1996 Ford Probe
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 79 |
| 1990 | 329 |
| 1991 | 177 |
| 1992 | 79 |
| 1993 | 206 |
| 1994 | 175 |
| 1995 | 87 |
| 1996 | 52 |
| 1997 | 27 |
| 1999 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
35% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).
29% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
13% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and pump.
Show complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WHEN A TURN WAS MADE. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030408
8% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and warning light/devices.
8% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and wiring.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS PUMPING GAS WHEN SHE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK. DURING THE PROCESS THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980820
INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE FAILED TO START. ENGINE CRANKED BUT WOULDN'T TURN OVER. ALSO WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. MECHANIC REPLACED THE GROUND WIRE AND DISTRIBUTOR, BUT THE PROBLEMS STILL EXISTS.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040303
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE SUPPLEMENTARY AIR BAG INFLATABLE RESTRAINT CAUTION LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR DOES NOT CONTAIN THE STATEMENT, "DO NOT INSTALL REARWARD FACING CHILD SEATS IN ANY FRONT PASSENGER SEA
Remedy: A NEW CAUTION LABEL, WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, WILL BE SENT DIRECTLY TO OWNERS. OWNERS CAN INSTALL THE LABEL OR, IF THEY WISH, CAN HAVE THEIR DEALER INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.
Campaign 96V090000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COU
Remedy: SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6
Campaign 05E065000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE RE
Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Campaign 06E065000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Ford Probe — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V090000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05E065000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E065000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Ford Probe reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Ford Probe is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford Probe?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford Probe have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.