1991 Ford Probe recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. 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.
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 PROBE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V172002.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
Summary: 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.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE DRIVER SIDE AND INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT TRACK ASSEMBLIES.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
2. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. 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.
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 PROBE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V172001.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
Summary: 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.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE DRIVER SIDE AND INOPERATIVE PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT TRACK ASSEMBLIES.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
3. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. BRACKETS MOUNTING AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AN UNDERSTRENGTH SPOT WELD.
What could happen: SHOULDER BELT COULD FAIL IN A COLLISION INCREASING THERISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.
The fix: INSTALL TWO BOLTS IN THE BRACKETS TO PREVENT SHOULDER BELT FAILURE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 PROBE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V016000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Summary: BRACKETS MOUNTING AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AN UNDERSTRENGTH SPOT WELD.
Consequence: SHOULDER BELT COULD FAIL IN A COLLISION INCREASING THERISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: INSTALL TWO BOLTS IN THE BRACKETS TO PREVENT SHOULDER BELT FAILURE.
Notes: SYSTEM: SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR BRACKET ATTACHMENT.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS; PROBE GL MODELS ONLY.
4. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1991 PROBE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93E035000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM
Summary: THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: MIDAS SHOPS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE DRUMS WITH OTHER BRAKE DRUMS FROM ANOTHER SUPPLIER.
Notes: SYSTEM: BRAKES; HYDRAULIC; SHOE AND DRUM SYSTEMS; DRUM.EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: REPLACEMENT BRAKE DRUMS FOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, MIDASPART NO. BD 1552.NOTES: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPONSERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREEOF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASECONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY AT1-800-424-9393.EMPIRE MOTOR COMPANY, LTD., OF TOKYO, JAPAN MANUFACTURED THESE BRAKE DRUMS. THEU.S.A. REPRESENTATIVE IS EMC OF AMERICA, LOS ANGELES, CA.THESE BRAKE DRUMS WERE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES FROM JULY 13, 1993 THROUGHSEPTEMBER 30, 1993.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1991 Ford Probe owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Seat belts (147), Visibility (wipers / glass) (13), Engine (7), Electrical system (6), Transmission / drivetrain (6).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/09/2018 · Seat belts
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT IS STUCK ON THE TRACK TOWARDS THE BACK OF IT'S TRACK AND NO LONGER MOVES OR ENGAGES.
02/01/2010 · Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD PROBE. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS TO INCLUDE APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, USING THE CRUISE CONTROL THE VEHICLE SPEED INCREASED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 113000.
04/10/2007 · Seat belts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD PROBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CABLE WHICH RETRACTS THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY JAMMED AND CAUSED THE SEAT BELT TO FAIL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 96V172001 DUE TO THE VIN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 100,000.*AK
11/22/2006 · Seat belts
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING A VEHICLE, IT WAS NOTICED THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT AND WAS JAMMED IN THE RAIL RENDERING THE BELT INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT CHECKED FOR RECALLS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND FOUND THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN # 96V172001 COVERED THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCL…
08/01/2006 · Seat belts
I OWN A 1991 FORD PROBE. THE DRIVERS SIDE AUTO-RETRACT SEAT-BELT ASSEMBLY IS JAMMED. SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, (AUTOZONE RECALLS AND THIS WEB-SITE FOR TWO), I FIND INTERESTING INFORMATION REGARDING THIS ISSUE. PARTICULARLY NHTSA ID # 96V172001 / FORD RECALL 96S48 THAT DESCRIBES THIS. ALSO THE LINK ON YOUR SITE TO THIS PDF (RC-96V172-NN.PDF), IS ALSO O…
10/28/2004 · Electrical system
(1) PURCHASED THE VEHICLE (2) LEARNED THE HORN DID NOT WORK (3) PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT HORN, AND REQUESTED INFORMATION FROM FORD AND 3 DEALERS WHERE IT WOULD BE LOCATED. ALL, EXCEPT 1 DEALER, REFUSED TO GIVE US ANY INFORMATION. THE LAST DEALER WAS NOT CERTAIN. FORD'S COMMENT WAS THIS WAS "PRIVATE COMPANY INFORMATION" OR "WE DON'T HAVE THAT INFORMATION".…
01/15/2004 · Steering
I READ YOUR COMPLAINT PAGE, HAVE HAD THE CAR SINCE 91 AND I HAVE ALL THE SAME PROBS, 1 PERSON SAID HE HAD 2 INCHES OF WATER IN THE CAR, TRY 6. THE PAINT WASNT RIGHT FROM DAY 1. THE CV JOINTS/AXELS WENT BAD AFTER 2 YEARS AND IVE GOT BY TILL NOW BUT THE RATTLE IS ANNOYING. THE EXHAUST SYS ALSO RATTLES. FRONT TIRES GO YEARLY. AIR CONDITIONER NEVER HAS BLOWN CO…
10/01/2003 · Seat belts
THE CONSUMER WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER BY AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP FOR RECALLS ON THE SEAT BELTS. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE REMEDY SCOPE, BUT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS DID NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. RECALL# 96V172001 AND 96V172002 SUBJECT: AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT.*AK *JB