Safety ratings
1996 Ford Contour 4-DR.
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlNo
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (11)
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFTCampaign 98V233000 · 18/09/1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FLOOR SHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL CAN BE DAMAGED IF SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN INTERIOR CLEANING PRODUCTS. THE GEAR POSITION INDICATOR CAN DETERIORATE AND NOT CORRECTLY INDICATE THE ACTUAL GEAR POSITION.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.
- FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGECampaign 97V203000 · 17/11/1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES MODIFIED TO RUN ON EITHER GASOLINE OR COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). THE NATURAL GAS FUEL TANKS HAVE A SOLENOID SHUT-OFF VALVE THAT STOPS FUEL FLOW FROM THE FUEL TANK IN THE EVENT OF CERTAIN MODERATE TO SEVERE COLLISIONS. IF THE VEHICLE IS IN A COLLISION AND THE NATURAL GAS FUEL LINE IS DAMAGED, THE SYSTEM COULD LEAK NATURAL GAS.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: FORD HAS REQUESTED OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES TO HAVE THE CNG FUEL SYSTEM DISABLED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN AND TO ONLY USE GASOLINE FUEL UNTIL A PERMANENT CORRECTIVE ACTION IS DEVELOPED. OWNERS ARE BEING ALERTED TO THIS SOLENOID VALVE CONCERN AT THIS TIME. THE TIMING OF CORRECTIVE ACTIONS IS BEING DELAYED TO ALLOW BOTH CONDITIONS TO BE REMEDIED AT ONE TIME. IN THE MEANTIME, THERE IS NOT RISK AS LONG AS THE NATURAL GAS SYSTEM HAS BEEN DISABLED AND THE VHEICLE IS ONLY OPERATED ON GASOLINE.
- SUSPENSIONCampaign 08E033000 · 14/04/2008
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAPCampaign 99V247000 · 13/09/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL FILLER PIPE VENT HOSE MAY HAVE LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF OZONE RESISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE HOSE BECOMING BRITTLE AND CRACKING.
Risk: A CRACKED HOSE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING FUELED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL FILLER VENT HOSE CONTACTING THE APPROPRIATE BLEND OF PVC AND NITRILE RUBBER.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCampaign 06E022000 · 13/03/2006
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMCampaign 01V230000 · 09/07/2001
ON CERTAIN MY 1996-1998 PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY, CUAUTITLAN ASSEMBLY PLANTS OR ON MY 1999 PASSENGER VEHCLES BUILT AT THE AUTOMOTIVE ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY PLANTS, THE ROUGH SURFACE OF THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR'S STAINLESS STEEL BLADES CAN DAMAGE THE COPPER SURFACE OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR. THE DAMAGE COULD, OVER TIME, CAUSE INCREASED RESISTANCE IN THE CONNECTOR AND, DUE TO SUBSEQUENT TERMINAL RELAXATION, RESULT IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION.
Risk: THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND A NEW WIRE JUMPER HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
- VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENTCampaign 01I009000 · 09/07/2001
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995-1997 FORD CONTOUR AND MERCURY MYSTIQUE VEHICLES. THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR COULD OVERHEAT CAUSING THE ATTACHED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TO MELT.
Risk: THIS COULD CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Fix: FORD WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE HEATER BLOWER SWITCH FOR 10 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF SALE OF THE VEHICLE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND A NEW WIRE JUMPER HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTSCampaign 00V075000 · 09/03/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.
Risk: IF BOTH PCRV'S MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING BRAKING AS A RESULT OF THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL IMPROVED PCRV'S IN THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED IN SEPTEMBER 2000 TO INCLUDE 1999 AND 2000 FORD CONTOUR, MERCURY MYSTIQUE AND COUGAR VEHICLES.
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLESCampaign 97V225000 · 08/12/1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL OPTION. THE THROTTLE CABLES WERE DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY LEADING TO FRAYING OR SEPARATION OF THE THROTTLE CABLE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT IS LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BENDING OR KINKING DURING INSTALLATION.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGCampaign 00V367000 · 06/11/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.0L AND 2.5L ENGINES, AND 1996 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. TIGHTENING OF THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MOTOR BEARINGS, UP TO AND INCLUDING MOTOR STALL, CAN RESULT IN INCREASED MOTOR TORQUE AND HIGHER THAN NORMAL MOTOR CURRENT AND ACCOMPANYING HIGH MOTOR TEMPERATURES.
