1997 Ford Probe Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 48%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Ford Probe, 48% of the 27 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #706334, filed 1999-05“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.”
NHTSA complaint #704321, filed 1999-03“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #737115, filed 2000-11“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.”
NHTSA complaint #835752, filed 1999-03“While driving the vehicle stalls unexpectedly which causes a crash. Dealer cannot determine the cause of the problem. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #848372, filed 1999-09Related recalls
- 98V206002Nov 3, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An external spring in the timing belt tensioner can break and get caught in the timing belt.Covers: Ford Probe 1997
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 13 | 48% |
| 1996 | 13 | 25% |
| 1995 | 16 | 19% |
| 1994 | 25 | 15% |
| 1993 | 23 | 11% |
| 1992 | 4 | 5% |
| 1991 | 5 | 3% |
| 1990 | 10 | 3% |
| 1989 | 13 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Probe
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Probe
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology