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VIN REPORT

KNJLT06H0T61768231996 FORD Aspire

Risk Score
27
MODERATE RISK
out of 100
Clear
No active recalls
54
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
30 yrs
Made in SOUTH KOREA
D
Score: 67/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

1996 FORD Aspire was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 54 owner complaints include 6 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 6 injuries reported across 54 owner complaints
27/100
Moderate Risk
2 moderate risk signals detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 2 detected
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
Elevated fire risk signals detected
+7
Critical Alerts

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
FORD
Model
Aspire
Year
1996
Trim / Series
Sedan Hatchback Body Style
Body Style
Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 1.3L
Doors
4
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS (FORD IMPORTS)
Assembly
KYUNG KI-DO, SOUTH KOREA
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
CQuality55/100
Standard📍 KYUNG KI-DO, SOUTH KOREA

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety
D
Score: 67/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety30/30
Complaint History17/30
0/100Clear

✓ No high-risk recall components found

0/100
Basic
0 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Elevated
  • 2 complaint(s) involved a fire
Moderate
  • 6 injuries reported in complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Recalls
82/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 4 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~360,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 30 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Chain Tensioner immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 30 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 30 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 30 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 30 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
EST. OVERDUEModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 30 yr · Past due by age
Service Fuel Injectors immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
0CLEAR
No Recall Campaigns Found
NHTSA has no active or historical recalls for this 1996 FORD.
1 in 9

6 injuries reported across 54 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.

Complaints
Brakes
10
Engine/Powertrain
1 crash9
Safety Systems
2 crash4 inj9
Suspension/Wheels
1 crash2 inj9
Electrical
6
Fuel System
4
Visibility
3
Steering
3
1997
11
1998
12
1999
8
2000
5
2001
5
2003
2
2005
3
2006
2
2007
2
2008
2
67% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Engine stalling5
Fire/smoke4
Electrical failure1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (6)Startup (2)Parking/low-speed (1)
54HIGH VOLUME
2
Fires
4
Crashes
6
Injuries
ODI #10245079ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

FIRST MY ENGINE SEEMED TO OVERHEAT A BIT THEN EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE IT WOULD SOUND LIKE THE ENGINE WAS GRINDING ON SOMETHING AND WOULDN'T STOP.. SOUNDED LIKE A BUNCH OF CHAINS IN MY HOOD. BUT THEN ON OCCASIONS THE STUPID THING WOULDN'T SHUT OFF WHEN IT WAS MAKING THE CHAIN SOUND, EVEN WITH MY KEY OUT. IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN AND NOW THE THING SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING AND I HAVE NO POWER WHAT SO EVER IN MY VEHICLE. BEFORE WHEN IT FINALLY SHUT OFF IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO SPARK. THEN IT WAS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE THAT WASN'T COOL. *TR

ODI #10215325AIR BAGS1 INJURY

1996 FORD EXPLORER, 4X4. DRIVING IN DESERT WENT OVER A BUMP A LITTLE FAST, WHICH SET OFF MY AIRBAGS. MY RIDER IS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR BROKEN NOSE, CHEEK AND SOME KIND OF SMOKE INHALATION. MY WINDSHIELD IS BROKEN BECAUSE THE BAG HIT THE MIRROR WHICH THEN HIT THE WINDSHIELD. MY STEERING WHEEL IS DESTROYED, CRUISE CONTROL AND HORNS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. BEFORE I COULD DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN I HAD TO CUT THE AIRBAGS OUT. WHAT THE HELL IS THIS! NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR EXCEPT WHAT THE AIRBAGS DID. I WANT THIS ALL FIXED AT FORD'S EXPENSE. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR 10 YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS EXCEPT; RECALLED TIRES, STEERING BARS AND BRAKES (ALL RECALL). *TR

