1990 FORD Probe Problems

355

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

SEAT BELTS

286 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD PROBE. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS RETRACTORS WOULD NOT WORK. THE DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED THE SEAT BELTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 182,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Aug 14, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD PROBE. APPROXIMATELY SIX YEARS AGO THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEEDED TO USE THE SEAT BELTS BECAUSE THERE WERE NO AIR BAGS IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERRED TO SAFETY RECALL # 96V172002 CONCERNING SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING. HOWEVER, FORD STATED THAT THE RECALL DID NOT EXIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEVER RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 100,001, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *AK UPDATED 06/14/07 *TR

May 03, 2007

DRIVER SIDE MOTORIZED SEAT BELT SEIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRACK. *NM

Dec 08, 2006

THE RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #96V172001) IS NOT BEING HONORED BY THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE, ALTHOUGH THE MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR OF THE CAR IS THE SAME, THE VIN NUMBER DOES NOT APPEAR IN THE MANUFACTURER DATABASE ASSOCIATING IT WITH THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO HONOR THE RECALL SINCE IT TOTALLY MATCHES THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM STATED IN THE RECALL.

May 02, 2005

SHOULDER BELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE IS DEFECTIVE. IT DOES NOT SECURE THE PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. A RECALL WAS ISSUED IN 1996. SHOULDER BELT WAS REPAIRED, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT REPAIR SHOULDER BELT UNLESS CONSUMER PAYS FOR IT. *AK

Apr 27, 2004

+ 281 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 complaints

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DEALERSHIP SAD IT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY IGNITION MODULE. *AK

May 13, 2002

ELECTRICAL CLUSTER MODULE SHORTED OUT, AND DASHBOARD FOR SPEED PANEL AND LIGHT OIL GAUGE DOESN'T OPERATE PROPERLY. *AK

May 01, 2001

I HAVE REPLACE THE DISTRIBUTOR MODULE, AND THE CAR STILL SHUTS DOWN WHILE I AM DRIVING REGUARDLESS OF THE SPEED OF TRAVEL. I CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL. I JUST CAN NOT DRIVE IT THIS WAY. I HAVE PUT $3000 INTO THIS CAR THIS YEAR ALONE.

Oct 22, 2000

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD VEHICLE STALLS/STUTTERS, AND CAUSES A LOSS OF POWER STEERING DUE TO THE COMPUTER IN THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONING. *AK

Nov 09, 1999

OWNER STATES THAT SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR HER WIRING HARNESS AND THAT SHE HAD WORK REPAIRED BUT VEHICLE STILL CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK

Mar 04, 1997

Fire: 1

+ 4 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

9 complaints

COOLANT HOSES FOR THE TURBO CHARGER LEAK IN SMALL QUANTITIES.

Jan 19, 1998

VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKS OIL.

Jun 10, 1997

TIMING BELT FAILED.

Jun 10, 1997

EXHAUST FUMES ENTER INSIDE VEHICLE, BURNING DRIVER'S EYES.

Apr 15, 1997

A GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD WHEN ENGINE IS COLD OR WARM; HAPPENS OBLY WHEN ENGINE IS UNDER LOAD. *AK

Jan 06, 1997

+ 4 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

7 complaints

WHILE GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AT 25 MPH, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, WITHOUT ANY BRAKING ACTION. CONSUMER USED PARK BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN VEHICLE.*AK CONSUMER ADDED THAT THE DEALER WHO SOLD HIM THE VEHICLE, HAD GOTTEN THE BRAKE LINE FIXED, BUT NOT THE GREASE CAP FOR THE ENIGNE. *SCC

Jul 02, 2002

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY CAR STOPS RUNNING AND THEN JUST STARTS UP AGAIN.ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER BEING SHUT DOWN FOR OVER 1 HOUR LASTEST INCIDENT CAR STOPPED RUNNING ON ROAD ANB WE COASTED OFF ROAD AND THEN WE RESTARTED CAR THESE PROBLEMS HAVE OCCURED ABOUT 8/9 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS NO CLUE AS TO WHY THIS IS OCCURRING ONLY TO TRY AND REPLACE THIS OR THAT COMPONENT TO NO AVAIL THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION WHEN GOING DOWN ROAD AT 60 MPH IN TRAFFIC OR DOWNHILL WITH NO ASSISTED BRAKING. *AK

Feb 04, 2001

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, AND THE PEDAL FELT VERY HARD. DESPITE ADDITIONAL PRESSURE BEING APPLIED NO BRAKING ACTION OCCURRED. CONTACTED THE DEALER TO TRY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK *ML

Jun 09, 2000

THE BRAKE SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG PROBES. I'VE CHECKED WITH OTHER OWNERS AND THEY REPORT VERY SIMILAR PROBLEMS.

