1990 Ford Festiva
Only 21 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1990
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 21 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1988 | 45 |
| 1989 | 48 |
| 1990 | 21 |
| 1991 | 21 |
| 1992 | 14 |
| 1993 | 20 |
| 1994 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
10 of 21 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
Wheels
3 of 21 total reports mention: wheels, most commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.
Show complaint excerpts
The spindle nut of right rear wheel loose and the wheel drop out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-08-21
Electrical system
3 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine compartment fire, under the hood, electrical short, vehicle was parked, failure of ignition switch.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-11-05
Visibility
1 of 21 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.
Tires
1 of 21 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer stated while traveling at normal speed passenger side front tire tread completely separated. However, tire stayed inflated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-30
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1990-04-19Seat belts90V045000 The "Fasten seat belts" Warning lights may not work when the ignition is switched to the "On" Position during cold ambient temperatures.
Remedy: Ford will replace instrument clusters in the affected cars.
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I
1995-02-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-07-28 Seat belt failure or malfunction
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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…
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Ford Festiva — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Wheels: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V045000 · Seat belts
- Recall 95V103011 · Seat belts
- Recall 96E017000 · Suspension
FAQ
- Is the 1990 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 1990 Ford Festiva?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Ford Festiva have?
- 3 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.