Ford Probe fire or smoke problems

Filed Nov 14, 1999 · Electrical, Engine · IL · fire

While driving on highway car lost power. Smoke started coming out from under hood. Pulled over to side and engine area was on fire. Car destroyed.

Filed Sep 2, 1999 · Airbags, Electrical · MI · fire

1st ins- horn started would not go off ,smoke came out of instrument cluster. Horn still went off after car was turned off. Had to pull fuse. Ford said clock spring in steering wheel broke and crused cruise control and horn wires and the short blew out the whole instrument panel. Ford said it would cost more then three thousand dollars to fix. Had to replace the instrument panel with used items because of price. So the millage is about ten thousand more then on the origanal. . 2nd. Air bag light keeps coming on while we drive down the road. Took it in twice to ford. They say they cant fix it because the light doesnt stay on all the time. We are scared that the air bag will go off while we are driving. They said they dont know what to tell us

Filed Mar 30, 1999 · Brakes · TN

Both rear calipers on my 1994 frod probe gt have siezed and one almost started the car on fire, with the left rear rotor glowing orange. There was no prior signs of siezing, and no trouble with the brake handle. Ford changed the design in the years after 1995, but I believe that the updated calipers should be retrofitted to all of our cars that have failing calipers and brake problems, resulting from this problem.

Filed Mar 12, 1999 · Engine · MO · fire

Vehicle was driven less than 2 miles and caught on fire in the engine compartment. The vehicle was totalled. Recall the federal safety agency 98v‑206/ manufacturer's recall 98s30. Dealer inspected timing belt tensioner, and stated that it was ok.

Filed Mar 11, 1999 · Engine · CA

While my car was parked in my driveway (off) the car engine caught fire. The fire took place approx 15 minutes after it was turned off. It had only been driven for approx 3 minutes. There were no signs that a fire was about to begin. Ie; smoke or temp indicator reading hot.

Filed Feb 17, 1999 · Brakes · PA

My wife purchased this used car in oct 1997. She had the rear disc brakes lock up while driving just after she took possession. The brakes have locked up on either side three additional times since she has driven it. It has been so bad tha t the rotor have cherry red and smoke pouring off the wheel. Whave had both calipers replaced and it continues to happen. My wife cannot drive this vehicle due to fear of being killed. I have had a complaint against northeast subaru in del.co. Consumer affairs over a year and can get nowhere.this is a very dangerous problem.

Filed Jan 5, 1999 · Brakes · OH

Both rear calipers seized due to deteriorated handbrake pivot-pin seal and needle bearings inside calipers. Caliper piston won't release, causing damage to pads and intense heat to rotors with burning smell. Ford-uk and mazda-uk have contributed towards cost of replacing calipers, but not ford - USA.

Filed Nov 24, 1998 · Transmission · MN

This car was taken back to dealer while still under warranty with transmission problems. They said it was fine. One month after warranty was up automatic overdrive would not dis-engage and transmission was overheating. Dealer let car sit for over 10 days and did nothing. Took car to different repair shop. They said short term memory was wipped out, needed overdrive warning light to come on again in order to get code. Took car and drove for a long distance. At that time the transmission overheated causing loss of speedometer and massive fluid leak while driving 65 MPH. Advised to immeadeatly stop driving car as it could catch on fire. Vehicle since fixed twice buy a different dealer. Dealer stated that notch was missing out of transmission piston from the factory. Transmission also had numerous other problems and total repair cost 1,328.58. I have since been told (to late) that there are several bullitens out for these transmissions.

Filed Oct 28, 1998 · Airbags · WI · crash · fire

Traveling 20mph & rearended another vehicle. Air bag deployed. Driver's pants caught on fire due to chemicals in air bag. Driver not injured.

Filed Oct 27, 1998 · Steering · TX

While driving down hwy 288 at 70 miles per hour my power steering belt broke and caused the wheel to lock. I was about to exit on to hwy 6 and luckily I was slowing down the belt and all kinds of smoke came from under the hood, blinding me and making me think that there was a fire under the hood. Also the wheel locked up on me and I could not steer, because the power steering is connected to that belt along with the airconditioning. When I took it to the dealer to have it replaced because the belt was only 3 months old, they told me that the belt was good but the condesor had caused the car to lock because the air conditiioning and the power steering are on the same belt. If I had not been a strong person I definitely would have wrecked my car, some one not as strong or older would have driven off the road. Please check and see if this matter has happened to others and put a bulletin out to the public telling them how this can cause a wreck because of the design of the car.