1991 Ford Probe
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 77 |
| 1990 | 323 |
| 1991 | 177 |
| 1992 | 79 |
| 1993 | 205 |
| 1994 | 166 |
| 1995 | 86 |
| 1996 | 52 |
| 1997 | 27 |
| 1999 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
41% of complaints: seat belts — 72 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
PASSIVE RESTRAIN FAILED TO SECURE PASSENGER DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY. *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960725
FAILURE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR, PASSIVE RESTRAINT FAILURE, EXPERIENCING COMPONENT MALFUCTION, CAUSING INJURY TO THE DRIVER EA94-032A. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960702
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT IS STUCK ON THE TRACK TOWARDS THE BACK OF IT'S TRACK AND NO LONGER MOVES OR ENGAGES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180909
18% of complaints: seat belts — 32 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE CONSUMER WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER BY AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP FOR RECALLS ON THE SEAT BELTS. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE REMEDY SCOPE, BUT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS DID NOT RETRACT PROPERLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030822
13% of complaints: seat belts — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS HIT IN THE FRONT AND THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED, CONSUMER HIT THE STEERING *AK CONSUMER STATES SHE WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS MAKING AN ILLEGAL LEFT HAND TURN, AND PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF HER,...
NHTSA ODI report, 19961001
8% of complaints: seat belts — 14 distinct reports on file.
3% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY BECAME JAMMED IN THE FORWARD POSITION AND WILL NOT RETRACT.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030701
SAFETY TIMELINE
STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION
BRACKETS MOUNTING AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AN UNDERSTRENGTH SPOT WELD.
Remedy: INSTALL TWO BOLTS IN THE BRACKETS TO PREVENT SHOULDER BELT FAILURE.
Campaign 91V016000 — check if this car was fixed
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
PASS.RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION
PASSIVE RESTRAINT FAILURES
MAZDA RX7 AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILURE
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
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
AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT
SEATBACK RECLINE MECHANISM FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Ford Probe — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (72 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V016000 (seat belts) 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.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 Ford Probe reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Ford Probe is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Ford Probe?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Ford Probe have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.