Risk: OVERHEATING OF THE COOLING FAN MOTOR DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT CAN RESULT IN SMOKE AND ODORS FROM BEARING GREASE, INSULATION AND OTHER INTERNAL MOTOR COMPONENTS. IF ELECTRICAL CURRENT CONTINUES TO BE APPLIED TO THE MOTOR, INTERNAL MOTOR COMPONENTS COULD IGNITE POSSIBLY IGNITING OTHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A POSITIVE TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT DEVICE IN-LINE WITH EACH FAN MOTOR. FORD WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY TO A TOTAL OF 8 YEARS OF SERVICE OR 100,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF THE VEHICLE ALREADY HAS MORE THAN 100,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL JULY 31, 2001.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCHCampaign 99V103000 · 05/05/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.
Risk: THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN DISTORTION OF THE TERMINAL CAUSING AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, PARKING LAMP, AND TAIL LAMP CIRCUITS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLAMP SWITCH WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAINING BRONZE TERMINALS AND AN INSPECTION, AND REPLACEMENT IF NECESSARY, OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING108
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM95
- POWER TRAIN63
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING53
- SERVICE BRAKES43
- HYDRAULIC40
- SUSPENSION37
- EQUIPMENT32
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/31/2001· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
- 12/29/2000· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHILE TRAVELING AND SLOWING TO STOP OR TURN, VEHICLE STOPS AND/OR STALLS. IT ALSO CUTS OFF WHILE TRYING TO BE STARTED. VEHICLE HAD FUEL IN TANK DURING TIME OF INCIDENT.NO ACCIDENT OR INJURIES HAVE OCCURRED
- 12/29/1999· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CONSUMER RECIEVED RECALL LETTER 99V247000 CONCERNING THE FUEL PUMP. CONTACTED THE DEALER. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
- 12/29/1998· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE FIRST NOTICABLE SYMPTOM WAS THAT MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT. I THEN LEARNED THAT, ALTHOUGH MY HEADLIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, AND EMEMGENCY FLASHERS STILL FUNCTIONED, MY RUNNING LIGHTS WERE ALSO OUT. UPON TAKING THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS INFORMED THAT MY HEADLIGHT SWITCH HAD SHORTED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR WIRING HARNESS. TO ADD FURTHER INSULT TO INJURY, I HAD TO PURCHASE AN ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT I WISHED TO HAVE THE DAMAGE HARNESS REPAIRED OR REPLACED BECAUSE THE NEEDED PARTS COULD NOT BE OBTAINED SEPARATELY. THIS HAS ALL BEEN REPORTED TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY ARE LOOKING INTO THE MATTER. I HAVE ONLY REPORTED MY CASE TO THE NHTSA AFTER FINDING A LISTING IN YOUR ONLINE INVESTIGATIONS DATABASE FOR ACTION NUMBER PE98063 AND THOUGHT THAT MY STORY MAY PERTAIN TO THIS INVESTIGATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
- 12/28/2005· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I BOUGHT A 1996 FORD CONTOUR FROM AND INDIVIDUAL IN JULY OF THIS YEAR. IT RAN WELL, FOR A FEW DAYS, AND THEN THE OD LIGHT KEPT COMING ON, AND IT FELT LIKE IT WAS SHIFTING INTO LOW. I KEPT MASHING THE BUTTON ON THE SHIFT ARM AND THE LIGHT WOULD GO OUT AND THEN COME BACK ON THIS WOULD GO ON FOR SEVERAL DAYS, THEN IT WOULD BE OK FOR SEVERAL DAYS, JUST TO START UP ALL OVER AGAIN. THEN I HAD THE OLD CHANGED IN NOVEMBER AND THE WOULD NOT STAY CRANKED FOR ME TO GET HOME. THE WIRES UNDER THE HOOD ARE ALL FLAKING OF THERE PLASTIC COVERING. I ASSUME THIS IS WHY IT WILL NOT STAYED CRANKED. I CAN NOT DRIVE IT IN THIS CONDITION. *NM
- 12/28/1998· STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
POWER STEERING BECOMES DISABLES WHEN DRIVEN THROUGH PUDDLES OF WATER. SAFETY SHOULD BE A RECALL BY FORD MOTOR CORP
- 12/28/1998· STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NO SUMMARY PROVIDED BY CONSUMER
- 12/28/1998· STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
NO SUMMARY PROVIDED BY CONSUMER( DOT NUMBER: ??? TIRE SIZE: ??? )
- 12/24/1998· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING LOSS OF INSTRUMENT AND TAIL LIGHTS AT THE SAME TIME. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REPAIRED MALFUNCTION AT THE COST TO CONSUMER, REPLACED HEADLAMP SWITCH AND CONNECTOR. *AK
- 12/23/1997· SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED.
