Ford Probe Problems by Year

We compared every Ford Probe model year from 1995–1997 using 165 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 1995, which drew far more complaints than other Probe years at the same age. The best years are 1997.

3model years
165complaints
2recalls
1995worst years
1997best years

Complaints by model year

199519961997865227
Owner complaints per model year, Ford Probe. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
199727−56%1EngineGood
199652−14%1TransmissionAverage
1995862.2×—TransmissionAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median Probe year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Ford Probe problems

  • Engine & coolingworst: 1995
    4225%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 1995
    3924%
  • Steeringworst: 1995
    1912%
  • Electrical systemworst: 1995
    1912%
  • Seat beltsworst: 1995
    127%
  • Air bagsworst: 1995
    127%
  • Body & structureworst: 1995
    117%
  • Brakesworst: 1995
    106%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 1995
    74%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 1995
    64%
  • Other / not specified
    53%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 1995
    53%
  • Suspensionworst: 1996
    53%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 1995
    42%
  • Seatsworst: 1995
    42%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 1995
    42%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 1995
    42%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 1995
    32%
  • Lightsworst: 1996
    21%

Latest Ford Probe recalls

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

NHTSA recall 98V206002 · Nov 3, 1998 · 5,700 vehicles

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An external spring in the timing belt tensioner can break and get caught in the timing belt.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tensioner and replace it if necessary.

Air bags

NHTSA recall 96V-090 · Jun 3, 1996 · 2,740 vehicles

The supplementary air bag inflatable restraint caution label located on the driver side sun visor does not contain the statement, "do not install rearward facing child seats in any front passenger seat position." this does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 208, "occupant crash protection."

Remedy: A new caution label, with installation instructions, will be sent directly to owners. Owners can install the label or, if they wish, can have their dealer install the label for them.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Ford Probe should you avoid?

1995 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Probe years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 1995.

What is the best year for the Ford Probe?

1997 has the fewest complaints compared with other Probe years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Ford Probe problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (42), transmission & drivetrain (39) and steering (19). Engine complaints peak in the 1995 model year.

How many recalls has the Ford Probe had?

2 recalls across 1995–1997. The model year with the most is 1996.

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.