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1993 Ford Tempo problems

The most common problem on the 1993 Ford Tempo is engine and cooling. It has 75.7 times the complaints of a typical Tempo model year.

Typical year75.7x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
227
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
67
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
19-24mpg

The worst 1993 Ford Tempo problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1993 Ford Tempo

Stalling 39Seat belt 16Won't start 6Won't shift 5

Recalls 2

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fanReported February 25, 1997 · 75,200 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 1992-1994 lincoln continental vehicles with 3.8l engines. During high winds, heavy, blowing and drifting snow, and low temperatures, the engine cooling fan can become blocked or frozen with snow. The fan motor may not rotate and could overheat.
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.

Recall number 97V019000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignitionReported April 25, 1996 · 7,900,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Risk
This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

Recall number 96V071000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1993 Ford Tempo

Defect investigations

Engine cooling fan firesOpened September 30, 1996, closed April 15, 1997

There is no summary currently available

EA96024

Engine cooling fan firesOpened May 2, 1996, closed September 30, 1996

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.

PE96033

Technical service bulletins for the 1993 Ford Tempo 67

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 67 bulletins for the 1993 Ford Tempo

1993 Ford Tempo fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.3L 4‑cylFWD19-2125-3021-24
3.0L 6‑cylFWD18-1922-2619-21

What 1993 Ford Tempo owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 15, 2009 · Electrical · 95,000 miles · OR

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 module which has not been repaired. The contact had concerns of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 96,000.

Filed Jun 27, 2008 · Electrical · 40,000 miles · AZ

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 connection. The vehicle goes from having no power to power, depending on the sparking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on three different occasions for this failure. While attempting to repair the vehicle, the batteries have been replaced three times. A new battery was recently installed in the vehicle and the fuses were replaced on four occasions. In addition, the starter was replaced, the terminal cables were replaced three times, and the vehicle had more tune-ups than what was necessary in order to diagnose the failure. The contact was informed that his VIN was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign id number 96v071000 (electrical system: ignition). The current mileage was 108,000 and failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed Oct 31, 2005 · Tires · FL

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.

Filed Mar 31, 2005 · Tires · IN

All four tires developed slipped belts, which caused the vehicle to shake, making it difficult to control vehicle. There were no current recalls on this particular type of tire.

Filed Oct 24, 2004 · Fuel system · 78,000 miles · CA

Intermitently random stalling. Car will not start for a few minutes. Then, everything seems okay, and car runs fine. Consumer isoalted problem to fuel pump relay inside "constant control" relay box. Replacing this module completely corrected problem. You can isolate this problem by putting a volt-meter on input and output of relay. Then, when problem occurs, the input will be high (12v), but there will be no output from relay, proving bad relay. I have kept this module if wanted for testing/inspection. Consumers having stalling problem can contact me at [email protected] (remove "nospam.)

Filed Apr 23, 2004 · Electrical · 22,400 miles · OH

The ignition switch experienced an internal short circuit which resulted in vehicle not starting. Recall 96v071000 was issued, but this vehicle was not included due to VIN.

Filed Nov 24, 2003 · Engine · 58,000 miles · LA

While driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle started smoking under the hood. The consumer drove to a near-by mechanic, who disconnected the battery cables. The mechanic found that the motor mounts were worn, the engine needed to be rebuilt and the head gaskets were leaking. The speedometer was also inoperable. The dealer and the manufacturer will be informed of the problems.

Filed Aug 21, 2003 · Electrical, Fuel system · SC

Because I'm not the original owner they have refused to repair my car. I've put alot of money in my car and I'm still having problems with it. From it cutting off when I stop to constantly having to get my rotors turn . I would like to know how can I get help? They don't even send me recall notices. I was surfing the net tonight and most of the problems I have with my car it's listed in the recall list.my car is a 1993 ford tempo.please help me as soon as you can before I have a major accident( my brakes act like they don't wont to stop).thank you for hearing me out. Sincerely [xxx]. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jun 30, 2003 · Engine · CA

Consumer states that the vehicle stalls intermittently while driving.

Filed Jun 19, 2003 · Locks · PA

Automatic system, neither the manual on the front passenger and the driver rear side doors can't open. Ealer has repairedeveral times,and problem is occurring.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1993 Ford Tempo before you buy

Compare the 1993 Ford Tempo

Other model years

19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000

Questions about the 1993 Ford Tempo

Is the 1993 Ford Tempo reliable?

Owners have filed 227 complaints about the 1993 Ford Tempo, 75.7 times a typical Tempo model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1993 Ford Tempo?

Engine and cooling, with 61 complaints. Next is seat belts (61).

How many recalls does the 1993 Ford Tempo have?

2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and electrical system.

Was there a recall on the 1993 Ford Tempo engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 97V019000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Tempo have bad engine?

The Ford Tempo model years with the most engine complaints are 1993 (61 complaints), 1992 (45 complaints) and 1994 (44 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1993 Ford Tempo get?

Official estimates for the 1993 Ford Tempo range from 19 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-21 city and 25-30 highway.

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