1997 Ford Probe
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Probe › 1997
These records cover every 1997 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 1997 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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. an external spring in the timing belt tensioner can break and get caught in the timing belt.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in possible engine stalling.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the tensioner and replace it if necessary.
Owner complaints
27 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
- Air bags
Ltr request a copy of the nhtsa report re an airbag probe of the 1997 ford escort. atty representing client injured when airbag did not deploy in a 1997 ford escort. *mr *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Consumer states there IS a problem ,while driving the vehicle shut down, forcing the consumer to pull out of the road. *Ak
- Air bags
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
- Electrical system › Ignition
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…
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.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
The catalytic converter failed twice.the second failure was 50000 miles after the first. *Yh
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving on the highway, vehicle suddenly stalled, which required consumer to steer without power, vehicle was towed and the mechanic informed consumer that not only was there a problem with the timing belt, but the timing belt tensioner as well, apparently an external spring in the timing…
While driving on the highway, vehicle suddenly stalled, which required consumer to steer without power, vehicle was towed and the mechanic informed consumer that not only was there a problem with the timing belt, but the timing belt tensioner as well, apparently an external spring in the timing belt tensioner broke off and got caught in the timing belt, consumer states in feburary 1999 he received a recall notification (98s30) in which he complied for the same mechanical failure, and two years later the problem occurs again, consumer believes that the work was never performed and IS requesting reimbursement for the charges he has incurred.*jb
- Air bags › Frontal
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Oil from engine IS leaking onto spark plugs. manufacturer has been notified.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Ford (hq and dealer) have been repeatedly contacted on these issues. ford's internal review board issued aruling stating that no compensatory action IS appropriate. ford issued an offer to have a district representative oversee a representative within fourteen days of their ruling, which I did…
Ford (hq and dealer) have been repeatedly contacted on these issues. ford's internal review board issued aruling stating that no compensatory action IS appropriate. ford issued an offer to have a district representative oversee a representative within fourteen days of their ruling, which I did not receive until the offer had expired. I have taken the vehicle to another ford garage with similar denial of anything wrong being wrong with the vehicle. their IS obviously something wrong with the brakes - they squeal almost continuously. also, the engine / transmission power loss, vibrations, and intermittent hesitations have increased since my ownership of the vehicle. I am interested to see if other consumers have experienced similar problems and how these problems have been rectified. the issue with the bar in the seat developed within six months, I have simply dealt with it, until now as I have read on your site that other consumers have had this same problem. I request that I be contacted for informational purposes only, at this time, by the nhtsa, as I do not wish to deal with ford or the indicated dealer(s) any longer. also, the pa. Atty general's office - consumer affairs, was contacted with no action other than "documentation of the incident".at. No safety defec tlisted in summary. *Ak
- Seats
Metal bar has protruded through driver's seat on right, upper side and contacts driver's back.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Suspension
Vehicle has experienced electrical failures of blown fuses for no known reason. *Et
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
When driving vehicle under a slight puddle of water lights on dashboard illuminate, and vehicle stalls out, causing loss of vehicle control.*ak
- Tires
A mechanic said the chopped tires are the result of how they are manufactured. He said they show the same characteristics as the 2 firestone tires that are now recalled. Theres lots of treads left but I was told to replace them because they are unsafe.( dot number: tire size: p195/65r14 )
- Tires › Tread/belt
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
- Air bags › Frontal · Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While driving the vehicle stalls unexpectedly which causes a crash. dealer cannot determine the cause of the problem. please provide further information. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Back in beginning of january I received a recall notice from ford on my 1997 probe. they said there was a possible defect in the timing belt tensioner. their recall number IS 98s30. the letter said to call ford and tell them what dealership I wanted to take my car to and they would send the…
Back in beginning of january I received a recall notice from ford on my 1997 probe. they said there was a possible defect in the timing belt tensioner. their recall number IS 98s30. the letter said to call ford and tell them what dealership I wanted to take my car to and they would send the part to that dealership and have the dealership contact me. so I called the number in the letter and ford got my home and work numbers as well as the dealership that I wanted to go to, and said that I should hear from the dealership within 5 days, but that if I didn't I should call the dealership and schedule a time to take my car in. I did not hear from the dealership so I called and made an appointment to take my car in. they looked at the car and told me they couldn't check it because they hadn't received the kit from ford. so I called ford back and was told that the part orders had been lost and that they would resubmit it. so I waited a while and still never heard anything. I called the dealership again and they still didn't know anything about it. I have called ford several times about it and they don't seem to want to do anything. I called them most recently about 3 weeks ago and told them I was going out of town in 3 weeks, and wanted it checked before then. I was assured that it would be. that time has passed and I still haven't heard anything. when a manufacturer puts out a recall on a car aren't they required to fix it? I can't seem to get them to do anything about mine. so I have taken this action to try and get my car checked out to make sure that it IS in good running order. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While my car was parked in my driveway (off) the car engine caught fire. the fire took place approx 15 minutes after it was turned off. it had only been driven for approx 3 minutes. there were no signs that a fire was about to begin. ie; smoke or temp indicator reading hot.
- Seats
On driver side a giant bar has popped out which IS pressing against consumer's back. could also cause injuries and pain in event of accident. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Engine stalls continuously.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Heater malfunctioned.
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.
- 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.
- 615292Some vehicles with CD4E transmission may exhibit a condition of no crank / no start in park. Vehicle will crank and start in neutral.
- 615213Some vehicles with CD4E transmission may exhibit a condition of no crank / no start in park. Vehicle will crank and start in neutral.
- 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.
- 609549Revised oil pump installation procedure. Yd
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 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.
- 603647Some vinyl covered items such as dash panels, door trim panels, consoles, etc., may exhibit a small dent, scuff, abrasion and/ or discoloration resulting from assembly, transit, dealer prep and/or customer usage.
- 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.
Every Ford Probe model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.