MYRModel Year Report

1989 Ford Festiva

○ Not enough data
1989 Ford Festiva
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:35:52.827Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
48
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Seat belts

79% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 1 complaint 1984 1988: 45 complaints 1988 1989: 48 complaints 1989 48 1990: 21 complaints 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1991 1992: 14 complaints 1992 1993: 20 complaints 1993 1994: 1 complaint 1994
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1988: 45 complaints 1988 1989: 48 complaints 1989 48 1990: 21 complaints 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1991 1992: 14 complaints 1992 1993: 20 complaints 1993 1994: 1 complaint 1994
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1988: 45 complaints 1988 1989: 48 complaints 1989 48 1990: 21 complaints 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1991 1992: 14 complaints 1992 1993: 20 complaints 1993 1994: 1 complaint 1994

1989: 48 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
198845
198948
199021
199121
199214
199320
19941

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Seat belts

79% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.

CRASH

Electrical system

15% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing switch and front underhood.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

After parking, moments later found flames in interior and under hood, no prior warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-29

Horn failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-05-27

Engine and engine cooling

6% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and catalytic convertor.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Catalytic converter over heated melting fire walls and carpet inside of vehicle. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-08-21

Suspension

2% · 1 report

Most commonly citing wheel bearing.

Fuel system, gasoline

2% · 1 report

Most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1989-07-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-10-31 Rear safety belt
  2. I
    1990-05-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-09-27 Seat separation
  3. I
    1995-02-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-07-28 Seat belt failure or malfunction
  4. R
    1996-04-24Seat belts95V103011 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    1996-07-17Suspension96E017000 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.

    Remedy: Moog will replace the incorrectly packaged assemblies with correct ball joint/control arm assemblies.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Ford Festiva — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 38 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 95V103011 · Seat belts
  • Recall 96E017000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1989 Ford Festiva reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Ford Festiva?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 79% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Festiva have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.