1991 Ford Tempo

● Typical for this model

1991 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:39:35.945Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1991: 116 complaints

View as data table

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

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 28%

28% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

FRONT/REAR MOTOR MOUNTS FAILED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950209

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 26%

26% of complaints: electrical system — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 60 MPH THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN RAPIDLY THE WINDSHIELDWIPERS BEGAN SLOWING DOWN AND THE CAR WAS LOSING POWER A NEW ALTERNATOR WAS INSTALLED A WEEK PRIOR WHEN I POPPED THE HOOD THERE WAS A SMELL OF BURNING WIRES AND THE...

NHTSA ODI report, 20040424

INTERMITTENT STALLING.

NHTSA ODI report, 19940828

SERVICE BRAKES 19%

19% of complaints: service brakes — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

SEAT BELTS 11%

11% of complaints: seat belts — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and rear/other.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

DOOR OPERATED SHOULDER BELT FAILED, IT SEEMS THAT THERE IS A LARGE NUMBER OF THIS THING HAPPENING, ACCORDING TO THE MECHANICS IN THIS AREA. NO PART OF RESTRAINT SYSTEM SHOULD EVER FAIL. MANUFACTURERS HAVE DISCONTINUED USING THIS. WONDER WHY? *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030513

SEATS 8%

8% of complaints: seats — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.

CRASH INJURY

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DRIVERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED WHEN REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950329

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19960111 — DP (closed 19960119)

REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE

I 19960119 — PE (closed 19960528)

REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE

I 19960502 — PE (closed 19960930)

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES

R 19960607 — electrical system

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19960930 — EA (closed 19970415)

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1991 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (32 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (30 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for service brakes issues (22 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1985 ▲ 1986 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

◆ 1993 ◆ 1992 ◆ 1994

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1991 Ford Tempo reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Ford Tempo is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1991 Ford Tempo?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1991 Ford Tempo have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

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