1995 Ford Probe steering problems

Filed Jan 18, 2004 · Body, Brakes · CA

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.

Filed Feb 2, 2003 · Steering · 60,000 miles · MO

Power steering gets tight. Happens when exiting a highway at high rate of speed to the right.

Filed Sep 3, 2002 · Steering · VA

While traveling on highway and without prior warning steering column locked up. Dealership was aware of problem.

Filed Apr 23, 2002 · Steering · MD

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".

Filed Aug 22, 2000 · Steering · NY

Failures intermittent

Filed Jun 1, 2000 · Steering · MA

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!

Filed Nov 16, 1999 · Steering · PA

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.

Filed Jun 30, 1999 · Steering · MA

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.

Filed Jun 23, 1999 · Engine, Steering · OK

There have been several people throught the us that have had similar to exact problems with the steering locking up.

Filed Dec 6, 1998 · Steering · CA

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