1992 Ford Festiva recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. 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.
What could happen: THESE BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES WILL NOT FIT INTO THE FRAME RECESS WITHOUT BEING ALTERED. ALSO THE STUD IS UNDERSIZED AND WILL NOT FIT THE SPINDLE PROPERLY POSSIBLY CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: MOOG WILL REPLACE THE INCORRECTLY PACKAGED ASSEMBLIES WITH CORRECT BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1992 FESTIVA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96E017000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
Summary: 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.
Consequence: THESE BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES WILL NOT FIT INTO THE FRAME RECESS WITHOUT BEING ALTERED. ALSO THE STUD IS UNDERSIZED AND WILL NOT FIT THE SPINDLE PROPERLY POSSIBLY CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: MOOG WILL REPLACE THE INCORRECTLY PACKAGED ASSEMBLIES WITH CORRECT BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES.
Notes: SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; INDEPENDENT FRONT CONTROL ARM; UPPER; BALL JOINT. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT/CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES FOR USE ON 1988 THROUGH 1993 FORD FESTIVA MODEL VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION: DISTRIBUTORS/DEALERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND CUSTOMERS WILL BE NOTIFIED SHORTLY. NOTE: OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE CORRECT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MOOG AT 1-314-385-3400. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1992 Ford Festiva owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (5), Engine (4), Lights (3), Seat belts (3), Transmission / drivetrain (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
01/13/2016 · Wheels / tires
DELTA AKURET GRIP PLUS STUDDED SNOW TIRES 74S 145/75/12 . THE STUDS IN THESE SNOW TIRES WORE THE INTERIOR OF THE TIRE AWAY AND CAUSED A SWIFT LEAK, AS DOCUMENTED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. TIRE WENT FLAT REPEATEDLY, AND WAS INFLATED TO PROPER PSI SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF THE DAY. TAKING THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP, IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LEAK WA…
05/18/2007 · Steering · crash
FAILURE OF LOW CONTROL ARMS, TIE ROD END ,AND CV AXLES. *AK
04/30/2001 · Seats · crash
CONSUMER WAS HIT FROM REAR BY A TOW TRUCK, CAUSING DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT TO TWIST AND BREAK. CONSUMER FELT THIS WAS NOT SAFE, FOR SEAT TO GO BACK AND BREAK.*AK *SLC
01/10/2001 · Equipment
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
12/09/1998 · Lights
THE LENS COVERS FOR THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLIES (BOTH SIDES) HAVE DETERIOTED TO THE POINT THAT WE ARE NO LONGER GETING ENOUGH LIGHT AT NIGHT TO DRIVE THE CAR SAFELY. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE MATERIAL THE LENS WAS MADE OFF, AND THE INABILTY TO KEEP THE INSIDE OF THE LENS CLEAN. THE COST TO REPLACE THESE LENS COVERS ARE $75 EACH. IF THIS WAS A TRADITION SEALE…
08/24/1998 · Airbags · crash
NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS AIRBAG DURING ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURY.
07/09/1998 · Electrical system · fire
WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. *AK
02/04/1998 · Lights
CONSUMER COULD NOT REPLACE PARKING LIGHT DUE TO INFERIOR DESIGN (NOT ENOUGH ROOM AND SPACE).