1988 Ford Festiva problems
The Ford Festiva is a subcompact car that was designed and manufactured by Mazda for Ford between 1986 and 2002. Festiva was sold in Japan, the Americas, and Australia. The name "Festiva" is derived from the Spanish word for "festive". It was not related to the similarly sized and named Ford Fiesta, and was not replaced by the Ford Ka, which is smaller.
Designed by Mazda using the DA platform and B series inline-four engines, the Festiva continued the trend of Fords built and designed by Mazda for the Asia-Pacific market such as the Laser and Telstar.
South Korean first generation sales began in 1987 under the name Kia Pride, assembled by Kia under license. Australasia and Europe received the first version between 1987 and 1991 as the "Mazda 121". After 1991, Australasian sales occurred under the "Ford Festiva" name, while European sales continued under the name "Kia Pride". Kia ended production of the Pride in 2000. This ongoing production has been in parallel to the second generation Festiva introduced in 1993, sold as the Ford Aspire in North America and Kia Avella in South Korea and other markets. Although these second generation models were withdrawn in 2000, a third generation was sold between 1996 and 2002 in Japan as a badge-engineered version of the Mazda Demio.
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Common 1988 Ford Festiva problems
The Ford Festiva, produced in 1988, is known for its reliability and low maintenance costs. However, some common problems have been reported by owners of this car.
One common issue is the car shutting off while driving, which can be caused by a weak ground or a fuel/air mixture problem. This issue can be resolved by checking the grounds, specifically the one on the passenger side strut tower, and cleaning the contact surface, bolt, and connector with a wire brush. If the grounds are not the problem, it might be necessary to check the Mass Air Flow Sensor, which could be weak and causing the fuel to cut out at speed. A weak ground can also rob the spark plugs of power under load, causing the engine to stall.
Another problem reported by owners is oil running into the air intake, which can be caused by broken oil rings on the pistons, leading to excessive combustion pressure into the crankcase. This issue can be resolved by doing a compression test to verify the diagnosis, and an engine rebuild might be necessary if the rings are shot. The PCV valve can also be checked and replaced if necessary.
It's important to note that the Ford Festiva was not included in Ford's recall of 8.7 million vehicles in 1996, as the faulty ignition switch was never installed in the Festiva.
In summary, while the Ford Festiva is known for its reliability, some common problems include the car shutting off while driving and oil running into the air intake. These issues can be resolved by checking the grounds, the Mass Air Flow Sensor, and the PCV valve, and doing a compression test to verify the diagnosis.
Is a Ford Festiva a reliable car?
Air-conditioning was an option. The Festiva is generally quite reliable if well serviced, so it's worth checking for a service history. Most should have had a cam belt replacement (110,000 km), or are fast approaching the mileage where they will need one.
What motor is in a 1988 Ford Festiva?
The Festiva came with a 58-horsepower, 1.3-liter Mazda four-cylinder engine. Since the car weighed just 1,708 pounds, 58 horsepower (barely) got the job done.
How many miles per gallon does a Ford Festiva get?
Fuel Economy
| City | 30 mpg |
|---|---|
| Highway | 38 mpg |
| Combined | 33 mpg |
What is the fuel consumption of the Ford Festiva?
6.2 to 7.2L/100km
The Ford Festiva currently offers fuel consumption from 6.2 to 7.2L/100km.
Is a Ford Festiva a reliable car?
Air-conditioning was an option. The Festiva is generally quite reliable if well serviced, so it's worth checking for a service history. Most should have had a cam belt replacement (110,000 km), or are fast approaching the mileage where they will need one.
What motor is in a 1988 Ford Festiva?
The Festiva came with a 58-horsepower, 1.3-liter Mazda four-cylinder engine. Since the car weighed just 1,708 pounds, 58 horsepower (barely) got the job done.
What engine is in a 1989 Ford Festiva?
1.3-liter B3 four-cylinder engine
Ford offered a single 1.3-liter B3 four-cylinder engine and three trim levels: L, L Plus, and LX.
What is the fuel consumption of the Ford Festiva?
6.2 to 7.2L/100km
The Ford Festiva currently offers fuel consumption from 6.2 to 7.2L/100km.
