Ford Probe (1990–1997): Specs, OEM Tyres & OBD2 Data | TroubleAtlas

🌐 ▾
Ford Probe (1990–1997)
TROUBLEATLAS · SCOREINDEPENDENT · VERIFIED★★TA5.9/10
TroubleAtlas Score
The TroubleAtlas app on a phoneTROUBLEATLAS APP · FREEFREE APPDownload our free appDownload our free appOur shopping centre in your pocket: dozens of suppliers that deliver in your country, compared, department by department.Dozens of suppliers compared, in your country. Get it free Get it free

FORD PROBE (1990–1997): Technical Data, DTC & Service Schedule

Built 1990–1997 · all production years covered on this single page

2.5L V6 • Gasoline

Ford Probe (1990–1997)

© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA

5 Common problems View details →
29 OBD2 codes View details →
13 Recalls / TSB View details →
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Ford Probe (1990–1997) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliability
n/a
Safety & recalls
n/a
Repair cost
9.2
Parts & repairability
3.8
Maintenance & durability
5.8
Documentation & support
4.7
★ How we calculate this → Methodology
TROUBLEATLAS · SCOREINDEPENDENT · VERIFIED★★TA5.9/10
Independent · Verified · Never for sale

Every figure on this Ford Probe (1990–1997) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.

The Ford Probe (1990–1997) uses Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend engine oil. Its battery is group 35 (BCI), rated at 500A cold-cranking amps. It is powered by a 2.5L V6 engine. Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.

⚠️ COMMON PROBLEMS
Engine overheatingFREQUENT

Engine temperature over limits — check coolant level, thermostat and radiator.

Related codes: P0217

Oil pressure sensor: low signalFREQUENT

ECU detects insufficient oil pressure — check oil level and sensor.

Related codes: P0522

Insufficient oil pressureFREQUENT

Oil pressure below critical threshold — stop the engine and check immediately.

Related codes: P0524

Engine control module (PCM) faultFREQUENT

Faulty ECU processor — requires specialist workshop diagnosis.

Related codes: P0606

Throttle actuatorFREQUENT

Throttle actuator motor circuit open — loss of throttle response.

Related codes: P2100

🔧 COMMON REPAIRS
🔧
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.2h
€84 – €108
🔧
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.2h
€84 – €108
🛢
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.5h
€35 – €45
🔧
ABS Module
Difficulty: Medium
2.0h
€140 – €180
💰 AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS

Prices may vary by area and workshop.

🔧
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
🛑
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
⚡
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
📊
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
⏱️ OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)

Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.

