1985 Ford Tempo problems & reliability
30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1985 Ford Tempo. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System → | 13 | 43% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 7 | 23% |
| Steering | 4 | 13% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 10% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 10% |
| Air Bags | 2 | 7% |
| Power Train | 2 | 7% |
| Suspension | 2 | 7% |
| Tires | 2 | 7% |
| Unknown OR Other | 1 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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? *tr”
Fuel System, Gasoline · filed Feb 9, 2011
“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. *ak”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Mar 1, 2001
“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.*ak”
Electrical System · filed Oct 27, 2000
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE
Preliminary Evaluation PE96005 · opened Jan 19, 1996 · closed May 28, 1996
- REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE
Defect Petition DP96002 · opened Jan 11, 1996 · closed Jan 19, 1996
- SEAT BELT SEPARATION
Engineering Analysis EA91052 · opened Nov 27, 1991 · closed Nov 24, 1992
- SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTION
Preliminary Evaluation PE89118 · opened Apr 19, 1989 · closed Sep 6, 1989
- HALFSHAFT FAILURE
Preliminary Evaluation PE88034 · opened Mar 18, 1988 · closed Sep 19, 1988
- STALLING
Preliminary Evaluation PE87028 · opened May 1, 1987 · closed Jan 21, 1988
- SEATBACK FAILURE
Engineering Analysis EA86010 · opened Mar 26, 1986 · closed Jul 28, 1989 · led to recall 86V082000
Technical service bulletins
21 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1985 Ford Tempo. The 10 most recent:
Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *slc
01157 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 6, 2001
Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *slc
01156 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 6, 2001
Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs
0015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 10, 2000
Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt
99222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 1999
Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems. *tt
99196 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 20, 1999
Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt
99152 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 26, 1999
Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( f8az - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals. *yc
98246 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 7, 1998
A new silicone gasket and sealant. *yc
9874 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 13, 1998
Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance. *yc
9852 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 13, 1998
Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system. *tt
9864 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 30, 1998
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1985 Ford Tempo in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1985 Ford Tempo?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.