NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Switch
521.7%
Module
417.4%
Engine
313.0%
Ignition
313.0%
Steering Wheel/Handle BAR
313.0%
Gasoline
28.7%
Frontal
28.7%
RIM
14.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 1995peak 5Feb 2011
NHTSA investigations into the 1985 Ford Tempo
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE96005Opened 19 Jan 1996Closed 28 May 1996SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE
1984 - 1991 FORD TEMPO/MERCURY TOPAZ
DP96002Opened 11 Jan 1996Closed 19 Jan 1996SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE
EA91052Opened 27 Nov 1991Closed 24 Nov 1992SEAT BELTS
PE88034Opened 18 Mar 1988Closed 19 Sep 1988POWER TRAIN
HALFSHAFT FAILURE
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.FAI...
PE87028Opened 1 May 1987Closed 21 Jan 1988ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
STALLING
NO SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS BEEN DETECTED.===
EA86010Opened 26 Mar 1986Closed 28 Jul 1989SEATS
SEATBACK FAILURE
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:FORD BELIEVES THAT THE AL-LEGED DEFECT ONLY OCCURS IN A SMALL NUMBER OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ANDRECALLED ABOUT 195,732 1984 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES IN JUNE 1986.ANALYSIS: VEHICLES POTENTIALLY INVOLVED INCLUDE TEMPO/TOPAZ, ESCORT/LYNX/EXP, MUSTANG/CAPRI, LTD/MARQUIS, AND THUNDERBIRD/COUGAR.FORD SOLD ABOUT 110,000 REPLACEMENT MIO BOLTS, MAINLY FOR 1983 AND 1984MODELS. LOW CLAMPING FORCE APPEARS TO BE A LARGE PART OF THE PROBLEM.FORD INCREASED THE TORQUE REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIRED THE USE OF A MANUALTORQUE TOOL IN MARCH AND SEPTEMBER 1985 PRODUCTION CHANGES. 1...
Recalls on the 1985 Ford Tempo
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 198909970,606 units in Canada
Emissions
THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. THE CENTRAL FUEL INJECTOR (CFI) MAY OPERATE RICH DURING CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS. CORRECTION: IMPROVED CFI FUEL INJECTORS WILL BE INSTALLED AND IDLE SPEED WILL BE ADJUSTED.
Recall 19851172 units in Canada
A FAULTY ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL PROCESSOR COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO DEVELOP OR MAINTAIN A PARTIALLY OPEN THROTTLE POSITION WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THIS COULD PRESENT THE POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Recall 198507988,060 units in Canada
SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM - TO - SPINDLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS THAT MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FRACTURE DURING VEHICLE USE. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE ADJACENT REAR SPINDLE COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE CONTROL ARM, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLE CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Indianapolis, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT AND AIRBAG HAD NO DEPLOYMENT, CAUSING INJURY TO CONSUMER. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #555357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INCrash1 injured
TIRES
BRIDGESTONE TIRES P175 80 R13 DON'T HAVE GOOD TRACTION AROUND TURNS, SLIDES, AND MAKES SQUEALING NOISES. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #555357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allentown, PACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE HIT A GUARDRAIL AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY BUT IT MADE THE SENORS COME ON AND THEY WILL NOT GO OFF.
NHTSA complaint #813740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Jean, WVCrash
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
STEERING WHEEL WELDS BROKE WHILE TURNING A CORNER, LOST CONTROL, IMPACT 11:00 POSITION, SPEED 20MPH.
NHTSA complaint #804733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longview, TXFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
AFTER BEING DRIVEN AND PARKED FOR (20) MINUTES, OWNER INFORMED VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #984952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
THE VEHICLE HAD A FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD . SOURCE UNKNOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #984370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 72,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
POWER TRAIN
MY 1985 FORD TEMPO GL HAS 3 RECALLS AND FORD SAYS IT DOESN'T. VIN# [XXX] 1.ECU DEFECTIVE THROTTLE REMAINS PARTIALLY OPENED OEM # 85V134000, 2.BACK TIRE REAR CONTROL ARM SPINDLE BOLT OEM # 85V086000, 3.FUEL PUMP OEM # 07E064000.WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?
