Owners have filed 41 complaints
about the 1996 Ford Aspire with NHTSA between 1996 and 2006.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 28
Against the median year of the Ford Aspire. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
24.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1996 Ford Aspire
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
922.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 83,000 mi
Airbags
614.6%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Electrical System
614.6%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Transmission & Drivetrain
49.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 83,000 mi
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
37.3%
Fuel & Propulsion
37.3%
Suspension
37.3%
Seat Belts
24.9%
Steering
24.9%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 83,000 mi
Wheels
12.4%
Tires
12.4%
Engine & Cooling
12.4%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Exactly what failed
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
419.0%
Ignition
314.3%
Foundation Components
314.3%
Front
314.3%
Frontal
314.3%
Rotor
29.5%
Disc
29.5%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
14.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 1996peak 5Feb 2006
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Ford Aspire
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE98040Opened 15 Jul 1998Closed 16 Nov 1998VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL VAPOR VALVE LEAKS
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 83,000 milesTucson, AZCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITHOUT WARNING THE BRAKES AND STEERING FAILED, WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH. THE VEHICLE RAN INTO A BRICK WALL AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. ALSO, AT 14,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT 40,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. AT 55,000 MILES THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT A FINAL TIME AT 65,000 MILES. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10150215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesTucson, AZCrash
STEERING
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITHOUT WARNING THE BRAKES AND STEERING FAILED, WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH. THE VEHICLE RAN INTO A BRICK WALL AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. ALSO, AT 14,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT 40,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. AT 55,000 MILES THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT A FINAL TIME AT 65,000 MILES. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10150215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesTucson, AZCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITHOUT WARNING THE BRAKES AND STEERING FAILED, WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH. THE VEHICLE RAN INTO A BRICK WALL AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. ALSO, AT 14,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT 40,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. AT 55,000 MILES THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT A FINAL TIME AT 65,000 MILES. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10150215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tillamook, ORCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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 complaint #10020509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miwuk, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
ENGINE CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DRIVER GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DEALER HAS THE VEHICLE NOW. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #837995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miwuk, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DRIVER GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DEALER HAS THE VEHICLE NOW. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #837995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 83,000 milesTucson, AZCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITHOUT WARNING THE BRAKES AND STEERING FAILED, WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH. THE VEHICLE RAN INTO A BRICK WALL AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. ALSO, AT 14,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT 40,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. AT 55,000 MILES THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT A FINAL TIME AT 65,000 MILES. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10150215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesTucson, AZCrash
STEERING
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITHOUT WARNING THE BRAKES AND STEERING FAILED, WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH. THE VEHICLE RAN INTO A BRICK WALL AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. ALSO, AT 14,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT 40,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. AT 55,000 MILES THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT A FINAL TIME AT 65,000 MILES. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10150215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesTucson, AZCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITHOUT WARNING THE BRAKES AND STEERING FAILED, WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH. THE VEHICLE RAN INTO A BRICK WALL AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. ALSO, AT 14,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT 40,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. AT 55,000 MILES THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT A FINAL TIME AT 65,000 MILES. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10150215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jefferson City, MO
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE LEFT REAR SAFETY BELT DOES NOT STAY SECURELY FASTENED, A CHILD CAN EASILY PULL BELT TO RELEASE.
NHTSA complaint #10024537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tillamook, ORCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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 complaint #10020509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Georgetown, KY
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING, NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET.
NHTSA complaint #896733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Georgetown, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON JANUARY 4, 1999. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET KEY OUT OF IGNITION. KEY WAS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #896735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskego, WI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETLY AS DRIVER WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION.
NHTSA complaint #741815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
MY ASPIRE EXHIBITED A NUMBER OF COMPONENT FAILURES, AND I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN INJURED BY THEM. IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, THE DISTRIUBUTOR FAILURE OCCURRED AS I ENTERED AN INTERSECTION, AND AS A RESULT THE CAR STALLED AT THE LIGHT NOT IN THE TRAFFIC LANE. IN THE SECOND INSTANCE, THE STEERING COMPONENT FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT VIBRATION BUT I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR AND TAKE IT INTO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. IN THE THIRD INSTANCE, THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE CAUSED THE CAR NOT TO START, BUT FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, THE PART COULD HAVE FAILED DURING OPERATION AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A STALL. I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY. DISAPPOINTED IN THE ASPIRE, BUT LUCKY.
