1990 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 Although these second generation models were withdrawn in 2000, a third generation was sold between 1996 and 2002 in Japan as a badge-engineered version of the Mazda Demio.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 1990 Ford Festiva problems
The Ford Festiva, produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, is known for its reliability and affordability. However, some common problems have been reported by owners, which can be categorized into engine, transmission, electrical, and general maintenance issues.
- Engine Issues:
- Erratic Idle: Some owners have reported issues with the idle of their Ford Festiva, where the RPMs fluctuate excessively while the car is in park or neutral.
- New Engine Performance: When a new engine is installed, it is not uncommon for it to require a tune-up to ensure proper operation. This may include adjusting the fuel-air mixture, ignition timing, and other engine parameters.
- Transmission Issues:
- Clutch Replacement: Some Festiva owners have reported needing to replace the clutch at high mileage (over 200,000 miles), which is a common issue for many vehicles with manual transmissions.
- Electrical Issues:
- Brake Cylinder Failure: Some owners have reported issues with the brake cylinder, which can cause the brakes to fail or operate erratically. This can be a safety concern and should be addressed promptly.
- General Maintenance Issues:
- Tune-ups: Regular tune-ups are essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of any vehicle, including the Ford Festiva. This includes replacing spark plugs, checking and adjusting valve clearances, and ensuring that the fuel and ignition systems are operating correctly.
- Rear Wheel Bearing Greasing: The rear wheel bearings on the Ford Festiva require regular greasing to prevent them from failing. This is a relatively simple maintenance task that can be performed by a competent home mechanic.
- Parts Availability:
- Ford and Kia Parts: Since the Ford Festiva was built by Kia Motors in Korea with a Mazda engine for Ford, finding parts can be a challenge.
In conclusion, while the Ford Festiva is known for its reliability and affordability, it is not without its common problems. Engine, transmission, electrical, and general maintenance issues can arise, and parts availability can be a challenge. However, with proper maintenance and care, the Festiva can provide reliable transportation for many years and miles.
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 engine is in a 1990 Ford Festiva?
Used 1990 Ford Festiva - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 1.3 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 63 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
How many miles per gallon does a Ford Festiva get?
Fuel Economy
| City | 30 mpg |
|---|---|
| Highway | 38 mpg |
| Combined | 33 mpg |
Is A Ford Fiesta a reliable car?
Unfortunately, the Fiesta finished in 12th place out of 19 cars in the small car class of our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, albeit with a reasonably good overall score of 94.9%. It finished above the Audi A1, Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo, but below the Honda Jazz, Mini and Toyota Yaris.
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 is the common problem in Ford Fiesta?
Ford Fiesta common problems include: Worn suspension. Fluid leaks. Corroded or blocked components.
What engine is in a 1990 Ford Festiva?
Used 1990 Ford Festiva - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 1.3 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 63 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
Is the Ford Fiesta reliable?
Unfortunately, the Fiesta finished in 12th place out of 19 cars in the small car class of our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, albeit with a reasonably good overall score of 94.9%. It finished above the Audi A1, Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo, but below the Honda Jazz, Mini and Toyota Yaris.
1990 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
- Wheels problems
- Tires problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Ford Festiva vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Ford Festiva complaints
The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Ford Festiva.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT NORMAL SPEED PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED. HOWEVER, TIRE STAYED INFLATED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNJPT06H2L6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-01
- VIN: KNJPT06HXL6
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 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
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-08
- VIN: KNJPT06H0L6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-22
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNJPT05H3L6
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: THE SPINDLE NUT OF RIGHT REAR WHEEL LOOSE AND THE WHEEL DROP OUT.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-22
- VIN: KNJPT05H3L6
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT WILL NOTSTAY BUCKLED IN. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-11-01
- VIN: KNOPTD6H7L6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-01
- VIN: KNJPT06H8L6
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: STRUCTURAL FAILURE TO DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOUNT. DRIVER SIDE NOW HAS NO WINDSHIELD WIPER MECHANISM.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-05
- VIN: KNJPTO6H8L6
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-02-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNJPTO6H4L6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, UNDER THE HOOD, ELECTRICAL SHORT, VEHICLE WAS PARKED, FAILURE OF IGNITION SWITCH. *AK *SLC
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-08
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS DOES NOT RETRACT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- VIN: KNJPTO7H0L6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT BELTS; PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT RETRACT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-29
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO HANDLE THE RECALL FOR SEA TBELT BUCKLES. PLEADE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-29
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO HANDLE THE RECALL FOR SEA TBELT BUCKLES. PLEADE DESCRIBE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-02
- VIN: KNJPT06H8L6
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE SHOE LINING SEPARATED FROM BRAKE SHOES. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RECALL RELATED, 95V103011, INTERIOR SEAT BELT BUCKLE, IN FOR REPAIR BUCKLE WILL NOT STAY LATCHED. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-28
- VIN: KNJPT06H5L6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ALMOST CHOKED PERSON THAT WAS SITTING ON THAT SIDE . TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-18
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER WENT TO PUT CHILD SEAT IN BACK SEAT OF CAR AND THE REAR SEAT BELT BROKEN. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE HAD A SPEEDOMETER PROBLEM WHEN NEW, PROBLEM CONTINUED DUE TO AN INCORRECT ANALYSIS, WHICH LED TO THE SPEDDOMETER BREAKING. TT
1990 Ford Festiva recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1990 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
- Summary: THE "FASTEN SEAT BELTS" WARNING LIGHTS MAY NOT WORK WHEN THE IGNITION IS SWITCHED TO THE "ON" POSITION DURING COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.
- Consequence: OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT RECEIVE THIS WARNING TO USE SAFETY BELTS AND CARS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 208.
- Remedy: FORD WILL REPLACE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS IN THE AFFECTED CARS.
Negative 1990 Ford Festiva car reviews
Positive 1990 Ford Festiva car reviews
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This has been a reliable, fun, long- time friend. I bought the car new in 1989. She has maneuvered me from many a mishap, always started except for one alternator change and 2 batteries. My "Car-Car" has 338,000 miles on her and I'll only replace her because she's noisy, and MY older body needs more comfort. I still average 40 miles/gallon (without use of heat or air conditioning. I have never replaced a clutch.
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Purchased at 120K, paid $1500. Drove 30,000 miles in the first year. Replaced tires and alternator and that was all it ever needed. This car is extremely dependable and is a fun car to drive. It's not a powerhouse, so it's ideal for a young driver.
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Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share with you that I bought this car used back in 1994 and it's been such a reliable ride. It's got 240,000 miles on it now, but with regular maintenance, it's still going strong. The only thing I've had to replace so far is the radiator fan assembly.
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She is my work car and is very comfortable for me as a driver. It is easy to handle and fits anywhere. It is great on gas, even better than my 2012 Focus SE Hatchback. As long as the snow is not over the bumper, I can get through it, although wind and ice can be a bit of a challenge. Surprisingly, I can haul a lot more than you might think in it too. I have even brought home a little CRF50 motorcycle and an RV refrigerator. The only drawback is that the ride can be a bit noisy. The car itself is quiet, but the road noise can be loud, like a tin can, so not too many people want to ride with me. I have had some issues with wheel bearings, but after replacing them at least 3 times in the last 50k miles, it turned out that it just needed a wheel alignment. It seems that maybe the previous owner may have taken it over a curb or something, as the rear axle was bent. It is much better now that we have figured that out. Unfortunately, it is starting to rust, but overall, I can't complain too much. I only gave $1000 for it, and if I said I have spent $1500 in general repairs/maintenance, I would probably be exaggerating. It is also easy to work on. It has factory air, but it froze up, so that is next on my agenda. Oh, and the tires are almost extinct. 12
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My Festiva finally 'gave up the ghost'. Unfortunately, I couldn't find an ignition switch to replace the broken one I had, and the rear tail lamps and brake lights had been hot wired shortly before that. Despite all of this, the car had an impressive 300K miles on it, and I paid only $500 for it back in 2005. I actually made money driving it, which is quite an achievement for any car! I did have one accident that wasn't my fault, but my uninsured paid me $300, and I was able to keep on driving. So, all in all, I essentially drove a $200 car for 18 years. Recently, I purchased a 2016 Fiesta (also by Ford) for $3500. Initially, I thought I had made a mistake buying it, as I found out that Ford had a recall on the DPS transmission and the transmission fault light was on. Unfortunately, no one around here knows how to operate an engine code machine at O'Reilly's or Advance, but I was able to buy a Fix'd code reader and clear the fault myself for only $20. My old Festiva wasn't equipped with the code reader capability since it was not computerized, but I had to make the jump to the next generation of vehicles against my will. Despite all of this, I still have my first car, a 1940 Chevrolet Special Deluxe, which I paid only $90 for back in 1969, and it still runs fine. My neighbor also sold me a 1970 Ford shortbed F-100, which still runs fine too! I doubt many of these new cars will ever be running as long as they have.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Ford Festiva problems:
Ford Festiva concerns, buying used car - General Discussion - Car ...
Mar 31, 2009 ... I have talked to a private owner and he is offering me a 1990 Ford Festiva with 120000 miles on it for $500. It needs a brake cylinder and a ...
1990 Ford Festiva Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Jun 23, 2010 ... Faults: Minor rust around the rear wheels. I had to replace the brake rotors and pads with an upgraded brand. General Comments ...
What are some common problems with the Fiesta? | Fiesta Faction
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Aug 11, 1999 ... These cars are built by Kia Motors in Korea with a Mazda engine for Ford. ... Never any engine or transmission problems. ... My 1990 Festiva L Plus, ...
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Nov 23, 2011 ... Welcome to JustAnswer, my name is XXXXX XXXXX I'm here to help get your problem resolved. Ask follow up questions, thanks. A common cause that ...
Other years of Ford Festiva
Are you having problems with your 1990 Ford Festiva?
Ross Sawayn 2024-09-11
I was a bit hesitant when I bought this little car with 182,000 miles on it. I thought I might get another 10,000 miles out of it before it died. But, to my surprise, it's now at 234,000 miles and still going strong! It's like the Energizer Bunny, it just keeps going and going and going! Who knows, it might even outlast my Toyota Camry with 130,000 miles. Go Festiva!!
Zackary Harris 2024-06-09
I bought my Festiva from a lovely Korean lady for only $1000. It came with all the bells and whistles - AC, AM/FM radio, automatic transmission, new paint, and low mileage of only 40,000. Now, it even has a sunroof! It has proven to be the most reliable car we own, with only a few minor issues such as the vacuum module and quick brake wear. However, it is very affordable to maintain.
Rocio Grady 2024-02-21
This car has been a reliable companion for the past 6 years, requiring minimal maintenance and only a clutch replacement in addition to regular tire changes. Although it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, it has proven to be a great runner. The rear wiper stopped working a couple of years ago, but it hasn't been a major issue. The paint is starting to show some signs of wear, but that's to be expected with age. However, I've decided to upgrade to a new car with a little more power. Despite this, I'll always appreciate the trusty service this car has provided me.