Friday, August 7, 2026
RecallGazette

Vehicle problems, recalls & safety intelligence

1986 Ford Tempo electrical system problems

15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 1986 Ford Tempo48% of all complaints for this model year.

15
Electrical System complaints
48%
share of all complaints
median reported mileage
0 / 9
crash / fire reports

What owners report

  • Tl* the contact owns a 1986 ford tempo. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised him that the ignition module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The…

    filed Nov 4, 2011

  • Dt: the contact stated when exiting the vehicle she smelled an odd odor. Upon reentering and staring the vehicle white smoke came from under the hood. When checking under the hood she saw flames coming out. She immediately called 911. The fire went out on its own before the fire department arrived…

    filed Dec 14, 2005

  • On the ignition problem, the car died on the state highway & I had to get towed to my mechanic. My car was laid up for 16 days. He finally found out it was the ignition that was malfunctioning after doing a troubleshooting start & stalling condition. It cost me 118.07 fo the repairs and another$30.00 for the tow. This…

    filed Nov 20, 2001

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

Related service bulletins

  • Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt

    99222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 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
All 1986 Ford Tempo TSBs →

Electrical System problems in other Tempo years

YearReportsShare
1994 Tempo1912%
1993 Tempo3716%
1992 Tempo4324%
1991 Tempo2220%
1990 Tempo4635%
1989 Tempo3327%
1988 Tempo5040%
1987 Tempo2853%
1985 Tempo1343%
Tempo electrical system problems by year →

Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.