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1997 Ford ProbeProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 27 owner complaints about the 1997 Ford Probe, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

73
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years64% below the Probe median · #9 of 9 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints279 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem13Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 14, 2006. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Ford Probe has problems

27 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling131
Air bags44
Electrical system40
Power train30
Seats20
Service brakes, hydraulic21
Tires20
Suspension10
Seat belts11
1 other systems10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1997 Ford Probe recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other Probe year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Probe median. How we score

'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'99
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Probe owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A PROBLEM,WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN, FORCING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OUT OF THE ROAD. *AK
Complaint 10027217 · Jul 14, 2003
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE UNDER A SLIGHT PUDDLE OF WATER LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD ILLUMINATE, AND VEHICLE STALLS OUT, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.*AK
Complaint 869874 · Sep 7, 2000
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH CAUSES A CRASH. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Complaint 848372 · Sep 22, 1999

Own a 1997 Probe?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.