1993 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 Although these second generation models were withdrawn in 2000, a third generation was sold between 1996 and 2002 in Japan as a badge-engineered version of the Mazda Demio.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 1993 Ford Festiva problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1993 Ford Festiva, several common problems have been identified:
- Starting Issues Related to Fuel Pump: Owners have reported starting problems even after replacing the fuel pump. This issue seems to persist despite various replacements and maintenance efforts, leading to difficulties in starting the car consistently.
- Cooling System Corrosion: Complaints highlight significant corrosion and damage in the cooling system, indicating a lack of proper maintenance and potentially long-term use of water instead of antifreeze. This corrosion can lead to inefficiencies in the cooling system and affect the overall performance of the engine.
- Intake System Leakage: Concerns have been raised about water entering the engine through the intake system due to issues with gaskets and air intake components. Leakage in the intake system can lead to water being burned in the engine, affecting combustion and potentially causing damage over time.
- Electrical Drain and Stalling: Some owners have experienced issues with a fully charged battery draining after replacing the alternator, leading to stalling while driving. This electrical problem can be challenging to diagnose and may require testing for parasitic draw to identify the specific circuit causing the issue.
- General Reliability and Maintenance: While some owners praise the Ford Festiva for its reliability and low maintenance costs, others have expressed concerns about the driving position, lack of power, and poor resale value. These factors, combined with potential issues like valve gasket replacements and engine compression issues, contribute to a mixed perception of the car's overall reliability.
These common problems with the 1993 Ford Festiva highlight a range of issues that owners have faced, from starting and cooling system issues to electrical and reliability concerns. Addressing these issues promptly and with proper maintenance can help mitigate potential problems and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
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 1993 Ford Festiva?
1.3 L 4-cylinder1993 Ford Festiva / Engine
From January 1993, a Festiva three-door, badged "Festiva Trio" was launched in Australia. Both versions were powered by the overhead camshaft carbureted 1.3-liter B3 engine with the five-speed manual transmission; a three-speed automatic was optional for the five-door.
How much was a Ford Festiva in 1993?
Used 1993 Ford Festiva Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) | |
|---|---|---|
| L Hatchback 2D | $7,548 | $1,724 |
| GL Hatchback 2D | $9,027 | $1,739 |
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.
Does the 1993 Ford Festiva have power steering?
Optional power steering was deleted for 1992, and the GL gained alloy wheels and the availability of a "sport" package. The final 1993 model year brought no changes. Over the life of the Festiva in the United States, Kia exported roughly 350,000 units.
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.
How long will a Ford Festiva last?
200,000 miles
Motor and Wheels estimates that Ford Fiestas can last up to 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and conscientious use. Most people don't drive their cars past 150,000 miles anyway, so you'll probably have a few thousand miles left on your used Ford Fiesta before it breaks down.
1993 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:
- Suspension problems
- Seat belts problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Ford Festiva vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1993 Ford Festiva
The NHTSA has received 29 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Ford Festiva. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1993 Ford Festiva vehicles.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-15
- VIN: KNJPT05H6P6
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-30
- VIN: KNJPT05H6P6
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-01
- VIN: KNJPT06H6P6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-10
- VIN: 1FMYU03183K
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: TOGGLE SWITCH ON SUNROOF HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND NOW IT HAS GONE OUT AGAIN. DOES NOT STOP ON ITS OWN FOR OPEN AND CLOSE. I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT CONTINUES TO BREAK.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: KNJPT05H6P6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: !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
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-09
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-09
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-04-07
- VIN: 1FALP52U1PA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ON AT LEAST 4X THE IGNITION CUT OF AT HIWAY SPEEDS.MAGARITY. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-13
- VIN: 1MELM5346PG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED FOR THE 1994 CARS BUT NOT THE 1993 CARS. A HEAD GASKET ON A CAR SHOULD NOT BE GOING AT 73,000 MILES.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-11
- VIN: KNJPT06H9P6
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-22
- VIN: KNJPTO6H7P6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-29
- VIN: KNJPT06H0P6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1EALP5744PA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1EALP5744PA
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SHOCK ABSORBERS FAILED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-27
- VIN: KNJPT06H6P6
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-01
- VIN: KNJPT06H2P6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THERE IS NO TENSION ON DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S LAP BELTS, MAKING THEM USELESS. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNJPT05H9P6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT STICKS AND IN ORDER TO UNDO THE SEAT BELT, THE EMERGENCY RELEASE HAS TO BE USED. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-19
- VIN: KNJPT05H9P6
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM STRIPPED, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-19
- VIN: KNJPT05H9P6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S TRACK MOVING SEAT BELT JAMS IN BELTED POSITION TRAPPING DRIVER IN VEHICLE.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-29
- VIN: KNJPT06H2P6
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT END MISALIGNED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO PULL TO ONE SIDE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-12-27
- VIN: KNJPT05HXP6
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: WHEN VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED FUEL AND TEMPERATURE GAUGES HAVE HIGH READINGS.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-31
- VIN: 1FMEE11N7PH
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: VEHICLE DRIFTS FROM SIDE TO SIDE DUE TO STEERING MISALIGNMENT. *SD
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: ON THREE OCCASIONS THE WHEEL BEARING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WENT OUT. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-14
- VIN: KNJPT06H2P6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE, THE TRANSMISSION TOTALLY FAILED. TT
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-05-12
- VIN: KNJPT05HXP6
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: LEFT FRONT BEARING MALFUNCTIONS AND WHEEL SEIZES. REPAIRED ELEVEN TIMES. TT
1993 Ford Festiva recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1993 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.
