1991 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 Although these second generation models were withdrawn in 2000, a third generation was sold between 1996 and 2002 in Japan as a badge-engineered version of the Mazda Demio.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 1991 Ford Festiva problems
Smoking exhausts are a common problem in high mileage Ford Festiva 1991 models, especially when the car is accelerated under load after it has been idling for some time. This issue is often caused by worn-out piston rings or valve seals that allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber, leading to excessive smoke from the exhaust.
Another common problem reported by owners of the Ford Festiva 1991 is difficulty starting the engine, which can be caused by various factors. For instance, some owners have reported that the car sometimes does not want to start, but after a few tries, it will run and idle but initially if you give the car gas it will actually cause the car to die. Removing the green engine temperature sensor on the fuel rail seems to help this. This issue can be caused by a faulty sensor, a weak battery, or a dirty or clogged fuel filter.
In addition, some owners have reported that when they go to drive the car, it will not die but it will bog down terrible and will not really drive at all. It can move itself but its miserable- no power, does not truly respond to what i am doing with the throttle. This issue can be caused by a faulty fuel pump, a clogged fuel filter, or a dead injector. It can also be caused by a vacuum leak, a faulty ignition system, or a worn-out clutch.
Finally, some owners have reported that the car has uneven or low compression numbers, which can be caused by a worn-out cylinder head, a damaged cylinder wall, or a faulty piston ring. This issue can lead to reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and increased emissions.
In summary, the Ford Festiva 1991 can experience a variety of issues, including smoking exhausts, difficulty starting the engine, poor acceleration, and uneven or low compression numbers. These issues can be caused by various factors, including worn-out parts, faulty sensors, and clogged filters. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues from occurring or detect them early before they become more serious.
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 1991 Ford Festiva?
Ford offered a single 1.3-liter B3 four-cylinder engine and three trim levels: L, L Plus, and LX. The two base models featured a four-speed manual overdrive transmission, with the LX upgraded to a five-speed unit.
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 engine is in a 1991 Ford Festiva?
Ford offered a single 1.3-liter B3 four-cylinder engine and three trim levels: L, L Plus, and LX. The two base models featured a four-speed manual overdrive transmission, with the LX upgraded to a five-speed unit.
Why won't my Ford Festiva start?
The most common reasons a Ford Festiva won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
Who built the Ford Festiva?
Five years earlier with the festiva designed by mazda in japan. And built by kia in south korea smaller than the ford escort the vestiva was one of the cheapest cars in america. But even a name change
1991 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
- Parking brake problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Ford Festiva vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Ford Festiva complaints
The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Ford Festiva.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-27
- VIN: KNJPT05H5M6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-04
- VIN: KNJPT06H8M6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SEAT, SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. IT IS STUCK IN THE WINDOW AND WILL NOT COME DOWN! *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-04
- VIN: KNJPT06H8M6
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RIDES EXTREMELY ROUGH, LIKE IT HAS NO SHOCKS! *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-25
- VIN: KNJPT06HXM6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT STOPPED WORKING, BECAUSE THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK *PH *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-17
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNJPT05H1M6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THREADING OF SHOULDER HARNESS BROKE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-17
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNJPT05H1M6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SHOULDER BELT BROKE AT STITCHING. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-01
- VIN: KNJPT06H8M6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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 IT W/OUT BELT IN CLIP DUE TO TRACK NOT WANTING TO SLIDE BELT BACK TO RESTRAIN. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED, AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS TO BE FIXED. I GOT A $350 ESTIMATE TO FIX IT. DIDN'T KNOW YOU HAD TO PAY FOR SAFETY... VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE CUSTOMER SERVICE. *AK
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE CONSTANTLY LOCKS UP/FREEZES DUE TO POOR DESIGN. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: IN COLD WEATHER PLASTIC DOOR HANDLES BREAK.
