1990 Ford Probe
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1990 Ford Probe is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.
1990 Ford Probe at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1990 Ford Probe recalls 4
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE DRIVER SIDE AND INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT TRACK ASSEMBLIES.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE DRIVER SIDE AND INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT TRACK ASSEMBLIES.
THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.
Fix: MIDAS SHOPS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE DRUMS WITH OTHER BRAKE DRUMS FROM ANOTHER SUPPLIER.
THROTTLE LEVERS MAY HAVE BEEN BENT DURING ASSEMBLY.
Fix: PLACE AFFECTED VEHICLES ON DELIVERY HOLD UNTIL REPAIRED.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1990 Ford Probe common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 355 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1990 Ford Probe MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1990 Ford Probe costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1990 Ford Probe — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 6
SEATBACK RECLINE MECHANISM FAILURE Closed
ON JUNE 29, 2007, NHTSA RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. RICHARD H. MCSWAIN OF MCSWAIN ENGINEERING INC., REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE SEATBACK RECLINER FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THE PETITIONER IDENTIFIED A FAILURE MODE INVOLVING BYPASS OF THE SEATBACK STOP PIN WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FALSE OR PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT OF THE SECTOR AND PAWL TEETH, ALLOWING THE SEATBACK TO RECLINE IN A VEHICULAR COLLISION. ODI B…
NHTSA #DP07001 · Seats · opened Jul 2007 · closed Dec 2007AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT Closed
THE RECALL DEFECT IS THE MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT TRACK ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY WEAR SUFFICIENTLY UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS CAUSING THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY TO JAM IN PLACE.
NHTSA #RQ98011 · Seat Belts · opened Jul 1998 · closed Feb 1999MAZDA RX7 AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILURE Closed
MALFUNCTION OF THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT SYSTEM
NHTSA #PE96027 · Seat Belts · opened Apr 1996 · closed Sep 1996PASSIVE RESTRAINT FAILURES Closed
NHTSA #EA94032 · Seat Belts · opened Sep 1994 · closed Sep 1996PASS.RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION Closed
NHTSA #PE94039 · Seat Belts · opened May 1994 · closed Sep 1994ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed
NHTSA #PE91124 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Sep 1991 · closed Dec 1991An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 34
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 34.
INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
Bulletin 01157 · Aug 2001ON SOME VEHICLES, ENGINE OIL MAY CONTINUE TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET AREA AFTER AN ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED. *TT
Bulletin 01124 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2001INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
Bulletin 0015 · Power Train · Jan 2000INFORMATION REGARDING THE RECALL 96S48 & 96S99 (MOTORIZED SEAT BELT RAIL AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY). *MJS
Bulletin 13714 · Seat Belts · Jan 2000INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
Bulletin 99196 · Equipment · Sep 1999EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT
Bulletin 99129 · Equipment · Jun 1999INFORMATION ON "WHINING" / "BUZZING" NOISE COMING THROUGH ENTERTAINMENT OR TWO-WAY RADIO SPEAKER CAUSED BY THE FUEL PUMP. *TT
Bulletin 99129 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 1999FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT
Bulletin 99816 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1999FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC
Bulletin 98246 · Electrical System · Dec 1998INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC
Bulletin 9888 · Power Train · Apr 1998Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PROBE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 8
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1990 Ford Probe. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Seats And Restraints
THE RAIL OF THE MOTORIZED SEAT BELT TRACK ASSEMBLY MAY WEAR SUFFICIENTLY UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS TO CAUSE THE CABLE WHICH PUSHES AND PULLS THE MOVEABLE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY TO JAM IN THE TRACK, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TRACK ASSEMBLY TO BE INOPERATIVE. CORRECTION: DRIVER SIDE MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELT TRACKS WILL BE REPLACED WITH INCREASED DURABILITY TRACKS. PASSENGER SIDE BELT TRACKS W…
Transport Canada #1996153 · Sep 1996Electrical
THE FUEL PUMP WIRING ASSEMBLY MAY CORRODE DUE TO ROAD SALT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL BRIDGE DEVELOPING BETWEEN THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT AND THE FUEL GAUGE SENDER TERMINALS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL SENDER GROUND CIRCUIT TO OVERHEAT THE WIRING AND MELT ITS INSULATION CAUSING SMOKE AND POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO OTHER WIRING. CORRECTION: A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS WILL BE…
Transport Canada #1995099 · Jun 1995Emissions
COMPLIANCE TESTING INDICATES THAT THESE VEHICLES MAY BE RELEASING CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) EMISSIONS WHICH EXCEED THE REQUIREMENTS OF C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. CORRECTION: CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Transport Canada #1995038 · Feb 1995Emissions
NOTE: SUPERSEDED BY 95038. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. CATALYSTS MAY BE RELEASING EMISSIONS IN EXCESS OF THE STANDARD. CORRECTION: EXHAUST SYSTEM CATALYSTS WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Transport Canada #1995027 · Feb 1995Emissions
NOTE: VEHICLES WITH 3.0 LITRE ENGINE. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR MAY WEAR PREMATURELY CAUSING INTERRUPTION OF THE SENSOR SIGNAL. CORRECTION: THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY.
Transport Canada #1992100 · Aug 1992Emissions
VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS ONLY. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 1103 - EXHAUST EMISSIONS. CARBON MONOXIDE LEVELS EXCEED STANDARD. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL (EEC) PROCESSOR AND ATTACH TWO DECALS.
Transport Canada #1991145 · Oct 1991Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Ford Probe
The Ford Probe is a sport compact coupe that was marketed by Ford from the 1988 to 1997 model years. Taking its name from a futuristic series of aerodynamic concept vehicles, the Probe was originally developed as the fourth-generation Ford Mustang. As news of the design change became discovered in the mid-1980s, a profoundly negative response to the potential new model convinced Ford to maintain the Mustang under its traditional pony car format. To recoup its investment in the project, Ford ultimately released the design under a different name, slotting it above the Escort and Tempo coupes and below the Mustang and Thunderbird.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.