1996 Ford Probe: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 52 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (31% of complaints); the 1997 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Replaced right lower control arm assembly with a new part from o'reilly autoparts store on 8/31/10 and on 11/05/10 the ball joint came completely out of the new control arm making an extremely unsafe driving condition. Defective new part, replaced it again on 11/09/10 with another new replacement part from o'reilly autoparts store. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2010
“1996 ford probe se auto transmission failure,same as mazda 626 all of these cars have the same problem that cost thousands to fix,check the internet,why hasn't there been a recall?”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2006
“I have a 96 ford probe that the transmission was bad. It was an automatic . With it being an automatic it would seem that they would not go bad compared to a manual transmission. I've been reading that a lot of the mazda/ford transmission are terrible and people has had problems with the transmission which is the cd4e. I would like to just like to let other people know they are not the only one with the same problem of the cd4e. I've had it fixed however the mechanics must still not have it exactly correct cause its still is not working right. So now I have to take it back in for them to look over again. *nm”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“I own a 96 ford probe with a cd4e transmission with only 66000 miles on it. A few days my transmission started to act up. It would rev high then shift into 2nd gear, when atempting to shift into 3rd gear, it just wouldn't. This causes my car to only go a blistering speed of 45mph?!? This transmission , the cd4e, is produced by mazda and is also in the 626. I search the web to see if anyone had the same problems and now I want to get rid of my car I fell in love with 4 years ago. There are thousands of people with the same transmission problems from 94-to 99. Thousand of reported problems but no recall? We need someone to take action againt mazda and the problem transmission.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2004
“While driving a loud noise was heard coming from the rear. Consumer pulled over, and noticed that the passenger side rear rim exploded. Consumer changed the tire, and drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. *ak”Owner report · Wheels · Nov 2004
“1996 ford probe transmission problems ( same as mazda 626 transmission . Its been rebuilt 2 times already and now needs a 3rd , only 120000 miles and all that!!! Costs thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars!!! *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2004
“Intermittently vehicle failed to start. Engine cranked but wouldn't turn over. Also while driving vehicle stalled. Mechanic replaced the ground wire and distributor, but the problems still exists.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2003
“Consumer states that while driving their is a loud clicking noise. Had vehicle serviced. The cv joints had broken, got part replaced. Problem reoccured twices since then. Dealer contacted. Ts”Owner report · Equipment · Jun 2002
“Left front coil spring broke (due to defective material and/or corrosion) going over curb. Tire punctured; car not driveable. Towed to local ford dealer for replacement of front coil spring & components. Spent additional $$ to have corresponding right front coil spring replaced (as safety precaution) although dealer did not suggest doing so. Fortunate not to have been on expressway driving at high rate of speed. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · May 2002
“Consumer was traveling 20mph highway while driving heard a big banging noise. He was able to control vehicle, and pulled over to the side of the road. He noticed that driver's side tire tread separated from rim. Firestone, firehawk, p20555r15 (ftx 2sr). *ak”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Probe by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Ford Probe reliable?
NHTSA has 52 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Ford Probe. The most complained-about area is power train (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Probe problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 97,792 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Ford Probe have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.