Model year record

1991 Ford Tempo

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 143 owner complaints on file.

Ford Tempo, 1988–1994 generation
Pictured: the 1988–1994 generation. IFCAR, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V071000

Electrical system: ignition

Component
Electrical system: ignition
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
7,900,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-04-25
Owners notified
1996-06-07

Defect description

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline21—
Electrical system: ignition9—
Engine and engine cooling: engine6—
Seat belts: front: retractor6105,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner6—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum6—
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator5112,633 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump5—
Vehicle speed control540,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch4—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe4—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly4—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip440,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components4—
Electrical system345,000 mi
Seat belts338,000 mi
Seats3—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar3—
Unknown or other3—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery2—
Electrical system: ignition: module2—
Engine and engine cooling2—
Power train: automatic transmission2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads240,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder2—
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal2—
Visibility: power window devices and controls2—
Air bags: frontal1—
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood1—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control1—
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1—
Exterior lighting: headlights1—
Fuel system, gasoline1—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1—
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system140,000 mi
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint1—
Seat belts: front189,000 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage1—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly1—
Seat belts: rear/other1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper140,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor140,000 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly1—
Structure: frame and members1—
Suspension: front1—
Vehicle speed control: linkages1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring1—

The 1990 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1992 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Ford Tempo model years

All Ford Tempo recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.