1997 Ford Aspire problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1997 Ford Aspire sits mid-pack among Aspire years: 88 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 67, with no recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (14), electrical system (14), and engine (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
88
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
7
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other Aspire years?
What are the most common 1997 Ford Aspire problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 14 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 14 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 12 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 11 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 7 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 7 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 5 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Other | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“BECAUSE OF A DEFECTIVE PART, THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION SYSTEM LEAKED GASOLINE FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND HAD APPARENTLY DONE SO SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT. THE DEALER REP. STATED THAT THEY HAD THIS PROBLEM IN THE PAST WITH 2 OR 3 OTHERS.”
“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…”
1997 Ford Aspire — common questions
Is the 1997 Ford Aspire reliable?
It is close to typical for the Aspire: 88 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
What are the most common 1997 Aspire problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (14 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints), engine (12 complaints).
Does the 1997 Ford Aspire have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Ford Aspire.
Is the 1997 Ford Aspire under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.