of the halfshaft appears to result in a loss of drive without anyloss of vehicle control. #===

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1986 Ford Tempo31 complaints
• 1985 Ford Tempo30 complaints
• 1984 Ford Tempo14 complaints