Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 198 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Probe year — the 1991 model ranks #4 of 12 Probe years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: seat belts issues account for 75% of all reports (149 of 198), far ahead of visibility & wipers at 13.
198
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
6
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 149 | 75% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 13 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 7 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 3% | — flat |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
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
BRACKETS MOUNTING AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AN UNDERSTRENGTH SPOT WELD.
Consequence
SHOULDER BELT COULD FAIL IN A COLLISION INCREASING THERISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.
Remedy
INSTALL TWO BOLTS IN THE BRACKETS TO PREVENT SHOULDER BELT FAILURE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE CUT OFF VALVE SWITCH IN THE GAS TANK NO LONGER OPERATES. THE OWNER HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN TWO ACCIDENTS AND THE GAS WAS STILL ALLOWED TO FLOW INTO THE TANK. ALSO, AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL, DEALER REPLACED AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT. (96V-072-002). *AK”
“CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE, SMOKE CAME FROM PANEL OF THE POWER WINDOW ON PASSENGER'S SIDE, WIRING IN THE PANEL BURNED, CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO BECOME INOPERABLE. *AK”
“THE FINS ON THE WATER PUMP HAVE CORRODED BEYOND USE. POOR MANUFACTURING OF WATER PUMP TO ALLOW A NON-ALUMINUM METAL TO BE IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH A CORROSIVE ENGINE COOLANT. *AK”
“WAS TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER WHEN IT STARTED MAKING NOISES. HAD MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT; WAS INFORMED THAT THE STRUTS WERE REAL BAD & NEEDED REPLACING; HAD FRONT 2 STRUTS REPLACED. ALSO, AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS JAMMED IN RETRACTING POSITION, RENDERING SEAT BELTS INOPERATIVE PRIOR TO RECALL (96V-172). *AK”
“TRANSMISSION WENT COMPLETELY OUT AT 80 THOUSAND MILES. WHEN I WENT TO HAVE IT REPAIRED THE REPAIR SHOP I TOOK IT TO SAID THIS CERTAIN CAR WAS KNOW FOR THIS DEFECT AND THAT MAZDA MOTOR CO. , WHO MADE THE POWER TRAIN FOR THIS VEHICLE, WAS VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BE A ROD IN…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 198 complaints put the 1991 model at #4 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 (149 complaints), visibility & wipers (13 complaints), engine (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 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.