1996 Ford Aspire Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 12%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Ford Aspire, 12% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I've experienced three transmission failures since I've owned the Ford Aspire. Within one year of ownership, the transmission failed twice within months of each other. This year (99), it failed for the third time. It was still under factory warranty the first two times it went out. This car is a safety hazard that will cause potential road injury to myself and/or family members, and other motorists. It has gone out while merging with traffic, so far god has spared our lives from a fatal accident that is waiting to happen. …”
NHTSA complaint #716119, filed 1999-12“The contact stated without warning the brakes and steering failed, while driving 5-10 MPH. The vehicle ran into a brick wall and there was damage to the front end of the vehicle. There was a police report taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic. Also, at 14,000 miles while driving 15 MPH the vehicle stopped. The engine was still on, but the vehicle would not move. The dealership determined the transmission needed to be replaced. This happened again at 40,000 miles and the transmission was replaced by the dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10150215, filed 2006-02, 83,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Aspire
8 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Aspire
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology