1994 Ford Tempo
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Tempo › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Ford Tempo. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1994 Ford Tempo. Newest first.
These vehicles are originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, iowa, minnesota, nebraska, north dakota, and south dakota. the vehicles involved are 1992-1994 tempo/topaz vehicles with 3.0L engines; 1994 tempo/topaz with 2.3L engines; 1992-1995 taurus/sable with 3.8L engines; 1994-1995 taurus/sable with 3.0L engines and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause smoke or flames from the fan and/or shroud, the fan electrical wiring, or the fan motor resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install an electrical jumper harness containing an automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the fan motor low speed circuitry from overheating.
Owner complaints
161 complaints20 involved a crash6 involved a fire13 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford tempo. The contact stated that the fuel tank in routed out and caused fuel to leak. The contact noticed the fuel odor. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that smell of fuel was normal. The contact stated that the fuel leaked whenever the fuel tank was full and onto hot exhaust pipes. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The wipers on my 94 ford tempo stop intermittently, then start a few seconds later. this IS dangerous in heavy rain. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 ford tempo. while driving 35 mph, the engine stalled and the service engine warning light illuminated. the vehicle restarted after ten minutes. the vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer. the failure mileage was 99,900 and current mileage was 100,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
While driving at 40 mph the heating level went up. the consumer proceeded to the store to purchase antifreeze, noticed the vehicle smoking, the check engine light came on, the consumer got out of the vehicle, and the vehicle burst into flames. the vehicle was totaled.*ak......*ak in the time the…
While driving at 40 mph the heating level went up. the consumer proceeded to the store to purchase antifreeze, noticed the vehicle smoking, the check engine light came on, the consumer got out of the vehicle, and the vehicle burst into flames. the vehicle was totaled.*ak......*ak in the time the consumer had the car, the temperature gauge never went pass normal until that day; the engine cooling fan would come on before the gauge went up passed normal. *bf
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I have had multiple problems with the vehicle stalling. at a stop, the vehicle's idle speed varies and starts to shake and will stall if I don't put the car in neutral. sometimes it has stalled even after putting it in neutral. I have recently had a tune-up and my gas filter replaced, with no results. *la
- Suspension › Rear
Because of an extremely poor design the r. R. Control arm rusts through totally on the 1994 ford tempo. I believe this IS caused by a poorly placed exhaust release perforation, designed into the muffler by the manufacturer. My control arm failed at 15 mph. I was advised by the mechanics that fixed…
Because of an extremely poor design the r. R. Control arm rusts through totally on the 1994 ford tempo. I believe this IS caused by a poorly placed exhaust release perforation, designed into the muffler by the manufacturer. My control arm failed at 15 mph. I was advised by the mechanics that fixed it ($300 plus later) that a failure at highway speed would have been catastrophic for anyone in the vehicle at the time. I was also advised this IS a common problem. I contacted ford months ago about this problem, they denied it was one. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
1994 ford tempo GL. my husband's car went up in flames and smoke yesterday while driving it, the fire department and police came and put it out. The car IS a total loss, as well as the jacket my husband was (fortunately) wearing when the flames came shooting out from the engine area into the…
1994 ford tempo GL. my husband's car went up in flames and smoke yesterday while driving it, the fire department and police came and put it out. The car IS a total loss, as well as the jacket my husband was (fortunately) wearing when the flames came shooting out from the engine area into the driver's seat. a friend of mine suggested that I check if others had this problem, and I came across this site. it looks like others have had this problem, if the nhtsa campaign 97v019000 IS an indication of such. as far as I know, we were never notified that some ford tempos were potential fire traps. My husband could have been severely burned, but fortunately, his jacket took the brunt of the flames. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
"Service engine soon" light goes on while driving, sometimes going off after a few minutes and sometimes staying on for 20-40 miles. Several people have looked up the codes and can't find a problem. This has been happening for more than a year. I do not have an owner's manual and cannot locate one online, so troubleshooting IS extremely difficult. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Due to fumes emitting from muffler both of the left rear suspension bars corroded which caused them to drop. consumer was traveling at a low rate of speed. consumer stated that either the muffler was mounted backward or had a design flaw. the muffler drain hole IS on top.*jb
- Seat belts
My stepdaughter was driving. The electronic seatbelt tightened while driving and could not be released. She had difficulty moving her foot to shift the break pedal or movement of any type. The belt was locked and she was pinned to the seat while driving. It was choking her, also. When she was able…
My stepdaughter was driving. The electronic seatbelt tightened while driving and could not be released. She had difficulty moving her foot to shift the break pedal or movement of any type. The belt was locked and she was pinned to the seat while driving. It was choking her, also. When she was able to stop the car, she tried to open the door to release the seat belt, this only made it tighten more, she managed to remove a small nail knife from her purse to cut herself loose. Had the car been involved in an accident with fire or water she would have burned up or drowned from a seatbelt. Or hung herself. mr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Consumer, upon investigation, found that the main pulley bolts are working loose. they weren't properly torqued from the factory. as a result the engine has overheated, problems with the alternator, lighting system and steering power was lost because of connections to the main pulley. *jg
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
