1990 Ford Festiva: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 21 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seat belts.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Real wheels can come off very easily because there is nothing to hold lugs: nuts on. Consumer contacted dealer several years ago for this problem. Please provide further details.*ak”Owner report · Wheels · Dec 2001
“Stetching that hold both shoulder harness webbing together have weathered and fallen apart. I would guess that there should be other similar cases due the position and the uv/ sun contamination on the treads ( the threads are cotton and not nylon). *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2001
“Was driving vehicle & heard a noise coming from rear right wheel. Took to dealer & informed by mechanic spindle knuckle had fallen out. The problem is repairable.*ak”Owner report · Steering · May 1999
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving down the street the wheel came off the automobile due to lugs:nuts and bolts breaking off. Consumer had to run down the street to catch it. Caused damage to the left rear spindle dust cover pan, which had to be replaced. *ak *ml”Owner report · Wheels · Nov 1998
“Vehicle had a speedometer problem when new, problem continued due to an incorrect analysis, which led to the speddometer breaking. Tt”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 1995
“During cold weather, none of the instrument panel works. Similar to what's described in NHTSA campaign id number: 90v045000, but the whole panel is inoperative. Recurring problem since I've owned the car.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 1993
“Takata belt buckle recall; kirk ford hancock md. Gave owner hard time w/appointment and replaced passenger buckle from junk yard. Dealer not aware of recall.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts
“While driving vehicle completely shut down. Upon trying to start it again, it will not start unless it is jumped started. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Problem has not been remedied as of yet. Please provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System
“Driver side seat belt will not stay enganged in the buckle assembly. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer replaced the buckle. Please provide any further details. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts
“Consumer stated while traveling at normal speed passenger side front tire tread completely separated. However, tire stayed inflated. *ak”Owner report · Tires
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
THE "FASTEN SEAT BELTS" WARNING LIGHTS MAY NOT WORK WHEN THE IGNITION IS SWITCHED TO THE "ON" POSITION DURING COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.
Remedy: FORD WILL REPLACE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS IN THE AFFECTED CARS.
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.
Remedy: MOOG WILL REPLACE THE INCORRECTLY PACKAGED ASSEMBLIES WITH CORRECT BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES.
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.
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 SURE THAT LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Festiva by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Ford Festiva reliable?
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Ford Festiva. The most complained-about area is seat belts.
Does the 1990 Ford Festiva have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:warning light/devices. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.