NHTSA complaint #10381366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
SUSPENSION
MY 1985 FORD TEMPO GL HAS 3 RECALLS AND FORD SAYS IT DOESN'T. VIN# [XXX] 1.ECU DEFECTIVE THROTTLE REMAINS PARTIALLY OPENED OEM # 85V134000, 2.BACK TIRE REAR CONTROL ARM SPINDLE BOLT OEM # 85V086000, 3.FUEL PUMP OEM # 07E064000.WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?
NHTSA complaint #10381366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
MY 1985 FORD TEMPO GL HAS 3 RECALLS AND FORD SAYS IT DOESN'T. VIN# [XXX] 1.ECU DEFECTIVE THROTTLE REMAINS PARTIALLY OPENED OEM # 85V134000, 2.BACK TIRE REAR CONTROL ARM SPINDLE BOLT OEM # 85V086000, 3.FUEL PUMP OEM # 07E064000.WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?
NHTSA complaint #10381366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MY 1985 FORD TEMPO GL HAS 3 RECALLS AND FORD SAYS IT DOESN'T. VIN# [XXX] 1.ECU DEFECTIVE THROTTLE REMAINS PARTIALLY OPENED OEM # 85V134000, 2.BACK TIRE REAR CONTROL ARM SPINDLE BOLT OEM # 85V086000, 3.FUEL PUMP OEM # 07E064000.WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?
NHTSA complaint #10381366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Capital Heights, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
OIL LEAKS FROM INTAKE MANIFOLD.
NHTSA complaint #10000016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
SUSPENSION:REAR
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #759582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, OH
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
CAR STALLS WHEN STEERING WHEEL TURNED SHARPLY.
NHTSA complaint #754839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, TN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE WILL NOT START AT TIMES UNLESS YOU PUMP THE GAS PEDAL VERY HARD AND FAST DOESN'T DO THIS AT ALL TIMES ON OCCASIONALLY.
NHTSA complaint #741128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT AND AIRBAG HAD NO DEPLOYMENT, CAUSING INJURY TO CONSUMER. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #555357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Terre Haute, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE CAR DIES AT ANY TIME, ANYWHERE, MY MECHANIC SAYS IT IS A FAULTY MODULE. I AM IN GREAT DANGER OF THE SAFETY OF MY CHILD AND MYSELF. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ON THIS VEHICLE, AS I HAVE BEEN STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES ON THE RAILROAD TRACKS. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE RECALL OF THIS MODULE.
NHTSA complaint #734929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prescott, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRONIC MODULE ON DISTRIBUTOR FAULTY AND CAUSED CAR TO STALL AT HIGHWAY SPEED. NARROWLY AVOIDED HAVING AN ACCIDENT WHEN ENGINE DIED. FORD CHARGED FOR A NEW PART BUT OTHER CARS MAY STILL HAVE THIS FAULTY PART PUTTING THE PUBLIC AT RISK
NHTSA complaint #734103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INCrash1 injured
TIRES
BRIDGESTONE TIRES P175 80 R13 DON'T HAVE GOOD TRACTION AROUND TURNS, SLIDES, AND MAKES SQUEALING NOISES. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #555357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapol, IN
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
GOODYEAR VIVA TIRE (1) FLATTENED ON HIGHWAY ENTRY RAMP , 3 TIRES FAILED DUE TO BELT SLIPPAGE AND WERE REPLACED BUT FAILED AGAIN (175X80X13). NLM
NHTSA complaint #554226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THIS CAR WAS GIVEN TO ME BY MY SISTER (ORIGINAL OWNER) AFTER ONLY 31000 MILES. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, ALL SENSORS, IGNITION MODULE, THROTTLE SOLENOID/SENSOR, AND CLUTCH HAVE GONE OUT WITHOUT WARNING, USUALLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR. I NOW HAVE A CAR WITH ANOTHER BLOWN CLUTCH, THROTTLE/IDLE SOLENOID AND MAIN COMPUTER PROBLEMS. I'VE PUT OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS AND STILL HAVE A CAR THAT I NOW CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX ANY MORE. UPPON CONTACTING FORD REGARDING THE PROBLEMS, THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEMS EXCEPT FOR A REAR AXEL PART IN SOME {NOT MINE} MODELS. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE? I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT FOR PARTS. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #722311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THIS CAR WAS GIVEN TO ME BY MY SISTER (ORIGINAL OWNER) AFTER ONLY 31000 MILES. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, ALL SENSORS, IGNITION MODULE, THROTTLE SOLENOID/SENSOR, AND CLUTCH HAVE GONE OUT WITHOUT WARNING, USUALLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR. I NOW HAVE A CAR WITH ANOTHER BLOWN CLUTCH, THROTTLE/IDLE SOLENOID AND MAIN COMPUTER PROBLEMS. I'VE PUT OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS AND STILL HAVE A CAR THAT I NOW CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX ANY MORE. UPPON CONTACTING FORD REGARDING THE PROBLEMS, THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEMS EXCEPT FOR A REAR AXEL PART IN SOME {NOT MINE} MODELS. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE? I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT FOR PARTS. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #722311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS CAR WAS GIVEN TO ME BY MY SISTER (ORIGINAL OWNER) AFTER ONLY 31000 MILES. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, ALL SENSORS, IGNITION MODULE, THROTTLE SOLENOID/SENSOR, AND CLUTCH HAVE GONE OUT WITHOUT WARNING, USUALLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR. I NOW HAVE A CAR WITH ANOTHER BLOWN CLUTCH, THROTTLE/IDLE SOLENOID AND MAIN COMPUTER PROBLEMS. I'VE PUT OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS AND STILL HAVE A CAR THAT I NOW CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX ANY MORE. UPPON CONTACTING FORD REGARDING THE PROBLEMS, THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEMS EXCEPT FOR A REAR AXEL PART IN SOME {NOT MINE} MODELS. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE? I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT FOR PARTS. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #722311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
THIS CAR WAS GIVEN TO ME BY MY SISTER (ORIGINAL OWNER) AFTER ONLY 31000 MILES. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, ALL SENSORS, IGNITION MODULE, THROTTLE SOLENOID/SENSOR, AND CLUTCH HAVE GONE OUT WITHOUT WARNING, USUALLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR. I NOW HAVE A CAR WITH ANOTHER BLOWN CLUTCH, THROTTLE/IDLE SOLENOID AND MAIN COMPUTER PROBLEMS. I'VE PUT OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS AND STILL HAVE A CAR THAT I NOW CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX ANY MORE. UPPON CONTACTING FORD REGARDING THE PROBLEMS, THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEMS EXCEPT FOR A REAR AXEL PART IN SOME {NOT MINE} MODELS. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE? I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT FOR PARTS. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #722311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
THIS CAR WAS GIVEN TO ME BY MY SISTER (ORIGINAL OWNER) AFTER ONLY 31000 MILES. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, ALL SENSORS, IGNITION MODULE, THROTTLE SOLENOID/SENSOR, AND CLUTCH HAVE GONE OUT WITHOUT WARNING, USUALLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR. I NOW HAVE A CAR WITH ANOTHER BLOWN CLUTCH, THROTTLE/IDLE SOLENOID AND MAIN COMPUTER PROBLEMS. I'VE PUT OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS AND STILL HAVE A CAR THAT I NOW CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX ANY MORE. UPPON CONTACTING FORD REGARDING THE PROBLEMS, THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEMS EXCEPT FOR A REAR AXEL PART IN SOME {NOT MINE} MODELS. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE? I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT FOR PARTS. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #722311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE HOSE BROKE DUE TO CHAFFING AGAINST FRAME DUE TO DESIGN LOCATION, RESULTING IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #503863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowling GR, OH
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
HALF-SHAFT FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #539790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrollton, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #534165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrollton, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #533771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
INTERMITTENT STALLING DUE TO THICK FILM IGNITION MODULE (TFI) FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #523191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allentown, PACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE HIT A GUARDRAIL AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY BUT IT MADE THE SENORS COME ON AND THEY WILL NOT GO OFF.
NHTSA complaint #813740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
DEFECTIVE ENGINE GASKETS, CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT.
NHTSA complaint #506969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.