MYRModel Year Report

1989 Ford Probe

▲ Better than typical
1989 Ford Probe
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:53:00.915Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Probe Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1989 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1988: 0 complaints 1989: 79 complaints 1989 1990: 329 complaints 1991: 177 complaints 1991 1992: 79 complaints 1993: 206 complaints 1993 1994: 175 complaints 1995: 87 complaints 1995 1996: 52 complaints 1997: 27 complaints 1997 1999: 1 complaints 1999
1989: 79 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19880
198979
1990329
1991177
199279
1993206
1994175
199587
199652
199727
19991

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SEAT BELTS 33%

33% of complaints: seat belts — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and webbing.

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON THE ROAD, A CAR PULLED IN FRONT OF ME AND I BRAKED HARD AND MY SEATBELT LOCKED. BUT AFTER THIS INCIDENT THE SEATBELT HAS NEVER WORKED THE SAME. THE SEATBELT DOESN'T LOCK, OR RETRACT. THE CAR ONLY HAS 48,000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20191127

I PURCHASED A DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT ON 8/17/02. I PAID 131.00 FOR THE PART .ALL FORD PARTS ARE WARRANTED FOR 12 MONTHS OR 12,000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040422

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT BACK TO RELEASE FOR MORE ROOM, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BE IMPROPERLY WORN OR NOT WORN AT ALL. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030825

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 19%

19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and radiator assembly.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

SOMETIMES VEHICLE STALLED WHEN PUT INTO GEAR AND ENGINE WOULD CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. *PH THIS WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20040423

VISIBILITY 14%

14% of complaints: visibility — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.

Show complaint excerpts

POWER WINDOW UNIT REPLACED FIVE TIMES DUE TO FAULTY PLASTIC GEAR WHICH CONTINUES TO DISINTEGRATE. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19930922

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

SHORTS OUT EVERYTHING IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND ALMOST CAUGHT THE GARAGE ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19951017

THE ENGINE STOPS UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING, CUTTING OUT THE POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING AND MAKING MY FRONT-HEAVY FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CAR VERY VERY HARD TO STEER AND VERY VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140716

Also filed under ENGINE and STEERING

SPARK PLUGS WERE EJECTED FROM ENGINE TWICE, STRIPPING THREADS FROM ALUMINUM HEAD.

NHTSA ODI report, 19941004

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

AUTO-TRANSMISSION; WHEN ENGAGED IN PARK, VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN DRIVEWAY AFTER BEING PARKED FOR (3) HOURS. GEAR SHIFT FOUND IN REVERSE W/EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED.

NHTSA ODI report, 19950724

Also filed under PARKING BRAKE

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19890915 — PE (closed 19891222)

TRANSMISSION OIL LINE FIRE

I 19910909 — PE (closed 19911223)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

R 19930930 — service brakes, hydraulic

THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.

Remedy: MIDAS SHOPS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE DRUMS WITH OTHER BRAKE DRUMS FROM ANOTHER SUPPLIER.

Campaign 93E035000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19960416 — PE (closed 19960930)

MAZDA RX7 AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILURE

I 20070730 — DP (closed 20071205)

SEATBACK RECLINE MECHANISM FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1989 Ford Probe — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 93E035000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1996 ▲ 1992 ▲ 1995

WORST YEARS

■ 1990 ■ 1993 ■ 1994

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1989 Ford Probe reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Ford Probe is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1989 Ford Probe?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Probe have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.