1988 Ford Festiva car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Festiva problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seats problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Ford Festiva vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Ford Festiva
The NHTSA has received 53 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Ford Festiva. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Ford Festiva vehicles.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-20
- VIN: KNJBT07K1J6
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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 SECONDS BEFORE AN ONCOMING CAR WHIZZED BY. A COUPLE OF SECONDS LATER, OR LESS DRIVING SKILL, AND I WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THIS WAS ONE OF A SET OF FOUR NEW TIRES I GOT FROM THE LOCAL GOODYEAR STORE. I THOUGHT IT WAS "JUST A BLOWOUT" BUT I KEPT THE TIRE AS A PRECAUTION. I STILL HAVE THE TIRE. IF I FIND OUT THAT GOODYEAR KNEW OF THE DEFECT IN THESE TIRES BEFORE JUNE, 2001, AND DID NOT WARN ME, I AM GOING TO BE UPSET, BECAUSE IT ALLMOST KILLED ME. THE SECOND TIRE THAT BLEW WAS THE SAME NUMBER: NPC8 JPHR 169. IT BLEW OUT IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF SEPT. 1, 2002, AT OVER 7000 FT (COOL TEMP). SPEED WAS ABOUT 50 MPH. THIS BLOWOUT WAS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, AND WAS UNEVENTFUL, BUT SINCE IT WAS ONE OF THE SET OF FOUR THAT I HAD PURCHASED NEW FROM THE LOCAL GOODYEAR STORE, I BECAME SUSPICIOUS. I BECAME MORE SUSPICIOUS WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT THE TIRE WAS THE SAME NUMBER AS THE OTHER ONE THAT BLEWOUT A YEAR BEFORE. THIS BLOWOUT LEFT ME OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE IN NEW MEXICO WITHOUT A SPARE. I STILL HAVE THIS TIRE. THE OTHER TWO TIRES OF THE SET OF FOUR TIRES HAD THE # NPC8 JPHR 309. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH TIRES BECAUSE OF THE TWO BLOWOUTS. NOT GOODYEARS.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNJBT06K3J6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNJBT07K2J6
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-25
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-16
- VIN: KNJBT06K1J6
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CALIPERS RUSTED DUE TO DESIGN PROBLEMS (LUBRICATION OF THE BUSHINGS). MJS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNJBT06K7J6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- VIN: KNJBT07KXJ6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-01
- VIN: KNJBTO7K5J6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SAFETY SEAT BELT FAILED, PRIOR RECALL ITEM, HOWEVER CONSUMER NOT ABLE TO GET RECALL WORK DONE.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-18
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: RIGHT REAR WHEEL FELL OFF, DID NOT GIVE AN WARNING. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-12
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNJBT07K8J6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE PARKED, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING CAUSED THE WIRING UNDER THE HOOD TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-25
- VIN: KNJBT06K9J6
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ON ONE OCCASION THE BELT TEINSIONER WAS REPLACED AND NOW IT IS LOOSE AGAIN. .*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNJBT06K3J6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONTACTED DEALERSHIP IN SEPTEMBER STILL NO WORD ON WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE REGARDING SEAT BELT BUCKLE RECALL 95V103011. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-27
- VIN: KNJBT06K6J6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RECALL 95V103011, SEAT BELT BUCKLES. THE PARTS WERE ORDERED ON 8-27-96. NO PARTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. GARNET FORD 215- 358-5600. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-16
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNJBT07K3J6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN FIRE, IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATED AND VEHICLE BURNED. *AK *SLC
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-01-01
- VIN: KNJBJ06K9J6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: LAP BELTS IN THE REAR WILL NOT RETRACT ON PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S SIDES. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-08
- VIN: 1MEBM6042JH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED PRIOR TO RECALL.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-08
- VIN: 1MEBM6042JH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED PRIOR TO RECALL.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT SCREW FELL OUT . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT SCREW FELL OUT . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- VIN: KNJBT06K0J6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE REPLACED PRIOR TO RECALL.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-03-26
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNJBT0683J6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTER CAUGHT FIRE. *SD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-17
- VIN: KNJBT06K8J6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PLASTIC SEAT BELT RELEASE BUTTON BROKE, CAUSING SEAT BELT TO FAIL PRIOR TO RECALL. (95V103011) *DH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-01
- VIN: KNJBT06K4J6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BROKE. *DSH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-02
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNJBT07K1J6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NO PARTS AVAILABLE AND THE REFUSAL OF A RENTAL CAR. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
1988 Ford Festiva recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Ford Festiva.
- Manufacturer: MOOG AUTOMOTIVE
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Ford Festiva problems:
How Reliable are used Ford Festiva/Aspire? — Car Forums at ...
Aug 11, 1999 ... ... engine problems whatsoever. I then bought a used 1988 5- speed Festiva with 87,000 miles in 1994 which I currently still own. It now has ...
1988 Ford Festiva Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1988 Ford Festiva LX from North America. Faults: I bought the car for $300 because it would not start. Got it home & replaced the distributor cap; ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting Acceleration Issues in 1988 Ford Festiva ...
Feb 9, 2022 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
1988 Ford Fiesta Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Nov 1, 2012 ... Faults: A rear wheel bearing seized when driving without warning. Very heavy on fuel, and 2 different mechanics had no answer as to why (no ...
Frustrating Festiva Brake Problem - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk ...
Nov 21, 2009 ... I'm having a problem with the rear brakes on a 1988 Ford Festiva. ... problems. Looks like it's ... The Festiva doesn't have the common adjusters.
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