1994 Ford Aspire Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1994 Ford Aspire, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags1524.6%
- Visibility711.5%
- Exterior lighting69.8%
- Engine58.2%
- Steering58.2%
- Electrical46.6%
- Transmission46.6%
- Brakes23.3%
- Fuel system23.3%
- Suspension23.3%
- Powertrain (other)23.3%
- Seat belts23.3%
- Body & structure11.6%
- Driver assistance11.6%
- Interior & seats11.6%
- Other / unspecified11.6%
- Tires & wheels11.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WITH A FRONT END COLLISION WITH DEER AT @40MPH. *AK
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 15MPH SWERVED TO AVOID A BYCICLIST AND HIT A LIGHT POLE HEAD-ON. DURING INFLATION OF THE AIR BAGS THEY BLEW OUT ON BOTH SIDE WINDOWS, SHATTERING THE WINDOWS INTO LITTLE PIECES. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE ABOVE DESCRIBED GLASS IS NOT SAFETY, BUT IS ONLY TEMPERED GLASS. IN AN ACCIDENT, THE LARGE VOLUME OF SLIVERS OF GLASS COULD HAVE DISASTROUS RESULTS. THIS WAS A STAIONARY EVENT AND, FORTUNATELY DID NOT.*AK
ENTIRE PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW SHATTERED UPON CLOSING THE DOOR. GLASS SHOWERED INSIDE THE CAR AS WELL AS IN THE DOOR AND ON THE GROUND OUTSIDE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH HEADLIGHTS ARE DISCOLORED, AND DO NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT LIGHTING,CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. *AK
WENT TO HAVE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND IT FAILED DUE TO THE LENS COVERING. COLOR OF THE LENS DOESN'T ALLOW VISIBLE LIGHTING. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK *ML
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
ASPIRE IS RUNNING VERY BAD LIKE MISSING, SEEMS LIKE ITS NOT GETTING GAS. NEW THING IS NOW IT WILL NOT START UNLESS YOU BASICALLY FLOOD THE CAR BY PUMPING THE GAS PEDAL AND THAT INCLUDES WHILE ITS RUNNING. I TOOK IT TO FORD AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR ACCORDING TO FREDERICK MOTOR COMPANY. *JB
MY NAME IS [XXX], THE MOTHER OF [XXX]. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW. THE FAN FAILED WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR I OWNED IT AND THE DEALERSHIP FIXED IT. [XXX] HAS OWNED THE CAR FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW, AND THE FAN WENT OUT AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME THE RELAY TO THE FAN MELTED. IN CHECKING WITH THE HAYNES BOOK ON THIS CAR, IT STATES TO WATCH FOR BURN HOLES IN THE CARPET AND SMOKING WIRING UNDER THE DASH BECAUSE OF THIS. OUR FEAR IS AFTER GETTING IT FIXED IT WILL DO IT AGAIN AND POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE. FORD IS NOT WILLING TO HELP US IN ANY WAY, AS THE WARRANTY IS UP AND THEY STATED THEY COULDN'T FIX IT PERMANENTLY ANYWAY. IT WOULD BE A LOST CAUSE. WE CAN FIX IT THROUGH FORD AND IF IT EVER IS RECALLED WE COULD BE REIMBURSED, BUT OUR FEAR IS THAT IT COULD CAUSE A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD IN THE FUTURE, JUST AS IT DID NOW AND MOST PROBABLY WHEN IT WAS FIXED THE FIRST TIME. MY HUSBAND IS CHECKING WITH FORD TO SEE IF THEY HAVE A RECORD OF THE FIRST TIME THE FAN WAS REPLACED AND WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT THEN, ALTHOUGH THE SYMPTOMS WERE THE SAME THEN AS NOW. IT SEEMS THE OLDER THE CAR IS THE BETTER CHANCE THERE IS OF THIS THING CATCHING FIRE. PLEASE LOOK INTO IT FOR US AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. [XXX]. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP, CAUSING IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS. OWNER NOTES OF INVESTIGATION FOR THIS PROBLEM. *AK
STEERING ASSEMBLY DEFECTIVE. (1ST VEHICLE ON 602889)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
DURING HOT WEATHER AND WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVING A LONG TIME, ENGINE WILL NOT START AFTER IT'S BEEN SHUT OFF. HAVE TO KEEP TRYING BEFORE IT FINALLY ENGAGES. HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR. IT'S NOT A DEAD BATTERY, THE ENGINE WILL NOT ENGAGE UNTIL SEVERAL TRIES ARE MADE.
STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP, CAUSING IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS. OWNER NOTES OF INVESTIGATION FOR THIS PROBLEM. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS ENTERING THE OUTERBELT AT CLEVELAND AVENUE & I-270W, AND AS I STARTED TO ACCELERATE THE CAR GOT UP TO ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP AND THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED TO SLOW. I HAD MY TWO CHILDREN, WHITNEY AGE 8 AND BRITTANY AGE 15 IN THE CAR WITH ME. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT, BUT I REALIZED THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I SPENT ABOUT $1,600.00 ON A USED TRANSMISSION AND THE OWNER EXPLAINED TO ME THAT DEALERS MAKE THE TRANSMISSION TO ONLY LAST ABOUT 3 YEARS, SO THEY CAN EITHER CHARGE YOU TO REPLACE IT OR TAKE YOUR CAR FROM YOU IF IT IS FINANCED, BECAUSE FOR THE MOST PART IT IS DIFFICULT TO COME UP WITH THAT KIND OF MONEY ON SHORT NOTICE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AND THE CAR WAS PAID OFF THE NEXT MONTH. I DO BELIEVE THAT THE FORD DEALERSHIP NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THOSE TRANSMISSIONS. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THE WINDSTAR IS NOT THE ONLY TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. SOMEONE NEEDS TO LOOK AT ALL THE TRANSMISSIONS ON THE FORD CARS.*AK
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE HAD A TRANSMISSION FAIL ON THIS CAR- THE THIRD IN A FORD VEHICLE I'VE OWNED. I ALSO HAVE A FRIEND WHO DRIVES A NEW ASPIRE AND HERS FAILED TOO. I TOOK IT TO GARAGES WHO REFUSED TO WORK ON IT BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSIONS IN ASPIRES ARE APPARENTLY NOTORIOUSLY BAD. MY CAR STOPPED DEAD- ONCE ON A HIGHWAY, ONCE ON A BUSY METROPOLITAN STREET, BUT CLEARLY IT COULD HAVE STOPPED ANYWHERE. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY WERE VERY RUDE AND MADE NO ATTEMPT TO HELP. AND AT THIS STAGE IN THE GOODYEAR LITIGATION! PLEASE CONTACT ME AS I FEEL MY CAR IS DANGEROUSLY DEFECTIVE!*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I AM SENDING THIS WITH GREAT CONCERN OVER A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT I FEEL IS VERY DANGEROUS.THE SPOT WELDS ON THE HARNESS THAT HOLDS THE BRAKE AND CLUTCH PEDALS BROKE AND CAUSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO HANG UP ON THE STEERING COLUMN. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP SAFELY AND NEARLY PUT THE CAR INTO A DITCH. I WAS APPALLED WHEN I REALIZED THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE WHOLE HARNESS HAS STRESS FRACTURES AND FROM WHAT I CAN SEE HAS BROKEN ON AT LEAST TWO OF THE SPOT WELDS. HOW COULD A PART THAT WOULD OBVIOUSLY HAVE SO MUCH WEAR AND TEAR AS THE BRAKE CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY ONLY BE SPOT WELDED TOGETHER? LET ALONE BE MANUFACTURED OUT OF SUCH THIN METAL? IT WAS POORLY MANUFACTURED AND I BELIEVE THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE INSPECTED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. HAD THIS NOT BEEN A FIVE SPEED I WOULD HAVE HAD NO WAY TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AND WOULD HAVE SURELY BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I AM AFRAID OF THE CAR AND I HOPE FORD WILL ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX IT BECAUSE THIS IN NO WAY IS USER ERROR. IT IS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT/ENGINEERING