Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 378 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.7 times the median Probe year — the 1990 model ranks #1 of 12 Probe years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 22 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
The trouble concentrates in one system: seat belts issues account for 77% of all reports (291 of 378), far ahead of electrical system at 15.
378
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
6
Investigations
11
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
22
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 291 | 77% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 15 | 4% | — flat |
| Engine | 12 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 11 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 10 | 3% | — flat |
| Lighting | 8 | 2% | new |
| Transmission | 5 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 4 | 1% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 4 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 1% | — flat |
| Other | 3 | 1% | new |
| Airbags | 2 | 1% | new |
| Seats | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Suspension | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 0% | new |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
NOTE: DRIVER'S SIDE (LEFT) PASSIVE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. THE RAIL OF THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT CAN WEAR SUFFICIENTLY SUCH THAT THE CABLE WHICH RETRACTS THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WILL BECOME JAMMED IN THE RAIL RENDERING THE SHOULDER BELT INOPERATIVE.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE DRIVER SIDE AND INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT TRACK ASSEMBLIES.
Defect
NOTE: PASSENGER SIDE (RIGHT) SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. THE RAIL OF THE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT CAN WEAR SUFFICIENTLY SUCH THAT THE CABLE WHICH RETRACTS THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WILL BECOME JAMMED IN THE RAIL RENDERING THE SHOULDER BELT INOPERATIVE.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE DRIVER SIDE AND INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT TRACK ASSEMBLIES.
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.
Defect
THROTTLE LEVERS MAY HAVE BEEN BENT DURING ASSEMBLY.
Consequence
THROTTLE MAY STICK AND NOT RETURN FULLY TO IDLEPOSITION.
Remedy
PLACE AFFECTED VEHICLES ON DELIVERY HOLD UNTIL REPAIRED.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENTAT AT APPROXIMATELY 50-60 MPH. CONSUMER HAD TO APPLY BRAKES IN AN EMRGENCY SITUATION WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE HIT THE DIVIDER WALL, CAUSING LAP BELT TO FAIL AND CONSUMER'S HEAD HIT PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE…”
“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, RADIO, ETC, STARTING GOING ON AND OFF AND A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD ON THE RIGHT SIDE. FIRE BELIEVED TO BE ELECTRICAL. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK”
“DRIVERS SIDE 3 POINT AUTOMATIC SEATBELT QUIT WORKING, MOTOR RUNS BUT BELT WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACK ON TRACK, REPLACE OR FIXED PROBLEM THREE TIMES. IGNITION SWITCH WAS TURNED OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT SHUT OFF, BY THE TIME IT WAS DISCOVERED THE FAN BLADES, FAN SHROUD, MOTER…”
“CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENTAT AT APPROXIMATELY 50-60 MPH. CONSUMER HAD TO APPLY BRAKES IN AN EMRGENCY SITUATION WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE HIT THE DIVIDER WALL, CAUSING LAP BELT TO FAIL AND CONSUMER'S HEAD HIT PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE…”
“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, RADIO, ETC, STARTING GOING ON AND OFF AND A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD ON THE RIGHT SIDE. FIRE BELIEVED TO BE ELECTRICAL. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 378 complaints put the 1990 model at #1 of 12 Probe years. It is one of the Probe years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (291 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints), engine (12 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Ford Probe. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 6 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.