Owners have filed 249 complaints
about the 1993 Ford Probe with NHTSA between 1995 and 2007.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 89
Against the median year of the Ford Probe. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 21
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
112.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
225.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
112.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
112.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
112.5%
150,000+ miles
225.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1993 Ford Probe 2-DR. HB.
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 16Nov 2007
NHTSA investigations into the 1993 Ford Probe
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
SQ98008Opened 4 May 1998Closed 8 May 1998ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AUDIO SYSTEM FIRES
SEE RESUME FOR DETAILS.
Recalls on the 1993 Ford Probe
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E065000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
05E065000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
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.
Risk: PIVOT PIN SEPARATION CAUSES THE LIFTGATE TO DESCEND SUDDENLY, RESULTING IN AN INJURY IF SOMEONE IS STRUCK BY THE LIFTGATE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199509925,196 units in Canada
Electrical
THE FUEL PUMP WIRING ASSEMBLY MAY CORRODE DUE TO ROAD SALT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL BRIDGE DEVELOPING BETWEEN THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT AND THE FUEL GAUGE SENDER TERMINALS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL SENDER GROUND CIRCUIT TO OVERHEAT THE WIRING AND MELT ITS INSULATION CAUSING SMOKE AND POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO OTHER WIRING. CORRECTION: A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE FUEL PUMP/SENDER ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT.
Recall 19940606,685 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 210.1 TETHER ANCHORAGES FOR CHILD RESTRAINTS. THE ENGLISH TETHER BOLT AND METRIC ANCHOR NUT COMBINATION IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE STANDARD. ALSO, INFORMATION CONCERNING THE INSTALLATION OF THE BOLT CONTAINED IN THE OWNER GUIDE IS INCORRECT. CORRECTION: NEW CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHOR BOLT KITS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS ALONG WITH TWO REVISED STICK-ON OWNER GUIDE PAGES. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE INCORRECT PANEL WELD NUT IF REQUIRED.
Recall 1993079283 units in Canada
Structure
THE LOWER PIVOT PIN THAT JOINS THE LIFTGATE GAS STRUT TO THE BODY MAY SEPARATE FROM THE LOWER STRUT MOUNTING BRACKET DUE TO AN UNDERSIZED RIVET HEAD. IF THE PIN SEPARATES, THE LIFTGATE COULD FALL AND POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY TO PERSONS UNDER THE FALLING LIFTGATE. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF ONE OR BOTH OF THE RIVET HEADS ARE UNDERSIZED, THAT LIFTGATE WILL BE REPLACED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
O'fallon, MOCrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
SEATBACK BENT/RETRACTED ON REAR INPACT. THE CAR WAS TOTALLED BUT I KEPT THE SEAT. I CAN PROVIDE A VIN IF NEEDED. I CAN ALSO PROVIDE THE SEAT FOR INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #740994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, VAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE NEAR FUEL TANK. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.
