Defect
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
1991 Ford Tempo problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 143 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.6 times the median Tempo year — the 1991 model ranks #7 of 19 Tempo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 8 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (34), electrical system (27), and brakes (22), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
143
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
4
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
8
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1991 compare to other Tempo years?
What are the most common 1991 Ford Tempo problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 34 | 24% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 27 | 19% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 22 | 15% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 13 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 12 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 9 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 8 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Transmission | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Does the 1991 Ford Tempo have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DROVE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THEN PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE. CAME BACK, AND VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *AK”
“IN ALL THREE INSTANCES OF VEHICLE COMPONENT FAILURES, VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN VEHICLE STALLED ON RAODWAY. IN EACH INSTANCE, DRIVER WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF ROADWAY WITHOUT ACCIDENT. IN THE TWO SUSPECTED IGNITION MODULE FAILURE CASES, TEMPERATURES WERE AT 100 DEGREES IN SOUTHERN…”
“AFTER PUTTING THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND WOULD NOT STOP WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *AK”
“SHOULDER BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN UP DURING REAR END COLLISION, LEAVING DRIVER UNRESTRAINED, OCCUPANT'S CHEST HIT STEERING WHEEL; VEHICLE IMPACTED WITH A MOVING TRUCK. *AK”
“VEHICLE QUITS INTERMITTENTLY. DUE TO GAS LEAKING OUT OF TANK 4 TO 5 FEET WHEN REMOVING GAS CAP. THE GAS HAS FINISHED SHOOTING OUT BEFORE THE CAP IS PUT BACK ON, THERE IS A BOILING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE IS FILLED WITH SMELLY GAS FUMES, CAUSING NAUSEA/HEADACHES/EMOTIONAL STRAINS. *AK”
1991 Ford Tempo — common questions
Is the 1991 Ford Tempo reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 143 complaints put the 1991 model at #7 of 19 Tempo years. It is one of the Tempo years to avoid.
What are the most common 1991 Tempo problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (34 complaints), electrical system (27 complaints), brakes (22 complaints).
Does the 1991 Ford Tempo have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Ford Tempo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1991 Ford Tempo under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Tempo years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tempo years to avoid are 1993, 1992, 1994, 1988, 1990, 1989, 1991, 1987. The cleanest record among Tempo years belongs to 1983.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.