1996 Ford Probe
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Probe › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Ford Probe. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1996 Ford Probe. Newest first.
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 and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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 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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: operators could fail to notice and heed the warning label.
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.
Owner complaints
52 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension › Front
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
- Suspension › Front
LT front spring broke & punctured the inside sidewall of the tire making it go flat. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission failure. Second time. This needs to be addressed very expensive to repair. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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?
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
I was driving down the road and as soon as I got up to speed past 30 miles per hour it kicked into to gear really hard and I could feel the transmission barely slipping into gear..and had to have the water pump flushed it was over heating thought it was the thermostat but it was checked and fine so…
I was driving down the road and as soon as I got up to speed past 30 miles per hour it kicked into to gear really hard and I could feel the transmission barely slipping into gear..and had to have the water pump flushed it was over heating thought it was the thermostat but it was checked and fine so I had to replace the water pump...was missing a motor mount on one side and the other was corrodded.. When I are driving down the road I can hear my car 4 blocks away..brakes aren't right they don't press down like they should and half the time they just don't work...if I am lucky, I have to start braking around 2 blocks away, I may stop in time. I purchased this car on july 16,2006 and this all happened starting july 17,2006. Payments have been made on time and have had two estimates as they requested for all the repairs but they still are stating I have to come up with half the money upfront and then they will tact on the rest to the end of my bill I owe to pay off the car. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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
- Wheels › Rim
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
- Electrical system › Ignition
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
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
The vehicle lost power steering when a turn was made. *jb
- Equipment
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Without warning, the transmission completely failed. I lost all ability to move in any of the forward gears, and struggled to get the car to the side of the highway. on the sholder, I discovered I could only move in reverse, all of the forward gears were inoperable. the car was towed to…
Without warning, the transmission completely failed. I lost all ability to move in any of the forward gears, and struggled to get the car to the side of the highway. on the sholder, I discovered I could only move in reverse, all of the forward gears were inoperable. the car was towed to leemyles, and they performed $2,200 in repairs. thirty days later, the transmission completely failed again, fortunately leemyles honored their warranty and performed another complete repair. it IS now working, but I am afraid. I have searched the web and discovered that this particular transmission has a documented history of failure. I request the nhtsa review this complaint, coupled with what I suspect are a large quantity of similar complaints, and force ford to reimburse me for the expenses I incurred in repairing thier faulty machinery.*ak
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
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 $$ to have corresponding right front coil spring replaced (as safety…
Left front coil spring broke (due to defective material and/or corrosion) going over curb. tire punctured; car not driveable. Towed to local ford dealer for replacement of front coil spring & components. spent additional $$ 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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
CD4E transmission failed due to inherant design problem.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
There IS oil leaking into the spark plug cylinders. a tune up was performed, however, the problem was not solved. oil continues to seep into the spark plug cylinders, and this IS causing a degradation in performance as well as rough operation. what IS most interesting, however, IS that my car IS…
There IS oil leaking into the spark plug cylinders. a tune up was performed, however, the problem was not solved. oil continues to seep into the spark plug cylinders, and this IS causing a degradation in performance as well as rough operation. what IS most interesting, however, IS that my car IS not the only one with such a problem. several ford probe owners have informed me that they have similar problems with their cars as well (different model years).*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle stalls and hesitates while traveling on highway. Transmission stalls. dealership IS aware of problem.*ak consumer states engine runs rough, stalls, and makes a ticking noise, the oil pump and motor were replaced. the transmission IS slipping, this IS a replacement transmission. *slc
- Tires › Tread/belt
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving 55 mph, overdrive light illuminated shortly after vehicle began to slowly lose power. dealer identified transmission as the problem. Also, transmission has been replaced two times. *Ak *yh
