MYRModel Year Report

1981 Ford Tempo

○ Not enough data
1981 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:45:08.979Z

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: 129 complaints 1988 1989: 126 complaints 1990: 135 complaints 1991: 116 complaints 1991 1992: 177 complaints 1993: 231 complaints 1994: 163 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
1988129
1989126
1990135
1991116
1992177
1993231
1994163
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, most commonly citing linkages.

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, most commonly citing switch.

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, 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.