1997 Ford Probe: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Ford Probe: 1 recall, 27 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #98V206002 · 1998 · 5,700 vehicles
What's wrong: An external spring in the timing belt tensioner can break and get caught in the timing belt.
Why it matters: This condition can result in possible engine stalling.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the tensioner and replace it if necessary.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #05E065000 · 2005 · 42,962 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 carquest brand fuel filters. Certain spx filtran fuel filters…
Why it matters: In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
The fix: Spx will notify its customers and provide a full refund. The recall began September 27, 2005.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E065000 · 2006 · 3,593 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (13): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), warning light on (2), fire / smoke (2).
- Electrical (4): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Airbags (4): the most common themes are fails to deploy (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
The 1997 Ford Probe has 27 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 9 Probe model years for complaints (well below the 124 average). Complaints peaked in 2000 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 68,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (52 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
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 1997 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 1997 Ford Probe have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1997 Ford Probe, plus 3 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 1997 Ford Probe problems?
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (13), electrical (4), airbags (4).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Ford Probe get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 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.