Ford Probe Problems by Year
NHTSA has 166 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file for the Ford Probe, across 4 model years (1995–1999). The 1995 model year has the most complaints (86). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.
Ford Probe years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Probe year: 1995. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1995 Probe: 86 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1996 Probe: 52 complaints, 1 recall
- 1997 Probe: 27 complaints, 1 recall
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Ford Probe problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 42 | 3 | 0 |
| Power Train | 39 | 3 | 2 |
| Electrical System | 19 | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 19 | 2 | 2 |
| Air Bags | 12 | 3 | 12 |
| Seat Belts | 12 | 3 | 1 |
| Structure | 11 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 9 | 3 | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | 2 | 1 |
| Visibility | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Tires | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Equipment | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Ford Probe model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Probe | 1 | 0 | — | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1997 Probe | 27 | 1 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 1996 Probe | 52 | 1 | — | Power Train | More complaints than other years |
| 1995 Probe | 86 | 0 | — | Power Train | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Ford: all Ford models · Ford VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Probe years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1995 (86) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Probe year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Ford Probe?
Engine and Engine Cooling, with 42 complaints across 3 model years.
How many recalls does the Ford Probe have?
2 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.