MYRModel Year Report

1989 Ford Probe

▲ Better than typical
1989 Ford Probe
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:37:00.613Z

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: 77 complaints 1989 1990: 323 complaints 1991: 177 complaints 1991 1992: 79 complaints 1993: 205 complaints 1993 1994: 166 complaints 1995: 86 complaints 1995 1996: 52 complaints 1997: 27 complaints 1997 1999: 1 complaints 1999
1989: 77 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19880
198977
1990323
1991177
199279
1993205
1994166
199586
199652
199727
19991

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SEAT BELTS 17%

17% of complaints: seat belts — 13 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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

SEAT BELTS 8%

8% of complaints: seat belts — 6 distinct reports on file.

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

POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.

VISIBILITY 6%

6% of complaints: visibility — 5 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

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 (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (6 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 ■ 1991

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:front:retractor, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Probe have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.