1996 Ford Probe: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Ford Probe: 1 recall, 52 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #96V090000 · 1996 · 2,740 vehicles
What's wrong: The supplementary air bag inflatable restraint caution label located on the driver side sun visor does not contain the statement, "do not install rearward facing child seats in any front passenger seat position." this does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: operators could fail to notice and heed the warning label.
The fix: A new caution label, with installation instructions, will be sent directly to owners. Owners can install the label or, if they wish, can have their dealer install the label for them.
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, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (17): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (5), stalls / loses power (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Engine & cooling (13): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2), leaks (2).
- Electrical (4): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Steering (4): the most common themes are steering problems (4).
The 1996 Ford Probe has 52 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 9 Probe model years for complaints (well below the 124 average). Complaints peaked in 1999 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 97,792 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (86 complaints, 0 recalls), 1997 (27 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 1996 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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Ford Probe have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1996 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 1996 Ford Probe problems?
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (17), engine & cooling (13), electrical (4).
What gas mileage does the 1996 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 1996 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.