MYRModel Year Report

1981 Ford Tempo

○ Not enough data
1981 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:40.211Z

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
2

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 2 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 complaint 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1981: 2 complaints 1981 2 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1984 1985: 30 complaints 1986: 31 complaints 1986 1987: 53 complaints 1988: 129 complaints 1988 1989: 126 complaints 1990: 135 complaints 1990 1991: 116 complaints 1992: 177 complaints 1992 1993: 231 complaints 1994: 163 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1981: 2 complaints 1981 2 1983: 0 complaints 1983 1984: 14 complaints 1984 1985: 30 complaints 1985 1986: 31 complaints 1986 1987: 53 complaints 1987 1988: 129 complaints 1988 1989: 126 complaints 1989 1990: 135 complaints 1990 1991: 116 complaints 1991 1992: 177 complaints 1992 1993: 231 complaints 1993 1994: 163 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1995 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 1 complaint 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-08-30

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-12-28

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

1981 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

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Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.