1998 Ford Fiesta

1998 Ford Fiesta

The 1998 Ford Fiesta was a subcompact car available in two trims: LX and SE. It was powered by a 1.4L Zetec-SE inline-four engine that produced 90 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

Owners praised the Fiesta for its affordability, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency, but they also noted its lack of power and interior space.

Engine

1.4L Zetec-SE

• Intake manifold gasket failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Head gasket failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, loss of power, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200+
  • Recalls: N/A

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Synchro issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficult or impossible to shift gears
  • Solution: Replace synchros
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: N/A

Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or fails to engage
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: N/A

Suspension

• Strut failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise, vibration, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Control arm bushings worn:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise, vibration, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: N/A

Electrical

• Alternator failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery warning light illuminates, electrical problems
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $400+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Starter failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, clicking sound when attempting to start
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: N/A

Exterior

• Door handle failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening doors
  • Solution: Replace door handles
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Rust:
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on body panels
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on severity
  • Recalls: N/A

Interior

• Dashboard cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks on dashboard surface
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Seat fabric tearing:
  • Description/Symptoms: Tears in seat fabric
  • Solution: Replace seat fabric
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: N/A

Summary

The 1998 Ford Fiesta is a reliable subcompact car with a few common issues to look out for. The severity of these issues varies, and the cost to fix them can be significant. While some issues may be minor inconveniences, others can affect the drivability and safety of the vehicle. It’s important to have any issues diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.