FORD FESTIVA PROBLEMS

Complaints and Common Faults

• 1. Seat Belt Issues:

  • Failure to Retract/Engage. Driver's side electronic seatbelt doesn't lock/unlock automatically; track issues cause the belt not to restrain. Retractors on both front and rear belts failed or jammed. Automatic seat belts with intermittent failures and sticking/jamming issues. Rear lap belts locked and inoperative.
    
  • Structural Failure. Shoulder belts broke at stitching, failed at the release button, or disintegrated.
    

    Recall Related. Numerous complaints about issues related to seat belts: buckle recall repairs refused due to unavailability of parts.

• 2. Electrical and Ignition Problems:

  • Ignition Issues. Short circuits and overheating in the ignition switch causing blower motor issues, intermittent functionality, and smoking from the steering column. Stalling, electrical short, and complete shutdown without warning.
    
  • Fires. Several instances of engine fires possibly caused by electrical faults or heating issues. Fire hazards from the wiring located under the hood.
    

• 3. Mechanical Issues:

  • Transmission and Clutch Failures. Transmission failures and clutch issues, including rebuilt transmissions that continued to fail.
    
  • Steering and Suspension. Failures in control arms, tie rods, CV axles, and lower ball joints, leading to accidents and control loss.
    
  • Bearing Failures. Repeated wheel bearing issues leading to wheel seizures and wheels detaching.
    

• 4. Engine and Cooling Problems:

  • Overheating. Issues with the cooling fan motor and relay, including coolant fan problems tied to ignition switches.
    
  • Miscellaneous Engine Issues. Engine compartment fires, stalling, hesitations while driving, and unusual noises leading to engine failure.
    

• 5. Braking Issues:

  • Failure to Brake Properly. Brake adjusters locking up, linings separating from shoes resulting in brake failure, and other brake-related issues.
    

• 6. Visibility and Accessories:

  • Lighting Issues. Headlight relay replacing multiple times due to failures resulting in poor visibility.
    
  • Windshield Wiper Failures. Poor visibility caused by stripped windshield wiper arms and structural failures of the wiper mount.