Used car guide

1994 Ford Probe: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Ford Probe first registered in 1994: we looked at the 123 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 123 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

123MOTs of 1994 cars, done in 2023–2025
67%pass first time (all 1994 cars: 67%)
3,200typical miles a year
46%had brakes flagged

Common 1994 Ford Probe MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1994 Ford Probe MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    46% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    35% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    24% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    22% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Lights and electrics
    21% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    18% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1994 Ford Probe

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Ford Probe?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Ford Probe compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1998–Too few tests
1997244Brakes 44%
1996202Brakes 41%
1995311Brakes 44%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Ford Probe cars first registered in 1994. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score