1988 FORD FESTIVA
2 recalls, 52 complaints - 20 TSBs
96E017000 Jun 24, 1996
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
Defect Description
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM MANUFACTURED BY MOOG INDUSTRIES. DUE TO MISPACKAGING, CERTAIN BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES WERE INCORRECTLY PLACED IN THE WRONG BOXES.
Consequence
THESE BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES WILL NOT FIT INTO THE FRAME RECESS WITHOUT BEING ALTERED. ALSO THE STUD IS UNDERSIZED AND WILL NOT FIT THE SPINDLE PROPERLY POSSIBLY CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
MOOG WILL REPLACE THE INCORRECTLY PACKAGED ASSEMBLIES WITH CORRECT BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES.
95V103011 Jun 27, 1995
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Defect Description
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Consequence
THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SUR... Read more
Complaint Statistics
52 total complaints
1 crashes 4 fires 1 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | 20 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR | 5 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE | 5 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING | 2 |
| SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER | 2 |
| SEATS | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 |
TIRES
Sep 16, 2002
Incident date: Jun 20, 2001
JUNE, 2001, TIRE #NPC8 JPHR 169 ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BLEW OUT WHILE I WAS DOING ABOUT 70 MPH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT (COOL OUT). THE CAR IMMEDIATELY WENT SIDEWAYS TO THE ROAD, IN THE ONCOMING LANE. I BARELY GOT CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND BACK TO MY SIDE OF THE ROAD ONLY A COUPLE OF SECOND... Read more
SEAT BELTS
Jun 21, 2002
AFTER TAKING VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE MECHANIC STATED VEHICLE HAD A RECALL ON SAFETY BELT BUCKLES. MANAGER INSISTED THAT CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL, AND REFUSED TO SERVICE VEHICLE. *AK
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
Apr 17, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH WITHOUT WARNING THE WHEEL CAME OFF, THE MECHANIC STATEED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARING NEEDED REPLACEMENT. NLM
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Jan 25, 2001
Incident date: May 25, 1998
EVERY 3 TO 6 MONTHS I HAVE TO REPLACE THE REAR WHEELBEARINGS ONE OR BOTH SIDES. HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE REAR SPINDLES ON BOTH SIDES TOO. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT NORMAL. IS THERE ANY THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM? AND WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT.*AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT
Nov 19, 1999
Incident date: Nov 16, 1999
NO SUMMARY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Jul 30, 1999
CALIPERS RUSTED DUE TO DESIGN PROBLEMS (LUBRICATION OF THE BUSHINGS). MJS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 25, 1999
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Jan 8, 1999
Incident date: Oct 1, 1998
SEAT BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTON BROKE, JAMMING BUCKLE. RECALL, NHTSA ID 95V103011. MFG. SAYS MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED, AND WON'T FIX IT.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Mar 31, 1998
Incident date: Feb 1, 1998
SAFETY SEAT BELT FAILED, PRIOR RECALL ITEM, HOWEVER CONSUMER NOT ABLE TO GET RECALL WORK DONE.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Feb 20, 1998
Incident date: Aug 1, 1995
SEAT BELTS CRACKED PRIOR TO RECALL, RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Mar 25, 1997
Incident date: Aug 8, 1996
IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED PRIOR TO RECALL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Mar 25, 1997
Incident date: Aug 8, 1996
CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED PRIOR TO RECALL.
