Ford Festiva Recalls — All NHTSA Recall Campaigns

Q: How many recalls does the Ford Festiva have?

The Ford Festiva has 3 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA, spanning model years 1988 through 1990. Individual vehicles may be subject to fewer recalls depending on their specific model year and production date.

Q: Is my Festiva under recall?

Whether your specific Festiva is subject to a recall depends on your vehicle's exact VIN, not just the model year. A recall may apply to a specific production date range or certain build configurations. Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckEngine or NHTSA.gov/recalls to see which, if any, open recalls apply to your exact vehicle.

Q: What is the most recalled Festiva year?

Based on NHTSA recall data, the 1988 Ford Festiva has the most recall campaigns associated with it, with 2 campaigns. However, this reflects recall campaigns for that model year — not necessarily the number of defects in vehicles built that year.

3 recall campaigns on record across 2 model years of the Ford Festiva. Data sourced directly from NHTSA and updated daily.

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Recall Campaigns

114

Owner Complaints

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

2 affected model years7 crash-involved complaintsMost recalled year: 1988

Affected Model Years

19901R · 15C 19882R · 27C

R = recalls · C = complaints. Click a year to see the full problems report.

Recall Breakdown by Component Category

Seat/Restraints2 campaigns (67%)

Suspension/Wheels1 campaign (33%)

Most Common Owner Complaint Areas — Ford Festiva

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

SEAT BELTS

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

TIRES

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

Based on 114 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years. 3 injuries reported.

All Ford Festiva Recall Campaigns

#96E0170001988 Ford FestivaSuspension/Wheels

Issued: Invalid Date

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

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.

Risk: 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 …

Remedy: MOOG WILL REPLACE THE INCORRECTLY PACKAGED ASSEMBLIES WITH CORRECT BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES.

#95V1030111988 Ford FestivaSeat/Restraints

Issued: Invalid Date

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

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.

Risk: 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 A…

#90V0450001990 Ford FestivaSeat/Restraints

Issued: Aug 3, 1990

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

THE "FASTEN SEAT BELTS" WARNING LIGHTS MAY NOT WORK WHEN THE IGNITION IS SWITCHED TO THE "ON" POSITION DURING COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.

Risk: 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.

Recalls by Component

Ford Festiva Recall — Frequently Asked Questions

How many recalls does the Ford Festiva have?

The Ford Festiva has 3 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database, spanning model years 1988 through 1990.

Is my Festiva under recall?

Recall applicability depends on your specific VIN — not just the model year. Some recalls cover only certain production date ranges or trim levels. Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckEngine or NHTSA.gov for an exact answer.

What is the most recalled Festiva year?

Based on NHTSA data, the 1988 Ford Festiva has the highest recall campaign count (2 campaigns). However, the total count of campaigns is not the same as the number of defects — some campaigns are issued as expansions of earlier recalls.

Does a Festiva recall mean my car is unsafe to drive?

Not necessarily. Recalls range from critical safety hazards — where NHTSA advises against driving — to minor inconveniences like a label error. Check the consequence field of each recall to understand the severity. If your specific VIN is subject to an open recall, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Who pays for recall repairs on a Festiva?

The manufacturer is legally required to pay for all recall repairs under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer, regardless of whether you are the original owner or whether the vehicle is out of warranty.

Check Your Specific Ford Festiva for Open Recalls

Model-level recall data tells you what campaigns exist. A VIN-specific check tells you exactly which ones apply to your vehicle — based on production date, serial number, and configuration.

Free VIN Check — Check My Festiva

Ford Festiva Problems & Complaints All Ford Recalls All Makes — Recall Center