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1ZVLT20A7S51458381995 FORD ProbeBase

Risk Score
39
MODERATE RISK
out of 100
Safety Recalls
4 Found
4 campaigns
NHTSA Complaints
122
Reported to NHTSA
Safety Rating
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
Vehicle Age
31 yrs
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
Safety Grade
F
Score: 48/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

1995 FORD Probe was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 122 owner complaints include 12 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • ▸4 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Airbag system recall; Fuel system recall)
  • ▸12 injuries reported across 122 owner complaints
  • ▸16 complaints involved a crash — unusually high incident rate
  • ▸High fire risk — 3 complaint(s) involved a fire
  • ▸Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
  • ▸Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
39/100
Moderate Risk
3 moderate risk signals detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 3 detected
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
4 model-wide recalls on record
+12
Elevated fire risk signals detected
+7
Critical Alerts
Title Brand CheckMined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Vehicle SpecificationsDecoded from NHTSA vPIC database
Make
FORD
Model
Probe
Year
1995
Trim / Series
Base
Body Style
Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2.0L 114 hp
Doors
2
Manufacturer
AUTO ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL, USA
Assembly
FLAT ROCK, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant QualityFord Flat Rock Assembly (Mustang)
BQuality62/100
Standard📍 FLAT ROCK, MICHIGAN

Produces Ford Mustang. Standard quality for sports car production.

Safety
Safety IntelligenceComposite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
Overall Safety Grade
F
Score: 48/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety15/30
Complaint History13/30
Recall Risk Score
50/100High
  • ▸Airbag system recall
  • ▸Fuel system recall
Modern Safety Index
0/100
Basic
0 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Fire Risk Assessment
High
  • ▸3 complaint(s) involved a fire
  • ▸1 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
Lemon Law Risk Indicator
Elevated
  • ⚠2 recalls on same component: Electrical
  • ⚠12 injuries reported in complaints
  • ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Recall + Complaint Convergence

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Electrical
↻ 2 recalls✦ 14 complaints
Safety Systems
↻ 1 recall✦ 14 complaints
Fuel System
↻ 1 recall✦ 3 complaints
Recalls
Deferred Failure RiskComponents and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
100/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 4 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
⚠No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~372,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 31 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Chain Tensioner immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 31 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 31 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 31 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 31 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
EST. OVERDUEModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 31 yr · Past due by age
Service Fuel Injectors immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
CASCADECriticalFailure Cascade
Cascade already triggered — downstream damage likely in progress
Have a specialist inspect all systems connected to the failed component before purchase
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
44 RECALLS
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 4 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 4 recalls is ~67%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

67%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

FORD Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
89%Good

FORD completes recalls at a good rate (89%), averaging about 18 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~18 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
18mo
#05E065000
May 2005

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

SummaryCERTAIN 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 WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#06E026000
Invalid Date

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SummaryCERTAIN 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceWITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#06E065000
Invalid Date

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SummaryCERTAIN 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceLACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#95E006002
Invalid Date

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

SummaryTHE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAS AN INFLATOR BODY THAT CRACKED DURING FORMING OF THE CURL THAT RETAINS THE IGNITER PLUG IN THE END OF THE INFLATOR. ALSO THE IGNITER END CAP CAN SEPARATE FROM THE INFLATOR.
Read full details...
ConsequenceTHE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT INFLATE PROPERLY RESULTING IN REDUCED OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. IF THE IGNITER END CAP SEPARATES IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, HOT GASES CAN BE RELEASED AND IGNITE FLAMMABLE MATERIAL OR CAUSE BURN INJURIES.
Est. Repair Completion~70%

~30% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall IntelligenceDetailed analysis of recall history and severity
Recall Age — How Long Open
LONG-STANDING OPEN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
21yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

First Recall
05/10/2005
4 total campaigns
Systems Recalled
Fuel SystemElectricalSafety Systems
Recall Remedy Breakdown
1
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
2
Buyback/Refund
2
High-Effort Repairs
⚠ 1 recall is over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.
Manufacturer Recall Response TimeTime between first owner complaint and recall issuance
10.4yr
Lag from first complaint to recall
First complaint: 1994-12-01 · Recall issued: 2005-05-10

First complaint was filed 10.4 years before the recall was issued — manufacturer was aware of this issue for years before acting.

Injury Rate per Complaint
1 in 10

12 injuries reported across 122 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.

Complaints
Complaint Intelligence122 complaints analyzed across 11 system categories
By System / Component
Engine/Powertrain
4 crash35
Electrical
14
Safety Systems
7 crash7 inj14
Steering
2 crash3 inj14
Body/Structure
2 inj13
Other
1 crash10
Brakes
2 crash7
Suspension/Wheels
6
Complaint Trend by Year
1998
22
1999
19
2000
9
2001
12
2002
5
2003
4
2004
5
2005
4
2007
1
2013
1
↓ 81% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Seasonal Failure Pattern
PEAKS WINTER (DEC–FEB)

31% of complaints filed in Feb & Jun — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Reported Failure Modes
Engine stalling14
Fire/smoke11
Electrical failure4
Steering loss4
Brake failure2
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (8)Parking/low-speed (2)Startup (2)Rain/wet (2)
Owner Complaints122 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
122HIGH VOLUME
3
Fires
16
Crashes
12
Injuries
ODI #10492293TIRES

I HAVE 3 OF THESE TIRES EACH LEAKS AIR AROUND CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE SIDEWALL, AROUND WHERE THE TREAD PORTION MATES WITH IT. *TR

ODI #10187138ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD PROBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE INDICATOR CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSIS THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A RECALL PERTAINING TO LIGHTING FOR THE CONTACT'S TYPE OF VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PROPERLY CHECKED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *AK

