1997 Ford Aspire Problems
- Complaints
- 60filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 96,500miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 33 mpgcombined, 1.3L 4-cyl FWD · 29 city / 38 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Ford Aspire (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 1997 Ford Aspire most often describe transmission and differential gear failures, and fuel fumes or leaks in the cabin or fuel system. Air bag warning lights that flash or stay on are also common, and some complaints describe air bags that deployed with injuries or without warning.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission loses gears or differential fails
- 7 complaints (12%)
- typically at 1.6 yrs old
- filed 1999–2002
Owners describe a transmission that loses gears at speed, will not hold second gear in cold weather, or goes into neutral when pulling out of an intersection. A complaint links a gear lock-up to a crash. Some report the transmission was replaced more than once, and that gears were replaced by the dealer while the problem remained. Complaints also describe worn gears or failed parts in the differential, and some owners say a repair was charged to them after the warranty ended. Where mileage is stated, it is about 33,000 to 55,400 miles, and some complaints say the car was out of warranty.
What to check: On a test drive, shift through every gear, including a pull-out from a stop or an intersection, and watch for slipping or a drop into neutral. Ask the seller or dealer for transmission and differential repair records, including any gear or transaxle replacement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1997 Ford Aspire.50 MPH on major route in denver when car suddenly lost all gears. 55,400 miles on car, I am not a speedracer, nor was previous owner, torque converter thoroughly ruined, $1000 to fix, possibly more if whole tranny is shot. Narrowly escaped serious injury. Car is no longer under warrenty of any kind. Car not drivable as it has absolutely no gear selection.”
NHTSA complaint #754272, filed 2001-11“While driving suddenly heard alot of loud noise and clunking. Contacted dealer, they fixed it under warranty and gave consumer another 12,000 miles of warranty. It happened again after about 33,000 miles. Consumer determined that the front differential went out.”
NHTSA complaint #856284, filed 2000-02 - Fuel system
Fuel fumes, fuel smell, or fuel leaks
- 10 complaints (17%)
- median 293,212 mi at 10.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1997–2007
Owners report gasoline fumes or a fuel smell inside the car, such as when getting in after it has been parked, and in some cases the check engine light is also on. Some describe a fuel line pouring gas, a cracked fuel tank that leaked without warning, or a vent system that let fumes into the passenger compartment. Complaints describe repeated repairs, such as a vapor canister replaced with the problem remaining, and a dealer representative said similar cases had occurred before. Where mileage is given, it is 293,212 miles, and the fumes are described when entering the car after it has been parked.
What to check: Smell the cabin after the car has been parked, and look under the car for fuel stains or wet spots near the tank and filler. Ask whether the fuel tank, fuel lines, and vapor canister or vent system have been inspected, and request the repair records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 1997 Ford Aspire and I was driving the other day and I stopped at the store. When I left the store and got in my car to crank it up the car sputtered and shook then stopped running. I lifted up the hood and noticed that the fuel line was pouring out gas. I called a mechanic to come and fix the problem, which cost me 300 dollars. When I told the mechanic about the problem, he said that this was recalled on the 1994 model year of this car, but my car is a 1997, which means that this problem was never fixed on future cars. …”
NHTSA complaint #10186732, filed 2007-04, 293,212 miles“Fuel vapors, are noticeable when entering vehicle after being parked. Dealers have replaced numerous parts, including fuel vapor canister. Problem remains.”
NHTSA complaint #824229, filed 1998-06 - Air bags
Air bag warning light flashes or stays on
- 10 complaints (17%)
- median 101,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2007
Owners report the air bag warning light coming on, flashing, or staying lit, sometimes with a diagnostic code shown, and some say the light comes and goes with no accident. Some report that a dealer replaced a part, but the problem persisted. Owners ask whether the air bags are still working while the light is on, and a possible clockspring fault is mentioned. Where mileage is given, it is 30,000 miles, and some complaints describe the light flashing for years with no accident.
What to check: Turn the ignition on and confirm the air bag light goes off after the normal self-test, and ask the dealer to read any stored codes, including passenger seat sensor and clockspring codes. Ask whether the air bag system has been inspected and whether any repair records exist for the warning light.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Air bag warning light comes on intermittently and flashes for the last 6 years. Does it mean air bags are out of service, malfunctioning? The vehicle had no accidents, and in good maintained condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10199825, filed 2007-08, 30,000 miles“Vehicle experienced loose gears in the transmission system where the dealer had to replace the gears. Also, airbag light came on, and dealer replaced it, but problem still exists. In addition, key breaks in the door locks/ vehicle idles and stalls unexpectedly/driver's seat is very loose, dealer tightened the seat,but problem is still occurring/, and all doors were not aligned properly. Occupant needed to slam the door and cut her finger. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #843214, filed 1999-07 - Air bags
Air bags deploy with injuries or without warning
- 7 complaints (12%)
- median 101,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2004
Owners describe air bags that deployed in crashes with burns, bruising, and eye or facial injuries to belted teenage occupants. Other reports describe air bags that deployed without warning, including while stopping for a deer crossing, and a deployment that the driver says came before a collision with another vehicle. Where mileage is given, it is 101,000 miles, and the deployments are described during a crash or while braking for a deer crossing.
What to check: Ask the seller whether the air bag system has been inspected, and whether any air bag light codes were recorded, since some owners describe deployments without warning. Check the VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup for any open air bag recall.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“During a crash into a light pole at 25 MPH the air bags in our 1997 Ford Aspire exploded into the face of my 15 year who was fully restrained in the passenger seat. He is 5'11" and 168 lbs. He is suffering from "burns" bruising, sever mouth lacerations (he has braces). He is also unable to see in the eye that was hit, due to the imprint of the bag scored into his cornea. The 17 year old driver has a cracked rib.”
