Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1989 Ford Probe sits mid-pack among Probe years: 103 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 102, with a single recall and 4 closed investigations.
Seat Belts leads the complaint categories with 27 reports (26% of the total).
103
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
4
Investigations
8
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 27 | 26% | new |
| Engine | 18 | 17% | new |
| Electrical System | 12 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 10 | 10% | new |
| Transmission | 8 | 8% | new |
| Brakes | 7 | 7% | new |
| Fuel System | 5 | 5% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 4% | new |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | new |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 2% | new |
| Seats | 2 | 2% | new |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | new |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.
Consequence
IF THE RETAINING RING DOES NOT SIT CORRECTLY IN THEGROOVE, THE AXLE LUG NUTS WILL BREAK, CAUSING THE BRAKE DRUM, WHEEL, AND TIREASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
MIDAS SHOPS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE DRUMS WITH OTHER BRAKE DRUMS FROM ANOTHER SUPPLIER.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1989 FORD PROBE GT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE…”
“THE CAR SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED AFTER BEING PARKED AND TURNED OFF FOR TWO HOURS. IT THEN MUST HAVE IGNITED THE STARTER AND STALLED ITSELF, AND FORCED ITSELF TO MOVE FORWARD 10 TO 20 FEET. WHEN MOVING FORWARD ,UP HILL, IT RAN INTO A BUILDING, DOING NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE EXCEPT FOR FIRE BURNS LEFT ON…”
“THE ENGINE STOPS UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING, CUTTING OUT THE POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING AND MAKING MY FRONT-HEAVY FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CAR VERY VERY HARD TO STEER AND VERY VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP. THE ENGINE STOPS UNEXPECTEDLY OFTEN, WITHOUT WARNING. I THOUGHT THIS WAS TIED TO THE IGNITION SWITCH,…”
“I WANT TO REPORT WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE SIMILAR TO THAT OF OTHER FORD OWNERS, AND THAT I HAVE FOUND THE CAUSE IN MY CAR. I HEARD A PORTION OF A RADIO NEWS BROADCAST THAT SAID TAURUS OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED FAILURES. MY WIPER FAILURES BEGAN ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO. *AK”
“AUTO-TRANSMISSION; WHEN ENGAGED IN PARK, VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN DRIVEWAY AFTER BEING PARKED FOR (3) HOURS. GEAR SHIFT FOUND IN REVERSE W/EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED.”
It is close to typical for the Probe: 103 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 4 investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (27 complaints), engine (18 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Ford Probe. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Probe years to avoid are 1990, 1993, 1994, 1991. The cleanest record among Probe years belongs to 1988.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.