1987 Ford Tempo
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1987 Ford Tempo is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1987 Ford Tempo at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1987 Ford Tempo recalls 2
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
Fix: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
LUG NUTS COULD GALL AND POSSIBLY SEIZE ON THE WHEEL STUDS WITHOUT PROVIDING ADEQUATE CLAMPING LOAD ON THE WHEELS.
Fix: REPLACE WHEEL LUG NUTS AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE WHEELS AND WHEEL STUDS.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1987 Ford Tempo common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1987 Ford Tempo MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1987 Ford Tempo costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1987 Ford Tempo — ranges cover the 8 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 6
REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE Closed
1984 - 1991 FORD TEMPO/MERCURY TOPAZ
NHTSA #PE96005 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Jan 1996 · closed May 1996REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #DP96002 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Jan 1996 · closed Jan 1996SEAT BELT SEPARATION Closed
NHTSA #EA91052 · Seat Belts · opened Nov 1991 · closed Nov 1992FUEL PUMP FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #PE91025 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Dec 1990 · closed Apr 1991FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT Closed
WE HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS REPORTS WHICH ALLEGE A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM. ADDITIONAL REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED TO RESTRAIN/ADEQUATELY PROTECT THE OCCUPANT DURING AN ACCIDENT
NHTSA #EA90008 · Seat Belts · opened Dec 1989 · closed Dec 1991SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTION Closed
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NHTSA #PE89118 · Equipment · opened Apr 1989 · closed Sep 1989An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 27
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 27.
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
Bulletin 01156 · Visibility · Aug 2001INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
Bulletin 01157 · Aug 2001INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
Bulletin 0015 · Power Train · Jan 2000SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
Bulletin 99222 · Electrical System · Oct 1999INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
Bulletin 99196 · Equipment · Sep 1999INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT
Bulletin 99152 · Power Train · Jul 1999FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC
Bulletin 98246 · Electrical System · Dec 1998A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC
Bulletin 9874 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 1998INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC
Bulletin 9852 · Tires · Apr 1998INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT
Bulletin 9864 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 1998Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the TEMPO. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the Ford Tempo
The Ford Tempo is a compact car that was manufactured by Ford from the 1984 to 1994 model years. The successor of the Ford Fairmont, the Tempo is the fourth generation of compact cars sold by Ford in North America, marking both its downsizing and adoption of front-wheel drive. Through its entire production, the Tempo was sold as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan; Lincoln-Mercury marketed the model line as its Mercury Topaz divisional counterpart.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.