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DE1 · Coupe

1989 Ford Probe

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1989 Ford Probe.

Safety record

Recalls on the 1989 Ford Probe

Recall·93E035000

Service brakes: drum

THE GROOVE FOR THE REAR WHEEL BEARING RETAINER RING WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 98 owners reported

Seat belts27
Engine and engine cooling16
Visibility12
Electrical system10

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

1989 Ford Probe at a glance

Engine
2.2L 4-Cylinder
Transmission
Manual 5-spd, Automatic 4-spd
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Coupe
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 1989 Ford Probe?

Owners have filed 98 complaints about the 1989 Ford Probe with NHTSA, most often about the seat belts. There is 1 recall campaign covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 1989 Ford Probe reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 1 open recall campaign on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1989 Ford Probe?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1989 Ford Probe listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.