1999 Ford Fiesta

1999 Ford Fiesta

The 1999 Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car that was available with a 1.3L or 1.6L engine and a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. It was known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability. However, there are a few known issues with the vehicle that potential buyers should be aware of.

Engine

1.3L Engine

• Head Gasket Failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and loss of coolant. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: The intake manifold gasket can leak, causing a loss of power and a rough idle. Symptoms include a hissing sound from the engine, a decrease in fuel economy, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Exhaust Manifold Cracking: The exhaust manifold can crack, causing a loss of power and a rattling noise. Symptoms include a rattling sound from the engine, a decrease in fuel economy, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the exhaust manifold. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

1.6L Engine

• Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt can fail, causing catastrophic engine damage. Symptoms include a loud noise from the engine, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the timing belt and any damaged components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak: The valve cover gasket can leak, causing oil to leak onto the engine. Symptoms include a burning oil smell, a loss of oil, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Spark Plug Failure: The spark plugs can fail, causing a loss of power and a rough idle. Symptoms include a decrease in fuel economy, a check engine light, and difficulty starting the engine. The solution is to replace the spark plugs. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100+

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch Failure: The clutch can fail, causing difficulty shifting gears or a loss of power. Symptoms include a slipping clutch, a grinding noise when shifting, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
• Transmission Mount Failure: The transmission mount can fail, causing excessive vibration and noise. Symptoms include a rattling noise when shifting gears, a vibration in the cabin, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the transmission mount. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Fluid Leak: The transmission fluid can leak, causing a loss of fluid and damage to the transmission. Symptoms include a slipping transmission, a delay in shifting gears, and a check engine light. The solution is to repair the leak and replace the transmission fluid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Shift Solenoid Failure: The shift solenoid can fail, causing a delay in shifting gears or a loss of power. Symptoms include a rough shift, a delay in shifting gears, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the shift solenoid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Suspension

• Strut Failure: The struts can fail, causing a loss of stability and handling. Symptoms include a rough ride, excessive noise, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
• Ball Joint Failure: The ball joints can fail, causing a loss of control and a clunking noise. Symptoms include a clunking noise when turning or braking, excessive play in the steering wheel, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the ball joints. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
• Sway Bar Links Failure: The sway bar links can fail, causing a loss of stability and handling. Symptoms include a rattling noise when driving over bumps, excessive lean in turns, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the sway bar links. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail, causing a loss of power and a dead battery. Symptoms include a loss of power, a dim dashboard, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Starter Failure: The starter can fail, causing difficulty starting the engine. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the engine, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Battery Failure: The battery can fail, causing a loss of power and a dead car. Symptoms include a loss of power, a dim dashboard, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Exterior

• Tail Light Failure: The tail lights can fail, causing a loss of visibility at night. Symptoms include a burned-out bulb, a cracked lens, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the tail light assembly. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Headlight Failure: The headlights can fail, causing a loss of visibility at night. Symptoms include a burned-out bulb, a cracked lens, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the headlight assembly. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Brake Light Failure: The brake lights can fail, causing a loss of visibility to other drivers. Symptoms include a burned-out bulb, a cracked lens, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the brake light assembly. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100+

Interior

• AC Compressor Failure: The AC compressor can fail, causing a loss of air conditioning. Symptoms include a lack of cold air, a strange noise from the compressor, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the AC compressor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
• Heater Core Failure: The heater core can fail, causing a loss of heat in the cabin. Symptoms include a lack of warm air, a sweet smell in the cabin, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the heater core. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Window Motor Failure: The window motor can fail, causing the windows to be stuck open or closed. Symptoms include a lack of power to the windows, a strange noise from the motor, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the window motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Summary

The 1999 Ford Fiesta is a reliable and affordable vehicle with a few known issues. The most common issues are related to the engine, transmission, and electrical system. The severity of the issues can range from minor inconveniences to more serious problems that require expensive repairs. Potential buyers should consider the potential costs of repairs before purchasing a used 1999 Ford Fiesta.