Negative 1993 Ford Festiva car reviews
Positive 1993 Ford Festiva car reviews
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This has been my most reliable car ever! I bought it in '96 for $3,900 on a whim (bought it within hours of looking at it). Initially, I thought I overpaid, but after 13 years and 185,000 miles, I think I got a steal! I don't get the same mileage as others (it's a 5-speed), but I still get 35-38 mpg (with wind pushing me, I've even gotten 45-48 mpg). Although the mpg is usually with the car loaded up and going 75 mph, the cargo room is awesome! I've even fit 8 ft boards in it with the front seat gone, so it's like having a truck. Plus, it has great ground clearance for North Dakota winters. Until recently, I could go 5,000-6,000 miles (oil change to oil change) without adding any oil in between, even on a lot of long trips (800 miles).
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I love hearing about your experience with your car! It's amazing that you've been able to put 323,000 miles on it and still haven't had to change the fuel filter or plug wires. It sounds like a really versatile car too - being able to haul mountain bikes and camping gear is so convenient. Thanks for sharing!
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Wow, it's great to hear that you and your family have had such positive experiences with these vehicles! It's impressive that they have lasted so long without any issues. The combination of fuel injection and a five-speed manual transmission sounds like a winning combination. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!
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I love this car! It has never given me any major problems. The only issue I had was with the muffler, as they tend to wear out quickly. However, I purchased a lifetime warranty muffler and now I'm all set. I've seen many people with this car who have driven over 200,000 miles, which is amazing. I bought mine used with only 38,000 miles, so it should last me a long time. I really hope that Ford will bring this car back to their model line someday.
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I have a 1993 Ford Festiva L Model with a 1.3L engine and 5-speed transmission, all with less than 60,000 original miles on it. My Festiva is in great condition, with all original parts except for the tires and some new parts for routine maintenance. I keep the air pressure in my tires at the maximum level, which makes for a smooth ride. Despite its small engine size, the car handles well and performs surprisingly well in higher gears. I love the simplicity of the car and its reliability. Considering the cost of transportation nowadays, I strongly believe that the reason they stopped selling this little gem in the US was because it would have seriously impacted the auto industry for sales of new cars. The Festiva was assembled by Kia with all the Mazda parts coming from Japan, and has a Ford badge on it. As a fan of Ford, Mazda, and Kia, I couldn't be happier with my Festiva. Although it's 23 years old, the paint still looks like new. The interior cloth seats have started to disintegrate from the sun, but all the plastics have held up well. I put a couple of seat covers on the front seats and it's like new again. Since I've owned the car, I have replaced a few inexpensive parts and the front windshield. The factory air conditioner works great in the Arizona summer, but can cause power loss and my engine temperature to rise a bit. The engine is bulletproof and if you look online for videos, there are people who document their Festivas turning over some serious mileage (one video I saw showed a Festiva with 500,000 miles). It is really fun to drive and I love taking mine on occasional long scenic drives into the mountains to stretch its legs.Your Festiva is quite the head-turner! It's no surprise that people are always asking where they can get one. Luckily, parts are easily accessible online through sites like eBay. I wanted to share an exciting update with you - I was able to sell my Festiva for $3,000! Despite being 24 years old, it sold in less than 24 hours after I listed it online. The woman who purchased it mentioned that she used to own one in the 1990s and always regretted getting rid of it. It's clear that the Festiva has a dedicated following, especially among those who appreciate its utility and reliability.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Ford Festiva problems:
How Reliable are used Ford Festiva/Aspire? — Car Forums at ...
Aug 11, 1999 ... September 1999. I OWNED A 1989 PUT 230,000 MILES ON IT NO PROBLEM,1993 WITH AUTO ... Never any engine or transmission problems. ... Ford, select ...
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Mar 25, 2011 ... I have a 91 ford festiva and it wont start. It turns over alright. Petrol is getting up there. But it trys to start but - Answered by a ...
Ford Festiva Questions - shut off while driving - CarGurus
Nov 26, 2012 ... was replaced, still have same problem.. my mechanic has given up !! can someone help? 1988 Ford Festiva LX Maintenance & Repair. 14.
Other years of Ford Festiva
Are you having problems with your 1993 Ford Festiva?
Camren Rice 2024-11-18
I bought this car from my brother and it has been great! It has good gas mileage and is easy to fix and find parts for (except tires!). While it may not be the best option for families with kids due to its small size and lack of accident safety features, it has served me well for commuting to work. It has even survived moves from Utah to Arizona to Nebraska and to Texas, and has over 170k miles on it. While I wouldn't take it on long trips, I love it for my daily commute!