Model year guide

1992 Ford Probe

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1992 Ford Probe is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

1992 Ford Probe — representative photo
Representative photo

1992 Ford Probe at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints98
Combined18–24 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1992 Ford Probe recalls 3

Seat Belts:front:webbing NHTSA Campaign #96V172001 · 06/09/1996

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.

Seat Belts:front:webbing NHTSA Campaign #96V172002 · 06/09/1996

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:drum:drum NHTSA Campaign #93E035000 · 13/10/1993

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.

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.

1992 Ford Probe common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Equipment
Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

1992 Ford Probe safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1992 Ford Probe 2-DR.HB.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1992 Ford Probe MPG & running costs

Combined18–24 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,583
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume83 cu ft
Cargo volume19 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$5,917 more

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 1992 Ford Probe costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,915
Fuel only$17,915
Per mile$0.24

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

Length
177.2 in
Width
67.7–68.5 in
Height
52.0 in
Wheelbase
99.2 in
Curb weight
2,738 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1992 Ford Probe — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

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 2007

AUTOMATIC 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 1999

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 48

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 48.

FOR ALL OBDI VEHICLES THAT USE THE .5V DPFE SENSOR, A 1.0V SENSOR IS CURRENTLY THE ONLY REPLACEMENT PART AVAILABLE TO RESOLVE DPFE RELATED MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION. *TT *JB

Bulletin 16714 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2003

SUBJECT REGARDING INADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *JG

Bulletin 011801 · Power Train · Sep 2001

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

Bulletin 01157 · Aug 2001

INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS

Bulletin 0015 · Power Train · Jan 2000

INFORMATION REGARDING THE RECALL 96S48 & 96S99 (MOTORIZED SEAT BELT RAIL AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY). *MJS

Bulletin 13714 · Seat Belts · Jan 2000

INFORMATION 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 1999

SERVICE TIP INFORMATION ON REVISED OIL PAN GASKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT

Bulletin 99183 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 1999

CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT

Bulletin 99139 · Exterior Lighting · Jun 1999

EXPERIENCING 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 1999

INFORMATION ON "WHINING" / "BUZZING" NOISE COMING THROUGH ENTERTAINMENT OR TWO-WAY RADIO SPEAKER CAUSED BY THE FUEL PUMP. *TT

Bulletin 99129 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 1999

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PROBE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1992 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 1996

Electrical

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 1995

Source: 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.

1992 Ford Probe vehicles on record

Other Ford Probe model years

1992 Ford Probe — frequently asked questions

Does the 1992 Ford Probe have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1992 Ford Probe. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1992 Ford Probe?

Across all 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are seat belts, electrical system, power train.

What is the 1992 Ford Probe safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1992 Ford Probe crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1992 Ford Probe get?

The 1992 Ford Probe has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.