MYRModel Year Report

1997 Ford Probe

○ Not enough data
1997 Ford Probe
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:41:43.705Z

Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Probe Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 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
1997: 27 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19880
198977
1990323
1991177
199279
1993205
1994166
199586
199652
199727
19991

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 27 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 of 27 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 of 27 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN LESS THAN 2 MILES AND CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. RECALL NHTSA 98V-206/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 98S30. DEALER INSPECTED TIMING BELT TENSIONER, AND STATED THAT IT WAS OK. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19990312

POWER TRAIN

3 of 27 total reports mention: power train.

SEATS

2 of 27 total reports mention: seats.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE PROBLEMS SINCE OWNING CAR. CAR CRANKS BUT WON'T START. HAS HAPPENED TOO MANY TIMES TO COUNT SINCE I'VE OWNED THE CAR. THE INCIDENT DATE I CHOSE WAS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030116

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19981123 — engine and engine cooling

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER CAN BREAK AND GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TENSIONER AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY.

Campaign 98V206002 — check if this car was fixed

R 20050927 — fuel system, gasoline

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

R 20060403 — exterior lighting

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

R 20060731 — exterior lighting

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

1997 Ford Probe — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 98V206002 (engine and engine cooling) 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1996 ▲ 1989 ▲ 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 1990 ■ 1993 ■ 1991

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 Ford Probe reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Probe?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 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.