1991 Ford Tempo: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 Ford Tempo: 1 recall, 110 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #96V071000 · 1996 · 7,900,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Why it matters: This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (31): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (20), fire / smoke (3), leaks (2).
- Electrical (22): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (14), electrical failure (2), fire / smoke (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (18): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (5).
- Seat belts (13): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1991 Ford Tempo has 110 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 11 Tempo model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 74). Complaints peaked in 1996 (29 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 67,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1990 (133 complaints, 1 recalls), 1992 (176 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1991 Ford Tempo.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1991 Ford Tempo have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1991 Ford Tempo. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1991 Ford Tempo problems?
Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (31), electrical (22), brakes (hydraulic) (18).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Ford Tempo get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 Ford Tempo repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.