The Ford Tempo is one of the most successful models Ford has ever made during the time that the automotive industry is overhauling itself to respond to the market's growing demand for fuel-efficient cars. After its run that started in 1984 until 1995, Ford had sold close to 3 million Tempos in the U.S. The youngest Ford Tempo is almost two decades old. With aging comes lots of problems-this is actually what Ford Tempo owners experience firsthand. Below are some of the most common problems that owners experience:
Ignition
Some Ford Tempo models simply don't start regardless if it is a 2.0 L or a 2.3 L, if it is new or old, or if it is model year 1984 or 1995. No, the solution isn't as simple as replacing the spark plugs or tuning the engine. Websites suggest that a manufacturer's or design flaw is causing the Tempo to not start or intermittently start. The fuel pump and other parts that are involved in making the vehicle start have to be replaced.
Stalling
Somewhat related to the ignition problem, the Ford Tempo has a reputation for stalling, even at highway speed. The car simply dies. Thankfully, it can restart. Still, it can be dangerous to drive around in a vehicle that appears to have a habit of dying in the middle of the road.
Idling
Drivers complain that the Ford Tempo dies at idle without warning. Also, some owners complain that when the vehicle is in park or neutral, the idle speed goes really high, which creates the impression that the vehicle is controlling itself. These problems can be solved by replacing a few parts such as the idle control sensor.
Transmission
The transmission isn't the best thing when driving the Ford Tempo cold. In many cases, drivers complain that shifting to second gear from the first is impossible. This causes the engine to rev up. All too often, the driver has to stop and start the engine just to shift the transmission to second gear. The transmission problem goes away once the engine reaches its operating temperature.
