TroubleAtlas Score
FORD TEMPO (1990–1994): Technical Data, DTC & Service Schedule
Built 1990–1994 · all production years covered on this single page
3.0L V6 • Gasoline
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Ford Tempo (1990–1994) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair cost9.1
Parts & repairability7.3
Maintenance & durability6.0
Documentation & support6.2
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Ford Tempo (1990–1994) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Ford Tempo (1990–1994) uses Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend engine oil. Its battery is group 58 (BCI), rated at 525A cold-cranking amps. It is powered by a 3.0L V6 engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Scheduled maintenance
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
COMMON REPAIRS
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.2h
€84 – €108
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.2h
€84 – €108
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.5h
€35 – €45
ABS Module
Difficulty: Medium
2.0h
€140 – €180
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)
Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.
Brakes8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| ABS Module | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Pump | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Tone Ring | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Brake Bleed - All Four | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Brake Booster | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
| Brake Booster Check Valve | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
Cooling8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Bypass Pipe | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Coolant Flush | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| Coolant Reservoir | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Cooling Fan Assembly | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cooling Fan Motor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cooling Fan Relay | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Engine Oil Cooler | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Electrical8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag - Driver | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag - Passenger | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag - Side | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag Module/Computer | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Alternator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Alternator Belt | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Amplifier | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Antenna | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
Engine8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Camshaft Position Sensor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Camshaft R&R | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Connecting Rod Bearings | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Crankshaft R&R | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cylinder Head R&R | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Cylinder Head Resurface | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Engine Mount - Front | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
Exhaust8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Injection Check Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Catalytic Converter - California | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Catalytic Converter - Universal | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Downpipe | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| EGR Cooler | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EGR Tube | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EGR Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Fuel system8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Canister | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EVAP Purge Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EVAP Vent Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Fuel Cap | 0.3h | € 13–€ 22 |
| Fuel Filler Neck | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
| Fuel Filter | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Fuel Filter - In-Tank | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Fuel Injector - Single | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
HVAC8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC Accumulator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Clutch Coil | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| AC Compressor | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Compressor Clutch | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Compressor Oil Add | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Condenser | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Evaporator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Expansion Valve (TXV) | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
Steering8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Center Link/Drag Link | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Electric Power Steering Module | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Idler Arm | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Pitman Arm | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Power Steering Fluid Flush | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Power Steering Gear Box | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Power Steering Hose - High Pressure | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Suspension8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Line | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Spring/Air Bag | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Compressor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Height Sensor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Valve Block | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Ball Joint - Lower | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joint - Upper | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joints - Upper and Lower | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
Transmission8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Cable | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Clutch Disc | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Clutch Kit | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Clutch Master Cylinder | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Clutch Slave Cylinder | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Flywheel Resurface | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Kickdown Cable | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Neutral Safety Switch | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
🔧 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Engine Oil And Filter8,000 km / 6 months
Tire Rotation8,000 km / 6 months
Inspect Engine Cooling System And Hoses8,000 km / 6 months
Inspect Brake System8,000 km / 6 months
Inspect Exhaust System8,000 km / 6 months
Inspect Steering And Suspension Components8,000 km / 6 months
Clutch Reservoir Fluid Level12,000 km / 12 months
Brake System Inspection24,000 km
📋 RECALLS & TSB (3)
NHTSA 90E043001
Air Bags › Frontal
Date: 30/10/1990
THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
NHTSA 96V071000
Electrical System › Ignition
Date: 25/04/1996
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
NHTSA 97V019000
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan
Date: 25/02/1997
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…
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
57 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
Low Oil Pressure (Ford)Engine
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
AdvanceTrac Off (Ford)Chassis
SYNC System Fault (Ford)Electrical
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
MyKey Speed Limit (Ford)Electrical
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
819 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Ford Tempo across model years 1990–1994. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
74 crash reports 65 fires 77 injuries 3 deaths
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 1993231
Model year 1992177
Model year 1994162
Model year 1990133
Model year 1991116
Most reported components (all years)
Engine And Engine Cooling181
Seat Belts169
Electrical System161
Service Brakes68
Hydraulic67
Fuel System50
Sample reports
BRAKE LIGHTS ARE DEFECTIVE,. WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKES BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON. ALSO, STOPPING DISTANCE HAS INCREASED. *AK (MY 1990)
MOTORIZED SEAT BELT JAMMED 3 TIMES. (MY 1993)
SHOULDER BELT ON DRIVER'S SEAT DOESN'T WORK. WHEN CONSUMER TRIES USING THE SHOULDER BELT ALL THAT HE HEARS IS THE MOTOR RUNNING. THE CONSUMER THINKS THE SEATS ARE OFF TRACK. ALSO, PASSENGER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELT IS STUCK IN THE FRON… (MY 1990)
MOTOR ON THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELTS HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING, CAUSING THE SEAT BELTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE EVEN WHEN ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. CAUSE UNKNOWN, THE SEAT BELT BECAME STRIPPED CAUSING THE SEAT BELTS TO STOP IN ONE PLACE… (MY 1992)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1990–1994.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ford Tempo have any safety recalls?
Yes — 3 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Ford Tempo?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Ford Tempo?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Ford Tempo?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are brakes problems common on the Ford Tempo?
Yes — 72 of 659 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the brakes. One owner reported: “WHILE DRIVING 40MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING, ENGINE STALLED, CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND VEHICLE DID NOT STOP RESULTING IN A COLLISION, WHICH TOTALED VEHICLE. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT VEHICLE SHUT OFF 4 TIME…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Ford Tempo?
Yes — 86 of 659 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “JUST AFTER PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE . HE OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THE TOP OF THE ALTERNATOR PLUG WAS BURNING FOLLOWED BY WIRING BURNING ACROSS TO THE BATTERY. THE TER…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Ford Tempo?
Yes — 161 of 659 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “1.) ROUGH IDLE, AND OIL LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON WHEN IDLING AND ONLY GOES OFF WHEN ACCELERATING, BUT OFTEN STALLS OUT, AND DOESN'T WANT TO RE-START. (HAD OIL CHANGED TWICE TO GET EXCESS GAS OUT…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What is the right battery for the Ford Tempo (1990–1994)?
The battery specified for the Ford Tempo (1990–1994) is group 65 (BCI), with a cold cranking rating of 650A. See the Battery section on this page for the main cross-references between brands.
What engine oil should I use on the Ford Tempo (1990–1994)?
The engine oil specification for the Ford Tempo (1990–1994) is Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend. Always use the viscosity grade approved by the manufacturer: a different oil can reduce engine protection and void the warranty. Check the change interval in the Maintenance section.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Ford Tempo (1990–1994)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Ford Tempo (1990–1994) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Ford Tempo (1990–1994) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Have a specific fault code on your Ford Tempo (1990–1994)? Search the code in the OBD2 section of this page or use the full TroubleAtlas DTC database. Need tyres? Compare prices and compatible sizes in the TroubleAtlas comparator.