1991 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 PER YEAR
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.
10 of 21 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing webbing and buckle assembly.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING VEHICLE DOWN MAIN STREET, ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT, VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD-ON, SEATBELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN PASSENGER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960426
INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT LAST YEAR, DRIVERS PASSIVE RESTRAINT WILL EITHER NOT COMPLETE CYCLE, TIGHTEN OR NOT RESTRAIN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19951201
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD FESTIVA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO WORK. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 095V103011 (SEAT BELTS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151105
2 of 21 total reports mention: parking brake, most commonly citing linkage and cable.
2 of 21 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
1 of 21 total reports mentions: wheels.
1 of 21 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
RIDES EXTREMELY ROUGH, LIKE IT HAS NO SHOCKS! *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20141120
SAFETY TIMELINE
SEAT BELT FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION
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
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
Campaign 95V103011 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 96E017000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Ford Festiva — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for parking brake issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V103011 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96E017000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1991 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 1991 Ford Festiva?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Ford Festiva have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.