1990 Ford Probe 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 1990 Ford Probe, 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
- Seat belts28278.6%
- Engine123.3%
- Brakes113.1%
- Visibility102.8%
- Electrical102.8%
- Driver assistance41.1%
- Fuel system41.1%
- Interior & seats41.1%
- Body & structure41.1%
- Exterior lighting30.8%
- Powertrain (other)30.8%
- Steering30.8%
- Transmission30.8%
- Suspension20.6%
- Airbags20.6%
- Tires & wheels10.3%
- Other / unspecified10.3%
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
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD PROBE. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS RETRACTORS WOULD NOT WORK. THE DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED THE SEAT BELTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 182,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD PROBE. APPROXIMATELY SIX YEARS AGO THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEEDED TO USE THE SEAT BELTS BECAUSE THERE WERE NO AIR BAGS IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERRED TO SAFETY RECALL # 96V172002 CONCERNING SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING. HOWEVER, FORD STATED THAT THE RECALL DID NOT EXIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEVER RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 100,001, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *AK UPDATED 06/14/07 *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
RETRACTABLE SEAT BELTS JAM AND GET STUCK IN TRACK, MAKING UNSAFE CONDITION. HAVE HIT HEAD ON SEAT BELT LATCH CAUSING PAIN AND HAVE ALSO BEEN STUCK IN SEAT WITH SEAT BELT NOT RELEASING. ALSO WEARING OUT CAR BATTERY & SHORTING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEVERE MOISTURE IN TAIL LAMPS, FAILURE OF TAIL LAMPS CAUSING UNSAFE CONDITION, FAILURE OF DRIVING LIGHTS. MANY PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE FROM DATE OF OWNERSHIP IN 1993. *JB
DRIVERS SIDE 3 POINT AUTOMATIC SEATBELT QUIT WORKING, MOTOR RUNS BUT BELT WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACK ON TRACK, REPLACE OR FIXED PROBLEM THREE TIMES. IGNITION SWITCH WAS TURNED OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT SHUT OFF, BY THE TIME IT WAS DISCOVERED THE FAN BLADES, FAN SHROUD, MOTER HAD MELTED FROM THE HEAT.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
RETRACTABLE SEAT BELTS JAM AND GET STUCK IN TRACK, MAKING UNSAFE CONDITION. HAVE HIT HEAD ON SEAT BELT LATCH CAUSING PAIN AND HAVE ALSO BEEN STUCK IN SEAT WITH SEAT BELT NOT RELEASING. ALSO WEARING OUT CAR BATTERY & SHORTING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEVERE MOISTURE IN TAIL LAMPS, FAILURE OF TAIL LAMPS CAUSING UNSAFE CONDITION, FAILURE OF DRIVING LIGHTS. MANY PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE FROM DATE OF OWNERSHIP IN 1993. *JB
WHILE GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AT 25 MPH, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, WITHOUT ANY BRAKING ACTION. CONSUMER USED PARK BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN VEHICLE.*AK CONSUMER ADDED THAT THE DEALER WHO SOLD HIM THE VEHICLE, HAD GOTTEN THE BRAKE LINE FIXED, BUT NOT THE GREASE CAP FOR THE ENIGNE. *SCC
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
POWER WINDOW CABLE SHORT CIRCUITED. *AK
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, RADIO, ETC, STARTING GOING ON AND OFF AND A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD ON THE RIGHT SIDE. FIRE BELIEVED TO BE ELECTRICAL. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
RETRACTABLE SEAT BELTS JAM AND GET STUCK IN TRACK, MAKING UNSAFE CONDITION. HAVE HIT HEAD ON SEAT BELT LATCH CAUSING PAIN AND HAVE ALSO BEEN STUCK IN SEAT WITH SEAT BELT NOT RELEASING. ALSO WEARING OUT CAR BATTERY & SHORTING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEVERE MOISTURE IN TAIL LAMPS, FAILURE OF TAIL LAMPS CAUSING UNSAFE CONDITION, FAILURE OF DRIVING LIGHTS. MANY PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE FROM DATE OF OWNERSHIP IN 1993. *JB
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DEALERSHIP SAD IT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY IGNITION MODULE. *AK
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN TRAVELING AT 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO CHANGE LANES, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HITTING A RAIL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES: WHEN CONTROL WAS LOST, SHE TRIED TO STEER INTO THE TIRE DIRECTION, WHEN VEHICLE HEADED STRAIGHT INTO THE GUARDRAIL, SHE MADE A HARD LEFT TURN TO TURN INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, HOWEVER VEHICLE TURNED RIGHT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT THE LEFT FRONT, SIDE, AND REAR, AND SPUN OUT 2-3 TIMES, CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS WAS A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. *SLC
SUDDEN ACCELERATION.
