1990 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 1990 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 1990 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. 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 1990 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.
4. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. THROTTLE LEVERS MAY HAVE BEEN BENT DURING ASSEMBLY.
What could happen: THROTTLE MAY STICK AND NOT RETURN FULLY TO IDLEPOSITION.
The fix: PLACE AFFECTED VEHICLES ON DELIVERY HOLD UNTIL REPAIRED.
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 1990 PROBE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V159000.
- 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
Summary: THROTTLE LEVERS MAY HAVE BEEN BENT DURING ASSEMBLY.
Consequence: THROTTLE MAY STICK AND NOT RETURN FULLY TO IDLEPOSITION.
Remedy: PLACE AFFECTED VEHICLES ON DELIVERY HOLD UNTIL REPAIRED.
Notes: SYSTEM: THROTTLE.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1990 Ford Probe owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Seat belts (293), Brakes (11), Engine (11), Electrical system (11), Visibility (wipers / glass) (10).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/14/2007 · Seat belts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD PROBE. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS RETRACTORS WOULD NOT WORK. THE DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED THE SEAT BELTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 182,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
05/03/2007 · Seat belts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD PROBE. APPROXIMATELY SIX YEARS AGO THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEEDED TO USE THE SEAT BELTS BECAUSE THERE WERE NO AIR BAGS IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERRED TO SAFETY RECALL # 96V172002 CONCERNING SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING. HOWEVER, FORD STATED T…
12/08/2006 · Seat belts
DRIVER SIDE MOTORIZED SEAT BELT SEIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRACK. *NM
04/10/2006 · Brakes
RETRACTABLE SEAT BELTS JAM AND GET STUCK IN TRACK, MAKING UNSAFE CONDITION. HAVE HIT HEAD ON SEAT BELT LATCH CAUSING PAIN AND HAVE ALSO BEEN STUCK IN SEAT WITH SEAT BELT NOT RELEASING. ALSO WEARING OUT CAR BATTERY & SHORTING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEVERE MOISTURE IN TAIL LAMPS, FAILURE OF TAIL LAMPS CAUSING UNSAFE CONDITION, FAILURE OF DRIVING LIGHTS. MANY PROB…
05/24/2005 · Seat belts
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT RESTRAINT (SHOLDER HARNESS) DOESN'T FUNCTION. 1990 FORD PROBE LX. WAS ISSUE OF A RECALL IN 1996. SUBJECT RESTRAINT HAS FAILED THREE TIMES SINCE PURCHASE OF CAR. FIRST REPAIR WAS UNDER VEHICLE WARRANTY. SECOND REPAIR TOOK PLACE PRIOR TO RECAL AND WAS PAID FOR BY OWNER. THIRD FAILURE HAS OCCURED WITHING THE LAST YEAR AND LOCAL DEALER DOES…
05/02/2005 · Seat belts
THE RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #96V172001) IS NOT BEING HONORED BY THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE, ALTHOUGH THE MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR OF THE CAR IS THE SAME, THE VIN NUMBER DOES NOT APPEAR IN THE MANUFACTURER DATABASE ASSOCIATING IT WITH THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO HONOR THE RECALL SINCE IT TOTALLY MATCHES THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM STATED…
04/27/2004 · Seat belts
SHOULDER BELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE IS DEFECTIVE. IT DOES NOT SECURE THE PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. A RECALL WAS ISSUED IN 1996. SHOULDER BELT WAS REPAIRED, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. MANUFACTURER WILL NOT REPAIR SHOULDER BELT UNLESS CONSUMER PAYS FOR IT. *AK
04/08/2004 · Seat belts
RECALL 96V172001, WHILE PARKING OR DRIVING, THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT BACK INTO THE LOCKING POSITION. *AK THE PART HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT SHOULDER RESTRAINT WOULD BE COMPROMISED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. *SC *JB