Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1992 Ford Probe sits mid-pack among Probe years: 101 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 102, with 3 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
The trouble concentrates in one system: seat belts issues account for 56% of all reports (57 of 101), far ahead of electrical system at 11.
101
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
2
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 57 | 56% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 11 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 7 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Trailer Hitch | 1 | 1% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
3 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“PASSENGER'S AUTOMATIC SET BELT CAME OUT OF T TRACK AFTER HITTING A DEER. SEAT BELT WAS IN USE AT TIME. PASSENGER WAS THROWN FORWARD WHEN BELT BROKE. HAD NO AIRBAGS. NO INJURIES. *AK”
“TWICE IGNITION SWITCH MODULE STAYED IN ON POSITION, KEEPING/STARTING TO ENGAGE. THIS BURNT WIRES AND OTHER COMPONENTS., RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK *JB ”
“THE TRANSMISSION WENT, THE CAR STOPPED AND WANTED TO STALL. HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL THEN WHEN TAKING OFF HAD TO APPLY A LOT OF GAS FOR IT TO GO, COULD CAUSE A RUNAWAY ACCELERATION PROBLEM. *AK”
“POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK WITH FAST TURNS, ELECTRIC MIRRORS HAVE FAILED TWICE, FOGGING UP DURING WINTER, PLASTIC TRUNK COVER KEEPS FALLING DOWN. HOOD ALWAYS MAKES VIBRATING NOISE.”
“THE OIL PAN SEAL WAS REPLACED BY ADAMS FORD IN BELTON MISSOURI TWICE UNDER WARRANTY AND ONCE AFTER THE PART REPLACED WAS OUT OF WARRANTY !!! NOW THE PROBLEM IS BACK AGAIN AFTER JUST A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND A HALF OF DRIVING!! ADAMS FORD WILL NOT ADMIT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM AND I BELIEVE THAT 4…”
It is close to typical for the Probe: 101 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (57 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Ford Probe. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 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.