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
GAS, SPEEDOMETER, AND OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD ARE OUT. WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED UP IT SHOWS AND BLINKS OUT. CONSUMER CAN'T TELL IF THE VEHICLE IS LOW ON GAS OR HOW FAST THEY'RE GOING. CONSUMER IS TAKING IT IN 04-01-2001.*AK
THIS ENGINE LOSES POWER AND MISS-FIRES WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IN TANK IS UNDER 1/4 FULL. WHEN OVER 1/4 FUEL LEVEL THE ENGINE RUNS FINE. I MADE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER BUT REFUELED ENORUTE TO DEALER AND WAS UNABLE TO DEMONSTRATE PROBLEM RESULTING IN CANCELLATION OF APPOINTMENT. NO FURTHER ACTION TAKEN.
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
RETRACTABLE SEAT BELTS JAM AND GET STUCK IN TRACK, MAKING UNSAFE CONDITION. HAVE HIT HEAD ON SEAT BELT LATCH CAUSING PAIN AND HAVE ALSO BEEN STUCK IN SEAT WITH SEAT BELT NOT RELEASING. ALSO WEARING OUT CAR BATTERY & SHORTING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEVERE MOISTURE IN TAIL LAMPS, FAILURE OF TAIL LAMPS CAUSING UNSAFE CONDITION, FAILURE OF DRIVING LIGHTS. MANY PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE FROM DATE OF OWNERSHIP IN 1993. *JB
ELECTRICAL CLUSTER MODULE SHORTED OUT, AND DASHBOARD FOR SPEED PANEL AND LIGHT OIL GAUGE DOESN'T OPERATE PROPERLY. *AK
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
RETRACTABLE SEAT BELTS JAM AND GET STUCK IN TRACK, MAKING UNSAFE CONDITION. HAVE HIT HEAD ON SEAT BELT LATCH CAUSING PAIN AND HAVE ALSO BEEN STUCK IN SEAT WITH SEAT BELT NOT RELEASING. ALSO WEARING OUT CAR BATTERY & SHORTING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEVERE MOISTURE IN TAIL LAMPS, FAILURE OF TAIL LAMPS CAUSING UNSAFE CONDITION, FAILURE OF DRIVING LIGHTS. MANY PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE FROM DATE OF OWNERSHIP IN 1993. *JB
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD, THEY DON'T GO INTO A DOWN POSITION. *AK PASSENGER DOOR FEELS HEAVY AND IT FAILED AT 60000 MILES. TRANSMISSION SLIPS, DEALER STATED NEW ONE WAS NEEDED, FAILED AT 89000 MILES. *SLC
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
RETRACTABLE SEAT BELTS JAM AND GET STUCK IN TRACK, MAKING UNSAFE CONDITION. HAVE HIT HEAD ON SEAT BELT LATCH CAUSING PAIN AND HAVE ALSO BEEN STUCK IN SEAT WITH SEAT BELT NOT RELEASING. ALSO WEARING OUT CAR BATTERY & SHORTING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEVERE MOISTURE IN TAIL LAMPS, FAILURE OF TAIL LAMPS CAUSING UNSAFE CONDITION, FAILURE OF DRIVING LIGHTS. MANY PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE FROM DATE OF OWNERSHIP IN 1993. *JB
GASKET BETWEEN THE BODY AND TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY ALLOWS WATER TO ENTER THREW THE BACK SIDE OF THE TAIL LIGHTS INTO THE SPARE TIRE WALL, CAUSED A SHORT FOR THE SAFETY RELAY SWITCH FOR THE FUEL PUMP AND TAIL LIGHT
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
GAS, SPEEDOMETER, AND OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD ARE OUT. WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED UP IT SHOWS AND BLINKS OUT. CONSUMER CAN'T TELL IF THE VEHICLE IS LOW ON GAS OR HOW FAST THEY'RE GOING. CONSUMER IS TAKING IT IN 04-01-2001.*AK
RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED FOR PARTS.
