A CRJ700 engine T2 inlet probe heat failed in flight so the crew returned to the departure airport because destination weather included icing. The probe had been changed three previous times.

Narrative

Initially refused aircraft due to left Engine degraded Message written up by previous crew and all Maintenance did was reset FADEC; ops check good. Looking in Aircraft Maintenance Log (AML) there were 3 write ups in less than 2 weeks for same issue. We were to be flying into an airport where there were thunderstorms and bad weather; I was tired from scheduled reduced rest and haven gotten in late the previous night for another aircraft refusal and maintenance issues. I was concerned that Maintenance is simply resetting systems and not actually fixing the problems. After speaking with Chief pilot I accepted the aircraft and we took off. About 45 min into flight we received a left engine temperature probe heat caution message and returned to the departure airport due to QRH stating we have to avoid Icing conditions. Upon further review of the AML books this aircraft has been written up 10 times for the Engine Degraded message. The T2 probe has been changed no less than 3 times; and still having repeat issues with this aircraft. Pull aircraft off line; and insist that Bombardier help troubleshoot the problem. I should have stuck to my guns and refused aircraft in the first place but due to my fatigue from short night; pressure placed upon me by company to get flight out this could have been avoided by just refusing aircraft. We severely inconvenienced our passengers and our code share partner by running flight 3 hours late after a return to the field and a aircraft swap; then the passengers on the return flight were inconvenienced all for this re occurring problem.