- 12/21/1999· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
RECALL # 99V103000 LIGHTING: SWITCH:BUTTON:RING:HEAD LIGHTS; OWNER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN JULY, 1999. OWNER HAS BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR RECALL. ONCE IN JULY, AND AGAIN ON DECEMBER 4TH. DEALER DOES NOT HAVE PARTS TO CORRECT RECALL. TOLD CONSUMER TO COME BACK IN 6 WEEKS. *AK
- 12/21/1999· VISIBILITY
PASSENGER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW FELL OFF TRACK, CAUSING WINDOW TO FAIL TO OPERATE, LEAVING WINDOW OPEN FOR BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS. DEALER / MANUFACTYRER NOTIFIED AND REFUSED TO REPAIR UNLESS COST GOES TO CONSUMER. *AK
- 12/21/1999· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN IF WIRING RECALL IS A PROBLEM IN MY CAR,WILL DEALERSHIP CHECK THAT FOR FREE? NO SAFETY DEFECT (S) LISTED.
- 12/18/1998· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DEALER UNABLE TO FIX HESATATION- THEN WHEN SUPPOSEDLY REPAIRED VIBRATION OCCURRED
- 12/17/2018· SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
MY CAR WAS RECALLED IN 2001. THE PAST 6 MO MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SMELLS LIKE ITS BURNING OR SOMETHING MELTING. ALMOST LIKE ITS GOING TO CATCH ON FIRE
- 12/17/2002· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHT SWITCH TERMINALS AND WIRING HARNESS TERMINALS EXPERIENCED HEAT DAMAGE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, TAIL LIGHTS AND PARKING LIGHTS FAILED. ROBIN FORD DEALER, 100 N. MCDADE BLVD, GLENOLDEN, PA INDICATED THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON THE 96 FORD CONTOUR BUT MY VIN DOES NOT APPLY TO THE RECALL. MY VIN IS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- 12/16/1998· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE INSTRUMENT AND TAIL LIGHTS WENT OUT. LEARNED THAT THE SWITCH WAS BURNT OUT AND NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS & SWITCH. *AK
- 12/14/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2005 WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY I EXPIRED A SUDDEN SPIKE IN TEMPERATURE ON MY 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT MY "PLASTIC" INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE CURRENT INVESTIGATION AND HAD NEVER RECEIVED ANY SORT OF CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION FROM FORD. I HEARD ABOUT THE MANIFOLD ISSUE FROM A FELLOW EMPLOYEE. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS FOR THIS FAULTY MANIFOLD WAS $978.00. I FEEL IF THEY KNEW THEY NEEDED TO UPDATE IT WITH AN ALUMINUM MANIFOLD THAN THEY KNEW THE PLASTIC ONES WERE FAULTY.*JB
- 12/14/1995· SUSPENSION
PURCHASE CAR NEW WAS DRIVING AND LOWER BALL JOINT CAME LOOSE . TT
- 12/12/2001· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CONSUMER STATES RECEIVED RECALL 99V103000 NOTIFICATION. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED OTHER RECALLS, BUT INFORMED CONSUMER PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR HEADLIGHT SWITCH RECALL, AND HE SHOULD RETURN IN 7 DAYS. WHEN CONSUMER RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP HE WAS INFORMED THAT VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN SERVICED FOR THIS RECALL, AND ANY WORK WOULD BE PERFORMED AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK
- 12/12/2000· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE WIRING WAS DAMAGED BY CORROSION WHICH CAUSED THE ABS LIGHT TO MALFUNCTION, THE ALARM SYSTEM TO BE DEFECTIVE, THE HEATING SYSTEM TO WORK IMPROPERLY, AND THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER TO NOT WORK. *SLC
