MYRModel Year Report

1991 Ford Tempo

● Typical for this model
1991 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:55:22.215Z

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
116
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1991

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

28% of complaints

Complaints per year

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 116 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 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 1991: 116 complaints 1991 116 1992: 177 complaints 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 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 116 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

1991: 116 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

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

Engine and engine cooling

28% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Front/rear motor mounts failed, resulting in loss of control/accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-09

Electrical system

26% · 30 reports

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, 2004-04-24

Intermittent stalling.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-08-28

Service brakes

19% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Seat belts

11% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and rear/other.

CRASHINJURY
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?

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-13

Seats

8% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing recliner.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Drivers seat back collapsed when rearended by another vehicle. Please describe details. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-29

Safety timeline

1 recall · 4 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1996-01-11Defect petitionClosed 1996-01-19 Rear brake system failure
  2. I
    1996-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-05-28 Rear brk adjuster failure
  3. I
    1996-05-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-09-30 Engine cooling fan fires
  4. R
    1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    1996-09-30Engineering analysisClosed 1997-04-15 Engine cooling fan fires

Buy-smart checklist

1991 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 32 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 30 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 22 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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, 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.