1996 Ford Probe Problems
- Complaints
- 52filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 97,792miles, 8 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 Ford Probe (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe automatic transmission problems, such as slipping, hard shifts, overdrive light faults and complete failures, often leading to rebuilds or replacements. Other frequent topics are engine stalling and loss of power while driving, and front suspension or steering parts that break or click. Where mileage is recorded, the complaints involve vehicles with about 66,700 to 168,000 miles.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Automatic transmission slipping, shifting and failing
- 14 complaints (27%)
- median 89,584 mi at 10.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 1998–2008
Owners describe automatic transmissions that slip, shift hard, or stop shifting properly, with the overdrive light flashing or staying on in some complaints. Other complaints describe transmissions that failed outright and lost all forward gears, or that were rebuilt, replaced, or repaired more than once without a lasting fix. Some owners say the CD4E transmission is the same design used in the Mazda 626, and some describe repair bills in the thousands of dollars. Recorded mileage is between about 66,700 and 106,000 miles, and complaints were filed between 1998 and 2006.
What to check: Ask for the transmission service history, including any rebuild or replacement, and whether the overdrive light has been checked for stored codes. On a test drive, check for slipping, hard shifts above about 30 mph, and whether the transmission holds all gears.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.. …”
NHTSA complaint #10164357, filed 2006-08, 89,584 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100635, filed 2004-11, 66,700 miles - Engine cooling
Stalling, hesitation or loss of power while driving
- 7 complaints (13%)
- median 115,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1997–2004
Owners describe the engine or transmission stalling while driving, sometimes without warning, and losing power so the vehicle can only crawl at low speed. Some complaints describe stalling when shifting from second to third at higher RPM, and others describe hesitation or rough running on the highway. Dealers reportedly replaced a sensor and a computer module, and a mechanic replaced the ground wire and distributor, but the problems remained. Recorded mileage is about 115,000 miles where given, and complaints were filed mostly between 1997 and 2002.
What to check: Ask whether the stalling was traced to the transmission, ignition, or a sensor, and request records of any replaced parts. On a test drive, accelerate through the second-to-third shift and at highway speed to check for hesitation or stalling.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #742022, filed 2001-03“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10061212, filed 2004-03, 115,000 miles - Suspension
Front suspension, steering and CV joint failures
- 8 complaints (15%)
- median 124,015 mi at 14.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1997–2011
Owners describe a front coil spring breaking, puncturing a tire and leaving the car undrivable, and a ball joint pulling out of a replacement control arm soon after installation. Other complaints describe a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel that was traced to the rack and pinion, and a clicking while driving that was traced to broken CV joints which returned after replacement. Some owners say the manufacturer could not help because the car was no longer under warranty. Recorded mileage is about 168,000 miles where given, and complaints were filed between 1999 and 2011.
What to check: Check the front suspension and steering for play, clicking, or torn CV boots, and listen for clicks on a slow turn. Ask whether any control arm, ball joint, or CV joint was replaced and whether the parts were new.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I had my car checked by goodyear because I was hearing a clicking noise when I turned the steering wheel left or right. Initially itwas though to be the cv joint, but was definately confirmed as the rack and pinon assembly. It seems highly unlikely that I did anything to cause this problem. The car is not even 3 years old yet and I get all scheduled maintenance done. I called the manufacturer and they could not help because the car is no longer under warranty. Please look into because it is very disturbing.”
NHTSA complaint #710028, filed 1999-08“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”
NHTSA complaint #8021248, filed 2002-10
Buying note. Transmission complaints are the most common for this model year, so ask for transmission service records and whether it has been rebuilt or replaced before buying. Also have a mechanic inspect the front suspension, steering, and CV joints, since some complaints describe broken or clicking parts.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 31 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 52 consumer complaints for the 1996 Ford Probe. 8 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 97,792 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling13 25%
- Electrical system4 7.7%
- Seat belts4 7.7%
- Steering4 7.7%
- Suspension3 5.8%
- Vehicle speed control3 5.8%
- Air bags2 3.9%
- Brakes2 3.9%
- Equipment2 3.9%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Body and structure (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Fuel system (1), Other or unknown (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “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!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10143504, filed 2005-11, 79,000 milesEngine cooling: “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).”
NHTSA complaint #761549, filed 2002-05Electrical system: “When placing the vehicle from 2nd to 3th gear and the rpms are at 2900, the vehicle stalls without no warning, resulting in loss of power. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer replaced the sensor and the computer module.”
NHTSA complaint #810371, filed 1997-03Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 8 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 80,031 and 115,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1996 Ford Probe. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Probe · coupe | not rated | 5 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1996 Ford Probe version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Probe FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Probe FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Probe FWD | 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,900 |
| Probe FWD | 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,100 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 96V090000Jun 3, 1996Air bagsCovers: Ford Probe 1996
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…
Recall details for the 1996 Ford Probe → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1996 Ford Probe.
Other model years of the Ford Probe
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 27 | 68,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 52 | 97,792 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 86 | 80,000 | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 166 | 97,500 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 205 | 74,550 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 79 | 106,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 177 | 113,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 323 | 107,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 77 | 84,475 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Ford Probe model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford Probe?
Owners of this model year most often describe automatic transmission problems, such as slipping, hard shifts, overdrive light faults and complete failures, often leading to rebuilds or replacements. The issues reported most often: Automatic transmission slipping, shifting and failing; Stalling, hesitation or loss of power while driving; Front suspension, steering and CV joint failures.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 Ford Probe have?
NHTSA recorded 52 consumer complaints for the 1996 Ford Probe as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1996 Ford Probe is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 17 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 13.
Has the 1996 Ford Probe been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Ford Probe get?
The EPA rates the 1996 Ford Probe (Probe, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1996 Ford Probe reported?
Among the 8 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 97,792 miles and the middle half falls between 80,031 and 115,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.