DESIGN FLAW THAT NO CONSUMER SHOUD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR. IT WAS A POOR CHOICE OF COST CUTTING TO ONLY SPOT WELD THIS PART TOGETHER . IT PLAINLY IS A DANGEROUS SAFELY ISSUE FOR ANYONE OPERATING ONE OF THESE CARS. I HOPE NO ONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT BECAUSE ANY MORE OF THESE WELDS BREAK AND CAUSE SOMEONE TO BE UNABLE TO STOP SAFELY. AS OF RIGHT NOW BOTH THE CLUTCH CABLE AND PEDAL DO NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY AND THE BRAKE PEDAL REPEATEDLY HITS THE STEERING COLUMN PREVENTING IT FROM BEING ABLE TO DEPRESS FAR ENOUGH TO FULLY STOP THE CAR. I PRAY I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS RUN INTO THIS PROBLEM, BUT I FEEL THIS NEEDS PROMPT ATTENTION AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR KILLED BY ONE OF THESE CARS DUE TO THIS MECHANICAL ERROR. THIS ASSEMBLY NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN "GLUED" TOGETHER WITH AN OBVIOUSLY WEAK SPOT WELD.
THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WARP EVERY 12K MILES, CAUSING SHIMMY IN THE FRONT AND ALSO DIFFICULTY STOPPING VEHICLE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE PARTS ARE NOT IN FORD DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL. TT
GAS LINES LOCATED UNDERNEATH VEHICLE AND COULD BE HIT BY OBJECTS IN ROAD AND CAUSE A FIRE. *SKD
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE IS VERY LOUD RAMBLING NOISE WHICH GETS HIGHER AS THE VEHICLE PICKS UP SPEED. ALSO, CRASH BARRIERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, AND THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
LEFT FRONT BALL JOINT RUSTED AWAY AND FAILED, EXCESSSIVE BODY AND COMPONENT DAMAGE, LOSS OF CONTROL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
INPUT SHAFTS AND REVERSE GEARS FAILED.
THROTTLE POSTION SENSOR FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL, ALSO REPLACED DISTRIBUTOR/BROKEN WINDOW/BATTERY/SPEEDOMETERAND ODOMETER. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT-END COLLISION AT 30MPH. WEARING SAFETY BELT, AIR-BAG DEPLOYED. FACE STILL HIT STEERING WHEEL BREAKING FRONT OF JAW AND KNOCKING OUT TEETH. CAR WAS DECLARED TOTALLED.*AK
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT UNBOLTED FROM FLOOR BOARD ALSO SEAT BELT IS INOPERATIVE. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE IS VERY LOUD RAMBLING NOISE WHICH GETS HIGHER AS THE VEHICLE PICKS UP SPEED. ALSO, CRASH BARRIERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, AND THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THROTTLE POSTION SENSOR FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL, ALSO REPLACED DISTRIBUTOR/BROKEN WINDOW/BATTERY/SPEEDOMETERAND ODOMETER. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT UNBOLTED FROM FLOOR BOARD ALSO SEAT BELT IS INOPERATIVE. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THREADS ON THE JACK SCREW BOLTS ARE STRIPPED. JACK WON'T GO UP OR DOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
DEALER PUT COOPER COBRA TIRES (NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION MENTIONED) ON VEHICLE THAT WERE DEFECTIVE WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE TO SHAKE, DEALER PUT DEFECTIVE TIRES ON REAR AXLE, BUT CONDITION STILL EXISTED, FINALLY CONSUMER HAD ANOTHER DEALER REPLACE COOPER COBRA TIRES WITH ANOTHER BRAND AND NOW CONDITION IS RESOLVED. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .