1997 Ford Probe
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.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 27 complaints
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
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
13 of 27 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-03-12
Electrical system
4 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.
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, 2003-01-16
Air bags
4 of 27 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Ltr request a copy of the NHTSA report re an airbag Probe of the 1997 Ford escort. Atty representing client injured when airbag did not deploy in a 1997 Ford escort.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-05-24
Involved in automobile accident in lexington ky approximate speed at 20 MPH crashed the front of vehicle and the airbags did not deployed front of vehicle sustained major damage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-13
Power train
3 of 27 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Service brakes
3 of 27 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1998-11-23Engine and engine cooling98V206002 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.
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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…
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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.
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Ford Probe — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V206002 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 05E065000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E065000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
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, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 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.