ODI #10119888ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE CONSUMER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, INVOLVING: THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER, INTERIOR LIGHTS, ETC. AS FAR AS SHE KNOWS THE BRAKE LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE WORKING. THE FUSES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND THEY WERE FINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER JUST TWO DAYS AGO, AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THAT THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. *AK *SB *NM

ODI #10111999POWER TRAIN

O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, TRANNY BEGAN SLIPPING WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2-->3 AND THEN ALSO FROM 3-->4. TOOK TO TRANSMISSION SHOP, DIAGNOSED WITH TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I HAVE NOW TOTALLY LOST 4TH GEAR.*AK THIS IS THE 2ND TRANSMISSION FAILURE FOR THIS VEHICLE

ODI #10110134POWER TRAIN

WE WERE MAKING A 500 MILE TRIP TO GO TO A FUNERAL AND WHEN CLIMBING A LONG, STEEP GRADE THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR FILLED UP WITH SMOKE. I STOPPED AT THE NEAREST SERVICE STATION AND OBSERVED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. I QUICKLY ADDED ENOUGH FLUID TO BRING THE LEVEL UP TO NORMAL. FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TRIP, EVERY TIME THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED, THE SMOKE WAS QUITE NOTICABLE. WHEN I RETURNED HOME, I TOOK THE CAR TO A GARAGE AND AFTER MANY HOURS OF LABOR, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME I WAS IN DANGER OF TRANSMISSION FIRE ,AND ALL I COULD DO WAS SPEND ABOUT $3,000 ON TRANSMISSION WORK. I HAVEN'T HAD THE REPAIRS DONE YET.*AK

ODI #10104946POWER TRAIN

O/D LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH AND NOTICED A POOR SHIFT PATTERN IN THE TRANSMISSION. A WEEK LATER I HAD NO REVERSE AND COULD NO LONGER DRIVE THE CAR. TRANSMISSION REPAIR COST $1400 TO $2200 DEPENDING ON WARRANTY VALUES. I HAVE NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE YET.*JB

ODI #10104297TIRES

I PURCHASED 4 BRAND NEW TIRES FOR MY FORD WINDSTAR VAN BACK AT THE END OF JULY 2004. I HAD ONE REAR TIRE TOTALLY SEPARATE FROM THE RIM AND SHRED. I WAS CHARGED MY ROAD HAZARD FEE TO REPLACE THE TIRE. AGAIN THIS PAST SUNDAY MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE RIM AND TOTALLY SHREDDED. I WAS GIVEN A NEW TIRE A NO CHARGE THIS TIME, HOWEVER THE SEPARATION WAS SO BAD THAT BY THE TIME I GOT THE VAN STOPPED MY RIM IS NOW CRACKED IN THREE DIFFERENT PLACES. *JB

ODI #10103438ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE STALLING. *JB

ODI #10068106ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY WON'T START. ENGINE CRANKS & SPARKS, BUT WILL NOT START. NO SMELL OF FUEL. MECHANIC CAN FIND NO PROBLEM. *LA

ODI #10054391STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: MY 1995 FORD PROBE HAS HAD A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS INCLUDING ONE OF THE MOST RECENT - HAVING TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION'S HAVE NOW OWNED THE CAR FOR 20,000 MILES OR 3 1/2 YEARS AND HAVE SPENT OVER FOUR AND A HALF THOUSAND DOLLARS ON "PRE-MATURE" PROBLEMS. THE AMOUNT DOES NOT INCLUDE GENERAL SERVICES. THE CAR HAS NOW REACHED 87,000 MILES. ONE DOES NOT EXPECT A CAR WITH SO LITTLE MILEAGE TO HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS. IF I WAS ABLE TO AFFORD A NEW CAR I WOULD SEND MY FORD PROBE TO THE SCRAP YARD, I WOULD NOT WANT A STRANGER TO SUFFER CAR PROBLEMS AS I HAVE. BUT BEING A FULL TIME STUDENT WHO PAYS HER OWN WAY I CAN LITTLE AFFORD SUCH COSTS AS NEW TRANSMISSIONS A NEW CAR. I WAS NOT SURPRISED TO FIND IN MY RESEARCH ON-LINE THAT MANY PROBE OWNERS ARE NOT HAPPY WITH THEIR CARS. CONVERSATIONS WITH MECHANICS; WHICH HAVE BEEN MANY, HAVE FOLLOWED THE SAME PATTERN, "ITS A FORD WITH MAZDA PARTS,GET RID OF IT, EVERYBODY HAS PROBLEMS WITH FORD CARS, THEIR TERRIBLE CARS." AFTER MANY EXPERT OPINIONS MY QUESTION TO YOU IS," WHY?" I LOOK AFTER MY CAR,(I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM A DEALER WHO ACQUIRED THE CAR FROM MY FRIEND) I NOW KNOW SO MUCH ABOUT CARS! WHY ARE SUCH PROBLEMATIC CARS ALLOWED TO BE SOLD? WHY ARE CARS WITH SO LITTLE MILEAGE CAUSING SO MUCH HAVIC IN PEOPLES LIVES? THIS IS A QUESTION THAT MUST BE INVESTIGATED AND CORPORATIONS MUST BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR SO MUCH GRIEVE. IT IS NOT FAIR ON THE CONSUMER AND AS A GOVERNMENT BODY I IMPLORE THAT YOU PLEASE TAKE A SERIOUS AND COMPASSIONATE NOTE OF MY COMPLAINT AND COMPLAINT FROM OTHER OWNERS. IT IS NOT FAIR. IT IS NOT FAIR THAT PEOPLE HAVE NO VOICE AND NO ONE CARES TO LISTEN. MASS RE- OCCURRENCE OF CAR PROBLEMS IS AN ISSUE THAT MUST BE LOOKED INTO. MY WINDOWS RATTLE TOO - A NOISY PROBE GIFT THAT IRRITATES PROBE OWNERS. I WOULD GREET A RESPONSE HAPPILY IN THE MIST OF THE REALM OF CAR DARKNESS, FAITHFULLY, SATCHYA FARIAS. *CB

