Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. An external spring in the timing belt tensioner can break and get caught in the timing belt.
Risk: This condition can result in possible engine stalling.
Sell your 1997 Ford Probe for cash
The 1997 Ford Probe is a small car that came with a choice of 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 6-cyl engines. At 29 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1997 Probe in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
FordPROBE1997
1997 Ford Probe at a glance
| Body style | Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 18–23 city / 24–30 highway / 20–25 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,700–$4,100 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 355–444 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 4 configurations |
| Age | 29 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 29 years old, most of a 1997 Probe's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a small car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Probe. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the engine and engine cooling. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1997 Ford Probe recalls
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1997 Ford Probe. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Common 1997 Probe problems
Owners have filed 27 complaints about the 1997 Ford Probe with NHTSA. 5 reports involved a crash and 1 report involved a fire. Owners reported 3 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Power Train98,000 mi
1997 Ford Probe service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 84 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 Ford Probe. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips. *tt
Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. *mj
Some vehicles equipped with the cd4e transaxle may exhibit harsh and delayed 1-2/2-3 upshifts after transaxle or turbine shaft speed sensor replacement, possible diagnost
Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure. *tt
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Selling a 1997 Probe: questions
How much is a 1997 Ford Probe worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1997 Probe that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1997 Probes that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 1997 Probe with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Ford Probe; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1997 Probe?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1997 Probe today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.