1981 Ford Tempo recalls & complaints
2 owner complaints on file. Recall list must be checked by VIN (see below).
0recalls
0high risk
0stop-driving
2complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
Recalls: check by VIN
NHTSA files recalls for the Ford Tempo under individual trim or body names rather than "Tempo", so we can't match them automatically. Enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the definitive list. The owner complaints below are matched correctly.
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Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
2complaints
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (1), Steering (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
12/28/2001 · Electrical system
WHEN STARTING VEHICLE IT WILL MAKE A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE. THEN WHEN DRIVING FOR A WHILE VEHICLE WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHUTDOWN. CONTACTED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, AND THEY NOTED THAT IT COULD BE DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH. *AK
08/30/1996 · Steering
INNER AND OUTER TIED ROD ENDS FAILED, SIMILAR FAILURES EXPERIENED IN TOPAZ, ESCORT AND LYNX. *AK
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