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Both crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensor replaced. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
Previously had catalytic converter/air mass flow sensor and other minor items repaired in 04/1999. Now 2 years later I have been informed that it's the same problem. It just seem right that the same major problem would arise again so soon unless there IS a problem somewhere in the emission of my…
Previously had catalytic converter/air mass flow sensor and other minor items repaired in 04/1999. Now 2 years later I have been informed that it's the same problem. It just seem right that the same major problem would arise again so soon unless there IS a problem somewhere in the emission of my car or the parts were defective. I have contacted ford motor co and they stated that they could not do anything for me since I have long surpassed the 100,000 required mark to have repaired under warranty. I wanted to know if other problems were reported for the same issue or am I a loner in this situation.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch · Power train › Automatic transmission › Torque converter
My o/d light started flashing, I took it in and paid $300 to flush the transmission. . About 2 weeks later the light came on again, I took it back, they charged $65 more and told me the torque convertor and solenoids were bad. Need to replace whole transmission at about $3000. Happened on my 95 ford probe SE also at 62000 miles right before I got in a wreck with it and traded it on this one.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Gears would shift by themselves, and transmission started to slip and slowly break down. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
One day while driving, I noticed that my engine was overheating. before I could pull over the needle went back down indicating that the engine was not overheating. I proceeded to drive. then my car just stopped picking up speed. the next thing I knew was that my car just wouldn't not move any…
One day while driving, I noticed that my engine was overheating. before I could pull over the needle went back down indicating that the engine was not overheating. I proceeded to drive. then my car just stopped picking up speed. the next thing I knew was that my car just wouldn't not move any faster than 5MPH. luckily the cars behind me were not traveling at great speeds. this allowed to pull over to the side of the highway and wait for a tow truck. my car had shut down. I took it to a mechanic where they told me that the timing belt, water pump and rear head gasket all needed repairing.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Water pump failed resulting in leakage. *mjs
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 6090198This bulletin addresses an issue with the automatic transmission fluid seeping from the vent, resulting in fluid collecting on the main control assembly.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 630631Some vehicles equipped with the CD4E transaxle may exhibit harsh and delayed 1-2/2-3 upshifts after transaxle or turbine shaft speed sensor replacement, possible diagnostic trouble codes 628, 642, 645, 646, 647, 648, p0731, p0732, p0734, p0741 and p01744.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 620232Some vehicles equipped with CD4E auto transaxles may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes for gear ratio or harsh and delayed 1-2 / 2-3 upshifts after transaxle or turbine speed sensor (tss) replacement.
- 618586Some vehicles may exhibit no forward gear ranges due to the misalignment of the forward / coast clutch cylinder snap ring with respect to the legs of the forward clutch piston.
- 613038Some vehicles may exhibit a concern where the check engine malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate in below freezing temperatures and diagnostic trouble code p1407 IS stored in continuous memory.
- 613029Some vehicles may exhibit a concern where the check engine falfunction indicator lamp (mil) may illuminate in below freezing temperatures and diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p1407 IS stored in continuous memory.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 610700Information on servicing the left steering rack bushing.
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 607416Some vehicles with a p0421 code stored in the powertrain control module (pcm) may not be able to identify the calibration when reprogramming.
- 606508Conditions with the brake lamps inadvertently disabling the brake shift interlock.
- 606461Ford motor company has released a private labeled material to be used for iron particle / acid rain service repairs.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
- 606451Information on "whining" / "buzzing" noise coming through entertainment or two-way radio speaker caused by the fuel pump.
- 606433Information designed to aid in the diagnosis, testing and repair of noise, vibration and harshness (nvh) concerns.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 606419Subject regarding door trim panel replacement - service tip.
- 605562Subject regarding the availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment.
- 604751Information regarding reprogramming powertrain control modules (pcms).
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 603725Minimal clearance of the CD4E transaxle to subframe makes transaxle installation and removal more difficult.
- 603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip.
- 603695Experiencing a " buzzing " or " rattling " noise from the exhaust system.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 601341Experiencing a whining / buzzing noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601264Availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
Every Ford Probe model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.