1991 Ford Tempo

Introduction

The 1991 Ford Tempo was a compact car available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 98 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Optional engines included a 3.0-liter V6 producing 140 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque and a 3.8-liter V6 with 155 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while the 3.0-liter V6 came standard with a four-speed automatic transmission. The 3.8-liter V6 was only available with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Owners of the 1991 Ford Tempo generally praise the vehicle for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. However, some owners have reported experiencing issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior.

Engine

• 2.3-liter Four-Cylinder
  • Head Gasket Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the engine, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace the head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$1200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the engine, overheating, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3.0-liter V6
  • No Issues Found
• 3.8-liter V6
  • No Issues Found

Transmission

• Five-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Shift Fork Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises when shifting
    • Solution: Replace the shift fork
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$800+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Four-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Torque Converter Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, shuddering, overheating
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200-$1600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Struts:
  • Strut Rod Bushing Wear:
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, uneven tire wear
    • Solution: Replace the strut rod bushings
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shocks:
  • Shock Absorber Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, bouncing, loss of control
    • Solution: Replace the rear shocks
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$300+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery not charging, dashboard warning lights
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine cranks slowly or doesn’t start, clicking noise when starting
  • Solution: Replace the starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handles:
  • Handle Snapping:
    • Description/Symptoms: Door handles breaking off
    • Solution: Replace the door handles
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$200+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Tail Light Lenses:
  • Fogging:
    • Description/Symptoms: Tail light lenses becoming foggy and difficult to see through
    • Solution: Replace the tail light lenses
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$100+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard:
  • Cracking:
    • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard cracking and peeling
    • Solution: Replace the dashboard
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$800+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Window Motors:
  • Motor Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Windows not rolling up or down, clicking noise when operating windows
    • Solution: Replace the window motor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1991 Ford Tempo is a reliable and affordable compact car with decent fuel efficiency. However, it does have a few potential issues that owners should be aware of. The most common issues include engine gasket failures, intake manifold gasket failures, transmission problems, suspension wear, electrical failures, and interior issues. The cost to fix these issues can vary depending on the severity of the problem. Overall, the 1991 Ford Tempo is a good choice for budget-minded shoppers who are looking for a reliable car for everyday use.