Most common 1996 Ford Probe problems
Share of the 52 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Probe complaints by model year
Best Probe years: 1997. Years to avoid: 1995. Compare all years →
1996 Ford Probe recalls (1)
Air bags
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.
What 1996 Ford Probe owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
I was driving down the road and as soon as I got up to speed past 30 miles per hour it kicked into to gear really hard and I could feel the transmission barely slipping into gear..and had to have the water pump flushed it was over heating thought it was the thermostat but it was checked and fine so I had to replace the water pump...was missing a motor mount on one side and the other was corrodded.. When I are driving down the road I can hear my car 4 blocks away..brakes aren't right they don't press down like they should and half the time they just don't work...if I am lucky, I have to start braking around 2 blocks away, I May stop in time. I purchased this car on July 16,2006 and this all happened starting July 17,2006. …
I own a 96 Ford Probe with a cd4e transmission with only 66000 miles on it. A few days my transmission started to act up. It would rev high then shift into 2nd gear, when atempting to shift into 3rd gear, it just wouldn't. This causes my car to only go a blistering speed of 45mph?!? This transmission , the cd4e, is produced by Mazda and is also in the 626. I search the web to see if anyone had the same problems and now I want to get rid of my car I fell in love with 4 years ago. There are thousands of people with the same transmission problems from 94-to 99. Thousand of reported problems but no recall? We need someone to take action againt Mazda and the problem transmission.
Engine & cooling
I was driving down the road and as soon as I got up to speed past 30 miles per hour it kicked into to gear really hard and I could feel the transmission barely slipping into gear..and had to have the water pump flushed it was over heating thought it was the thermostat but it was checked and fine so I had to replace the water pump...was missing a motor mount on one side and the other was corrodded.. When I are driving down the road I can hear my car 4 blocks away..brakes aren't right they don't press down like they should and half the time they just don't work...if I am lucky, I have to start braking around 2 blocks away, I May stop in time. I purchased this car on July 16,2006 and this all happened starting July 17,2006. …
Previously had catalytic converter/air mass flow sensor and other minor items repaired in 04/1999. Now 2 years later I have been informed that it's the same problem. It just seem right that the same major problem would arise again so soon unless there is a problem somewhere in the emission of my car or the parts were defective. I have contacted Ford motor co and they stated that they could not do anything for me since I have long surpassed the 100,000 required mark to have repaired under warranty. I wanted to know if other problems were reported for the same issue or am I a loner in this situation.
Electrical system
Intermittently vehicle failed to start. Engine cranked but wouldn't turn over. Also while driving vehicle stalled. Mechanic replaced the ground wire and distributor, but the problems still exists.
When placing the vehicle from 2nd to 3th gear and the rpms are at 2900, the vehicle stalls without no warning, resulting in loss of power. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer replaced the sensor and the computer module.
1996 Ford Probe engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Ford Probe a good car?
Based on 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Probe rates average: 14% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Probe at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Ford Probe?
The transmission & drivetrain — 17 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (13) and electrical system (4).
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford Probe have?
There is 1 recall for the 1996 Ford Probe, the most recent from June 3, 1996 (air bags). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Probe?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995. See the full Ford Probe years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Probe problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 106,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.