Safety ratings
1998 Ford Contour 4-DR.
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlNo
Crash test videos & photos
Crash test #1NHTSA test 2906
Full test report (PDF) ↗Recalls (12)
- FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLYCampaign 00V350000 · 30/10/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE BI-FUEL SYSTEM. IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
Risk: IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCampaign 99V194000 · 20/07/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A BURR ON OR NEAR THE END OF THE CABLE SLEEVE INTERIOR. THIS BURR COULD FRAY THE CORE WIRE RESULTING IN THE ACCELERATOR NOT RETURNING TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 98V028000 · 10/02/1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.
Fix: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.
- 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.
- 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.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVECampaign 99V243000 · 08/09/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG SENSOR WIRING PIGTAIL INSULATION CAN BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACK OVER TIME DUE TO ACCUMULATION OF WATER IN THE PIGTAIL PROTECTIVE CONVOLUTE IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES RELATED TO THE ROUTING OF THE WIRING PIGTAIL NEAR THE RADIATOR. THIS CAN RESULT IN ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACKING OF THE INSULATION.
Risk: IN SOME CASES, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISABLED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AIR BAG SENSORS WITH REVISED WIRING INSULATION. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WHICH HAVE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WILL HAVE A NEW AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR INSTALLED.
- SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGSCampaign 01V255000 · 08/08/2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN HIGH CORROSION ENVIRONMENTS. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
Risk: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CATCHER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 23, 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 1-866-436-7332.
- SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGSCampaign 01I013000 · 08/08/2001
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: 1998 FORD CONTOUR/MERCURY MYSTIQUE PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD POTENTIALLY FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION.
Risk: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Fix: FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY FOR FRONT COIL SPRING REPLACEMENT FOR THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FOR 10 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF SALE OF A VEHICLE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
- 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
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM77
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING71
- POWER TRAIN66
- AIR BAGS60
- SERVICE BRAKES50
- SUSPENSION50
- HYDRAULIC45
- FUEL SYSTEM42
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/30/2005· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE 1998 FORD CONTOUR HAVE MANY KNOWN PROBLEMS, THE ONE I AM CURRENTLY HAVING AN ISSUE WITH IS A FAULTY HEADLIGHT SWITCH THAT CAUSES THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS TO GO OUT CREATING A SITUATION WHERE A DRIVER CAN NOT SEE THEIR SAFE SPEED AND WORSE THE RUNNING LIGHTS ALSO STOP WORKING, PREVENTING PEOPLE FROM SEEING YOUR CAR FROM BEHIND. THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURNING LIGHTS WORK BUT NOT THE RUNNING LIGHTS. ON A DARK ROAD THE CAR IS NOT VISIBLE FROM BEHIND. BOTH THESE CONDITIONS MAKE IT EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT. THERE IS A RECALL FROM FORD COVERING THIS EXACT PROBLEM HOWEVER FOR SOME REASON THE FORD CAN NOT TELL ME, MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED. I HAVE A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. SO FAR NO ONE AT THE DEALER WILL HELP ME TO DETERMINE WHY MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED ALTHOUGH THEY AGREE IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM AND CALLS TO FORD HAVE GOTTEN ME NO WHERE AS WELL. WHAT CAN I DO NOW? IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR AND A SAFETY ISSUE AS WELL. *NM
- 12/30/1998· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
WHEN PUMPING GAS WAS DIFFICULT TO START VEHICLE. A CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD. NEW GAS TANK WAS INSTALLED. FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE KNOCKING AND SQUEALING. REPLACED THREE TIMES. SUNROOF MOTOR WENT OUT. REPLACEMENT MADE. ALSO, STARTER PROBLEMS OCCURRED. DEALER CONTACTED AND REPAIRS WERE MADE BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
- 12/29/1998· POWER TRAIN
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT LEVER WAS DAMAGED, AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. ALSO, THE PAINT ON THE VEHICLE HAS ACID RAIN IN IT. *AK