NHTSA complaint #877133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn Park, MNCrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THERE IS A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #726653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Johnston, RICrash
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO DRIVE IN CIRCLE ABOUT 90 MPH AND TOTALLY LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, AND IT STOPPED AGAINST A GUARDRAIL TWO REAR TIRES HAD A TREAD SEPARATION. FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #867421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Castle, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED 02/14/0 DUE TO THE THE DISTRIBUTOR SYSTEM WAS REPLACED TOTAL $515.28 AND THE DIAGNOSED AND FILTERING STSEM WAS REPLACE AT $161.00. THE NEXT INCIDENT WAS 03/03/00 WHERE PHIL FITTS SPOTTED A PLUGGED IDLE AIR VALVE THAT WAS REPLACED. PHIL FITTS. 3250 WILMINGTON RD, NEW CASTLE, PA 16105. I DIDN'T MIND THE OCCURANCE ON 03/03/00 BUT THE ONE 2/14/00 WAS QUOTED AS SOMETHING THAT WAS RARE ON CAR FOR THE WHOLE DISTRIBUTOR SYSTEM TO GO. I HAD TO BE TOWED TICE WHICH I DON'T CARE ABOUT THAT I HAVE INSURANCE TO COVR THAT.WHEN I BROKE DOWN IT WAS A COLD EVENING AND THE CAR HAD JUST DIED AND STARTED TO SMOKE TO ME THAT WAS ALOT OF MONEY TO PUT IN A CAR THAT YOU JUST PURCHASED 2 MONTHS PRIOR.I ALWAYS LIKE DEALING WITH FORD I HOPE SOMEONE COULD LOOK INTO THIS FOR ME I KNOW THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR USED BUT, TO ME THAT IS ALOT OF MONEY. THANK YOU, CAROLE NOCERAE
NHTSA complaint #724140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Castle, PAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED 02/14/0 DUE TO THE THE DISTRIBUTOR SYSTEM WAS REPLACED TOTAL $515.28 AND THE DIAGNOSED AND FILTERING STSEM WAS REPLACE AT $161.00. THE NEXT INCIDENT WAS 03/03/00 WHERE PHIL FITTS SPOTTED A PLUGGED IDLE AIR VALVE THAT WAS REPLACED. PHIL FITTS. 3250 WILMINGTON RD, NEW CASTLE, PA 16105. I DIDN'T MIND THE OCCURANCE ON 03/03/00 BUT THE ONE 2/14/00 WAS QUOTED AS SOMETHING THAT WAS RARE ON CAR FOR THE WHOLE DISTRIBUTOR SYSTEM TO GO. I HAD TO BE TOWED TICE WHICH I DON'T CARE ABOUT THAT I HAVE INSURANCE TO COVR THAT.WHEN I BROKE DOWN IT WAS A COLD EVENING AND THE CAR HAD JUST DIED AND STARTED TO SMOKE TO ME THAT WAS ALOT OF MONEY TO PUT IN A CAR THAT YOU JUST PURCHASED 2 MONTHS PRIOR.I ALWAYS LIKE DEALING WITH FORD I HOPE SOMEONE COULD LOOK INTO THIS FOR ME I KNOW THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR USED BUT, TO ME THAT IS ALOT OF MONEY. THANK YOU, CAROLE NOCERAE
NHTSA complaint #724140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 74,550 milesCleveland, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD PROBE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE FUEL CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS OCCASIONALLY ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER TWO OR THREE MINUTES. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER FOR A PROPER DIAGNOSIS. AS OF NOVEMBER 16, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,550 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #10209159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,600 milesSumter, SC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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 SAY NEW TRANSMISSION NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #10182838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesMontreat, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
ICM OVERHEATED SEVERAL TIMES THIS SUMMER (ALWAYS WHILE ON INTERSTATE), CAUSES THE CAR TO SHUT OFF WHILE AT 65+MPH, ALL POWER LOST (BRAKERS, STEERING, ACCELERATION). CAR ONLY AT 37,000 MILES DURING FIRST FAILURE. REPLACED ICM/DISTRIBUTOR (ICM BUILT INSIDE DISTRIBUTOR) WITH A NON-OEM PART.
NHTSA complaint #10172616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesMontreat, NC
PARKING BRAKE
RELEASE OF HAND BRAKE ON FORD PROBE GT FAILS TO DISENGAGE THE REAR BRAKES, REAR WHEEL(S) NOW PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY LOCKED, CURRENT METHOD OF CORRECTION INVOLVES MANUALLY RELEASING FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR (ALWAYS PARK DOWNHILL NOW).
