MYRModel Year Report

1996 Ford Probe

▲ Better than typical
1996 Ford Probe
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:21.205Z

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
52
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Power train

35% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 1 complaint 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 1996: 52 complaints 1996 52 1997: 27 complaints 1999: 1 complaint
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 79 complaints 1989 1990: 329 complaints 1990 1991: 177 complaints 1991 1992: 79 complaints 1992 1993: 206 complaints 1993 1994: 175 complaints 1994 1995: 87 complaints 1995 1996: 52 complaints 1996 52 1997: 27 complaints 1997 1999: 1 complaint 1999
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 79 complaints 1989 1990: 329 complaints 1990 1991: 177 complaints 1991 1992: 79 complaints 1992 1993: 206 complaints 1993 1994: 175 complaints 1994 1995: 87 complaints 1995 1996: 52 complaints 1996 52 1997: 27 complaints 1997 1999: 1 complaint 1999

1996: 52 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.

Power train

35% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).

Engine and engine cooling

29% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Steering

13% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion and pump.

Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle lost power steering when a turn was made.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-08

Seat belts

8% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and warning light/devices.

Electrical system

8% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and wiring.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer was pumping gas when she experienced an electrical shock. During the process the vehicle caught on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-08-20

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-03

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1996-07-10Air bags96V090000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2005-09-27Fuel system, gasoline05E065000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2006-07-31Exterior lighting06E065000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Ford Probe — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 18 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V090000 · Air bags
  • Recall 05E065000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E065000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.