1991 FORD FESTIVA

2 recalls, 22 complaints - 21 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.
94 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: MOOG AUTOMOTIVE
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
265,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Complaint Statistics

22 total complaints 4 crashes 1 fires 2 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
SEAT BELTS6
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
SEAT BELTS Nov 5, 2015
Incident date: Jun 27, 1995
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD FESTIVA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO WORK. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 095V103011 (SEAT BELTS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR REPAIRS. THE MANU... Read more
SUSPENSION Nov 20, 2014
Incident date: Feb 4, 2014
RIDES EXTREMELY ROUGH, LIKE IT HAS NO SHOCKS! *TR
SEAT BELTS Nov 20, 2014
Incident date: Feb 4, 2014
DRIVER SEAT, SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. IT IS STUCK IN THE WINDOW AND WILL NOT COME DOWN! *TR
SEAT BELTS:FRONT May 29, 2002
Incident date: May 25, 2002
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT STOPPED WORKING, BECAUSE THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK *PH *JB
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING Jun 23, 2000
Incident date: May 17, 2000
THREADING OF SHOULDER HARNESS BROKE.
Crash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING May 31, 2000
Incident date: May 17, 2000
SHOULDER BELT BROKE AT STITCHING. *AK
Crash
SEAT BELTS Mar 22, 2000
Incident date: May 1, 1995
DRIVER'S SIDE ELETRONIC SEATBELT DOES NOT AUTOMATICIALLY LOCK/UNLOCK. I HAVE TO TUG ON IT TO START THE MOTOR. WORKS BETTER IN WARM CLIMATE. CALLED FREEDOM FORD IN HAMPTON, VIRGINIA AND WAS TOLD NOT COVERED. VEHICLE HAD 50K MILES ON IT THEN. TWO YEARS LATER, BELT GETTING WORSE, AND NOW I DRIVE ... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR Mar 23, 1998
Incident date: Jan 1, 1995
IN COLD WEATHER PLASTIC DOOR HANDLES BREAK.
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE Feb 11, 1998
EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE CONSTANTLY LOCKS UP/FREEZES DUE TO POOR DESIGN. *AK
WHEELS Jan 22, 1997
Incident date: Nov 27, 1996
RIGHT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL.. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE Dec 27, 1996
Incident date: Dec 27, 1996
COMING OUT OF THE GARAGE INTO THE DRIVEWAY ADJUSTED THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE LEVER AND THE CABLE BROKE AT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND NOW THE EMERGENCEY PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT WORK. PLEAES GIVE MORE DETAILS. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH Nov 7, 1996
Incident date: Nov 1, 1996
VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PERIODIC FAILURES OF THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Sep 23, 1996
Incident date: May 11, 1996
RECALL REPAIRS TO SEAT BELT BUCKLE NOT DONE DUE TO LACK OF PARTS.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM Aug 27, 1996
Incident date: Feb 12, 1992
FAILURE OF THE REAR BRAKE ADJUSTERS, THE REAR BRAKES ADJUSTERS LOCK UP. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jul 19, 1996
Incident date: May 23, 1996
AUTOMOBILE ROLLED 25 FEET WHILE IN FIRST GEAR,AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ON. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Jun 19, 1996
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER PARKED FOR (10) MINUTES W/CAUSE STATED BY CIRCLEVILLE CITY FIRE DEPT BEING ELECTRICAL. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Fire
SEAT BELTS May 1, 1996
AFTER OPENING THE DOOR, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS May 1, 1996
AFTER OPENING THE DOOR, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Apr 26, 1996
Incident date: Feb 13, 1996
DRIVING VEHICLE DOWN MAIN STREET, ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT, VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD-ON, SEATBELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN PASSENGER. *AK
Crash 2 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Feb 9, 1996
AFTER AUTO HAD BEEN DRIVEN AND PARKED APPROX 3 HRS-IT SELF IGNITED-NO ONE WAS INJURED BECAUSE AUTO WAS PARKED FOR THE NIGHT. TT
SEAT BELTS Dec 1, 1995
INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT LAST YEAR, DRIVERS PASSIVE RESTRAINT WILL EITHER NOT COMPLETE CYCLE, TIGHTEN OR NOT RESTRAIN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR Jun 22, 1995
Incident date: Dec 7, 1994
WARPED BRAKE ROTORS, CAUSING FRONT END VIBRATION/LOSS OF CONTROL. *AW

EPA Fuel Economy, 1991 FORD FESTIVA

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
1.3L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 27.0 30.0 28.0 Regular $2,200
1.3L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 30.0 38.0 33.0 Regular $1,850

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, 1991 FORD FESTIVA

21 manufacturer communications from 20 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION4
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC2
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER2
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER2
131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
105200 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT1
354600 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:WRECKER AND WHEEL LIFT DEVICES1
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
99816 May 3, 1999
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *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
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1988
SEAT BELT FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION
There is no summary currently available
PE90083 Opened: May 25, 1990 , Closed: Sep 27, 1990
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1989
SEAT SEPARATION
There is no summary currently available
PE89139 Opened: Jul 6, 1989 , Closed: Oct 31, 1989
PE, Closed , Model Year: 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

FORD FESTIVA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
1994 0 2 View
1993 1 24 View
1992 1 21 View
1991 (current) 2 22
1990 3 22 View
1989 2 54 View
1988 2 52 View
1984 0 1 View

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Model Recalls Complaints
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F-350 SD 776 2,363 View
F-450 SD 692 624 View
F-150 692 46,142 View
F-250 SD 638 3,635 View
EXPLORER 624 42,549 View
F-550 SD 578 603 View