NHTSA complaint #10172614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BAY ST. Louis, MS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR EVER SINCE I'VE OWNED MY 1993 FORD PROBE GT (V6-CYLINDER). I HAD 3 PREVIOUS NEW AND REBUILT COMPRESSORS REPLACED. THEY ONLY LASTED BETWEEN 1 AND 2 YEARS. EACH TIME COSTING ME BETWEEN $750 AND $1100 FOR LABOR AND TO REPLACE THE COMPRESSOR, O-RING, CONDENSER, PULL A VACUUM, RECHARGE THE SYSTEM, ETC. I WAS INFORMED BY ALL OF MY AC REPAIR GUYS THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A SMALL $10 VALVE ON THE COMPRESSOR THAT HAD A LIMITED 1-2 YEAR LIFE BUILT-IN TO IT BY THE FORD MANUFACTURER. FORD CALLS THIS A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW. THIS VALVE IS NOT AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. EVIDENTLY IT'S ONLY AVAILABLE TO AUTHORIZED FORD COMPRESSOR REBUILDERS. FORD HAS NOT TAKEN ANY STEPS TO FIX THIS VALVE DESIGN FLAW. SO, WHEN MY COMPRESSOR (VALVE) WENT OUT FOR THE 4TH TIME, I DECIDED TO TRY REPAIRING IT MYSELF. THIS IS WHAT I DID TO REPAIR MY AIR CONDITIONER MYSELF FOR ONLY A SMALL FRACTION OF THE COST 1). I PUT IN LEAK DETECTOR TO VERIFY THAT ONLY THE VALVE WAS LEAKING. IT WAS. 2). I SANDED AND CLEANED THE END OF THE DEFECTIVE VALVE. 3). I PUT JB WELD ON THE END OF THE VALVE TO PLUG UP THE HOLE. 4). I RECHARGED THE SYSTEM WITH FREON. THAT'S IT. 4 EASY STEPS AND MY AIR CONDITIONER IS BLOWING LIKE GANGBUSTERS AGAIN FOR LESS THAN $50. YOU WOULD THINK THAT FORD COMPRESSOR MANUFACTURERS WOULD HAVE FIXED THIS VALVE BY NOW, OR MAYBE MY AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR GUYS COULD HAVE JUST PLUGGED-UP THE HOLE IN THE VALVE WITH JB WELD JUST LIKE I DID. BUT NOOOOOOOO! THAT WOULD BE TO EASY, AND THEY WOULDN'T MAKE A TON OF MONEY OFF ME. IT SEEMS THAT THEY ARE ALL IN IT TO MAKE MAJOR BUCKS OFF OF THE SUPPOSED DESIGN FLAW OF A VALVE.
NHTSA complaint #10130061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walnut Creek, CA
AIR BAGS
THE AIR BAG LIGHT IN THE CONSUMER'S 1993 FORD PROBE FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER REQUEST THAT THE AIR BAG BE DISCONNECTED. *NM
NHTSA complaint #10113757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Splendora, TX
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
WINDOW ASSEMBLY ON BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SIDE BROKE WITHIN A WEEK APART. THE REAR HATCH DOOR WILL NOT STAY OPEN ON ITS OWN.
NHTSA complaint #10093002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ludington, MI
POWER TRAIN
I CAN'T EVEN GET ANYONE TO WORK ON THIS TRANSMISSION. I CALL EVERY SINGLE TRANNY SHOP I COULD FIND IN 3 TOWNS, NOT 1 WILL HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH A PROBLE TRANNY. THIS IS CRAZY, FORD OR MAZDA SHOULD BE PAYING FOR THIS, IF THEY HAVE A PRODUCT, WITH SUCH A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM. I WISH I WOULD OF KNOWN, NEVER WOULD OF BOUGHT IT!
NHTSA complaint #10068908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesGreenville, NC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE ON MY 1993 PROBE GT HAS AN UNEXPLAINED DEFECT. MOST REPAIR BUSINESSES WILL NOT EVEN TOUCH THESE CARS DUE TO REPUTATION. AFTER $500 IN DIAGNOSTIC FEES, THE PROBLEM WAS RULED UNEXPLAINED BY AAMCO.
NHTSA complaint #10049761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesGreenville, NC
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE ON MY 1993 PROBE GT HAS AN UNEXPLAINED DEFECT. MOST REPAIR BUSINESSES WILL NOT EVEN TOUCH THESE CARS DUE TO REPUTATION. AFTER $500 IN DIAGNOSTIC FEES, THE PROBLEM WAS RULED UNEXPLAINED BY AAMCO.
