VehicleVerdict

1993 Ford Probe problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 249 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Probe year — the 1993 model ranks #2 of 12 Probe years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 79 reports (32% of the total).

249

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

23

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

17

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Probe years?

Probe NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted378 complaints1984: 1 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 103 complaints1990: 378 complaints1991: 198 complaints1992: 101 complaints1993: 249 complaints1994: 207 complaints1995: 130 complaints1996: 77 complaints1997: 38 complaints1999: 1 complaints
Probe NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Probe years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Ford Probe problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes7932%
Electrical System3414%
Airbags2711%
Engine2510%
Transmission208%
Steering94%
Speed Control94%
Body & Structure94%
Suspension73%
Visibility & Wipers62%
Other52%
Fuel System52%
Tires & Wheels42%
Seat Belts42%
Lighting21%
Seats21%
Latches & Locks21%

Does the 1993 Ford Probe have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E065000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 3,593 units

Defect

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 REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

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 SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

05E065000Fuel SystemOctober 5, 2005 · 42,962 units

Defect

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 COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.

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 800-949-6698.

93V058000Body & StructureApril 13, 1993 · 3,700 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER PIVOT PIN THAT JOINS THE LIFTGATE GAS STRUT TO THE BODY CAN SEPARATE FROM THE LOWER STRUT MOUNTING BRACKET DUE TO AN UNDERSIZED RIVET HEAD.

Consequence

PIVOT PIN SEPARATION CAUSES THE LIFTGATE TO DESCEND SUDDENLY, RESULTING IN AN INJURY IF SOMEONE IS STRUCK BY THE LIFTGATE.

Remedy

REPLACE LIFTGATE STRUT ASSEMBLIES HAVING UNDERSIZED PIVOT PIN RIVET HEAD DIAMETERS WITH ASSEMBLIES WITH ADEQUATE PIVOT PIN RIVET HEADS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“LEFT REAR CALIPER LOCKED UP ON A COLD MORNING. WAS NOT ABLE TO TELL, DROVE FOR 1 MILE, ROTOR HEATED UP ENOUGH TO TURN CHERRY RED, SMOKING VERY BADLY. THIS IS VERY COMMON PROBLEM, EVERY '93 & '94 FORD PROBE GT HAS THIS PROBLEM. I NOW HAVE NO PARKING BRAKE WHICH I SHOULD HAVE. I AM ALWAYS HEARING OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 15, 1997 · fire

“ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE ALTERNATOR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *AK CONSUMER STATES EXCESS OIL DRIPPING FROM FILER CAP DIRECTLY ONTO ALTERNATOR AND ELECTRICAL PARTS SHORTING OUT SYSTEM AND RESULTED IN FIRE, CONSUMER REROUTED ELECTRICS AWAY FROM ENGINE AND SEALED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 29, 1996 · fire

“UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH, 12:00 ON FRONT BUMPER, AT APPROX. 20MPH, REARENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT THAT STOPPED SHORT, AIRBAG DEPLOYED, EXHIBITING WHITE SMOKE/POWDER SUSTANCE WHICH CAUSED CHEMICAL BURNS TO FACE AND NECK. *AK *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · crash

“OWNER STATES THAT SHE HAD JUST DRIVEN VEHICLE AND PARKED IT WHEN SHE WENT IN THE HOUSE AND LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW HER VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. SHE NOTES THAT FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT COULD HAVE STARTED FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 1997 · fire

“I HAVE OWED 2 1993 FORD PROBES AND BOTH HAVE HAD THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE FIRST ONE WAS ONLY 1 AND A HALF YEARS OLD AND THERE'S A LOT MORE OUT THERE WITH THIS PROBLEM THE O/D LIGHT STARTS TO FLASH AND THE CAR STOPS SHIFTING PROPERLY THEN YOU TAKE IT TO FORD DEALER OR ANY OTHER SHOP THEY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 18, 1994

1993 Ford Probe — common questions

Is the 1993 Ford Probe reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 249 complaints put the 1993 model at #2 of 12 Probe years. It is one of the Probe years to avoid.

What are the most common 1993 Probe problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (79 complaints), electrical system (34 complaints), airbags (27 complaints).

Does the 1993 Ford Probe have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Ford Probe. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 Ford Probe under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Probe years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.