- 12/12/1999· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THIS IS A LEASED CAR. I TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT, BRINGING IT TO A MECHANIC EVERY THREE MONTHS FOR A "CHECK UP" THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS. THE CAR SIMPLY STOPPED. I HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP AND NOW IT IS COSTING ME $ 3000.00 TO FIX THE TRANSMISSION. I CALLED FORD AND BESIDES BEING NASTY AND RUDE, WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD "DO". NO WARNING LIGHTS, NOTHING. JUST A DEAD CAR. MY MECHANIC IS HAVING A VERY DIFFICULT TIME FINDING PARTS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. I AM VERY ANGRY! *AK
- 12/11/2002· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE FRONT HEAD LAMPS TO MY CONTOUR HAVE CLOUDED OVER (ON THE INSIDE) AND DO NOT ALLOW THE LAMPS TO PUT OUT MUCH LIGHT. THIS IS A PRETTY BAD SAFETY HAZARD IN THE EVENING. IT HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE OVER THE PAST YEAR OR TWO - TO WHERE I NEED TO REPLACE THEM. THE DEALER NOTED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM CAUSED BY A HEAD LAMP SEAL FAILURE, BUT IT WAS NOT A WARRANTY OR RECALL ISSUE. COST IS $250 FOR PARTS PLUS LABOR. IF THIS IS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE FOR FORD SERVICE STAFF, WHY IS IT IGNORED BY FORD? YOUR DATABASE SHOWS OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS ISSUE. DT
- 12/11/2001· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
DOORS ARE HARD TO CLOSE, DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM, DEALERSHIP SENT CONSUMER MANUFACTURERS RECALL 99S25. BUT, THIS RECALL WAS FOR SOMETHING ELSE, LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT DOOR LATCHES GET STUCK, RIGHT REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN INSIDE AND OUTSIDE, LEFT REAR DOOR IS FINE.*AK
- 12/10/1997· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
INTERMITTENT STALLING/DOESN'T START RIGHT UP. AFTER STARTING, THE VEHICLE RUNS ROUGHLY FOR 10-15 SECONDS, THEN STALLS. *AK
- 12/09/1998· STEERING
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH POWER STEERING BELT SLIPPING. WHENEVER VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN THE WET CONDITION ROAD THE WATER WOULD COME UNDERNEATH ONTO THE POWER STEERING BELT, CAUSING THE BELT TO SLIP, AND STEERING TO FAIL. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REFUSED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE CLAIMED VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, CONSUMER INDICATED THAT VEHICLE WA SUNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY SOLD BY THE DEALER. HOWEVER, WARRANTY DOESN'T COVER ANY ITEM THAT THE MANUFACTURER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR. *AK
- 12/07/2007· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MY 1996 MERCURY VILLAGER DEVELOPED A FAILURE IN THE AIR FLOW SENSOR (PART $330) THAT RESULTED IN VEHICLE STALLS, INCLUDING STOPS ON THE HIGHWAY, THAT NEARLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE REQUIRED REPAIRS EXCEEDED $500. I KNOW FORD HAS A SIMILAR RECALL OUT NOW FOR THE 1997-2003 (/) MODELS). *TR
- 12/07/2000· STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER OR IN RAIN, POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT. AT THAT TIME ALERNATOR LIGHT COMES ON, HAS BEEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THIS , SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. ALSO, FILLING UP WITH GASOLINE VEHICLE WILL SMELL FOR LONG TIME. *AK
- 12/06/2004· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
- 12/06/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I BOUGHT A 1996 FORD CONTOUR SE IN JUNE OF 2003.I HAVE SINCE REPLACED THE WATER PUMP 4 TIMES.I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A MAN WHO BLEW THE ENGINE BECUASE THE WATER PUMP WENT AND HE LET THE CAR OVER HEAT.I HAVE REPLACED IT IN OCT.2003,FEBRUARY 2004,JUNE 2004,AND DEC.2004.IT IS REALLY STARTED TO BECOME A BURDEN.*AK
