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BE · Sedan

1991 Ford Tempo

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1991 Ford Tempo.

Safety record

Recalls on the 1991 Ford Tempo

Recall·96V071000

Electrical system: ignition

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 137 owners reported

Engine and engine cooling34
Electrical system27
Service brakes21
Seat belts13

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

1991 Ford Tempo at a glance

Trims
AWDGLGLSLX
Engine
2.3L 4-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 3-spd, Manual 5-spd
Drivetrain
AWD, FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Sedan
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 1991 Ford Tempo?

Owners have filed 137 complaints about the 1991 Ford Tempo with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. There is 1 recall campaign covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 1991 Ford Tempo reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 1 open recall campaign on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1991 Ford Tempo?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1991 Ford Tempo listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.