ODI #10070654POWER TRAIN

I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM FAIRWAY TOYOTA OF ALBANY, GA. THE CAR IS FINANCED THROUGH MOTOR FINANCE OF JACKSONVILLE, FL. MY PAYMENTS PER MONTH ARE $315.25 FOR 30 MONTHS STARTING FROM JULY 2002. I HAVE HAD A MECHANIC TO LOOK AT MY CAR AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING AND IT COULD GET WORST. I FEEL LIKE CAR DEALERSHIP ALREADY KNEW THIS AND I GOT STUCK WITH THE LEMON THAT I HAVE PAID MORE FOR THE CAR THAN WHAT IT IS WORTH. I DID NOT HAVE THE BEST OF CREDIT WHEN I PURCHASE THE CAR, HOWEVER IT DOESN'T GIVE THEM THE RIGHT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PEOPLE. I HAVE PAID $4,098.25 AND I STILL OWE ATLEAST $5000.00. I TRIED TO GO AND GET ANOTHER CAR AND THE CAR DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT I'VE PAID MORE FOR THE CAR THAN WHAT IT IS WORTH.

ODI #10043200POWER TRAIN

'95 FORD PROBE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BLOWS 1 QT. FLUID/100 MILES ON LONG TRIPS. *LA

ODI #10033940SEAT BELTS

THE STITCHES OF THE SEAT BELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE IS COMING APART, LEAVING THE DRIVER UNRESTRAINED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

ODI #10021479SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT

I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THE 1995 FORD PROBE GT . FROM THE START THE CAR HAS BEEN INTO A FORD DEALER OVER 25 TIMES ! FORD HAS MANY SERVICE NOTICE DEFECTS OUT ON THIS CAR ! WATER GETS INSIDE THE CAR WHEN WASHED OR IN THE RAIN ! THE HEAD GASKETS LEAK FROM DAY ONE ! THE MOON ROOF HAS RUST ON IT ! THE HATCH BACK SHOCKS ARE WORTHLESS ! THE ALARM COMES ON WHEN IT WANTS TO ! THE CV AXLES LEAK TRANS OIL ! FORD MADE A NEW CV BOOT TO STOP THE OIL LEAKS ! NO ONE EVER TOLD ME ! THE BRAKE ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT 30000 MILES ! PLUG WIRES WERE REPLACED AT 16500 MILES ! ENGINE HAS A TICKING NOISE ! THE TRANS THROW OUT BEARING IS GOING BAD ! THE CAR ONLY HAS 45000 MILES !!!!!!! THE CD PLAYER WENT OUT TWO DAYS AGO . THE WINDOWS GO UP AND DOWN ON THEIR OWN ! THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT DOES NOT WORK ! THE CRUISE CONTROL TAKES OFF BY ITSELF ! THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED BY FORD 2 TIMES ! MOON ROOF LEAKS AND KNOCKS ! AC CONTROL SWITCH GETS VERY HOT ! REAR WIPER IS LOOSE ! PAINT IS PEELING !ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS AT ONLY 45000 MILES !!!!!!!!! THE CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY ! I THINK I SHOULD GET MORE THAN 45000 MILES OUT OF A NEW CAR ! FORD NEEDS TO REPLACE THIS 45000 MILE LEMON ! THE REASON IT ONLY HAS 45000 MILES IS WE CAN NOT DRIVE THE CAR MOST OF THE TIME ! WE DO NOT WANT TO DIE IN THIS LEMON ! *JB

ODI #10005119STEERING

POWER STEERING GETS TIGHT. HAPPENS WHEN EXITING A HIGHWAY AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED TO THE RIGHT. *JB

ODI #768549SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

PEDAL WILL STICK IN OPEN POSITION WHEN LETTING UP ON PEDAL. BRAKES WILL NOT SLOW DOWN CAR UNTIL AFTER 25 SECONDS OF APPLYING BRAKES HARD. THIS OCCURS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE DUPLICATED BY FORD DEALER TECHS. IT HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS.TWICE,MORRIES FORD HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. MR

ODI #8017815STEERING

WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

ODI #765712POWER TRAIN

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

ODI #761738SUSPENSION

LEFT REAR COIL SPRING BROKEN AT 91,000 MILES. HAROLD ZIEGLER FORD NOW WANTS TO CHARGE $182 TO REPLACE IT. WHEN VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 30,000 MILES AND DURING A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE VISIT TO THIS DEALER, THE DEALER WITHOUT MY PROMPTING REPLACED THE RIGHT REAR COIL SPRING UNDER WARRANTY. IT'S OBVIOUS TO ME THAT FORD KNEW IT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE SPRINGS SEVERAL YEARS AGO.