- 12/06/2000· SUSPENSION
LOUD HUMMING NOISE AND VIBRATION DURING RIGHT TURN. TAKEN TO DEALER AND REPAIRED AT MY COST PRIOR TO COMPLETE FAILURE. *AK
- 12/06/1995· AIR BAGSCrash
UPON FRONTAL COLLISION, DRIVER MADE CONTACT W/STEERING WHEEL BEFORE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
- 12/03/2004· SUSPENSION
BROKEN REAR COIL SPRINGS. *AK
- 12/03/2003· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash
THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE DIDN'T STOP UNTIL IT IMPACTED A BUILDING. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS AT IDLE IN THE PARK GEAR FOR 5 MINUTES. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS CONTINUALLY BEING TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER FOR THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE SERVICE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE THROTTLE SENSOR ,SOMEHOW, BECAME STUCK AND THE ENGINE OVERRODE THE BRAKES. *SCC *JB
- 12/01/1999· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING AND BRAKING ENGINE REVVED AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND RUN UP AN A CURB IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
- 11/30/1998· POWER TRAIN
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GOT STUCK IN PARK POSITION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
- 11/29/1996· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash
WHILE PARKING VEHICLE, BACKING UP, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, JUMPED CURVE AND SLAMMED INTO METAL NEWSPAPER BOX. *AK
- 11/28/2005· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS PROBLEM STARTED WAY BACK AT THE DATE BELOW AND I COULD NOT GET FORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM SO I HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO KEEP THE CAR RUNNING BY ELECTRICAL TAPING THE EXPOSING WIRES. I WONDER WHY AMERCIAN MADE VEHICLES ARE LOOSING TO FOREIGN COMPANIES... SELF EXPLANATORY I THINK. NO PRIDE IN THE AMERICAN WORKER. JUST DO THE JOB AND MAKE LIVING. COMPLAINT IS FORD CONTOUR GL ENGINE WIRING HARNESSES SEVERELY DETERIORATING. I WORK WITH ELECTRICAL WIRING ON AIRCRAFT DAILY AND HAVE NEVER SEEN WIRING LIKE THIS. I'VE WORKED IN AREAS WHERE AIRCRAFT WIRING GO THROUGH SEVERE TEMPERATURE CHANGES, HIGH HUMIDITY, AND SEA SPRAY TO NAME A FEW. NO AIRCRAFT THAT I'VE WORKED ON HAS HAD WIRING LIKE THIS. TRANSPORTATION SUCH AS AIRCRAFT DON'T OR SHOULD SAY CANNOT HAVE WIRING LIKE THIS WHY CAN CARS? OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD FOR CAR OWNERS AROUND THE COUNTRY, CAR FAILS FROM WIRING IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND WHAT HAPPENS TO THE OWNER AND POSSIBLE OTHER INNOCENT DRIVERS AROUND THEM? THIS INCIDENT I BELIEVE REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ACTION. AS I STATED I AM CURRENTLY USING ELECTRICAL TAPE TO ATTEMPT TO KEEP THE WIRES FROM TOUCHING AND CAUSING A FIRE OR DAMAGE TO OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS. CURRENTLY CHASING AIR CONDITIONING, ENGINE FAN, AND FUEL INJECTOR PROBLEMS WITH THIS WIRING. A VEHICLES WIRING SHOULD NEVER BECOME THIS BRITTLE. THIS GOES TO PROVE WHY FORD IS CLOSING PLANTS AND NISSAN AND TOYOTA ARE ON TOP OF THE AUTOMOTIVE SALES. THINK ABOUT IT FORD, TRYING TO GET BY WITH CHEAP STUFF AND SEE WHERE YOU ARE NOW, VERGE OF BANKRUPTCY. *JB
- 11/28/2001· EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
WHEN THE LIGHT SWITCH IS TURNED TO PARK LIGHTS, NONE OF THE PARK LIGHTS WORK--FRONT OR BACK, LEFT OR RIGHT. ADDITIONALLY, THE DASH LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. WHEN THE LIGHT SWITCH IS TURNED TO HEAD LIGHTS, ONLY THE HEADLIGHTS AND BRIGHT LIGHTS WORK--THERE ARE NOT TAIL LIGHTS OR DASH LIGHTS. ALL OTHER LIGHTS WORK, SUCH AS THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS. THIS OCCURED DURING THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING THROUGH KANSAS CITY. WE COULD NOT SEE OUR SPEEDOMETER, AND CARS APPROACHING FROM THE REAR COULD NOT SEE US UNTIL THEY APPROACHED AND THEIR LIGHTS SHOWN ON OUR CAR--VERY DANGEROUS.*AK