NHTSA complaint #737677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
STEERING:LINKAGES
MY ASPIRE EXHIBITED A NUMBER OF COMPONENT FAILURES, AND I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN INJURED BY THEM. IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, THE DISTRIUBUTOR FAILURE OCCURRED AS I ENTERED AN INTERSECTION, AND AS A RESULT THE CAR STALLED AT THE LIGHT NOT IN THE TRAFFIC LANE. IN THE SECOND INSTANCE, THE STEERING COMPONENT FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT VIBRATION BUT I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR AND TAKE IT INTO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. IN THE THIRD INSTANCE, THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE CAUSED THE CAR NOT TO START, BUT FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, THE PART COULD HAVE FAILED DURING OPERATION AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A STALL. I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY. DISAPPOINTED IN THE ASPIRE, BUT LUCKY.
NHTSA complaint #737677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #728724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #728725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #728725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I'VE EXPERIENCED THREE TRANSMISSION FAILURES SINCE I'VE OWNED THE FORD ASPIRE. WITHIN ONE YEAR OF OWNERSHIP, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TWICE WITHIN MONTHS OF EACH OTHER. THIS YEAR (99), IT FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME. IT WAS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY THE FIRST TWO TIMES IT WENT OUT. THIS CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT WILL CAUSE POTENTIAL ROAD INJURY TO MYSELF AND/OR FAMILY MEMBERS, AND OTHER MOTORISTS. IT HAS GONE OUT WHILE MERGING WITH TRAFFIC, SO FAR GOD HAS SPARED OUR LIVES FROM A FATAL ACCIDENT THAT IS WAITING TO HAPPEN. FORD REFUSES TO WRITE THIS CAR OFF AS A LEMON AND/OR SAFETY HAZARD; INSTEAD, THEY WANT TO PUT ME IN ANOTHER USED CAR AND ABSORB THE COST OF THE FORD ASPIRE, PLUS PUT AT LEAST $2,000.00 DOWN. THEY ARE NOT IMPROVING MY SITUATION BY BURYING ME DEEPER INTO ANOTHER USED CAR THAT WILL TAKE ME ANOTHER FOUR YEARS TO PAY OFF, BEFORE I CAN GET OUT OF IT. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT TRYING TO REESTABLISH MY CREDIT, I HAD NO PROBLEM KEEPING THE ASPIRE UNTIL IT BECAME A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION. I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO GET OUT OF THE ASPIRE; EITHER THAT, OR CONTINUALLY MAKE PAYMENTS ON A CAR THAT IS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT--AND THAT IS UNFAIR TO ME AS A CONSUMER TO CARRY THE BRUNT OF THIS CAR. FORD DOES NOT STAND BEHIND ITS CONSUMERS, AND IT SEEMS LIKE MY SAFETY IS BEING TAKEN LIGHTLY. THE FIRST TIME MY CAR WAS WORKED ON, A FORD REPRESENTATIVE ASSURED ME IT WAS FIXED--HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THE LAST TWO PROBLEMS AFTER THAT? I HAVE NOWHERE ELSE TO TURN, AND I HAVEN'T BEEN FULLY ASSISTED IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #716119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bradenton, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKES MAKE NOISE WHEN STOPPING. YH
NHTSA complaint #547846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bradenton, FL
WHEELS:RIM
FRONT WHEELS VIBRATE ON HIGHWAY, DUE TO POSSIBLE FAULTY RIMS. YH
NHTSA complaint #547846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SON WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON BUSY ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE STOPPED, NO WARNING. CONTACTED DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #847704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burnsville, MN
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITIN THE SYSTEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #846766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellaire, OH
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
WHILE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS ROLLED DOWN IT EXPLODED. ALSO, DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW EXPLODED PRIOR TO THIS. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #837660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miwuk, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
ENGINE CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DRIVER GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DEALER HAS THE VEHICLE NOW. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #837995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miwuk, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DRIVER GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DEALER HAS THE VEHICLE NOW. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #837995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ANN Arbor, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAVE FAILED 4 TIMES. FORD TURNED THE ROTORS, AND STATED ASPIRES HAVE BAD BRAKES. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AS I HAVE OWNED 4 OF THESE CARS.
NHTSA complaint #705433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Roug, LA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKE DESIGN OF THE ADJUSTMENT/THRUST ROD CAUSES EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES AND SLOW BRAKE ENGAGEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #532967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dracut, MA1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
WHEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTED IT SHATTERED THE WINDOW , CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #825568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merrick, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CAR SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE MOST OF THE TIME INSIDE. DEALER CONTACTED, AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROBLEM FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #832594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.