ODI #761086STEERING

THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP FOR ABOUT 2-3 SECOND ON RANDOM OCCASIONS DURING NORMAL AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DURING PARKING LOT MANUVERS, THE STEERING FEELS "HEAVY".*AK

ODI #899691ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFIRE

CONSUMER WAS INSIDE OF VEHICLE KEEPING COOL WITH AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING, HE FELL SLEEP INSIDE OF VEHICLE, AND WAS AWAKENED BY SMOKE. FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT FIRE STARTED ON FIREWALL OF ENGINE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK

ODI #891351ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

OIL PRESSURE SENSOR HAS MALFUNCTIONED WHICH HAS CAUSED OIL TO LEAK INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER IS NOT PROVIDING ANY ASSISTANCE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE OIL LEAKED ON THE HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND COULD HAVE CAUSED FIRE. THE LOSS OF OIL STARVED THE ENGINE RESULTING IN NOISY VALVE LASH ADJUSTERS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ON THIS EVENT. *YH

ODI #746311ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE /LIGHT COME ON &OFF WHILE DRIVING. *AK

ODI #744694POWER TRAIN

I HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS I AM AFRAID OF IS MY TRANSMISSION FAILING. I HAVE PROBLEMS SPEEDING UP IN MY CAR. SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT GO OVER 35MPH WITHOUT A DRAGGING FEELING. THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I DRIVE OVER 50 MILES AT ONE TIME. I HAVE READ ABOUT OTHER PROBE TRANSMISSIONS FAILING AT 40&50,000 MILES AND NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR. I KNOW THAT CARS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO DO THAT. I AM NOT A MECHANIC, I DO NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT CARS, ONLY ABOUT WHAT I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED IN MY PROBE. CAN YOU PLEASE CHECK UP ON THIS MATTER. THAT MAYBE THE TRANSMISSIONS PUT IN THESE CARS ARE NOT THAT RELIABLE. THE FACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED EVERY 50,000 TO 100,000 MILES, IS NOT WRITTEN IN THE OWNER'S GUIDE. IF THAT WAS THE CASE I WOULD NEVER OF PURCHASED THIS CAR. I BET IS YOU PICKED 5 PROBES(THAT HAVE NOT BEEN "SUPED UP" YOU WOULD FIND THAT THEY ALL HAVE SIMALAR PROBLEMS. I AM NOT JUST WRITING FOR MYSELF, BUT ALSO FOR MY FRIENDS THAT HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THIER PROBES. PLEASE CONTACT ME AND LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO BEFORE MY OWN TRANSMISSION FAILS. *AK

ODI #885530TIRES

COOPER LIFELINER CLASSIC P20555R15 WITH ONLY 7,000 MILES, AFTER MARKET, TIRES. ONE OF TIRES HAD A CORD THAT SEPARATED, AND ON ANOTHER TIRE THERE WAS A SPLIT ON OUTSIDE WALL, CAUSING BUBBLE TO PROTRUDE OUT OF IT. *AK BOTH TIRES WERE REPLACED AT NO COST. *SLC

ODI #743671ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE THEY TOOK A LONG TIME TO FIX MY CAR AND NOW IT IS OVERHEATING, AND IT WASN'T OVERHEATING BEFORE THEY TRIED TO FIX MY HEADGASKET.*AK

ODI #884541SEAT BELTS

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, AND REPLACEMENT STARTED DOING THE SAME SHORTLY AFTER INSTALLATION. *AK

ODI #9002011FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS

FUEL PUMP FAILED, LOST COMPLETE POWER WHILE DRIVING 50 TO 60 MPH. ENGINE DIES WHEN OUTSIDE TEMP IS HOT AND A/C IN USE, REPLACE FUEL PUMP AND SENDER. RIGHT REAR WHEEL SEAL LEAKS, DUE TO RIGHT REAR INNER OIL SEAL FAULTY, REMOVE WHEEL, REPLACED RIGHT REAR INNER GREASE SEAL, CLEANED BRAKE AND WHEELS, CHECK REAR END GREASE AND FILLED TO PROPER LEVEL. TRANSMISSION DISENGES FROM ENGINE AND CHARGED UP, ALMOST LOST CONTROL.

ODI #742283POWER TRAIN

CANNOT GET CAR OUT OF PARK, SHIFT MECHANISM GETS STUCK. DEALER SAYS I NEED NEW ONE, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. CAR ONLY HAD 49,497 MILES WHEN ENTIRE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 33, 575 MILES. NUMEROUS OTHER FAILURES STARTING AT APROXIMATELY 28, 000 TO PRESENT. *AK

ODI #741851ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WIRING FOR HEATER AND DEFROSTER MOTOR IN DASH SHORTED AND CAUSE ALL WIRING FROM IT TO FUSE BOX TO MELT...ADVISED BY DEALER IT COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR FIRE

ODI #559126TIRES

ONE OF THE FRONT FIRESTONE TIRES (NO SIZE) HAD A BULGE ON IT, DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE REPLACED, LATER THE CONSUMER REPLACED BOTH REAR TIRES AS WELL. *SLC

ODI #738756ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

OIL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, BECAUSE OF A FAULTY DESIGN, SO THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS. THIS HAS BECOME A COSTLY REPAIR, AND I KNOW MANY OTHER PROBE OWNERS VARYING FROM 1993 TO THE 1997 MODELS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. MANY OF US HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED DEFECTS IN THE FACTORY PAINT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CRACKING, FADING AND CROW'S FEET.*AK

ODI #734084SEAT BELTS

ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, I'VE LOST COUNT, MY DRIVER SEATBELT HAS JUST COME UNDONE WHILE I'M DRIVING. THE PART THAT THE BUCKLE SNAPS INTO IS ALSO COMING APART. SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE CALLED FORD ON THIS MATTER. I STILL HAVE A WARRANTY ON MY CAR. ONE DEALER SAYS NO IT IS NOT COVERED BUT IT IS DEFECTIVE. THE OTHER DEALER SAYS IT IS COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY BUT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. I DO NOT FEEL THAT I AM SAFE DRIVING BECAUSE IF IT COMES UNDONE WHILE I'M JUST DRIVING, WHAT HAPPENS IF I'M IN A CRASH? I FEEL FORD SHOULD JUST REPLACE THIS WITHOUT ANY COST TO ME BECAUSE SEATBELTS ARE A MAJOR, REQUIRED SAFETY COMPONENT.*AK

ODI #732258UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NO SUMMARY

ODI #728697STEERING

FAILURES INTERMITTENT

ODI #863923FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

THERE WAS A HAIRLINE CRACK ON TOP OF THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK WHICH CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK, AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FIRE. DEALER REPLACED FUEL TANK. COMMON PROBLEM. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT INVOLVING THE FUEL SYSTEM. *AK *ML

ODI #723454STEERING

NOTE: I REPORTED THIS ONCE ALREADY ABOUT 2-3 YEARS AGO...A SEARCH OF THE DATABASE INDICATES SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE ALSO REPORTED THIS PROBLEM, BUT THERE HASN'T BEEN AN INQUIRY YET- WHY NOT?? BASED ON MY RESEARCH, THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A FAULTY FORD VARIABLE-ASSIST POWER STEERING PUMP- AT HIGH RPMS, IT MAKES STEERING MORE STIFF.. IT FAILS TO LOOSEN WHEN SLOWING DOWN (E.G. COMING OFF AN EXIT AFTER TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS). SEARCHING THE WEB FINDS MANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS. PEOPLE HAVE SAID IT IS FIXED BY REPLACING THE STEERING PUMP, BUT THIS IS A $600 PART! *AK

ODI #723167POWER TRAIN

DID ALL SCHEDUALED MAITINENCE ON TIME ...TRANSMISSION NEUTRALIZED ON FREEWAY.NO MOVEMENT IN ANY GEAR......REPAIR MAIN SAID HE HAS NEVER HEARD OF THAT PART FAILING LIKE THAT AND TO THAT EXTENT........OTHER PROBLEM.....IT IS DANGEROUS FOR A VEHICLE TO AUTOMATICALLY TURN ON AND OFF OVERDRIVE WHILE IT IS A T ANY SPEED......HAVE HAD CAR FOR 2 YEARS NOW AND HAVE SPENT APROX..3500+ IN REPAIRS AND STILL HAVE MORE TO DO......IT IS A LEMON CAR AND I AM STUCK WITH IT....NOTHING HAS GONE RIGHT WITH IT SINCE I BOUGHT.....AND I SEE NO RELEIF IN SIGHT BECAUSE I GOT SCREWED IN FINANCING.....ALL I WANT IS TO TRADE IT IN ON A NEW CAR....SOMETHING NEEDES TO BE DONE PEOPLE SHOULD NOT GET STUCK WITH LEMONS. *AK

ODI #858227AIR BAGSCRASH1 INJURY

CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT ABOUT 15 MPH, AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BURNING THE PASSENGER, AND BREAKING FRONT WINDOW. PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG WAS UNDER RECALL 95E006000. DEALER SAID AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT DOESN'T USUALLY BREAK WINDOWS. *AK

ODI #718778ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

AFTER REPORTING POWER LOSS AND NOISE FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM (CATALYTIC CONVERTER TURN TO RED) - DEALER REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES. *AK

ODI #718543ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE VEHICLE STALLS WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP, IN NEUTRAL. THIS CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF THE VEHICLE STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED OF THIS PROBLEM TWO DAYS AFTER PURCHASE AND SAID THAT THE SPARK PLUGS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE PLUGS WERE CHANGED BY MYSELF, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS TO THIS DAY. THE CAR UNEXPECTANTLY STALLS AT LEAST TWO TIMES PER DAY. THE VALVE COVER SEALS ARE DEFECTIVE. THEY CANNOT WITHSTAND THE HEAT OF THE ENGINE. ONCE AGAIN GARY BARBERA'S WAS INFORMED OF THE PROBLEM AND REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM.

ODI #715411UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NO SUMMARY INCLUDED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

ODI #715079SEAT BELTS

MY DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT COMES UNDONE BY ITSELF WHILE I'M DRIVING. BAYVIEW FORD IN DAPHNE SAID THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT FOR ME AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE MY CAR HAS OVER 50,000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS A PIECE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT REQUIRED BY THE GOVERNMENT. SHOULDN'T THEY JUST REPLACE IT WITHOUT ME HAVING TO PAY FOR IT? *AK

ODI #714870STEERING

THE CAR STALLS EVERY DAY AT LEAST TWICE. I PROCEED TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE RPM'S DROP TO ZERO AND THE CAR STALLS. WHEN THE HEAT OR AC IS BEING USED THE RPM'S ARE BOOSTED UP TO 1000 AND THE PROBLEM IS TEMPORARILY FIXED.*AK

ODI #714484POWER TRAIN

AT 80,000 MILES I HAD MY TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER CHANGED, BEAR IN MIND I BOUGHT THIS USED FROM THE DEALERSHIP. AT 97,000 MILES MY O/D LIGHT CAME ON FLASHING. I WAS TOLD MY TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS DIRTY. I TOOK IT IN TO GET CHANGED. THE AUTO SHOP SAID MY FILTER WAS COMPLETELY BURNT. THEY CHANGE IT. THE GROUND WIRE ON THE BATTERY WAS RESET. ONE WEEK LATER THE O/D LIGHT CAME ON. I COULD THEN FEEL THE GEARS JERKING. I HAD A DIAGNOSTIC RAN ON IT. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT MY TORQUE CONVERTER WAS DAMAGED. AS A RESULT IT IS RUINING THE TRANSMISSION. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 95 PROBES. THEY TOLD ME FORD KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND PUT OUT AN UPGRADING KIT TO CONVERT ALL 95 PROBE TRANSMISSIONS INSTEAD OF RECALLING THE TRANSMISSIONS. THIS MEANS THAT THE CUSTOMERS ARE AT LOSS. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT BY FORD, IT IS A TRANSMISSION THAT IS USED IN MAZDAS, WHICH ARE ALSO HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS.