While seating in vehicle while it was running consumer closed door and noticed that driver's side seat belt tightened to consumer's body, and cut consumer's air off. Consumer was freed by seat belt eing cut out. please provide further information.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle stallled while driving 50 mph or more. Vehicle been to the dealer on three occasions, and problem still occurring. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Seat belts
We believe that the failure of a seat belt, including motorized restraint systems, should be fully supported by mandatory factory warrantees paid for by the manufacturer. ford motor company has refused repeated attempts to get reimbursement for the replacement of a motorized should belt restraint…
We believe that the failure of a seat belt, including motorized restraint systems, should be fully supported by mandatory factory warrantees paid for by the manufacturer. ford motor company has refused repeated attempts to get reimbursement for the replacement of a motorized should belt restraint system. subsequently, we brought this complaint to the attention of senator john mccain, who recommended that we contact the national highway traffic and safety administration. we seek reimbursement for the $539, which we paid to have the ford dealer replace the should belt restraint system. r. Unger. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
I have just become aware that the problem I am having with my vehicle stalling IS due to a tfi module that ford IS aware there IS a problem with. I have stalled many times in traffic and there have been many times I've almost been hit as a result of this. I drive with a toddler in the car and have…
I have just become aware that the problem I am having with my vehicle stalling IS due to a tfi module that ford IS aware there IS a problem with. I have stalled many times in traffic and there have been many times I've almost been hit as a result of this. I drive with a toddler in the car and have been fortunate that we have avoided injury thus far. This IS a known problem and someone needs to make ford take responsibility for this problem before another life IS lost.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle stalls intermittently while driving. dealer and manufacturer were not notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While traveling on highway and without prior warning vehicle will shutdown. She will provide additional information. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
While driving at any speed engine check light would illuminate, vehicle would shut off, dealer informed consumer that fuel pump overheated which caused vehicle to shut off. *Ak *slc
- Electrical system › Ignition
While driving in traffic, engine suddenly stopped without warning. *Ak vehicle will not start after stopping and shutting off engine, engine will start after one to two hours of cool down time. *tt
- Seat belts
Both front restraints are inoperable. Please provide additoinal information.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While driving vehicle will stall. Also, sometimes vehicle starts intermittently. Contacted dealer.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Engine stalls, motor dies, never can tell when it IS going to happen, usually in traffic.*ak
- Seat belts
Automatic shoulder belt track mechanism on the driver and passenger have become stuck in one position and will not move. dealership repaired drivers side shoulder belt track approximately 2 years ago while vehicle was covered under warranty. currently, passenger's side shoulder belt has become stuck in forward position. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Driver seat belt does not fully extend from the retracting mechanism, causing the seat belt to become inoperable. please give any further details.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Vehicle speed control
Consumer was in parking lot driving about 2 mph when vehicle accelerated, engine revved. consumer applied brakes, but vehicle continued. Vehicle struck a pedestrian, a tree, and was then stopped by a pole.*ak one person was injured in accident. *slc
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine cooling fan fires
There is no summary currently available
- Engine cooling fan fires
In december 1995, ford recalled 119,313 vehicles in canada to remedy the subject condition in certain 1992-95 taurus, sable, tempo, topaz and continental vehicles.ford IS aware of similar incidents occurring in northern regions of the united states, but maintains that the frequencies do not warrant a finding of an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3012200Unknown
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 622665On 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.
- 616508Special field action regarding revised waranty information.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 606508Conditions with the brake lamps inadvertently disabling the brake shift interlock.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 605564Issues concerning the malfunction of the indicator lamp.
- 605562Subject regarding the availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip.
- 603695Experiencing a " buzzing " or " rattling " noise from the exhaust system.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601264Availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 601010Recommended guidelines for towing behind recreational vehicles.
- 601009Service tip information regarding elimination of sanding rotors and drums.
- 601003Hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment from rotunda IS now approved for warranty and service use.
- 600586Front and rear bumpers made of xenoy plastic have had the conductive primer removed from service parts.
- 53660Vehicles exhibiting a "squeaking" or "chirping" from the blower motor at low blower motor speeds.
- 51990Blower motor- "chirping" or "squeaking" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 51987Fuel economy- customer expectations versus vehicle usage.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51735Rear engine mount concerns.
- 51682Blower motor- "chirp" or "squeak" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 51663Horn- inoperative- vehicles equipped without speed control and air bags.
- 51584Fead belts indicate that technicians are replacing belts unnecessarily.
- 51571Recall 97s66 - advance announcement - the engine cooling fan could stall due to accumulation of ice, snow and slush when the car IS operated under certain conditions of high wind, heavy blowing snow and low temperatures - if the fan motor IS blocked or frozen and IS automatically actuated (to lower the engine coolant temperature) or the windshield defroster IS manually activated (which activates the low speed of the cooling fan), the engine cooling fan motor and its wiring may overheat - in some cases, smoke or a fire could result - to correct this condition when parts are available, dealers are to install a jumper harness assembly which incorporates a 30 amp in-line circuit breaker in the cooling fan motor circuit recall 97s66.
- 51538Ghia pfe sensors requiring replacements should now be serviced with a wide mouth sensor.
Every Ford Tempo model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.