- 12/28/2007· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION IS CRUMBLING LEAVING EXPOSED WIRES. FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR FORD CONTOURS (ALL YEARS), BUT THAT A RECALL HAS ONLY BEEN ISSUED FOR 1995-1997 VEHICLES. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH SENSORS NOT WORKING, SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE INTERMITTENTLY STOPS FUNCTIONING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY. MECHANIC HAS STATED THAT PROBLEMS ARE IN WIRING HARNESS. *TR
- 12/28/2001· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IT IDLES VERY HIGH AND MAKES VERY LOUD NOISES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
- 12/28/2000· SUSPENSION
RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AFTER 9,000 MILES AND AFTER REPLACING LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
- 12/27/2005· AIR BAGS
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V243000 CONCERNING THE AIR BAGS SENSOR CONTROL MODULE. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. *AK
- 12/23/2003· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
OVER A PERIOD OF TIME THE HEADLIGHT LENS FADED. THIS MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
- 12/23/1998· EQUIPMENT
THE AIR CONDITIONER DOES NOT FLOW AIR FROM THE VENTS LIKE IT SHOULD. HAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 3 DIFFERENT TIMES. PROBLEM CANNOT BE FOUND. *AK
- 12/22/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFire
'98 FORD EXPEDITION - CAR FIRE - CAR DESTROYED. DROVE 1.8 MILES FROM MY HOME AND WENT INTO A STORE. 5 MINUTES LATER I COME OUT TO THE CAR ON FIRE. IT LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE HAD BUILT A CAMPFIRE ON THE ENGINE HOOD RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE. INSURANCE DID INVESTIGATION BUT COULD NOT PROVE ANYTHING - NOT ENOUGH LEFT TO FIGURE IT OUT. *JB
- 12/22/2000· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN APPYLING ABS BRAKES SYSTEM FAILED. THIS WAS CAUSED BY A MALFUNCTION WITHIN BLOWER SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS. *AK WHEN BRAKES ARE RELEASED THE LIGHTS AND THE BLOWER MOTOR WORKED NORMAL. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT WATER INTRUSION CAUSED WIRE DAMAGE REQUIRING COMPLETE WIRE HARNESS. THE CONSUMER HAD TO SKIP THE REPAIR DUE TO A VERY HIGH COST OF REPAIR. *YH
- 12/21/2000· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CONSUMER HEARD A SQUEAKING AND GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM BRAKES. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID ROTORS NEEDED TO BE CHANGED, AND 60% BRAKING POWER WAS LEFT ON REAR. CONSUMER HAD BRAKES CHANGED AT 26,212 MILES, AND AT ANOTHER 25,00 MILES THEY NEED TO BE CHANGED AGAIN. *AK
- 12/20/2001· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1998 FORD CONTOUR SE, 2.5L V6 - WATER PUMP IMPELLER SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, CAUSING LOSS OF COOLANT FLOW. ENGINE OVERHEATED. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS A LINCOLN-MERCURY DEALER LESS THAN 1 MILE AWAY FROM THE LOCATION WHERE THE PART FAILED, SO ENGINE DID NOT RUN IN OVERHEATING CONDITION FOR VERY LONG. WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED BY THIS LOCAL DEALER ($371 TOTAL). THE CAR IS STILL MY DAILY DRIVER, AND NOW APPEARS TO BE OPERATING NORMALLY WITH THE NEW WATER PUMP.
- 12/20/1999· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
THE TIRES A BRAKES WORE PREMATURLY CAUSING A GRINDING NOISE. NLM
- 12/20/1999· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE THE ROAD STARTER ENGAGED. I STOPPED THE CAR OFF THE ROADWAY AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. THE STARTER CONTINUE TO TURN THE ENGINE AS IF I WAS CRANKING THE CAR. I REMOVED ALL FUSES THAT WERE RELATED TO THE STARTING SYSTEMS OF THE CAR. THE STARTER CONTINUED TO CRANK THE ENGINE UNTIL IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE WAS AT THE STARTER THE BEST I COULD TELL UNDER THE ENGINE INTAKE . OTHER ITEMS DAMAGED UNKNOWN. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BATTERY GOING WEEK OVER THE PAST MONTH. THIS MORNING THE BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. LAST DROVE 2 DAYS PRIOR.
- 12/19/2006· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*- THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE CAR FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER (MAROONE FORD) AND THEY TOLD HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THAT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY BUT SHE WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE REPAIRS.
- 12/19/2001· SUSPENSION
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES. ONE SIDE WAS COMPLETELY FAILED, OTHER SIDE WAS IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. I NOTICED SUDDEN GRINDING NOISE AND CHECKED FOR CAUSE. HAD BEARINGS REPLACED. COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE IF I HAD NOT RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM. NO WARNING AS TO FAILURE. WHEEL BEARINGS SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 40,000 AND SHOULD NOT FAIL SUDDENLY.
