MYRModel Year Report

1997 Ford Aspire

○ Not enough data
1997 Ford Aspire
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:35:06.097Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
60
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

23% of complaints

Complaints per year

1987: 1 complaint 1987 1994: 55 complaints 1994 1995: 64 complaints 1995 1996: 33 complaints 1996 1997: 60 complaints 1997 60
1987: 1 complaint 1987 1994: 55 complaints 1994 1995: 64 complaints 1995 1996: 33 complaints 1996 1997: 60 complaints 1997 60
1987: 1 complaint 1987 1994: 55 complaints 1994 1995: 64 complaints 1995 1996: 33 complaints 1996 1997: 60 complaints 1997 60

1997: 60 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19871
199455
199564
199633
199760

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

23% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-22

My two teenage sons are suffering from injuries caused by the explosion of the airbags in our 1997 Ford Aspire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-08

While driving the driver attempted to apply the brakes and there were no brakes. Vehicle hit another car. Before the driver hit other vehicle, the air bag deployed, causing the driver to hit other vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-07-15

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Electrical system

23% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and front underhood.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-09-15

Consumer states of having problems with the rims on her vehicle. Dealer was contacted. Mr. Consumer was infomred a new battery was needed, the vehicle was leaking coolant, and the engine light was on.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-18

Engine and engine cooling

20% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing emission control and catalytic convertor.

CRASHDEATH

Fuel system, gasoline

18% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.

Power train

12% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1998-07-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1998-11-16 Fuel vapor valve leaks

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Ford Aspire — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 12 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 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 1997 Ford Aspire?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Aspire have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.