1993 Ford Festiva: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 20 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 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford festiva. While backing out of the driveway at an unknown speed, the driver side wheel detached from the vehicle. The wheel sustained a dent in the metal covering. The dealer stated that the front control arm failed and needed to be replaced. The contact paid for the repair. Soon after the repair was performed, he learned of NHTSA campaign id number 96e017000 (suspension: front:control arm). The contact would like to be reimbursed for the repair costs. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 126,000 and failure mileage was 113,628. Updated 02-14-08 *bf updated 02/14/08 *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2006
“Dt: the contact stated while pulling out of the driveway the left front double wheel assembly fell of the vehicle when the left front control arm lower ball joint broke. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. The vehicle has been seen by a dealer who determined both control arms, both lower ball joints, and the left axle seal need to be replaced. There was NHTSA recall campaign 96e017000 regarding the suspension.*ak updated 02/07/06. *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2005
“Dt: contact owns a 1993 ford fiestiva . The instrument cluster could catch on fire. The replacement parts was no longer available. The contact felt that the dealer should make these parts again so this problem could be fixed.*ak 11/02/05. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“!993 ford festiva envolved in a near miss/ avoidance of another vehicle which cut into my lane. Going 45 mph and hit curb a couple of times. The passenger side shoulder belt broke apart where attaches to moving door attachement. The stitching broke completly apart. Drivers side seatbelt shows evidence of stiching about to brake and/or loose. Passenger suffered back injury. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Nov 2004
“While driving, consumer heard a loud noise, he then pulled over and saw not only did he have one flat tire, but the other front tire was also flat, cause unknown, no tire info given.(ohio traffic crash report# 10-91-682)*jb”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2001
“The lower control arm bolt on one side of this ford festiva fell out (it didn't break, but backed itself out). We have 6 other festivas ('91-'93) which we checked, but none of them had the loose bolt - nevertheless, we replaced all these bolts in all 7 cars, and torqued them to the factory setting. We were very fortunate that an astute driver was able to get this car under control without an accident. We thought we should advise you in the event there have been any similar complaints. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2000
“Since I purchased this auto in mar 1996, this is the 3rd time that the transmission has had to be rebuilded. Three rebuilded transmissions and less than 25,000 miles in three yrs. Please look into this for me and contact me soon. Thanks d.v. Williams”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 1999
“When ever the seat belts are in use & individual would move, the belts would lock up. Always happen when driving. Suppose to happen only when brakes are applied.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 1998
“Gas tank filler neck had rusted. Had tank replaced but problem reemerged; rusted out at same exact place as first time/replaced gas tank filler neck. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 1995
“The driver's automatic seat belt sticks and in order to undo the seat belt, the emergency release has to be used. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1993 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 1993 Ford Festiva reliable?
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1993 Ford Festiva. The most complained-about area is seat belts.
Does the 1993 Ford Festiva have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:control arm. 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.