NHTSA complaint #10049761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLudington, MI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 93 FORD PROBE IS SHOT. THERE IS NO SERVICE STATION, ETC. THAT WILL EVEN TOUCH THE THING. THEY ARE KNOW FOR THIS AND YOU CAN'T EVEN GET SOMEONE TO WORK ON IT. FORD OR MAZDA SHOULD BE PAYING FOR THIS. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10018485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,100 milesLead, SD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL PUMP INERTIA CUT-OFF SWITCH IS DESIGNED TO SHUT OFF THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP IN A ROLLOVER OR SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE CUT OF SWITCH ON MY PROBE CUT OFF THE FUEL PUMP (AND THEREFORE THE ENGINE) AFTER HITTING MINOR BUMPS. DEALER IN SPEARFISH, SD., INSTALLED NEW CUT OFF SWITCH ON 10/9. IT FAILED THAT AFTERNOON. I INSTALLED A THIRD SWITCH I BROUGHT FROM RAPID CITY, SD. FORD DEALER AND IT FAILED TWICE. VEHICLE QUITS RUNNING CREATING A HAZARDOUS SITUATION PARTICULARLY ON ROADS WITH LIMITED OR NO SHOULDER TO PULL OVER. TO GET VEHICLE RUNNING AGAIN I MUST PULL OVER, OPEN HATCHBACK AND PRESS THE RESET BUTTON. A VERY HAZARDOUS SITUATION IS CREATED WHEN VEHICLE QUITS RUNNING UNEXPECTEDLY. THIS HAS OCCURRED 10 TIMES WITH 3 SWITCHES (ALL FROM FORD, PART NUMBER #XF3Z-9341-AA FIRST INERTIA SWITCH). *PH *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**769769
NHTSA complaint #10006934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Vernon, OH
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH CONSUMER RAN INTO AN EMBANKMENT HEAD-ON. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONTACTED DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #8012557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Campbell, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
PIVOT PIN IN BOTH REAR CALIPERS CORRODES DUE TO FAULTY GASKET AND REAR BRAKES SEIZE AS A RESULT.
NHTSA complaint #762692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeville, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
1993 FORD PROBE GT. BOTH REAR BRAKE CALIPERS HAVE EACH SEIZED TWICE (BOTH CALIPERS WERE REBUILT BY A DEALER AFTER THE INITIAL FAILURES). WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS THERE IS A BURNING BRAKE SMELL, THE ROTOR GLOWS ORANGE, THE ENTIRE WHEEL GETS EXTREMEMLY HOT, AND THE VEHICLE IS DESTABILIZED TOWARDS OVERSTEER. THE BRAKE PADS ARE DESTROYED VERY QUICKLY RESULTING IN INOPERATIVE REAR BRAKES (INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE). THE BRAKE ROTOR MAY ALSO WARP DUE TO HEAT DAMAGE. IT IS DIFFICULT TO IMMEDIATELY DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE CORRECTLY SINCE IT INITIALLY JUST SEEMS LIKE A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY A RUBBER SEAL (HANDBRAKE PIVOT-PIN SEAL) THAT DETERIORATES PREMATURELY ALLOWING MOISTURE AND CONTAMINATION TO ENTER THE CALIPER WHERE IS CAUSES THE NEEDLE BEARINGS TO CORRODE. IT THEREFORE ONLY EFFECTS PROBE MODELS WITH REAR DISC BRAKES (PROBE GT). FORD REVISED THE REAR CALIPERS ON PROBE GT'S MANUFACTURED AFTER 5-JAN-1995 TO CORRECT THE DEFECT ALTHOUGH EARLIER MODELS WERE NEVER CORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #762262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maplewood, MN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE DISTRIBUTOR WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. IT HAS BEEN NOTED TO FAIL ON THESE ENGINES AS THE RECALL FOR PRIOR YEARS. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION HAS A HABIT OF FAILING. FOR MORE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND COMPLAINTS, PLEASE GO TO WWW.PROBETALK.COM. THERE ARE HUNDREDS, POSSIBLY THOUSANDS OF OTHERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THEIR DISTRIBUTORS AND TRANSMISSIONS FAILING AT RELATIVELY LOW MILES.