- 11/28/2000· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE ACCELERATOR CABLE BROKE CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL AND LEAVING THE CONSUMER STRANDED, THERE IS A RECALL (97V225), HOWEVER THE DEALER STATES THAT THE VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *SLC
- 11/26/2001· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WATER PUMP FAILURE @ 78000 MILES - REPORT EARLY FAILURE. *AK
- 11/24/2003· STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
PROBLEMS WITH 1996 FORD CONTOUR FRONT BRAKES, TRANSMISSION, FUSE BOX, HEATER BLOWER MOTOR, ELECTRICAL AND STEERING AND SUSPENSION. *MR FOR THE SECOND TIME, THE VEHICLE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES MAKING A LOUD RUBBING SOUND, THE STABILIZER BAR WAS REPLACED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING, WATER WAS INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT SEALS, WHICH MADE THE LIGHTS VERY DIM, THE SELECTOR MODE SWITCH ON THE HEATER MOTOR BLOWER DID NOT WORK PROPERLY, WHICH MADE THE HEAT NOT WORK AT A 100%. THE UPPER BALL JOINTS, RACK AND PINION AND WHEEL BEARING WERE ALL DEFECTIVE. *JB *NM
- 11/24/1999· POWER TRAIN
OVER DRIVE LIGHT FLASHES AND OVER DRIVE SYSTEM WILL BE ACTIVATED SUDDENLY COULDN'T BE TURNED OFF.
- 11/24/1998· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSCrash
MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WHERE THE CAR ROLLED OVER AND HIT NUMEROUS TREES. BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT OPEN AND THE SEAT BELT BROKE AWAY... MIRACOUSLY MY SON ENDED UP IN THE BACK SEAT WITH ONLY A MODEST BUMP ON HIS HEAD. .... WITNESSESS AS WELL AS THE TOWING/WRECKING YARD COULD NOT BELIEVE THERE WERE NO SERIOUS INJURIES, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE... WHEN PURCHASING THE AUTO I RECALL THAT SAFETY REPORTS WERE GENERALLY FAVORABLE... GIVEN THE IMPACT OF THIS ACCIDENT IT IS INCREDIBLE THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT OPEN AND THAT THE SEAT BELT BROKE AWAY...
- 11/24/1998· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THEY ARE NOT HARD BUT MEDIUM. WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY SPEED BUMP THERE IS A VERY LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE BY THE FUEL TANK. *AK
- 11/23/1999· SEAT BELTSCrash
VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE REAR, AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT CAME LOOSE FROM THE PANEL, FORCING THE DRIVER INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
- 11/22/1999· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL TANK SPILLS GAS WHEN FUELING MORE THAN HALF FULL. YH
- 11/20/2000· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire
WHENEVER I TURN ON THE HEATER, A/C, DEFROST, OR FAN MY ABS LIGHT TURNS ON AND MY BRAKES ARE SPONGY. I HAVE LOST ALL BRAKES ON TWO OCCASIONS WHEN THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN MY CAR SITS FOR A WEEKEND, THE BATTERY DIES. INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY, STILL DIES. FORD CANNOT FIND A CAUSE FOR EITHER PROBLEM. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN TO HAVE THE WIRING HARNESS CHANGED FOR THE LIGHTS, THOSE WENT OUT. ALSO, MY A/C FUSE HAD CAUGHT FIRE, WHOLE FUSE BOX AND BLOWER WAS REPLACED. *AK
- 11/20/2000· VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD WIPER IS INOPERATIVE. *MJS
- 11/20/2000· SUSPENSION
THE CONSUMER HEARS A SQUEAK IN THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL. *SLC