WHEELS
Feb 11, 1997
Incident date: Jun 18, 1996
RIGHT REAR WHEEL FELL OFF, DID NOT GIVE AN WARNING. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Dec 30, 1996
Incident date: Dec 12, 1996
WHILE PARKED, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING CAUSED THE WIRING UNDER THE HOOD TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Dec 17, 1996
Incident date: Nov 25, 1996
ON ONE OCCASION THE BELT TEINSIONER WAS REPLACED AND NOW IT IS LOOSE AGAIN. .*AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Nov 26, 1996
CONTACTED DEALERSHIP IN SEPTEMBER STILL NO WORD ON WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE REGARDING SEAT BELT BUCKLE RECALL 95V103011. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Nov 15, 1996
Incident date: Aug 27, 1996
RECALL 95V103011, SEAT BELT BUCKLES. THE PARTS WERE ORDERED ON 8-27-96. NO PARTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. GARNET FORD 215- 358-5600. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Sep 30, 1996
Incident date: Apr 1, 1996
SEAT BELT BUCKLE REPLACED PRIOR TO RECALL.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Sep 17, 1996
Incident date: Sep 16, 1996
STEERING COLUMN FIRE, IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATED AND VEHICLE BURNED. *AK *SLC
Fire
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Aug 23, 1996
Incident date: Jan 1, 1994
LAP BELTS IN THE REAR WILL NOT RETRACT ON PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S SIDES. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Jul 25, 1996
Incident date: May 17, 1996
PLASTIC SEAT BELT RELEASE BUTTON BROKE, CAUSING SEAT BELT TO FAIL PRIOR TO RECALL. (95V103011) *DH
SEATS
Jul 24, 1996
THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT SCREW FELL OUT . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
SEATS
Jul 24, 1996
THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT SCREW FELL OUT . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
Jun 19, 1996
Incident date: Dec 26, 1995
INSTALLED ANTI-RATTLE SPRING FOR THE FRONT DISC BRAKE PADS. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
Jun 19, 1996
Incident date: Mar 26, 1993
STARTER CAUGHT FIRE. *SD
Fire
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Jun 19, 1996
Incident date: Jan 24, 1996
PRIOR TO RECALL, RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO MANUFACTURING DATE. (95V103011) *DH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Jun 19, 1996
Incident date: Dec 26, 1995
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED. *SD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Jun 1, 1996
Incident date: Apr 1, 1995
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BROKE. *DSH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
May 3, 1996
Incident date: May 2, 1996
NO PARTS AVAILABLE AND THE REFUSAL OF A RENTAL CAR. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Fire
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
May 2, 1996
Incident date: Mar 21, 1995
FAILURE OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR, SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
May 2, 1996
Incident date: Mar 21, 1995
FAILURE OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR, SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Apr 30, 1996
Incident date: Apr 30, 1996
WOULD NOT GIVE LOANER CAR EVEN THOUGH THE LETTER STATES SHE SHOULD HAVE ONE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Apr 30, 1996
Incident date: Apr 30, 1996
WOULD NOT GIVE LOANER CAR EVEN THOUGH THE LETTER STATES SHE SHOULD HAVE ONE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Apr 29, 1996
Incident date: May 1, 1995
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WILL NOT LATCH IN A POSITION. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Apr 29, 1996
Incident date: May 1, 1995
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WILL NOT LATCH IN A POSITION. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Apr 26, 1996
IGNITION SWITCH STICKS, WON'T ALLOW TO RELEASE KEY UPON TURNING OFF VEHICLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Apr 25, 1996
Incident date: Feb 27, 1996
VEHICLE IMPROPERLY PASSED ANOTHER VEHICLE, WEATHER WAS FOGGY, TRUCK WAS COMING IN ANOTHER DIRECTION, VEHICLE HIT TRUCK, SEAT BELT STRAP BROKE UPON IMPACT. *AK
Crash
1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Apr 18, 1996
ON (2) OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, STEERING COLUMN COVER BEGAN SMOKING. OWNER SAW SAUDER/FLUID MAKING CONTACT W/GROUND WIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Apr 18, 1996
ON (2) OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, STEERING COLUMN COVER BEGAN SMOKING. OWNER SAW SAUDER/FLUID MAKING CONTACT W/GROUND WIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Apr 4, 1996
Incident date: Mar 22, 1996
SEAT BELT FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL, REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO VIN. *SD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Sep 1, 1995
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES BROKEN AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL NOTICE 95V103000, RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO MODEL YEAR. *DSH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Feb 12, 1996
Incident date: Dec 4, 1995