ODI #852542FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

FUEL TANK FAILED CAUSING LEAK. *YC

ODI #549317POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION FAILED. NLM

ODI #549307SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

POOR DESIGN OF REAR CALIPERS CAUSED THEM TO FAIL TO RELEASE WHEN THE HAND BRAKE WAS DISENGAGED RESULTING IN INTENSE HEAT AND SMOKE TO BE EMMITTED FROM THAT AREA. NLM

ODI #713383UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NO SUMMARY

ODI #848661ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

THE VEHICLE MAKES A CLUNKING AND TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE AND ALSO VEHICLE IS STUTTERING DUE TO THE OIL PUMP LETTING AIR INTO IT. DLR SAYS OIL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.MJS

ODI #782859STRUCTURE

PASSENGERS SIDE STRUCTURAL ROOF SUPPORT CEILING WELDS BROKEN CAUSING IT TO ROCK AND MAKE THE KNOCKING SOUND. ET

ODI #548111SEAT BELTS

SEAT BELT FAILED, REPLACEMENT FAILED ONE YEAR LATER. MJS

ODI #708061STEERING

POWER STEERING FAILS WHILE SLOWING DOWN AT OFF RAMPS AFTER DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM WITH THE PROBE: SEE HTTP://WWW.FORDPROBEPARTS.COM/UBB/UBBHTML/FORUM1/HTML/000032.HTML FOR ACCOUNTS FROM OTHER PEOPLE. *AK

ODI #841374AIR BAGSCRASH

WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE VEHICLE HYDRO PLANE AND HAD A FRONTAL IMPACT WITH THE GUARD RAIL WHICH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.

ODI #707831STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL PEOPLE THROUGHT THE US THAT HAVE HAD SIMILAR TO EXACT PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING LOCKING UP. *AK

ODI #839931SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

VEHICLE EXPERIENCING ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THE FOLLOWING: 1. HATCHBACK HYDRAULIC CYLINDER FAILED TO OPERATE; 2. VEHICLE WANDERS TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING, AND DEALER UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM; 3. GRINDING NOISE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE, AND 4. MOISTURE GOT INTO SPARK PLUGS AREA, CAUSING ENGINE TO LOSE POWER. VEHICLE HAD BEEN INSPECTED BY DEALER SHOP; CAUSES AND REASONS COULD NOT BE VERIFIED. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *AK

ODI #838902POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION IS ACTING ERRATICALLY. WILL DOWNSHIFT WITHOUT WARNING AT HIGH SPEEDS, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BUCK. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

ODI #545787STRUCTURE

HATCHBACK LIFT CYLINDERS FAILED CAUSING THE HATCH TO FALL ON CONSUMERS HEAD. NLM

ODI #545787POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION FAILED. NLM

ODI #836533ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHEN TRYING TO START UP VEHICLE, IT IS VERY HARD TO START. VEHICLE IS RUNNING HARD, AND WILL CUT OFF AND STALL. BUT, VEHICLE IDLES HIGH WHEN CONSUMER IS DRIVING. *AK

ODI #701293ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CAR LOSES COMPRESSION RESLUTING IN LOSS OF POWER AND LACK OF ACCELERATION. BOB BAKER FORD DENIED IT WAS THE CAT BOTH TIMES REPLACING SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES. IT RUNS FOR 4-5 MONTHS THEN GOES OUT AGAIN

ODI #831924ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFIRE

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SMOKED FROM WHEEL WELL THAN THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE. HAD WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORATION. *AK

ODI #701153STEERING

STEERING FREEZES UP WHILE GOING AROUND TURNS WHILE BRAKING AND SHIFTING GEARS. IT LAST FOR 5 SECONDS. ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE WHEEL THEN SUDDENLY IT FIXES ITSELF. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT AND THE DEALER CANNOT DIAGNOSE ALTHOUGH THEY SPECULATE THE RACK OR PUMP BUT NOT SURE. SAID 2 OTHE PROBLES HAS THE SAME PROBLEM BUT THEY HAD MORE MILEAGE. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS AND THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY ON MOUNTAINOUS ROADS. PLEASE HELP! THANK YOU, LIZ DOWD

ODI #831180ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE DEFECTIVE SPARK PLUGS CAUSE THE SPARKS TO GO OUTSIDE OF THE ENGINE AND HAD RAW GAS GO INTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHICH MAY RESULT IN A FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

ODI #828116ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

WHILE DRIVING 30 TO 40 MPH THE VEHICLE JUST SHUTS OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK

ODI #541003STRUCTURE

KNOCKING NOISE IN THE CEILING OF THE CAR.

ODI #541569ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

WHEN DRIVING AT 50 MPH AND 2000 RPMS THE MOTOR SHUTS OFF AND REMAINS OFF FOR ABOUT ONE-HALF SECOND AND COMES BACK ON AND SURGES.

ODI #826458AIR BAGSCRASH

DURING FRONTAL IMPACT AT 30 MPH, THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

ODI #604664POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

ODI #535411POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION FAILURE.

ODI #530477STEERING

POWER STEERING FAILS WHEN VEHICLE DECELLERATES FROM SPEEDS AROUND 50 MPH TO 15 MPH.

ODI #530010VISIBILITY

SUNROOF KNOCKS.

ODI #530010ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE LAGS DUE TO DEFICIENT SPARK PLUG WIRES.

ODI #530010STRUCTURE

TRUNK MAKING KNOCKING NOISE.

ODI #530010STRUCTURE

SQUEAKING HEARD UNDER DASH.

ODI #530010ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

LOUD HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAK COMING FROM ENGINE WHEN A/C/DEFOGGER ON OR WHEN ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED.

