VehicleVerdict

1996 Ford Probe problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1996 Ford Probe sits mid-pack among Probe years: 77 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 103, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (18), engine (17), and steering (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

77

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Probe years?

Probe NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 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, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Probe years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Ford Probe problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1823%
Engine1722%
Electrical System79%
Steering79%
Seat Belts45%
Suspension34%
Body & Structure34%
Speed Control34%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Brakes23%
Latches & Locks23%
Lighting23%
Other23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Airbags23%
Fuel System11%

Does the 1996 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.

96V090000AirbagsJune 3, 1996 · 2,740 units

Defect

THE SUPPLEMENTARY AIR BAG INFLATABLE RESTRAINT CAUTION LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR DOES NOT CONTAIN THE STATEMENT, "DO NOT INSTALL REARWARD FACING CHILD SEATS IN ANY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT POSITION." THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: OPERATORS COULD FAIL TO NOTICE AND HEED THE WARNING LABEL.

Remedy

A NEW CAUTION LABEL, WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, WILL BE SENT DIRECTLY TO OWNERS. OWNERS CAN INSTALL THE LABEL OR, IF THEY WISH, CAN HAVE THEIR DEALER INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, I TOOK IT IN AND PAID $300 TO FLUSH THE TRANSMISSION. . ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, I TOOK IT BACK, THEY CHARGED $65 MORE AND TOLD ME THE TORQUE CONVERTOR AND SOLENOIDS WERE BAD. NEED TO REPLACE WHOLE TRANSMISSION AT ABOUT $3000. HAPPENED ON MY 95…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 1, 2001

“VEHICLE STALLS AND HESITATES WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. TRANSMISSION STALLS. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATES ENGINE RUNS ROUGH, STALLS, AND MAKES A TICKING NOISE, THE OIL PUMP AND MOTOR WERE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, THIS IS A REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2001

“I HAD MY CAR CHECKED BY GOODYEAR BECAUSE I WAS HEARING A CLICKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. INITIALLY ITWAS THOUGH TO BE THE CV JOINT, BUT WAS DEFINATELY CONFIRMED AS THE RACK AND PINON ASSEMBLY. IT SEEMS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT I DID ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering

“WHEN PLACING THE VEHICLE FROM 2ND TO 3TH GEAR AND THE RPMS ARE AT 2900, THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT NO WARNING, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER REPLACED THE SENSOR AND THE COMPUTER MODULE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“SEAT BELT HAS EXTENDED BEYOND FORD'S MAXUMUM SPECS, REVEALING A "REPLACE IMMEDIATELY" NOTICE ATTACHED TO BAS EOF SEAT BELT WEBBING. WILL NOT RETRACT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 1, 1998

1996 Ford Probe — common questions

Is the 1996 Ford Probe reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 77 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Probe year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1996 Probe problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (18 complaints), engine (17 complaints), steering (7 complaints).

Does the 1996 Ford Probe have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Ford Probe. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.