1991 Ford Tempo: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 110 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (27% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Shoulder harness for both front occupants fails to lock when vehicle makes a drastic stop. Ford shows no recall. I had to modify the locking harness to make it a full time restraint”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2008
“1991 ford tempo started smoking and then debris flew off and hit the vehicle behind her. *kb the consumer stated the vehicle stalled as she attempted to pull over to the side of the road. The consumer exited the vehicle and looked under it and discovered oil was leaking and piece of from the vehicle was missing. (ohio traffic crash report)*jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 1991 ford tempo. The manufacturer informed the contact that his VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 96v071000 (electrical system:ignition), although the failures were identical. The dealer would not honor the recall. The failure and current mileages were 45,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“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 wires coming from the car to the alternator were completely melted, and there was no connection to the alternator. The terminal was replaced and the alternator was also replaced, I drove 45 miles from the shop to my house and check under the hood the cable entering the alternator had already began to melt and bubble. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2004
“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2003
“When the vehicle was driven up an incline the transmission slipped out of gear which caused the vehicle to slide backward. *nlm”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2003
“When traveling at 50mph and coming up to a stop light/sign, vehicle would stall for no reason. Had taken to dealership 3 times for problem. Each time a temporary fix, and then it would happen again. Mechanic had test driven vehicle and it stalled.*ak *slc”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2001
“Car stalled in a intersection just missed being hit by a large truck. Car stalls alot. Ford attemped to fix but it continues to stall. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2001
“While driving on turnpike, consumers muffler/resonator fell off causing damage to left rear bumper, also caused damage to another vehicle.(ohio traffic crash report#10-90-340)*jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2001
“Intermittently front driver's side automatic seat belt retractor failed to function. Dealership has replaced the seat belt retractor motor twice, but the failure recurred. *ak *nm”Owner report · Seat Belts · Oct 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
How other years compare
Check your exact Tempo by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Ford Tempo reliable?
NHTSA has 110 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1991 Ford Tempo. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Ford Tempo problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 67,000 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Ford Tempo have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.