Dec 01, 1999

ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP PREMATURELY, CAUSING SKIDDING AND AN ACCIDENT.

Jun 10, 1997

+ 2 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

7 complaints

POWER WINDOW CABLE SHORT CIRCUITED. *AK

Oct 17, 1997

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED DUE TO MISADJUSTMENT.

Jun 10, 1997

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER NOT WORKING.

Mar 18, 1997

DRIVER SIDE WINDOW KEEPS SLIDING DOWN, DUE TO BAD REGULATER.

Jan 13, 1997

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT CUT OFF, GETS SHOCKED WHEN GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE, THINKS IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BECAUSE WIPERS CAN BE TURNED ON, BUT CAN NOT TURN THEM OFF. *AK

Jan 07, 1997

+ 2 more complaints for this component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 complaints

GASKET BETWEEN THE BODY AND TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY ALLOWS WATER TO ENTER THREW THE BACK SIDE OF THE TAIL LIGHTS INTO THE SPARE TIRE WALL, CAUSED A SHORT FOR THE SAFETY RELAY SWITCH FOR THE FUEL PUMP AND TAIL LIGHT

May 25, 2000

RIGHT REAR THIRD BRAKE LIGHT BULB FAILED.

Jun 10, 1997

HIGH BEAMS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF.

Mar 18, 1997

ONLY HIGH BEAMS WERE WORKING.

Mar 18, 1997

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 complaints

THIS ENGINE LOSES POWER AND MISS-FIRES WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IN TANK IS UNDER 1/4 FULL. WHEN OVER 1/4 FUEL LEVEL THE ENGINE RUNS FINE. I MADE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER BUT REFUELED ENORUTE TO DEALER AND WAS UNABLE TO DEMONSTRATE PROBLEM RESULTING IN CANCELLATION OF APPOINTMENT. NO FURTHER ACTION TAKEN.

Jun 20, 1998

FUEL PUMP FAILED, CAUSING WIRING HARNESS TO CATCH FIRE.

Feb 04, 1997

Fire: 1

FUEL PUMP WIRING INSIDE FUEL TANK SHORTS OUT/SPARKS. *SKD

Jun 25, 1995

HOLE IN TOP OF GAS TANK.

Dec 03, 1994

STEERING

4 complaints

RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED, CAUSING NOISE.

Jun 10, 1997

VEHICLE HAS REJECTED STEERING COLUMN INSTALLED AT MANUFACTURER, REJECTED TAG ATTACHED TO STEERING COLUMN COVERED UP BY PANELS; COULD CAUSE SERIOUS STEERING PROBLEMS, STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT LOCK WHEN IGNITION IS TURNED OFF. *AK

Nov 12, 1996

RACK AND PINION STEERING BROKE. *AK

Apr 12, 1995

POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. *DH

Sep 25, 1994

POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

AFTER FIRST RECALL ON THE EMMISSIONS SYSTEM, THE CAR CAME BACK FROM REPAIR IDLING FAST. THE CAR HAD TO GO BACK IN FOR REPAIR ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO CORRECT THE FAST IDLING.

Mar 18, 1997

CLUTCH FAILED TWICE.

Oct 09, 1996

DIFFERENTIAL GEAR FELL APART, CAUSING TRANSMISSION LEAK. *DSH

May 13, 1996

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaints

SUDDEN ACCELERATION.

Feb 26, 1997

WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DEACTIVATE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY SURGE DOWN AN EXIT RAMP. PLEASE GIVE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Jan 14, 1997

Crash: 1

FAILURE WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT

Feb 27, 1995

Crash: 1

Injuries: 6

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

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 NOT NOTIFIED. SEAT BELTS RECALL AFTER FAILURE (96S48 AND 96S99). *AK

Aug 27, 1998

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

WEATHER BAD, WENT TO APPLY BRAKES (ABS), VEHICLE SLID INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN, HEAD HIT CEILING, SEAT BELT CAME LOOSE FROM TRACT. UNDER RECALL 96V172000. DEALER HAS NO PARTS. *AK

Jan 21, 1997

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

SEATS

2 complaints

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BROKE OFF FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN DRIVING THE SEAT IS NOT SECURE DUE TO A BROKENT BOLT WHICH HOLDS THE SEAT IN PLACE, THE SEAT MOVES UP AND BACK. *AK

Feb 20, 1997

DRIVERS SIDE PASSIVE RESTRAINT MOTOR HAS BURNED OUT (3) TIMES AND PASSENGER ONCE. REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE PASSIVE RESTRIANT TRACK ASSEMBLY. *AK

