1993 Ford Tempo problems & reliability
227 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1993 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.
16 complaints report injuries (27 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 1993 Ford Tempo vehicles were involved in 1 fatal crash with 0 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 61 | 27% |
| Seat Belts | 61 | 27% |
| Electrical System | 37 | 16% |
| Power Train | 21 | 9% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 20 | 9% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 | 5% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 10 | 4% |
| Tires | 8 | 4% |
| Air Bags | 7 | 3% |
| Steering | 7 | 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
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford tempo. While driving approximately 35 to 40 mph on normal road conditions; the vehicle stalled without warning. The engine restarted and resumed operation; however, it stalled on three times. The vehicle was inspected by a certified mechanic. The failure was contributed to the ignition…”
Electrical System · filed Sep 15, 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford tempo. The engine would not turn over, but when the key was slightly turned in the ignition, something electrical in the vehicle would start. When the contact changes the key slightly in the ignition, he loses all power and can hear an electrical spark as if it is attempting to make a…”
Electrical System · filed Jun 27, 2008
“During routine maintenance a large bulge approximately 6 inches in length and 3 inches wide was found in the tread of the tire near the sidewall. The name of the tire is cordovan nova 70 metric radial and is made in brazil. *nm”
Tires · filed Oct 31, 2005
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
Engineering Analysis EA96024 · opened Sep 30, 1996 · closed Apr 15, 1997 · led to recall 97V019000
- ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
Preliminary Evaluation PE96033 · opened May 2, 1996 · closed Sep 30, 1996 · led to recall 97V019000
Technical service bulletins
67 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1993 Ford Tempo. The 10 most recent:
Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. *mj
02176 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 2, 2002
Brake shift interlock.*jb
01181 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 17, 2001
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
On some vehicles, engine oil may continue to leak from the engine oil pan gasket area after an engine oil pan gasket repair has been performed. *tt
01124 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 25, 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 for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement. *tt
99194 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 20, 1999
Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure. *tt
99183 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 6, 1999
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 1993 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 1993 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.