Brakes8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
ABS Module2.0h€ 90–€ 150
ABS Pump2.0h€ 90–€ 150
ABS Tone Ring1.5h€ 67–€ 112
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front1.5h€ 67–€ 112
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Brake Bleed - All Four1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Brake Booster3.0h€ 135–€ 225
Brake Booster Check Valve1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Cooling8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Coolant Bypass Pipe1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Coolant Flush0.8h€ 36–€ 60
Coolant Reservoir1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Coolant Temperature Sensor1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Cooling Fan Assembly1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Cooling Fan Motor1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Cooling Fan Relay1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Engine Oil Cooler1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Electrical8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Airbag - Driver1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Airbag - Passenger1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Airbag - Side1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Airbag Module/Computer1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Alternator2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Alternator Belt1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Amplifier1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Antenna0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Engine8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Camshaft Position Sensor1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Camshaft R&R4.5h€ 202–€ 337
Connecting Rod Bearings1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Crankshaft Position Sensor1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Crankshaft R&R1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Cylinder Head R&R4.5h€ 202–€ 337
Cylinder Head Resurface4.5h€ 202–€ 337
Engine Mount - Front3.0h€ 135–€ 225
Exhaust8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Air Injection Check Valve1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Catalytic Converter - California2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Catalytic Converter - Universal2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Downpipe2.0h€ 90–€ 150
EGR Cooler1.5h€ 67–€ 112
EGR Tube1.5h€ 67–€ 112
EGR Valve1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Fuel system8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Charcoal Canister1.5h€ 67–€ 112
EVAP Purge Valve1.5h€ 67–€ 112
EVAP Vent Valve1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Fuel Cap0.3h€ 13–€ 22
Fuel Filler Neck3.0h€ 135–€ 225
Fuel Filter1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Fuel Filter - In-Tank1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Fuel Injector - Single3.0h€ 135–€ 225
HVAC8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
AC Accumulator2.0h€ 90–€ 150
AC Clutch Coil1.5h€ 67–€ 112
AC Compressor2.0h€ 90–€ 150
AC Compressor Clutch2.0h€ 90–€ 150
AC Compressor Oil Add2.0h€ 90–€ 150
AC Condenser2.0h€ 90–€ 150
AC Evaporator2.0h€ 90–€ 150
AC Expansion Valve (TXV)2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Steering8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Center Link/Drag Link1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Electric Power Steering Module1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Electric Power Steering Motor1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Idler Arm1.0h€ 45–€ 75
Pitman Arm1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Power Steering Fluid Flush0.5h€ 22–€ 37
Power Steering Gear Box2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Power Steering Hose - High Pressure1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Suspension8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Air Line1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Air Spring/Air Bag1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Air Suspension Compressor1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Air Suspension Height Sensor1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Air Suspension Valve Block1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Ball Joint - Lower2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Ball Joint - Upper2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Ball Joints - Upper and Lower2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Transmission8 operations
OperationLabour hours (OLP)Est. labour cost
Clutch Cable1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Clutch Disc1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Clutch Kit4.5h€ 202–€ 337
Clutch Master Cylinder2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Clutch Slave Cylinder2.0h€ 90–€ 150
Flywheel Resurface4.5h€ 202–€ 337
Kickdown Cable1.5h€ 67–€ 112
Neutral Safety Switch1.5h€ 67–€ 112
💵 WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY

Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.

🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
Engine oil
Engine oil
Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend
With filter change
4.3 L
Coolant
Coolant
Motorcraft Orange Coolant
Use pre-mixed or mix 50/50 with distilled water
7.1 L
Brake fluid
Brake fluid
Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid
Replace when moisture content exceeds 3% or every 2-3 years
Transmission fluid
Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF
10.4 L
Power steering fluid
Motorcraft MERCON LV
0.9 L
Washer fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
Refill as needed. Use winter-rated in cold climates.
3.3 L
🔧 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Engine Oil And Filter8,000 km / 6 months
Tire Rotation8,000 km / 6 months
Brake System Inspection8,000 km / 6 months
Chassis Lubrication8,000 km / 6 months
Rotate Tires8,000 km / 6 months
Inspect Brake System (Pads, Rotors, Hoses, Parking Brake)8,000 km / 6 months
Inspect Cooling System Hoses And Clamps8,000 km / 6 months
Inspect Exhaust System And Heat Shields8,000 km / 6 months
📋 RECALLS & TSB (13)
NHTSA 89V159000
Vehicle Speed Control › Linkages
Date: 25/09/1989
THROTTLE LEVERS MAY HAVE BEEN BENT DURING ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA 95E006002
Air Bags › Frontal
Date: 24/02/1995
THE 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.
NHTSA 06E026000
Exterior Lighting
Date: 23/03/2006
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,…
NHTSA 06E065000
Exterior Lighting
Date: 17/07/2006
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 D…
NHTSA 93V169000
Air Bags › Frontal
Date: 15/10/1993
IF THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THERE IS NO PASSENGER IN THAT SEATING POSITION, THE AIR BAG CAN DETACH FROM, AND DEFORM, THE MOUNTING BRACKET.
NHTSA 93E035000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Drum › Drum
Date: 13/10/1993
THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.
NHTSA 93V058000
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut
Date: 13/04/1993
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER PIVOT PIN THAT JOINS THE LIFTGATE GAS STRUT TO THE BODY CAN SEPARATE FROM THE LOWER STRUT MOUNTING BRACKET DUE TO AN UNDERSIZED RIVET HEAD.
NHTSA 96V172002
Seat Belts › Front › Webbing
Date: 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.
NHTSA 96V172001
Seat Belts › Front › Webbing
Date: 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.
NHTSA 05E065000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 05/10/2005
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 VEHI…
NHTSA 98V206002
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine
Date: 03/11/1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER CAN BREAK AND GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT.
NHTSA 96V090000
Air Bags
Date: 03/06/1996
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, "OCC…
NHTSA 91V016000
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Date: 01/01/1991
BRACKETS MOUNTING AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AN UNDERSTRENGTH SPOT WELD.
🔴 DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE

57 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.

Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
!BRAKE
Brake System WarningBrakes
K
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
Low Oil Pressure (Ford)Engine
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
+−
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
!BRAKE
ABS WarningBrakes
!BRAKE
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
!BRAKE
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
!
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
S
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
N
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
!
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
?
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
L
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
L
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
AC
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
A
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
AdvanceTrac Off (Ford)Chassis
SYNC System Fault (Ford)Electrical
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
L
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
A
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
A
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
A
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
A
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
!
Door Open WarningBody
!
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
MyKey Speed Limit (Ford)Electrical
📢 REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)

1130 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Ford Probe across model years 1990–1997. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.

72 crash reports 32 fires 68 injuries 3 deaths
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 1990329
Model year 1993205
Model year 1991177
Model year 1994174
Model year 199587
Model year 199279
Model year 199652
Model year 199727
Most reported components (all years)
Seat Belts505
Service Brakes114
Engine And Engine Cooling98
Hydraulic97
Electrical System95
Power Train95
Sample reports
CONSUMER STATES THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN OCTOBER OF 96. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. MFR. RECALL # 96S48. *AK (MY 1990)
DISTRIBUTOR / TFI FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. (MY 1994)
FUEL CUTOUT LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING. *AK (MY 1994)
SEAT BELT DEFECTIVE--RECALL. OWNER WANTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS. (MY 1990)

Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1990–1997.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Ford Probe have any safety recalls?

Yes — 13 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.

What does fault code P0300 mean on the Ford Probe?

Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.

What does fault code P0128 mean on the Ford Probe?

Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.

What does fault code P0011 mean on the Ford Probe?

A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.

Are transmission problems common on the Ford Probe?

Yes — 74 of 923 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the transmission. One owner reported: “THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD, THEY DON'T GO INTO A DOWN POSITION. *AK PASSENGER DOOR FEELS HEAVY AND IT FAILED AT 60000 MILES. TRANSMISSION SLIPS, DEALER STATED…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.

Are engine problems common on the Ford Probe?

Yes — 102 of 923 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DEALERSHIP SAD IT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY IGNITION MODULE. *AK…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.

Are brakes problems common on the Ford Probe?

Yes — 106 of 923 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the brakes. One owner reported: “WHILE GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AT 25 MPH, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, WITHOUT ANY BRAKING ACTION. CONSUMER USED PARK BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN VEHICLE.*AK CONSUMER …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.

What tyres does the Ford Probe (1990–1997) use?

The original OEM tyre size for the Ford Probe (1990–1997) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["195/65R14", "245/45R19", "205/55R15", "225/50R16"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.

What is the right battery for the Ford Probe (1990–1997)?

The battery specified for the Ford Probe (1990–1997) is group 35 (BCI), with a cold cranking rating of 500A. See the Battery section on this page for the main cross-references between brands.

What engine oil should I use on the Ford Probe (1990–1997)?

The engine oil specification for the Ford Probe (1990–1997) is Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend. Always use the viscosity grade approved by the manufacturer: a different oil can reduce engine protection and void the warranty. Check the change interval in the Maintenance section.

Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Ford Probe (1990–1997)?

Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.

How often should the Ford Probe (1990–1997) be serviced?

Routine maintenance for the Ford Probe (1990–1997) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.

Found what you were looking for? Explore other Ford models in our database, compare tyre offers in your size, or search a specific fault code in the TroubleAtlas OBD2 database.

Scroll to Top