May 08, 1996

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE ON OUTSIDE HAS BROKEN TWICE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENTER NORMAL USAGE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

Dec 14, 1995

BROKEN DOOR CABLE. *AK

Apr 12, 1995

PARKING BRAKE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,WHEELS

1 complaint

RETRACTABLE SEAT BELTS JAM AND GET STUCK IN TRACK, MAKING UNSAFE CONDITION. HAVE HIT HEAD ON SEAT BELT LATCH CAUSING PAIN AND HAVE ALSO BEEN STUCK IN SEAT WITH SEAT BELT NOT RELEASING. ALSO WEARING OUT CAR BATTERY & SHORTING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEVERE MOISTURE IN TAIL LAMPS, FAILURE OF TAIL LAMPS CAUSING UNSAFE CONDITION, FAILURE OF DRIVING LIGHTS. MANY PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE FROM DATE OF OWNERSHIP IN 1993. *JB

Apr 10, 2006

SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT RESTRAINT (SHOLDER HARNESS) DOESN'T FUNCTION. 1990 FORD PROBE LX. WAS ISSUE OF A RECALL IN 1996. SUBJECT RESTRAINT HAS FAILED THREE TIMES SINCE PURCHASE OF CAR. FIRST REPAIR WAS UNDER VEHICLE WARRANTY. SECOND REPAIR TOOK PLACE PRIOR TO RECAL AND WAS PAID FOR BY OWNER. THIRD FAILURE HAS OCCURED WITHING THE LAST YEAR AND LOCAL DEALER DOES NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.

May 24, 2005

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

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 HAD MELTED FROM THE HEAT.

Oct 24, 2001

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

GAS, SPEEDOMETER, AND OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD ARE OUT. WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED UP IT SHOWS AND BLINKS OUT. CONSUMER CAN'T TELL IF THE VEHICLE IS LOW ON GAS OR HOW FAST THEY'RE GOING. CONSUMER IS TAKING IT IN 04-01-2001.*AK

Apr 30, 2001

SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

WHEN TRAVELING AT 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO CHANGE LANES, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HITTING A RAIL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES: WHEN CONTROL WAS LOST, SHE TRIED TO STEER INTO THE TIRE DIRECTION, WHEN VEHICLE HEADED STRAIGHT INTO THE GUARDRAIL, SHE MADE A HARD LEFT TURN TO TURN INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, HOWEVER VEHICLE TURNED RIGHT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT THE LEFT FRONT, SIDE, AND REAR, AND SPUN OUT 2-3 TIMES, CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS WAS A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. *SLC

Nov 25, 1997

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

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

Jun 30, 1997

Fire: 1

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL THERE IS A SNAPPING SOUND LIKE METAL TO METAL. AFTER BRINGING TO MECHANIC HE FOUND THE HOUSING WAS SHATTERED AND THE STRUT WAS BEND. UPPER FRONT STRUT BUSHING REPLACED (5) TIMES WITH 2 1/2 YRS. LEFT SIDE (3) TIMES AND RIGHT SIDE (2). *AK

Apr 01, 1997

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

LAP PORTION OF SEAT BELT RIPPED OUT OF SEAT DURING FRONT END COLLISION; NEITHER DRIVER RECEIVED CITATION, WHOSE FAULT NOT DETERMINED, VEHICLE TOTALED, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Mar 11, 1997

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

DRIVER SIDE RESTRAINT WILL NOT RELEASE CONSISTENTLY, PASSENAGER SIDE REPLACED.

Feb 24, 1997

PARKING BRAKE

1 complaint

EMERGENCY HAND BRAKE FAILED TO DISENGAGE DUE TO INTERNAL END OF HANDLE CRACKING/BENDING.

Nov 27, 1996

POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD, THEY DON'T GO INTO A DOWN POSITION. *AK PASSENGER DOOR FEELS HEAVY AND IT FAILED AT 60000 MILES. TRANSMISSION SLIPS, DEALER STATED NEW ONE WAS NEEDED, FAILED AT 89000 MILES. *SLC

Nov 13, 1996

VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT SHOULDER HARNESS IS STUCK MID POINT ON THE TRACTOR. *AK

Jul 25, 1996

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS NEVER INSTALLED. *AK

Apr 12, 1995

⭐

4.6/5.0

65 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1990 FORD Probe have?

The 1990 FORD Probe currently has 355 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1990 FORD Probe?

The most common problems reported for the 1990 FORD Probe are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1990 FORD Probe problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1990 FORD Probe comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.