1997 Ford Aspire Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 23%of 60 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Ford Aspire, 23% of the 60 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,000 miles. 3 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.
“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. The car slid into a light pole at about 25 MPH during a rainstorm.”
NHTSA complaint #10014147, filed 2003-04, 101,000 miles“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“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 2003-12“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 1999-07Air bags: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Aspire
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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