ODI #10211101FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

MY 1996 MERCURY VILLAGER DEVELOPED A FAILURE IN THE AIR FLOW SENSOR (PART $330) THAT RESULTED IN VEHICLE STALLS, INCLUDING STOPS ON THE HIGHWAY, THAT NEARLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE REQUIRED REPAIRS EXCEEDED $500. I KNOW FORD HAS A SIMILAR RECALL OUT NOW FOR THE 1997-2003 (/) MODELS). *TR

ODI #10195275TIRESCRASH2 INJURIES

TIRE ON 2 CASES BLEW THE TREAD AND BELT, THE LATER OF THE TWO INCIDENCES WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH THAT TOTALED THE VEHICLE, AND RESULTED IN TWO INJURIES TO BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER. BOTH NEEDED TO BE HOSPITALIZED.*AK

ODI #10160448ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS LEAKING FLUID. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL ON OTHER FORD VEHICLES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, THE REPAIR WERE MADE FOR A FEE. ALSO EVERY 25000 MILES, THE OIL PAN GASKET NEEDED TO BE CHANGED DUE A SMALL LEAK. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THIRD, THE EXHAUST AND INTAKE MANIFOLDS WERE LEAKING CAUSING A NOXIOUS SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE SAME SERVICE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH MANIFOLDS, AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK DRIPPING ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.

ODI #10150215STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAINCRASH

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.

ODI #10145182ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2005 WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY I EXPIRED A SUDDEN SPIKE IN TEMPERATURE ON MY 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT MY "PLASTIC" INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE CURRENT INVESTIGATION AND HAD NEVER RECEIVED ANY SORT OF CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION FROM FORD. I HEARD ABOUT THE MANIFOLD ISSUE FROM A FELLOW EMPLOYEE. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS FOR THIS FAULTY MANIFOLD WAS $978.00. I FEEL IF THEY KNEW THEY NEEDED TO UPDATE IT WITH AN ALUMINUM MANIFOLD THAN THEY KNEW THE PLASTIC ONES WERE FAULTY.*JB

ODI #10126633UNKNOWN OR OTHERFIRE

ON 06/03/2005, A GOVERNMENT OWNED, 1996 FORD BRONCO, WAS OBSERVED ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TURNED OFF AND PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY EIGHT HOURS WHEN THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE FIRE WAS OBSERVED AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, AND BURNED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT COULD BE EXTINGUISHED. THE FIRE WAS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH.

ODI #10122086ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT

INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED ON 1996 THUNDERBIRD IN 2000. IT IS NOW CRACKED, AND AFTER SPENDING 550.00 TO FIND THAT OUT, THERE IS NOTHING FORD WILL DO EVEN THOUGH IT IS ON CAMPAIGN (97M91). NOW I CAN NOT DRIVE MY CAR.

ODI #10024537SEAT BELTS

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE LEFT REAR SAFETY BELT DOES NOT STAY SECURELY FASTENED, A CHILD CAN EASILY PULL BELT TO RELEASE.*AK

ODI #10020509AIR BAGSCRASH

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

ODI #896733AIR BAGS

AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING, NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET.*AK

ODI #896735ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON JANUARY 4, 1999. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET KEY OUT OF IGNITION. KEY WAS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION.

ODI #743049SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 1999, I HAVE REPORTED TO FORD MOTOR AND BUDGET CAR SALES THE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM, BRAKES JAM, VEHICLE GOES BACKWARD AND JERKS FORWARD WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC. FORD MOTOR CO. REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILTY FOR THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND BUDGET AUTO SALES SAYS THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND I NEED TO WAIT UNTIL "SOMETHING HAPPENS" THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP AND I IMPLORE SOMEONE TO ASSIST ME IN GETTING THESE DEFECTS CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED.*AK

ODI #743052SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE (1996 FORD SABLE) I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS..THE CAR SHUTS OFF AT SPEEDS OF 10MPH, WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC, OR ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBEM TO NHTSA, THE DEALER, FORD MOTOR CO. AND THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER, THE DEALER SAYS HE CAN NOT FIX IT UNTIL IT DUPLICATES WHILE HE HAS IT...AGAIN HE SAYS "WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS" , I ASKED IF HE WERE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO BE INJURED OR KILLED HE SAID UNFORTUNATELY THAT'S WHAT WILL HAVE TO HAPPEN IN ORDER TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. I FIND THIS TO BE A LUDICRUOUS ANSWER, FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBLITY FOR MANUFACTURER DEFECTS. FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO CORRECT THESE DEFECTS.*AK

