Skip to content
BE · Sedan

1988 Ford Tempo

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1988 Ford Tempo.

Recall campaigns
2
Owner complaints
164, mostly electrical system
Safety record

Recalls on the 1988 Ford Tempo

Recall·96V071000

Electrical system: ignition

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Recall·88V024000

Vehicle speed control

TWO ATTACHMENT SCREWS FOR THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS COULD LOOSEN AND BACK OUT.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 164 owners reported

Electrical system58
Engine and engine cooling31
Seat belts17
Fuel system10

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

1988 Ford Tempo at a glance

Engine
2.3L 4-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 3-spd, Manual 5-spd
Drivetrain
FWD, AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Sedan
Browse

Other Ford Tempo years

1994199319921991199019891987198619851984

Free Car Finder

Still deciding on the 1988 Ford Tempo?

Answer a few quick questions and see your top 3 used cars, with the years to shop.

Find my car
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 1988 Ford Tempo?

Owners have filed 164 complaints about the 1988 Ford Tempo with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. There are 2 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 1988 Ford Tempo reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 2 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1988 Ford Tempo?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1988 Ford Tempo listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.