NHTSA complaint #756318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maplewood, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE DISTRIBUTOR WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. IT HAS BEEN NOTED TO FAIL ON THESE ENGINES AS THE RECALL FOR PRIOR YEARS. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION HAS A HABIT OF FAILING. FOR MORE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND COMPLAINTS, PLEASE GO TO WWW.PROBETALK.COM. THERE ARE HUNDREDS, POSSIBLY THOUSANDS OF OTHERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THEIR DISTRIBUTORS AND TRANSMISSIONS FAILING AT RELATIVELY LOW MILES.
NHTSA complaint #756318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenton, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THIS IS THE SECOND IGNITOR THIS CAR HAS HAD. THIS IS A DEFECT FROM FORD. IT IS BOTH DANGEROUS AND UNACCEPTABLE TO LET FORD GET AWAY WITH THIS INJUSTICE. PROBE OWNERS ALL HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM IT IS A DEFECT AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY FORD MOTORS.
NHTSA complaint #754792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Noblesville, IN
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
SENSOR FOR THE AIRBAG OPERATION HAS GONE OUT, AIRBAG HAS NEVER BEEN USED.
NHTSA complaint #821133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melville, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
VEHICLE STALLED IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT WARNING. NARROWLY MISSED ACCIDENT. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. TOLD IT WAS A FAULTY DISTRIBUTOR.
NHTSA complaint #753759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hendersonville, NC
WHEELS:RIM
WHILE DRIVING RIM ON RIGHT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE SPLIT IN HALF. CONSUMER HEARD A SOUND, AND WAS TRYING TO GET VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THAT WAS WHEN RIM SPLIT, AND VEHICLE FELL TO GROUND. CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY STATED NOTHING COULD BE DONE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #896745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ALL OWNERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE DISTRIBUTOR PROBLEMS FROM PAST CUSTOMERS.
NHTSA complaint #750917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chapel Hill, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THIS PROBLEM WAS WITH THE IGNITION--SAME AS THE CURRENT 'RECALL'. I HAVE THE ORIGINAL DISTRIBUTOR. I HAD TO REPLACE IT AT A COST OF OVER $600. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, THE TSB WAS TO REPLACE THE THICK FILM IGNITION..... THIS HAPPENED AT 53000 MILES, WELL WITH.
NHTSA complaint #750663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Richland, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
IT WAS A HOT DAY. WE HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE FOR APPROX 10 MINUTES WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. THE RPM INDICATOR DROPPED TO ZERO BY THE TIME WE MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS ALONE WAS A MIRACLE AS WE LOST COMPLETE POWER WITHIN SECONDS. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLE AS THE DISTRIBUTOR. WE'VE JUST LEARNED THAT THE TFI (THICK FILM MODULE) IS BEING QUESTIONED AS FAULTY IN SOME MAKES OF FORDS. THE COMPLAINTS HAVE SPARKED RECALL CRIES ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. WE HAD A NEW DISTRIBUTOR INSTALLED YESTERDAY, AUGUST 13, 2001. IT HAS THE SAME TFI MODULE MOUNTED ON THE DISTRIBUTOR THAT THE PREVIOUS FAULTY DISTRIBUTOR HAD. SO, ARE WE RIDING IN ANOTHER TIME BOMB FOR A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT WHERE WE COULD POSSIBLY SUSTAIN INJURY OR EVEN LOSS OF LIFE. I SURE HOPE NOT.
NHTSA complaint #750451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
W. Richland, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY AT 60 MPH RPMS STARTED TO DROP. VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND DIE. CONSUMER FELT THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THEY WERE ON THE HIGHWAY. TOOK TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID IT WAS DISTRIBUTOR. CONSUMER REPLACED TFI MODULE ,AND REPLACED IT WITH SAME PART. THERE MAY BE A DEFECT IN DESIGN OF PART. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #894335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.