ODI #741815POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETLY AS DRIVER WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION. *AK

ODI #737677STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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. *AK

ODI #735209ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS M/V HAS BEEN WORKED ON AT LEAST 15-20 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE BEGINING CAR WAS TAKEN TO SULLIVAN BROS WHILE UNDER WARRENTIE AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. SINCE 7-2000 THIS CAR WAS AT TWO DEALERS AND THE COST CLOSE TO $800,00 CAR STILL HAS SAME PROBLEMS. STALLS THE PAST WEEK THIS CAR HAS ALMOST BEEN IN TWO ACCIDENTS AS THE CAR HAS STALLED WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN INTO ON COMING LANES. CAR STALLS AND EVERY THING GOES DEAD. SINCE AUGUST THE CAR HAS BEEN WORKED ON AT SHIRETOWN FORD INC 147 SAMOSET ST PLYMOUTH MA #02360 STILL WAITING FOR PHONECALL TO BRING CAR BACK AGAIN WHAT CAN I DO. *AK

ODI #728724ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NO SUMMARY

ODI #728725ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NO SUMMARY

ODI #720001TIRES

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

ODI #716119POWER TRAIN

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. *AK

ODI #847704POWER TRAIN

SON WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON BUSY ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE STOPPED, NO WARNING. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

ODI #846766AIR BAGS

THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITIN THE SYSTEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

ODI #547846WHEELS

FRONT WHEELS VIBRATE ON HIGHWAY, DUE TO POSSIBLE FAULTY RIMS. YH

ODI #547846SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

BRAKES MAKE NOISE WHEN STOPPING. YH

ODI #837660VISIBILITY

WHILE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW WAS ROLLED DOWN IT EXPLODED. ALSO, DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW EXPLODED PRIOR TO THIS. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

ODI #837995ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFIRE

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. *AK

ODI #705433SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

ODI #832594FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CAR SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE MOST OF THE TIME INSIDE. DEALER CONTACTED, AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROBLEM FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

ODI #542635SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

ROTORS AND PADS EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE WEAR, ROTORS WERE WARPED.

ODI #542635TIRES

TIRES FAILED.

ODI #830515FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A GAS SMELL AND VAPOR THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE WHICH MAY CAUSE A FIRE IFIT IS A SOURCE OF IGNITION. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

ODI #700461SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

AT 800 MILES, THE FRONT ROTORS WARPED. THEY HAD TO BE REMACHINED. AT 13,000 MILES THE FRONT ROTORS WARPED AGAIN. THE DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. AT 55 MILES AN HOUR THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. WHEN YOU MAKE A TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES MORE. AT HIGHWAY DRIVING, WHEN YOU MAKE A TURN OR CHANGE LANES, THE STEERING IS HARD TO CONTROL.

ODI #828989SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

WAS HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & TOLD THAT ROTORS & PADS WERE WORN EXCESSIVELY. THEY NEEDED REPLACING. PASSENGER FRONT WAS WORSE. THE OTHER 3 WERE WARPED. *AK

ODI #825568SEAT BELTS1 INJURY

WHEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTED IT SHATTERED THE WINDOW , CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK

ODI #537883SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

BRAKES EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES.

ODI #533555AIR BAGS1 INJURY

FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG, CAUSING INJURY TO CONSUMER (BACK, CHEST, NECK , ARMS, SHOULDERS, FACE).

ODI #533356VISIBILITY

WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE PIVOT ASSEMBLY MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO FAIL 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS. *AK

ODI #532967SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

BRAKE DESIGN OF THE ADJUSTMENT/THRUST ROD CAUSES EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES AND SLOW BRAKE ENGAGEMENT.

