1991 Ford Tempo
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 14 |
| 1985 | 30 |
| 1986 | 31 |
| 1987 | 53 |
| 1988 | 126 |
| 1989 | 124 |
| 1990 | 133 |
| 1991 | 110 |
| 1992 | 176 |
| 1993 | 227 |
| 1994 | 161 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 19 distinct reports on file.
FIRE8% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIRE5% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 6 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: seats — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED WHEN REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950329
5% of complaints: seat belts — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE
REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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:engine:gasoline, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Ford Tempo have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.