FRONT TWO SEATBELT BUCKLES HARD TO INSERT AND STICKS WHEN TRYING TO UNLATCH. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Dec 26, 1995
RECALL 95S16 NHTSA 95V10311; NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL BUT HAVE TAKATA BUCKLE HAVING PROBLEM. WAS TOLD SPECIFIC VEHICLES, SOME MANUFACTURE PLANTS. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Dec 18, 1995
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS BROKE CAR WAS BUILT IN KOREA . TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Dec 13, 1995
Incident date: Dec 13, 1995
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS BROKEN, UNABLE TO LATCH BUCKLE. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Aug 31, 1995
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR STOPPED WORKING . TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Jun 15, 1995
Incident date: Jun 1, 1994
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT THE FEMALE RECEPTICLE BUTTON HAS BROKEN OFF AND WILL NOT LATCH. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Jun 8, 1995
Incident date: Jan 1, 1995
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTON STICKING, CAUSING INABILITY TO ENGAGE/DISENGAGE. *SKD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
May 24, 1995
Incident date: Sep 1, 1994
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT FASTEN, ORANGE PLASTIC IS BROKEN INSIDE. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Apr 17, 1995
Incident date: Jan 1, 1995
PE95-013 ACTIVE,DRIVERS SIDE LAP/SHOULDER WILL NOT RETRACT, ALSO REAR LAP BELT WILL NOT FASTEN. TT
Showing 50 of 52 complaints.
EPA Fuel Economy, 1988 FORD FESTIVA
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3L 4-cyl, Manual 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 32.0 | 36.0 | 34.0 | Regular | $1,800 |
| 1.3L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 33.0 | 39.0 | 35.0 | Regular | $1,750 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1988 FORD FESTIVA
20 manufacturer communications from 19 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 4 |
| 034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC | 2 |
| 103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER | 2 |
| 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| 357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER | 2 |
| 131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD | 1 |
| 105200 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT | 1 |
| 354600 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:WRECKER AND WHEEL LIFT DEVICES | 1 |
01157
Aug 6, 2001
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
01156
Aug 6, 2001
138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
0015
Jan 10, 2000
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
99222
Oct 18, 1999
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
99196
Sep 20, 1999
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
99152
Jul 26, 1999
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT
98246
Dec 7, 1998
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC
9888
Apr 27, 1998
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC
9852
Apr 13, 1998
190000 TIRES
INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC
9864
Mar 30, 1998
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT
985A12
Mar 18, 1998
354600 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:WRECKER AND WHEEL LIFT DEVICES
RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR TOWING BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. *TT
9848
Mar 2, 1998
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
ANNOUNCING THE FORD OEM AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT KIT AVAILABILITY. *YC
9768
Mar 17, 1997
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FUEL ECONOMY- CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS VERSUS VEHICLE USAGE. *JD
97511
Mar 3, 1997
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD
962612
Dec 16, 1996
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW
962516
Dec 2, 1996
105200 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
AXKE LEAKS - FLUID LEAKS FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE AT AXLE SHAFTS - NEW DESIGN REPLACEMENT CV JOINT BOOTS. *TW
96249
Nov 18, 1996
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW
96221
Oct 21, 1996
131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW
9562
Mar 1, 1995
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
ROUGHNESS CONCERN DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. *TW
9562
Mar 1, 1995
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
UNKNOWN
NHTSA Safety Investigations, FORD FESTIVA
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
PE95013
Opened: Feb 23, 1995 , Closed: Jul 28, 1995
SEAT BELT FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION
There is no summary currently available
PE90083
Opened: May 25, 1990 , Closed: Sep 27, 1990
SEAT SEPARATION
There is no summary currently available
PE89139
Opened: Jul 6, 1989 , Closed: Oct 31, 1989
REAR SAFETY BELT
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FORD FESTIVA - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the FORD FESTIVA across all model years (1988, 1993).
11
Total Recalls
201
Total Complaints
3
Investigations
14
Reported Crashes
17
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths