MYRModel Year Report

1981 Ford Tempo

○ Not enough data
1981 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:15:26.903Z

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Tempo Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1981 highlighted. 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1985: 30 complaints 1985 1986: 31 complaints 1987: 53 complaints 1988: 126 complaints 1988 1989: 124 complaints 1990: 133 complaints 1991: 110 complaints 1991 1992: 176 complaints 1993: 227 complaints 1994: 161 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaints 1999: 1 complaints 2000: 1 complaints 2000
1981: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19812
19830
198414
198530
198631
198753
1988126
1989124
1990133
1991110
1992176
1993227
1994161
19953
19962
19972
19981
19991
20001

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STEERING

1 of 2 total reports mentions: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

INNER AND OUTER TIED ROD ENDS FAILED, SIMILAR FAILURES EXPERIENED IN TOPAZ, ESCORT AND LYNX. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960830

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

WHEN STARTING VEHICLE IT WILL MAKE A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE. THEN WHEN DRIVING FOR A WHILE VEHICLE WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHUTDOWN. CONTACTED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, AND THEY NOTED THAT IT COULD BE DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20011228

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1981 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1985 ▲ 1986 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

◆ 1993 ◆ 1992 ◆ 1994

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1981 Ford Tempo reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1981 Ford Tempo?

The most-reported component is steering:linkages, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1981 Ford Tempo have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.