NHTSA complaint #10070184, filed 2004-01, 101,000 miles“My two teenage sons are suffering from injuries caused by the explosion of the airbags in our 1997 Ford Aspire. My oldest son, the driver is suffering from a broken rib, and my younger son, the passenger has 2nd - 3rd degree burns and severe bruising to his face, as well as his eye. The emergency room doctors was able to see the imprint of the bag on his cornea. Their ages are 17 and 15, they are both 5'11 and weigh 168 lbs. They are not small children. They were both properly restrained with lap and shoulder harnesses. …”
NHTSA complaint #10014147, filed 2003-04, 101,000 miles - Engine cooling
Oil or coolant leaks and engine problems
Mentioned in 4 of 44 sampled complaints
Owners report oil or coolant leaking, sometimes with the engine warning light on or white smoke from the exhaust. Complaints also describe a loud low-end engine noise that led to a remanufactured engine, and an owner who says the engine could have locked up while on the interstate. Some describe ongoing problems since the car was new, with repeated visits to the dealer. Mileage is not stated in these complaints, and some describe problems starting on the first day of ownership.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for oil or coolant residue under the engine, then test-drive the car and watch the engine light and temperature gauge. Ask whether the engine, cooling system, and any leaks were inspected, and request records of any engine replacement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After driving approximately 500 miles extreme noise in the low end caused me to pull into lythia Ford of boise, id. The engine contained sufficient oil and the soil pressure indicator was in the normal range. Lythia Ford inspected the engine and after performing tests decide that I need a remanufactured engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #727770, filed 2000-08“Have had recent oil leak and as of 08/24/00 white smoke blowing out of exhaust engine light continues on.. I have had airconditioning leaking into passanger side so it cant be used, I have always maintained my car at every 3 months.. The brake problem was noticed first month I owed car and only when it rained which caused a wreck on 09/99 due to no brakes at that time. Have had front breaks replaced. Mechanic said he couldnt see any wear on them but need replaced.. …”
NHTSA complaint #728967, filed 2000-08
Buying note. Buyers considering this model year should test the transmission through all gears and check the cabin for fuel odor, and ask for records of any transmission, differential, or fuel system repairs. Ask whether the air bag warning light has been diagnosed, since complaints describe the light staying on.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 44 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints for the 1997 Ford Aspire. 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 17% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 96,500 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 7 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags14 23%
- Electrical system12 20%
- Engine cooling11 18%
- Fuel system11 18%
- Brakes5 8.3%
- Other or unknown4 6.7%
- Wheels4 6.7%
- Steering3 5.0%
- Body and structure3 5.0%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Tires (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Air bag light flashes code 32 all the time. Will stop about once a month. Have looked at several other vehicles of the same year and seems to have same problem. Vehicle have not been in accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10050619, filed 2003-12Electrical system: “Consumer states the vehicle caught on fire under the hood. Vehicle was off for about 1 1/2 hours, owner noticed the check engine light on , on 26 of aug of 97. Owner took the vehicle into the dealer on the 26 th of aug. 97 to have it serviced. The dealer said that it was the sensor, and that it was okay to drive the vehicle. The vehicle is at the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #816373, filed 1997-09Engine cooling: “This vehicle has been in for a engine check light 4 times in the past six months. Each time, the mechanics claimed a different cause for the codes in memory. The problem is, if it is the catalytic converter, which was replaced at 58481 miles, it is possible for it to cause a vehicle fire. The problem has not recurred again yet, but the last visit, nothing was changed to remedy any underlying problem. I think four times for a problem is a bit out of line, and would like an investigation into the problem since it occurred shortly after the warranty supposedly ended. …”
NHTSA complaint #739866, filed 2001-01Fuel system: “I own a 1997 Ford Aspire. The fuel pump has gone out. The car is only three years old. I took it to southbay Ford in hawthorne, ca and they wanted to charge me 1.200.00 dollars to have it replaced. I called Ford customer service and they couldn't help me since my warranty had expired. I ownly have 51,434 miles on the car. I have heard about Ford charging astronomical figure on the Aspire. Especially sicnce the car is no longer sold in america. About a month ago, I took the car in for a tune up. For failed to identify the problem then. Please respond back to my complaint. …”
NHTSA complaint #716736, filed 2000-01Mileage when problems were reported
17% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 85,464 and 101,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Ford Aspire. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aspire · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1997 Ford Aspire version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aspire FWD | 1.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 29 | 38 | 33 | $2,050 |
| Aspire FWD | 1.3L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Ford Aspire in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
- PE98040Fuel vapor valve leaksClosed · Jul 15, 1998
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1997 Ford Aspire.
Other model years of the Ford Aspire
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 60 | 96,500 | 0 | — | 33 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 33 | 83,000 | 0 | — | 33 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 64 | 84,124 | 0 | — | 33 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 54 | 83,750 | 2 | — | 34 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Ford Aspire model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Aspire?
Owners of this 1997 Ford Aspire most often describe transmission and differential gear failures, and fuel fumes or leaks in the cabin or fuel system. The issues reported most often: Transmission loses gears or differential fails; Fuel fumes, fuel smell, or fuel leaks; Air bag warning light flashes or stays on.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Ford Aspire have?
NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints for the 1997 Ford Aspire as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1997 Ford Aspire is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 14 complaints (23% of the total), followed by electrical system with 12.
Has the 1997 Ford Aspire been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Ford Aspire get?
The EPA rates the 1997 Ford Aspire (Aspire, 1.3L 4-cyl) at 33 mpg combined, 29 city and 38 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1997 Ford Aspire reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 96,500 miles and the middle half falls between 85,464 and 101,000 miles; 17% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.