Ford Probe overheating problems

Filed Nov 4, 2006 · Electrical · 37,000 miles · NC

Icm overheated several times this summer (always while on interstate), causes the car to shut off while at 65+MPH, all power lost (brakers, steering, acceleration). Car only at 37,000 miles during first failure. Replaced icm/distributor (icm built inside distributor) with a non-oem part.

Filed Feb 8, 2005 · Transmission · OR

We were making a 500 mile trip to go to a funeral and when climbing a long, steep grade the interior of the car filled up with smoke. I stopped at the nearest service station and observed transmission fluid leaking out from underneath the vehicle. I quickly added enough fluid to bring the level up to normal. For the remainder of the trip, every time the transmission overheated, the smoke was quite noticable. When I returned home, I took the car to a garage and after many hours of labor, the mechanic told me I was in danger of transmission fire ,and all I could do was spend about $3,000 on transmission work. I haven't had the repairs done yet.

Filed May 26, 2003 · Brakes · 70,400 miles · MN

Rear caliper brakes seized on my 1994 ford probe gt, causing extreme overheating and smoking.

Filed May 20, 2001 · Brakes · CT

In march of 1999 the left rear brake caliper of my ford probe locked while I was driving and would not release, causing the brake pads to overheat and smoke while I drove and adversely affect the handling of the vehicle. This happened with no warning from the vehicle's brake warning system or otherwise - I was unaware of the problem until I saw and smelled smoke from that wheel. At the time, I had both rear brake calipers replaced by a ford dealer (dillon ford), who said that both had failed. On may 18, 2001 (about 20,000 miles later) the replacement left rear brake caliper again locked and would not release while I was driving, again causing the brake pads to overheat and burn. I have researched this problem and discovered that many other people who own this vehicle have complained of the same situation - however, I contacted the ford motor co. On both occasions and they refuse to get involved, saying that there is not a recall or tech. Service bulletin regarding that problem. This seems unsafe to me - I appreciate any assistance you can give me.

Filed Mar 20, 2001 · Electrical · CA

This is a typical problem with this car: ignition cut-out at highway speeds due to heat. The ignitor overheats, causing sudden stop of the engine in highway traffic. The stopped engine also causes loss of power steering. This is a safety hazard that should be addressed by a recall. 1995 and later probes are equipped with a redesigned distributor that does not have this problem.

Filed Mar 6, 2001 · Engine · DC

One day while driving, I noticed that my engine was overheating. Before I could pull over the needle went back down indicating that the engine was not overheating. I proceeded to drive. Then my car just stopped picking up speed. The next thing I knew was that my car just wouldn't not move any faster than 5mph. Luckily the cars behind me were not traveling at great speeds. This allowed to pull over to the side of the highway and wait for a tow truck. My car had shut down. I took it to a mechanic where they told me that the timing belt, water pump and rear head gasket all needed repairing.

Filed Jun 13, 2000 · Brakes · FL

After releasing the hand brake the rear wheels remain locked. I understood that tis is a known problem. I had to drive 6 miles from work with the rear wheels almost locked and due to the overheating of the rear discs, with almost no brakes!!!! Ford has to do something about this! I have contacted a ford authorized dealer and I am waiting for their response. I am sure that I am not the only one with this problem on the 93 probe. If ford knows about this problem and fixed it in '95 and later probes what about the people who bought the 93 and 94 models??? There shoud be something that somebody should do about this! Ford has to pay for the replacement part that has a value of more than 250 $. Pease help us! Alin.

Filed Apr 22, 2000 · Brakes · KS

The rear brake calipers do not disengage after using the handbrake. The handbrake is currently useless on the car since it never disengages properly. This essentially makes the car immobile at the point where the handbrake was used. Any passenger or driver can engage the handbrake not knowing that there is a problem with it disengaging. If the car is driven in this condition there could be dangerous consequences such as a wreck due to the vehicle not having normal control and fire due to the brake discs overheating. This is a problem that puts the driver and passengers in a situation where there is a higher probability of danger.

Filed Jan 21, 1999 · Brakes, Engine · CA

Engine head gasket blew, causing the engine to overheat. Also, brakes and the steering failed. Dealer indicated consumer needed a new head gasket.

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.