Equal-exposure complaint evidence and changes in the reported problem mix

1996 vs 1997 FORD PROBE

NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21

Share shifts show how a vehicle's problem mix changed. They do not measure reliability, and complaint counts are not normalized for sales volume.

First 359 months on market for each model year

Exposure window calculated through Aug 22, 2026

Age-matched reports

▼ 50.0% fewer reports in the equal exposure window

1996 52 complaints 1997 26 complaints

NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21

Component share shift

Bars start at the neutral midpoint. Left means a smaller share; right means a larger share.

View component share data as a table
Component 1996 share 1997 share Share change
ENGINE 19.2% 38.5% ▲ 19.2 pts larger share
POWER TRAIN 26.9% 11.5% ▼ 15.4 pts smaller share
AIR BAGS 3.9% 11.5% ▲ 7.7 pts larger share
STEERING 5.8% not reported ▼ 5.8 pts smaller share
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 5.8% 11.5% ▲ 5.8 pts larger share
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 3.9% not reported ▼ 3.9 pts smaller share
SEAT BELTS 7.7% 3.9% ▼ 3.8 pts smaller share
SERVICE BRAKES 1.9% 3.9% ▲ 1.9 pts larger share
VISIBILITY 1.9% 3.9% ▲ 1.9 pts larger share
TIRES 1.9% 3.9% ▲ 1.9 pts larger share
SUSPENSION 5.8% 3.9% ▼ 1.9 pts smaller share
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 1.9% not reported ▼ 1.9 pts smaller share
WHEELS 1.9% not reported ▼ 1.9 pts smaller share
FUEL SYSTEM 1.9% not reported ▼ 1.9 pts smaller share
STRUCTURE 1.9% not reported ▼ 1.9 pts smaller share
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 94.2% 69.2% ▼ 25.0 pts smaller share

NHTSA Safety Recalls recalls · snapshot 2026-08-22

Recall campaigns

1996 4

Campaign components: not reported

1997 4

Campaign components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21

Safety signals

◆ Fires
1 → 1
◆ Injuries
2 → 3