Most common 1997 Ford Aspire problems
Share of the 60 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Aspire complaints by model year
Best Aspire years: 1996. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1997 Ford Aspire:
Fuel vapor valve leaks
There is no summary currently available
What 1997 Ford Aspire owners say
Air bags
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.
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.
Electrical system
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 when it rained which caused a wreck on 09/99 due to no brakes at that time. Have had front breaks replaced. Mechanic said he couldnt see any wear on them but need replaced.. My turn signals fuses replaced about 4 or 5 times , 3 wks ago had them replaced and now have no turn signals. ..( dot number: tire size: 16570/13 )
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 okay to drive the vehicle. The vehicle is at the dealer.
Fuel & propulsion system
I own a 1997 Ford Aspire and I was driving the other day and I stopped at the store. When I left the store and got in my car to crank it up the car sputtered and shook then stopped running. I lifted up the hood and noticed that the fuel line was pouring out gas. I called a mechanic to come and fix the problem, which cost me 300 dollars. When I told the mechanic about the problem, he said that this was recalled on the 1994 model year of this car, but my car is a 1997, which means that this problem was never fixed on future cars. I think that this should be investigated since it was recalled on a earlier model, but I still had the same problem in a later model car.
I own a 1997 Ford Aspire. The fuel pump has gone out. The car is only three years old. I took it to southbay Ford in hawthorne, ca and they wanted to charge me 1.200.00 dollars to have it replaced. I called Ford customer service and they couldn't help me since my warranty had expired. I ownly have 51,434 miles on the car. I have heard about Ford charging astronomical figure on the Aspire. Especially sicnce the car is no longer sold in America. About a month ago, I took the car in for a tune up. For failed to identify the problem then. Please respond back to my complaint. I feel that I am being robbed blind for a simple fuel pump repair. Thank you chris johnson.
1997 Ford Aspire engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 29 / 38 / 33 |
| 1.3L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | FWD | 24 / 29 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Ford Aspire a good car?
Based on 60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Aspire rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Aspire at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Ford Aspire?
The air bags — 14 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the electrical system (12) and fuel & propulsion system (11).
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Aspire have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Ford Aspire. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Aspire?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996. See the full Ford Aspire years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Aspire problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 101,000 miles; 17% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.