ODI #530010VISIBILITY

CENTER DASH VENT LOUVER ASSEMBLY ABOVE CENTER CONSOLE HAS FALLEN OUT.

ODI #530010SEATS

SIDE LUMBAR SUPPORTS DO NOT RETAIN AIR.

ODI #530010EQUIPMENT

CD PLAYER SKIPS AND DOES NOT EJECT CD.

ODI #530010STRUCTURE

PASSENGER INTERIOR DOOR PANEL REINSTALLED INCORRECTLY AT TIME OF DOOR HANDLE REPAIR CAUSING IT TO BE MISALIGNED.

ODI #530010STRUCTURE

DOOR HANDLE RETENTION SPRINGS SNAPPED.

ODI #821077LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

WHEN DRIVING THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL POP OPEN FOR NO APPARENT REASON. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS NOT REPLACED ANY PARTS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

ODI #518899STEERING

POWER STEERING FAILS WHEN RPMS ARE GREATER THAN 3500 FOR MORE THAN FIVE MINUTES. REMAINS INOPERATIVE UNTIL 10-20 SECONDS WHEN IDLE ENGINE SPEED IS ENCONTERED, AT WHICH TIME IT WORKS WELL UNTIL NEXT 3500 RPMS FOR MORE THAN 5 MINUTES IS REACHED. *AK

ODI #813972FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START, AND IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT MUD HAD GOTTEN INTO THE HOSE LEADING TO THE FUEL TANK, AND THE HOSE HAD BUSRT. CONSUMER WAS ALSO TOLD IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK

ODI #813771SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCRASH

WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES ON WET PAVEMENT THE ABS SYSTEM LOCKS UP, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH CAUSED A COLLISION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

ODI #604003SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

THE FACTORY INSTALLED PUSH-ROD, BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MASTER CYLINDER, WAS NOT THE PROPER PART (IT WAS TOO LONG). THE RESULT OF THIS IS ABS FAILURE.

ODI #809974VISIBILITY

CONSUMER HAS REPLACED TWO WINDSHIELDS DUE TO CRACKS DEVELOPING UNDER THE MOULDING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK

ODI #515160AIR BAGS

CONSUMER COMPLAINS THAT AIRBAGS PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD FOR SHORT PEOPLE.

ODI #514438STRUCTURE

HATCHBACK WAS RAISED AND SUDDENLY CRASHED DOWN.

ODI #514438STRUCTURE1 INJURY

HATCHBACK FELL DOWN ON CONSUMER'S HEAD AS CONSUMER WAS REMOVING GROCERIES FROM THE TRUNK, RESULTED IN A HEAD INJURY.

ODI #514328STRUCTURE

HATCHBACK WAS RAISED, SUDDENLY CRASHED DOWN OM OWNER HEAD, HATCHBACK ESPECIALLY HEAVY DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF THE FACTOR INSTALLED SPOILER.

ODI #514328STRUCTURE1 INJURY

HATCHBACK COLLAPSED ON CONSUMERS HEAD, WHICH CAUSED INJURY. MJS

ODI #527338SUSPENSION

VEHICLE EXPERIENCES PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END WHICH IS CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR OF THE TIRES.

ODI #802052STEERINGCRASH1 INJURY

STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTERED SLIGHTLY TO LEFT, CAUSED VEHICLE TO GO IN DIRECTION OF PROBLEM, DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN UP WHEELS, LOST CONTROL, VEHICLE WENT OFF ROAD INTO WOODED AREA AND TURNED OVER; TOTALED.*AK

ODI #805381AIR BAGSCRASH

VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM THE FRONT AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DID NOT. *AK

ODI #510448STRUCTURE

FRAME WELDING FROM THE FACTORY IS UNSATISFACTORY. AFTER REPAIR PER SERVICE PROGRAM NUMBER 96B98 CRACKS AND HOLES COULD STILL BE FOUND IN OTHER PARTS OF THE FRAME WELDING.

ODI #802929ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFIRE

AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND IN THE DASH AREA WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.

ODI #987340ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SOMETIMES WHEN DRIVING THE CAR IT FEELS LIKE IT GOING TO CUT OFF . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

ODI #987340ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SOMETIMES WHEN DRIVING THE CAR IT FEELS LIKE IT GOING TO CUT OFF . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

ODI #601530SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

BRAKES FAILED. *DH

ODI #601532ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ELECTRICAL SHORT. *DH

ODI #980561VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHEN IT IS COLD THE ACCELRATOR STICKS AND CAUSES CONTINUED ACCELERATION. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

ODI #980561VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHEN IT IS COLD THE ACCELRATOR STICKS AND CAUSES CONTINUED ACCELERATION. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

ODI #980561VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHEN IT IS COLD THE ACCELRATOR STICKS AND CAUSES CONTINUED ACCELERATION. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

ODI #979494POWER TRAINCRASH

MAN-TRAN: TRANSMISSION GRINDS BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR CAUSING DIFFICULTY GOING INTO 2ND GEAR; DISTRACTION CAUSED DRIVER TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK

ODI #979494POWER TRAINCRASH

MAN-TRAN: TRANSMISSION GRINDS BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR CAUSING DIFFICULTY GOING INTO 2ND GEAR; DISTRACTION CAUSED DRIVER TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK

ODI #979433POWER TRAINCRASH

WHILE DRIVING EXPRESSWAY; FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE BROKE; VEHICLE SPUN AROUND, HIT BY ANOTHER ONCOMING VEHICLE. TT

ODI #979433POWER TRAINCRASH

WHILE DRIVING EXPRESSWAY; FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE BROKE; VEHICLE SPUN AROUND, HIT BY ANOTHER ONCOMING VEHICLE. TT