ODI #821402AIR BAGSCRASH

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. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND THEY DID NOT TELL CONSUMER WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

ODI #605135POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

ODI #605561STEERING

POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED RESULTING IN NOISE.

ODI #605561STEERING

POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED RESULTING IN NOISE.

ODI #604185STEERING

STEERING COLUMN FAILED.

ODI #816673SUSPENSION

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE PULLS TO LEFT. DRIVER CANNOT CONTROL THIS PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT AND THAT WAS IN 1996. DEALER SAID THAT THE CASTER IS NOT ADJUSTABLE TO THE VEHICLE SO THEY CANNOT FIX THE VEHICLE.. *AK

ODI #814733SUSPENSION

STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIES WHILE DRIVING. THIS ALSO OCCURS WHILE DRIVING AROUND CORNERS. DEALERS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. OWNER IS VERY CONCERNED. *AK

ODI #824608AIR BAGS1 INJURY

WHI8LE DRIVING THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT REASON, RESULTING IN INJURIES TO DRIVER . *AK

ODI #603496SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

FACTORY INSTALLED PUSH-ROD, BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MASTER CYLINDER, WAS NOT THE PROPER PART (IT WAS TOO LONG). THE RESULT OF THIS ERROR HAS CAUSED FAILURE TO THE ABS SYSTEM.

ODI #810783FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

OWNER STATES THAT HE SMELLS GAS IN HIS VEHICLE AND THAT HE HAD FUEL PUMP REPLACED BUT HE STILL SMELLS GAS. OWNER ALSO NOTES THAT HE THINKS THAT THERE IS TO MUCH PRESSURE BUILD UP IN TANK. *AK

ODI #602550SUSPENSION

REAR END IS TO LIGHT, CAUSING LOSS OF TRACTION ON TURNS AND ON SMALL BUMPS AT ANY SPEED.

ODI #525829SUSPENSION

REAR END NOISE PRESENT, REPLACED REAR SUSPENSION AND NOISE CONTINUED.

ODI #803325SUSPENSION

FAILURE ON THE FRONT END ON THE VEHICLE, THE SUPENSION ON THE FRONT END IS CAUSING THE TIRE TO WEAR OFTEN. *AK

ODI #985303VISIBILITY

THERE IS GAS BEING EMITTED FROM THE VENTS TO THE INSIDE OF THE CAR, MAKING THE OCCUPANTS SICK. *AK

Annual complaints and reliability score for FORD Aspire — recall years marked in red
0612050100199620002004200820122016202020242026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 54 total NHTSA complaints filed over 11 years, with the worst year being 1998 (12 complaints, including 1 crash report).

The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 100/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.

Notably, despite 54 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Red dots on the amber line flag 4 years (1998, 2003, 2006, 2007) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$46,614
~$777/mo over 5 yrs
$0.1/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$21,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $46,614 (~$777/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: AIR BAGS
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Full Coverage
$1,270–$1,620/yr
~$106–$135/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
30-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

FORD has been fined $17M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data.

2015$17MFailure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VINKNJLT06H0T6176823
Model Year1996
MakeFORD
ModelAspire
SeriesSedan Hatchback Body Style
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleHatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Doors4
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)1.3

Manufacturer

ManufacturerKIA MOTORS (FORD IMPORTS)
Assembly CityKYUNG KI-DO
Assembly CountrySOUTH KOREA

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)KNJ
Check Digit (Char 9)0
Model Year Code (Char 10)T
Plant Code (Char 11)6
Sequence (Chars 12–17)176823

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count0
NHTSA Complaint Count54
K
1
N
2
J
3
L
4
T
5
0
6
6
7
H
8
0
9
T
10
6
11
1
12
7
13
6
14
8
15
2
16
3
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
K
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
N
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
J
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
LT06H
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
0
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
T
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
6
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
176823
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
South Korea
From VIN position 1 (K)
Model Year Character
"T" → 1996
Could also be 2026
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 5/23/2026, 11:18:37 PM.