1997 Ford Aspire Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 12%of 60 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Ford Aspire, 12% of the 60 complaints for this model year.
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.
“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“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“Vehicle has had (3) transmissions replaced with one of the transmissions losing a pin, resulting in system having power failure. Please describe details.”
NHTSA complaint #8014494, filed 2002-07“Car will not stay in 2nd gear when temperature is less than 20 degrees..it goes into neutral when pulling out of intersections. Has done this since new and dealer says sorry.”
NHTSA complaint #729919, filed 2000-09Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Aspire
14 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsFuel system
11 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