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
RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED, CAUSING NOISE.
VEHICLE HAS REJECTED STEERING COLUMN INSTALLED AT MANUFACTURER, REJECTED TAG ATTACHED TO STEERING COLUMN COVERED UP BY PANELS; COULD CAUSE SERIOUS STEERING PROBLEMS, STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT LOCK WHEN IGNITION IS TURNED OFF. *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
RECALL 96S48, RESTRAINT SYSTEM, DRIVER AND PASSENAGER BELT DOES NOT TRAVEL FULLY FORWARD ALONG THE ROOF RAIL, REPAIRED DRIVER SIDE, DEALER SAID PASS. SIDE NOT INCLUDED.
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD, THEY DON'T GO INTO A DOWN POSITION. *AK PASSENGER DOOR FEELS HEAVY AND IT FAILED AT 60000 MILES. TRANSMISSION SLIPS, DEALER STATED NEW ONE WAS NEEDED, FAILED AT 89000 MILES. *SLC
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
WHEN TRAVELING AT 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO CHANGE LANES, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HITTING A RAIL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES: WHEN CONTROL WAS LOST, SHE TRIED TO STEER INTO THE TIRE DIRECTION, WHEN VEHICLE HEADED STRAIGHT INTO THE GUARDRAIL, SHE MADE A HARD LEFT TURN TO TURN INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, HOWEVER VEHICLE TURNED RIGHT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT THE LEFT FRONT, SIDE, AND REAR, AND SPUN OUT 2-3 TIMES, CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS WAS A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. *SLC
WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL THERE IS A SNAPPING SOUND LIKE METAL TO METAL. AFTER BRINGING TO MECHANIC HE FOUND THE HOUSING WAS SHATTERED AND THE STRUT WAS BEND. UPPER FRONT STRUT BUSHING REPLACED (5) TIMES WITH 2 1/2 YRS. LEFT SIDE (3) TIMES AND RIGHT SIDE (2). *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
LAP PORTION OF SEAT BELT RIPPED OUT OF SEAT DURING FRONT END COLLISION; NEITHER DRIVER RECEIVED CITATION, WHOSE FAULT NOT DETERMINED, VEHICLE TOTALED, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
DRIVER SIDE RESTRAINT WILL NOT RELEASE CONSISTENTLY, PASSENAGER SIDE REPLACED.
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
RETRACTABLE SEAT BELTS JAM AND GET STUCK IN TRACK, MAKING UNSAFE CONDITION. HAVE HIT HEAD ON SEAT BELT LATCH CAUSING PAIN AND HAVE ALSO BEEN STUCK IN SEAT WITH SEAT BELT NOT RELEASING. ALSO WEARING OUT CAR BATTERY & SHORTING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEVERE MOISTURE IN TAIL LAMPS, FAILURE OF TAIL LAMPS CAUSING UNSAFE CONDITION, FAILURE OF DRIVING LIGHTS. MANY PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE FROM DATE OF OWNERSHIP IN 1993. *JB
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
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT RESTRAINT (SHOLDER HARNESS) DOESN'T FUNCTION. 1990 FORD PROBE LX. WAS ISSUE OF A RECALL IN 1996. SUBJECT RESTRAINT HAS FAILED THREE TIMES SINCE PURCHASE OF CAR. FIRST REPAIR WAS UNDER VEHICLE WARRANTY. SECOND REPAIR TOOK PLACE PRIOR TO RECAL AND WAS PAID FOR BY OWNER. THIRD FAILURE HAS OCCURED WITHING THE LAST YEAR AND LOCAL DEALER DOES NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.
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 .