1996 Ford Probe Problems & Reliability

If you were cruising around in the ’90s, you might remember the Ford Probe—a sleek, sporty coupe that turned heads and promised a thrilling ride. Fast forward to today, and the 1996 Ford Probe still holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts who appreciate its unique design and nostalgic charm. However, like any vehicle that’s been around for a few decades, the Probe has its fair share of quirks and issues. Whether you’re considering buying a used one or just curious about its legacy, it’s worth diving into the common problems and overall reliability of this iconic car. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ups and downs of owning a 1996 Ford Probe. From engine troubles to electrical gremlins, we’ll cover the typical issues that owners have faced over the years. But it’s not all doom and gloom—many Probe owners have found ways to keep their rides running smoothly, and we’ll share some tips on how to maintain this classic coupe. So, buckle up and join us as we take a trip down memory lane and uncover what it really means to own a 1996 Ford Probe today.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Engine Runs Rough, Stalls, Hesitates on Acceleration, Hard Starting, Poor Performance

Analysis:

The 1996 Ford Probe seems to have its fair share of engine issues, with reports of it running rough, stalling, hesitating on acceleration, and being hard to start. These problems can definitely affect the car’s overall performance and reliability, making it a bit of a headache for owners. If you’re considering this model, it’s worth keeping these potential issues in mind.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Ticking Noise from Engine, Stalling, Rough Running, Reduced Engine Power

Analysis:

The 1996 Ford Probe seems to have its fair share of engine-related issues, including a ticking noise, stalling, rough running, and reduced engine power. These problems can make the car less reliable and might require frequent maintenance to keep it running smoothly. If youre considering a Probe from this year, its worth being prepared for some potential engine headaches.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • Check Engine Light On, Hesitates Accelerating, Reduced Power, and Rough Idle

Analysis:

The 1996 Ford Probe seems to have some common issues like the check engine light coming on, hesitation during acceleration, reduced power, and a rough idle. These problems can be pretty frustrating and might indicate underlying issues with the engine or fuel system. While some owners have managed to keep their Probes running smoothly with regular maintenance, these recurring issues can definitely impact the car’s overall reliability.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Buzzing Noise from Exhaust at Different Engine Speeds

Analysis:

The 1996 Ford Probe seems to have a recurring issue with a buzzing noise coming from the exhaust at different engine speeds. This problem can be pretty annoying and might indicate underlying issues with the exhaust system or engine mounts. While it doesn’t necessarily mean the car is unreliable overall, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this model.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Clunk Noise in Steering, Turning Left to Right

Analysis:

The 1996 Ford Probe seems to have a common issue with a clunk noise in the steering when turning left to right. This problem might indicate wear and tear in the steering components, which could affect the overall driving experience. While it’s a known issue, regular maintenance and timely repairs can help keep the car running smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

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Onboard & Powertrain Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Conclusion

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