MotorDeets

1992 Ford Probe: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1992 Ford Probe: 2 recalls, 79 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
79owner complaints
3mention a crash
24best combined mpg
1992 Ford Probe
Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 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.

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. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Seat belts55
Transmission & drivetrain6
Electrical5
Engine & cooling4
Equipment3
Suspension2
Tires2
Steering2

What owners describe

The 1992 Ford Probe has 79 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 9 Probe model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 124). Complaints peaked in 1999 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 106,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (177 complaints, 3 recalls), 1993 (205 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.2 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive212824Regular
2.2 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive182621Regular
2.2 L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive182521Premium
2.2 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive172319Premium
3.0 L 6-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive172419Regular
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive162218Regular

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 1992 Ford Probe.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1992 Ford Probe manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1992 Ford Probe manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1992 Ford Probe manual

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FAQ

Does the 1992 Ford Probe have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1992 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 1992 Ford Probe problems?

Owners have filed 79 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seat belts (55), transmission & drivetrain (6), electrical (5).

What gas mileage does the 1992 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 1992 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.

Other Probe years

199019911992199319941995199619971999