Ford Festiva recall history and complaint patterns

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Ford Festiva, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: 2025-12-22 (NHTSA data snapshot)

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At a Glance

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Ford Festiva, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

• Coverage spans model years 1984–1994 with 5 recall campaigns and 198 complaints in NHTSA data.
• Years with the most recall activity: 1990 (2), 1991 (1), and 1989 (1).
• Years with the most complaint volume: 1989 (54), 1988 (52), and 1993 (24).
• Top recall theme: Seats and restraints.
• Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Seat belts, Electrical system:ignition:switch.
• Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
• Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Ford Festiva in NHTSA complaint data are Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Seat belts, Electrical system:ignition:switch.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

What to Do Next

• Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
• If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
• If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Seat belts

Other Ford Models

Explore recall and complaint data for other Ford models.

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• B6000 1986–1986
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• B7000 1981–1987
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• Bronco Sport 2021–2027
• C-Max 2013–2018
• C600 1981–1986
• C700 1981–1986
• C7000 1981–1987
• C800 1981–1990
• C8000 1981–1990
• CF6000 1981–1990
• CF7000 1981–1996
• CF8000 1981–1997
• CFT8000 1981–1997
• Contour 1995–2000
• Crown Victoria 1987–2011
• CT800 1981–1983
• CT8000 1981–1990
• E-100 1981–1983
• E-150 1981–2014
• E-250 1981–2014
• E-350 1981–2027
• E-450 1995–2027
• E-550 2002–2015
• Ecosport 2018–2027
• Edge 2007–2027
• Escape 2001–2027
• Escort 1981–2002
• Excursion 2000–2005
• Expedition 1997–2027
• Explorer 1991–2027
• Explorer Sport 2003–2003
• Explorer Sport Trac 2001–2010
• F-100 1981–1983
• F-150 1981–2027
• F-250 1981–2027
• F-350 1981–2027
• F-450 1999–2027
• F-550 1999–2027
• F-600 1981–2027
• F-650 2000–2027
• F-700 1981–1998
• F-750 2000–2027
• F-800 1981–2002
• F-Super Duty 1981–1997
• F6000 1981–1985
• F7000 1981–1987
• F8000 1981–1987
• Fairmont 1981–1983
• Fiesta 2011–2027
• Five Hundred 2005–2007
• Flex 2009–2027
• Focus 2000–2027
• Freestar 2004–2007
• Freestyle 2005–2007
• FT800 1981–1990
• FT8000 1981–1987
• FT900 1981–1998
• Fusion 2006–2020
• Granada 1981–1982
• GT 2004–2022
• L800 1981–1984
• L8000 1981–1997
• L8501 1997–1998
• L9000 1981–1997
• LA9000 1981–1997
• LL9000 1981–1997
• LN600 1981–1985
• LN700 1981–1986
• LN7000 1981–1997
• LN800 1981–1984
• LN8000 1981–1997
• LN9000 1981–1997
• LNT800 1981–1984
• LNT8000 1981–1997
• LNT9000 1981–1997
• LS8000 1981–1997
• LS9000 1981–1997
• LT800 1981–1984
• LT8000 1981–1997
• LT9000 1981–1997
• LTA9000 1981–1997
• LTD 1981–1986
• LTL9000 1981–1997
• LTS8000 1981–1997
• LTS9000 1981–1997
• Maverick 2022–2027
• Mustang 1981–2027
• Mustang Mach-E 2021–2027
• P600 1981–1994
• P800 1995–1997
• Probe 1988–1997
• Ranger 1982–2027
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⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov