1996 Ford Aspire
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1994 | 54 |
| 1995 | 64 |
| 1996 | 33 |
| 1997 | 60 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
12% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH9% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE RIGHT WHEEL HIT A GRAVEL PATCH AND SLID INTO A EMBANKMENT. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030523
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 30-35 MPH THE CONSUMER HIT A VEHICLE THAT WAS CROSSING IN FRONT OF HER VEHICLE, SHE HIT THE FRONT OF THE OTHER VEHICLE, AND ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE, NEITHER OF AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980209
WHI8LE DRIVING THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT REASON, RESULTING IN INJURIES TO DRIVER . *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970623
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
FUEL VAPOR VALVE LEAKS
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Ford Aspire — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1996 Ford Aspire reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford Aspire?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford Aspire have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.