1988 Ford Fiesta problems
The Ford Fiesta is a supermini car that was marketed by Ford from 1976 to 2023 over seven generations. Over the years, the Fiesta has mainly been developed and manufactured by Ford's European operations, and had been positioned below the Escort (later the Focus).
Ford had sold over 15 million Fiestas from 1976 to July 2011, making it one of the best-selling Ford nameplates behind the Escort and the F-Series. It has been manufactured in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico, Taiwan, China, India, Thailand, and South Africa.
The Fiesta was discontinued in 2023, after over 22 million units had been made. The final Ford Fiesta rolled off the production line on 7 July 2023.
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Common 1988 Ford Fiesta problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Ford Fiesta 1988, several common problems have been identified:
- Transmission Problems: Owners have reported issues with the transmission, including frequent leakage of the axle-shaft seals and fragility of the gear shift bushings. The gearbox itself is considered reliable, but these specific components can be problematic.
- Engine Reliability: The Ford Fiesta 1988 has various engine-related issues. The gasoline engines, especially the 1.1-liter units, have limited motor resources, often requiring repairs after 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers. The Motorcraft Carburetors in these engines are difficult to adjust and repair, leading to power system problems. Additionally, crankshaft oil seals are prone to leakage, and the contact ignition system may present surprises, necessitating adjustments at regular intervals.
- Corrosion: The body of the Ford Fiesta 1988 is susceptible to corrosion, with rust commonly found on the rear wheel arches, sills, and in the engine compartment near the a-pillar cups. This corrosion can affect the structural integrity and aesthetics of the vehicle if not addressed promptly.
- Heating System: While the heating system in the Ford Fiesta 1988 is generally effective for cold climates, there have been reports of issues with the thermal valve clearances that require adjustment at intervals of twenty thousand kilometers. Ensuring the proper functioning of the heating system is crucial for driver and passenger comfort, especially in colder regions.
- Suspension and Steering: The suspension system, particularly the front Mcpherson setup, may require regular maintenance, including changing bushings and silent blocks at specified intervals. The steering rack can also be a source of problems, often necessitating more than just simple bushing replacements for proper restoration.
These common problems highlight the need for regular maintenance and proactive care to ensure the longevity and performance of the Ford Fiesta 1988. Addressing these issues promptly can help owners avoid more significant problems and costly repairs in the future.
What is the common problem of Ford Fiesta?
Ford Fiesta common problems include: Worn suspension. Fluid leaks. Corroded or blocked components.
Is the 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.
How many miles will a Ford Fiesta 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.
What is the top speed of a 1988 Ford Fiesta?
Specifications
| Model | Displacement | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4 | 1,392 cc (84.95 cu in) | 165 km/h (103 mph) |
| 1.4 cat | 1,392 cc (84.95 cu in) | 161 km/h (100 mph) |
| 1.4 cat | 1,392 cc (84.95 cu in) | 163 km/h (101 mph) |
| 1.6 D | 1,608 cc (98.13 cu in) | 148 km/h (92 mph) |
What is the common problem in Ford Fiesta?
Ford Fiesta common problems include: Worn suspension. Fluid leaks. Corroded or blocked components.
Is the 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.
What is the top speed of a 1988 Ford Fiesta?
Specifications
| Model | Displacement | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4 | 1,392 cc (84.95 cu in) | 165 km/h (103 mph) |
| 1.4 cat | 1,392 cc (84.95 cu in) | 161 km/h (100 mph) |
| 1.4 cat | 1,392 cc (84.95 cu in) | 163 km/h (101 mph) |
| 1.6 D | 1,608 cc (98.13 cu in) | 148 km/h (92 mph) |
Are Ford Fiesta cheap to repair?
Ford Fiesta
Not only is it economical in terms of fuel efficiency, but its widespread availability of spare parts and a robust aftermarket support network contribute to relatively low repair costs.
1988 Ford Fiesta car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Fiesta problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Ford Fiesta vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Ford Fiesta complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Ford Fiesta.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN THE WEATHER GETS BELOW A CERTAIN TEMPERATURE, AROUND 32 DEGREES OR SO, THE HORN WILL NOT WORK. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Ford Fiesta problems:
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 ...
Ford Fiesta Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage with ...
Feb 22, 2024 ... Some common Ford Fiesta problems include unresponsive infotainment systems, transmission failure, and faulty door latches. Despite its flaws, ...
5-spd Manual Transmission Problems | Fiesta Faction
Nov 21, 2013 ... I have a 2011 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback, 1.6L 5-spd. This is my first post here, I bought my car 1 month ago and it is certified pre-owned.
Q&A: 2013 Ford Fiesta Transmission Problems - P0700 & P2126 ...
May 4, 2021 ... Lost the serpentine belt and then had all these mechanical problems seem to pop up. ... There is a common problem with the Fiesta where the ...
New feista 1.5 tdci problem - Ford Fiesta Club - Ford Owners Club ...
Jun 20, 2019 ... ups diesel oil, raisingI'm a retired Ford engineer, and had nothing but Fiesta diesels since 1988 - never had a problem until the car ...
Other years of Ford Fiesta
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