MYRModel Year Report

1990 Ford Probe

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1990 Ford Probe
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had more than double the complaints of 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, 1990 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1988: 0 complaints 1989: 79 complaints 1989 1990: 329 complaints 1990 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
1990: 329 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 88%

88% of complaints: seat belts — 291 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing webbing and retractor.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

PASSENGER'S MOTOR BELT BROKE AT TRACK DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING PASSENGER TO BE THROWN THROUGH WINDSHIELD, RESULTING IN DEATH. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19950216

POWER SEAT BELT JAMMED/AND THEN RELEASED, CATCHING DRIVER'S HAND, RESULTING IN AN INJURY. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950216

SEAT BELT BUCKLE UNLATCHED DURING A ROLLOVER, CAUSNG DRIVER TO BE EJECTED/SEVERE INJURY. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19941107

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 4%

4% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and front underhood.

FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 3%

3% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and turbo/supercharger.

VISIBILITY 3%

3% of complaints: visibility — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and glass, side/rear.

FIRE
SERVICE BRAKES 3%

3% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19891013 — vehicle speed control

THROTTLE LEVERS MAY HAVE BEEN BENT DURING ASSEMBLY.

Remedy: PLACE AFFECTED VEHICLES ON DELIVERY HOLD UNTIL REPAIRED.

Campaign 89V159000 — check if this car was fixed

▮ 1990 — complaint volume: 329
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 19940504 — PE (closed 19940908)

PASS.RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION

I 19940908 — EA (closed 19960930)

PASSIVE RESTRAINT FAILURES

I 19960416 — PE (closed 19960930)

MAZDA RX7 AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILURE

R 19961011 — seat belts

NOTE: DRIVER'S SIDE (LEFT) PASSIVE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. THE RAIL OF THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT CAN WEAR SUFFICIENTLY SUCH THAT THE CABLE WHICH RETRACTS THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WILL BECOME JAMMED IN THE

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE DRIVER SIDE AND INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT TRACK ASSEMBLIES.

Campaign 96V172001 — check if this car was fixed

R 19961011 — seat belts

NOTE: PASSENGER SIDE (RIGHT) SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. THE RAIL OF THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT CAN WEAR SUFFICIENTLY SUCH THAT THE CABLE WHICH RETRACTS THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WILL BECOME JAMMED IN THE RAIL

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE DRIVER SIDE AND INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT TRACK ASSEMBLIES.

Campaign 96V172002 — check if this car was fixed

I 19980731 — RQ (closed 19990216)

AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT

I 20070730 — DP (closed 20071205)

SEATBACK RECLINE MECHANISM FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1990 Ford Probe — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (291 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 89V159000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 93E035000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V172001 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V172002 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1996 ▲ 1992 ▲ 1989

WORST YEARS

■ 1993 ■ 1994 ■ 1991

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1990 Ford Probe reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Ford Probe is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Ford Probe?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 88% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 Ford Probe have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.