1997 Ford Probe: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 27 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
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 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I have a 1997 ford probe gt 6 cylinder. The over drive light keep flickering over drive off and then check engine light stays on for days. I had this checked out and the tps throttle position sensor check out bad so I had this replaced. This problem still exist. I went to several service stations they all say I don't know. I would just ignore this but the slows down to lower gear this is scary. I love this ford probe is there anything I can do. I found a sight on the internet and relayed a intercooling for the trans, is this correct!!! *nm”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2006
“The automatic transmission (cd4e) has been acting up, overdrive light on dash starts flashing whih then causes harsh shifting and power loss in tranny and engine. I have read hundreds of complaints about these transmissions and believe it should be the responsibility of the manufacturer to take care of these problems. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · May 2004
“I have had to replace the distrubutor which caused it turn over, but not start, and clutch with in one month. Also my check engine light keeps coming on an dthey can't figure out why, and my cruise control does not work. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“Consumer states there is a problem ,while driving the vehicle shut down, forcing the consumer to pull out of the road. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2003
“Involved in automobile accident in lexington ky approximate speed at 20 mph crashed the front of vehicle and the airbags did not deployed front of vehicle sustained major damage. *nlm”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2003
“While driving about 2 mph consumer's vehicle was hit by another vehicle going about 45 mph, impact was on the driver side near front of vehicle. Neither airbag deployed. Consumer hit her head on windshield.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2001
“Consumer was traveling in a 1997 ford probe. Firestone firehawk tire size p205/55r15, dot#w2mjfxm426. Original tires on vehicle. Passenger's front tire blewout. Tire shop stated that it was bound to happen with all tires. *ak *slc”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2000
“While driving on highway traveling 50mph, vehicle in front stopped suddenly to avoid hitting the car in front of it. There was a five car pileup. Consumer hit vehicle in front, and neither airbag deployed. Also, seat belt didn't lock up. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2000
“Engine problems since owning car. Car cranks but won't start. Has happened too many times to count since I've owned the car. The incident date I chose was the first time it happened. It happened the first time 2 months after a recall repair had been done and has continued until today. The vehicle component I chose is a guess since the problem has never been determined. Many things have been replaced but the problem persists.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 1999
“Vehicle was driven less than 2 miles and caught on fire in the engine compartment. The vehicle was totalled. Recall NHTSA 98v-206/ manufacturer's recall 98s30. Dealer inspected timing belt tensioner, and stated that it was ok. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - 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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER CAN BREAK AND GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TENSIONER AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY.
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.
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 1997 Ford Probe reliable?
NHTSA has 27 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Ford Probe. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1997 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.