ODI #977259AIR BAGSCRASH2 INJURIES

IN ACCIDENT AT 12:00 POSITION AT 40-50MPH DRIVER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING INJURIES. TT

ODI #977259AIR BAGSCRASH2 INJURIES

IN ACCIDENT AT 12:00 POSITION AT 40-50MPH PASSENGER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING INJURIES. TT

ODI #490688STEERINGCRASH2 INJURIES

POWER STEERING FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *SD

ODI #490688AIR BAGSCRASH2 INJURIES

NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY. *SD

ODI #490688SEAT BELTS

SEATS BELTS FAILED IN ABOVE ACCIDENT. *SD

ODI #601531SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCRASH

BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *DH

ODI #973691POWER TRAIN

PURCHASED NEW VEHICLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION STALLS WHEN GOING IN GEAR. TT

ODI #973319SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

ABS BRAKE SYSTEM FAIL TOTALLY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. TT CONSUMER STATES WHILE APPLYING BRAKES STEADILY AT SLOW OR MODERATE SPEED OVER BUMPS, RAILROAD TRACKS, OR DIPS, ABS MAKES VERY LOUD CRUNCHING NOISE AND SOMETIMES EXPERIENCES LOSS OF BRAKING IN PEDAL. *SLC

ODI #601286VISIBILITY

RIGHT FRONT POWER WINDOW GOES UP EXCEEDINGLY SLOWLY, TAKES SEVERAL MINUTES TO ROLL UP COMPLETELY. *DSH

ODI #483599UNKNOWN OR OTHER

DASHBOARD DESIGN MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO READ INSTRUMENT PANEL/SPEEDOMETER DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. *AK

ODI #600669SEATS

POWER SEAT FAILURE. *AK

ODI #600556STEERING

RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE. *AK

ODI #963716VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE SHUTS OFF, WITHOUT APPARENT REASON, HAD REPLACED ASSEMBLY THROTTLE VALVE, AND THERMO GASKET. TT

ODI #469387VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCRASH

SUDDEN ACCELERATION UPON TURNING OFF CRUISE CONTROL AND APPLYING BRAKES, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. *SKD

Component Failure Cascade RiskKnown patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
CriticalEGR issue detected

▸ Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines

HighFUEL PUMP issue detected

▸ Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways

Complaint & Reliability TimelineAnnual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints and reliability score for FORD Probe — recall years marked in red
011220501002005199419982002200620102014201820222026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Recall issued
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 122 total NHTSA complaints filed over 14 years, with the worst year being 1998 (22 complaints, including 1 crash report).

The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 100/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.

The red dashed line marks recall issuance — the first recall came 11 years after owners began filing complaints, a lag that indicates the manufacturer was slow to formally acknowledge these problems.

Red dots on the amber line flag 7 years (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial
5-Year Total Cost of OwnershipEstimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
$49,614
~$827/mo over 5 yrs
$0.1/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$21,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$6,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $49,614 (~$827/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation AmmunitionUse these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
4 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$2,000
1 recall over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$400
Total recommended deduction−$2,400
Pre-Purchase Inspection ChecklistTailored for the 1995 FORD Probe — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
⚠ 1 critical inspection item must be resolved before purchase. Do not skip these checks.
CRITICAL
Inspect engine bay for heat damage, melted wiring, and fire suppressor residue
This model has a high fire risk signal from recalls or complaints. Look for signs of prior heat events near the engine or battery.
HIGH
Inspect for egr issue detected — ask for repair records
Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
HIGH
Inspect for fuel pump issue detected — ask for repair records
Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
HIGH
Verify recall FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE has been repaired
Recall on record for: CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19
HIGH
Verify recall EXTERIOR LIGHTING has been repaired
Recall on record for: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER V
HIGH
Verify recall EXTERIOR LIGHTING has been repaired
Recall on record for: CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBI
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:FRONTAL has been repaired
Recall on record for: THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAS AN INFLATOR BODY THAT CRACKED DURING FORMING OF THE CURL THAT RETAINS THE IGNITER PLUG IN
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: TIRES
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
Recall Probability ForecastEstimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15%
18-month
28%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 28%

15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

  • ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance ScheduleOEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Official FORD Maintenance Guide ↗Search Owner's Manual ↗

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Insurance Cost EstimateEstimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Full Coverage
$1,270–$1,620/yr
~$106–$135/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
▼ 31-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty HistoryFederal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

FORD has been fined $17M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data.

2015$17MFailure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data
State-Specific Legal ProtectionsWhat consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data TableAll decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN1ZVLT20A7S5145838
Model Year1995
MakeFORD
ModelProbe
TrimBase
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleHatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Doors2
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2.0
Horsepower114

Manufacturer

ManufacturerAUTO ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL, USA
Assembly CityFLAT ROCK
Assembly CountryUNITED STATES (USA)

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)1ZV
Check Digit (Char 9)7
Model Year Code (Char 10)S
Plant Code (Char 11)5
Sequence (Chars 12–17)145838

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count4
NHTSA Complaint Count122
VIN Structure DecodeISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
1
1
Z
2
V
3
L
4
T
5
2
6
0
7
A
8
7
9
S
10
5
11
1
12
4
13
5
14
8
15
3
16
8
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
1
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
Z
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
V
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
LT20A
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
7
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
S
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
5
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
145838
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (1)
Model Year Character
"S" → 1995
Could also be 2025
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model
Reliability Scores
Year-by-year reliability ratings
Years to Avoid
Best & worst model years ranked
Common Problems
Owner complaints & known defects
All NHTSA Recalls
Complete recall campaign history
View all FORD VIN reports →← New Lookup

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 4/21/2026, 8:13:03 AM.