1990 Ford Probe: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Ford Probe: 3 recalls, 323 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #89V159000 · 1989 · 2,900 vehicles
What's wrong: Throttle levers May have been bent during assembly.
Why it matters: Throttle May stick and not return fully to idleposition.
The fix: Place affected vehicles on delivery hold until repaired.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #96V172001 · 1996 · 224,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Note: driver's side (left) passive seat belt assembly. The rail of the automatic shoulder belt can wear sufficiently such that the cable which retracts the buckle assembly will become jammed in the rail rendering the shoulder belt inoperative.
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant would not be adequately restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace driver side and inoperative passenger side shoulder belt track assemblies.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #96V172002 · 1996 · 224,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Note: passenger side (right) seat belt assembly. The rail of the automatic shoulder belt can wear sufficiently such that the cable which retracts the buckle assembly will become jammed in the rail rendering the shoulder belt inoperative.
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant would not be adequately restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace driver side and inoperative passenger side shoulder belt track assemblies.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #93E035000 · 1993 · 300 vehicles
What's wrong: The groove for the rear wheel bearing retainer ring was incorrectly machined.
Why it matters: If the retaining ring does not sit correctly in thegroove, the axle lug nuts will break, causing the brake drum, wheel, and tireassembly to separate from the vehicle.
The fix: Midas shops will replace the brake drums with other brake drums from another supplier.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Seat belts (282): the most common themes are electrical failure (3), stalls / loses power (3).
- Electrical (11): the most common themes are electrical failure (6), fire / smoke (4), stalls / loses power (3).
- Engine & cooling (10): the most common themes are leaks (2).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (10): the most common themes are electrical failure (3).
The 1990 Ford Probe has 323 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 9 Probe model years for complaints (2.6× the average Probe year). Complaints peaked in 1997 (97 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 107,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (177 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Ford Probe.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Ford Probe have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Ford Probe, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Ford Probe problems?
Owners have filed 323 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seat belts (282), electrical (11), engine & cooling (10).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Ford Probe get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Ford Probe repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.