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-27
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: 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
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-27
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: RIGHT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL.. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PERIODIC FAILURES OF THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-02-12
- VIN: KNJPT05H7M6
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FAILURE OF THE REAR BRAKE ADJUSTERS, THE REAR BRAKES ADJUSTERS LOCK UP. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-23
- VIN: KNJPT0589M6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMOBILE ROLLED 25 FEET WHILE IN FIRST GEAR,AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ON. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER PARKED FOR (10) MINUTES W/CAUSE STATED BY CIRCLEVILLE CITY FIRE DEPT BEING ELECTRICAL. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-11
- VIN: KNJPT50H4M6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RECALL REPAIRS TO SEAT BELT BUCKLE NOT DONE DUE TO LACK OF PARTS.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNJPT06H8M6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AFTER OPENING THE DOOR, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNJPT06H8M6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AFTER OPENING THE DOOR, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-13
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNJPT05H9M6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVING VEHICLE DOWN MAIN STREET, ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT, VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD-ON, SEATBELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN PASSENGER. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNSP105H7M6
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT LAST YEAR, DRIVERS PASSIVE RESTRAINT WILL EITHER NOT COMPLETE CYCLE, TIGHTEN OR NOT RESTRAIN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-07
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WARPED BRAKE ROTORS, CAUSING FRONT END VIBRATION/LOSS OF CONTROL. *AW
1991 Ford Festiva recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1991 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.
Negative 1991 Ford Festiva car reviews
Positive 1991 Ford Festiva car reviews
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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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This car has been amazing! I've driven it for over 65,000 miles and it now has more than 90,000 miles, but it has needed very few repairs. Most of the work has been routine maintenance. The simple design means there are fewer things that can go wrong. It's incredibly reliable, even in extreme temperatures ranging from -40 in the winter to 100 degrees in the summer. Plus, it gets great gas mileage, ranging from 30 MPG in the city to over 50 MPG on the highway. It comfortably seats four adults and has plenty of space in the hatch for packages.
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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, so I bought a Fix'd code reader and cleared the fault myself. It cost me $20, but it was well worth it. 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 $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!
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This has been a great car! It has more than paid for itself over the years. I got this car just as a joke, but now the joke is on me.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Ford Festiva problems:
1991 Ford Festiva Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Sep 8, 2009 ... Faults: Transmission broke - 3 times! CV axle failed. Windshield washer broken. Battery died. Rear brakes stick. Driver's door doesn't open or ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1992 Ford Festiva Bogging Issues
May 12, 2008 ... Why is my 1992 Ford Festiva fuel injected car bogging when I press the gas? ... I can see a few common problems ... I have a 1991 Ford Areostar Van ...
How Reliable are used Ford Festiva/Aspire? — Car Forums at ...
Aug 11, 1999 ... These cars are built by Kia Motors in Korea with a Mazda engine for Ford. ... Never any engine or transmission problems. ... I own a 1991 festiva ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1991 Ford Festiva Starting Issues
Mar 25, 2011 ... Check that its relay switches in and out and the relay contacts are clean and bright – replace the relay if in any doubt and do the same for the ...
Ford Festiva Questions - shut off while driving - CarGurus
Nov 26, 2012 ... ... problems. Also, can ... I have a 2000 ford Festiva engine b301 1.3 auto I want to change to a manual. ... Help with blow by in 1991 ford festiva 9 ...
Other years of Ford Festiva
Are you having problems with your 1991 Ford Festiva?
Francis Abshire 2024-11-17
I wrecked my previous car and bought this one as a temporary solution, but it has now become a part of my life. Despite being a bit cold-natured, it has never left me stranded and always starts up. It does consume a bit of oil, but at $1 a week for a quart, it's a small price to pay for the 600 miles I drive each week. The seats are a bit uncomfortable and it's not the best car for long-distance travel, but it still manages to get an impressive 38 mpg. Overall, I'm grateful for this reliable car that has served me well for over a year now.
Jan Lebsack 2024-11-05
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 to get a little more power under the hood. Despite this, I'll always appreciate the zippiness of its 63hp engine.
Elian Kuvalis 2024-10-13
Hi there! I see that you purchased this car 2.5 years ago for your daily commute. It's great to hear that it has been a reliable and fuel-efficient mode of transportation for you. I understand that it has covered a lot of miles, with 210,000 miles on the clock. It's normal for a car with such high mileage to use a couple of quarts of oil between changes. Overall, it sounds like you have made a wise choice with this car!
King Spinka 2024-09-01
The name of this car, Fiesta, is just perfect! It's so much fun to drive and has great gas mileage. I'm currently getting 41 mpg in the city without any upgrades. The steering and handling are fantastic, and even though it's not perfect, it gets the job done, especially on country roads. With just under $25, I can fill up the tank after driving 350 miles. This car has a lot of room, and even at 6 foot 4, I don't feel cramped at all. In short, I love this car and plan to keep it for a long time!
Ambrose Renner 2024-03-01
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!!