- 12/19/2001· POWER TRAIN
THE BRAKE/SHIFT INTERLOCK WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. SEEMS TO STOP WORKING WHEN IT RAINS. WON'T LET THE CAR BE TAKEN OUT OF PARK. COULD LEAVE SOMEONE STRANDED.*AK
- 12/19/2000· AIR BAGSCrash
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 25-30 MPH IMPACT. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
- 12/18/2000· EQUIPMENT
A/C HEATER BLOWER CONSTANTLY BLOWING ON AND OFF. WIRE SHOWS EVIDENCE OF BURNING. WHEN WIRE IS JIGGLED IT MAY OR MAY NOT TURN THE BLOWER BACK ON. EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE OUTAGE BEGINING 12/12/00 AND STILL WILL NOT COME ON RESULTING IN NO HEAT OR A/C IN MY CAR. *AK
- 12/17/1998· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHENEVER DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS THE ENGINE WOULD LOCK UP. VEHICLE WOULD BUCK BEFORE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. BEEN TO DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 8 DIFFERENT TIMES. TOLD NO PROBLEM EXISTS. NOW NEEDS PARTS FOR REPAIR. *AK
- 12/17/1998· POWER TRAIN
CONSUMER RECEIVED MFR. RECALL NOTICE #98 S 26 / FORD: SHIFT LEVEL DAMAGE WHICH THE GEAR POSITION INDICATOR CAN DETERIORATE AND NOT CORRECTLY INDICATE THE ACTUAL GEAR POSITION. *AK
- 12/16/1998· POWER TRAIN
OWNER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AFTER RECEIVING RECALL NOTICE #98V233000. DEALER HAD CHECKED VEHICLE & COULD NOT SHIFT LEVER. INFORMED OWNER PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. WOULD NEED TO ORDER PARTS. *AK
- 12/14/2000· SEATS
WHEN MAKING SUDDEN STOPS DRIVER SEAT SLIDES FORWARD. IT ALSO MOVES FROM SIDE TO SIDE. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. *AK
- 12/13/2000· SUSPENSION
WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. WHEN HAVING OIL CHANGED CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT FRONT SPRING COIL WAS BROKEN. *AK
- 12/12/1997· AIR BAGSCrash
AIR BAG: DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30MPH ANOTHER CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT, HIT THE BRAKES AND CAR DID NOT STOP IN TIME, RAN INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE OTHER CAR, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. LIGHT HAD BEEN FLASHING PREVIOUSLY, AND DEALER LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. *AK
- 12/11/2000· SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED FRONT TIRE, CAR LEFT ROAD AND HAD TO BE TOWED. *AK
- 12/11/2000· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ABS DID NOT WORK IN SNOW. DEALER SAID WIRE HARNESS HAD MOISTURE IN IT. HAVE TO REPLACE HARNESS. COST: $3000+*AK
- 12/09/2006· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A 1998 FORD CONTOUR SVT, THIS IS MY THIRD ONE. EVERY ONE I PURCHASE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM, THE WIRES IN THE WIRE HARNESS FOR THE COMPUTER AND CAR CRACK AND THE COATING JUST FALLS RIGHT OFF, WHICH ALLOWS THE WIRES TO THE COMPUTER TO TOUCH WHICH SHORTS THE COMPUTER AND MAKES THE CAR NO LONGER START, IT WILL CRANK BUT IT WILL NOT START CAUSE THE COMPUTER IN SHORTED AND CONFUSED SO THERE IS NO FUEL AND NO SPARK GOING TO THE FUEL RAIL OR THE COIL PACK. AT THIS POINT THE CAR NEEDS A WIRE HARNESS AND A PCM AND THIS ALL COSTS CLOSE TO $3000 OF WHICH I DO NOT HAVE TO FIX IT. MY FRIEND WORKED FOR GENERAL ELECTRIC AND HE SAID HE HAS SEEN THIS BEFORE AT THE FACTORY WHEN THE COATING IS HEATED TO HIGH ONCE IT DRYS ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE COATING CRACKS AND FLAKES OFF. FORD SAYS THEY WILL NOT HELP ME ALTHOUGH ITS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THESE SVT CONTOURS I AM HOPING THIS CAN HELP ALL US FORD LOVERS. *NM
- 12/08/1999· AIR BAGS
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 99V243000. CONTACTED THE DEALER, NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
- 12/05/2002· VISIBILITY
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T DO THE RECALL FOR THE HEATER BLOWER PROPERLY, AND AFTER THE RECALL WAS DONE THE HEATER BLOWER WAS INOPERVATIVE. TS
- 12/05/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER STATES TIMING BELT FAILURE IS CAUSING VEHICLE TO HESITATES OR MAY NOT START INTERMITTENLY DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS
- 12/05/2000· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE HESTITATED. THROTTLE WOULD ROAR UP HIGH. WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND THEN VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT. BOTH DEALERSHIPS WERE AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
- 12/04/2000· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WOULDN'T START. IGNITION SWITCH DAMAGED KEY. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
- 12/04/1998· POWER TRAIN
THE CONSUMER HAS RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR SHIFT LEVER DAMAGE. SINCE THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE LETTER, THE PARTS HAVE BEEN UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK
- 12/04/1998· SEAT BELTS
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT IS NOT STAYING ON TRACK, AND THE CONSUMER STATES THE COVER IS COMING OFF THE TRACK OF THE SEAT BELT. *AK
- 12/04/1998· POWER TRAIN
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTER. CONTACTED THE DEALER, NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. RECALL NUMBER 98V233000. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
- 12/03/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
TAKATA RECALL I AND OTHER CONSUMERS HAVE CONTACTED FORD REGARDING THE 1998 FORD CONTOUR AND IT'S DEFECTIVE PARTS INCLUDING THE ENGINE WIRE HARNESS YET THEY ARE REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE NOR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM STATING IT'S NOT UNDER RECALL T*JBREATING EACH PERSON WHO HAS CONTACTED THEM AS IF THEY ARE AN ISLAND AND THIS IS A ISOLATED EVENT MY WATER PUMP,FLASHERS,BRAKE LIGHTS,HAVE BEEN ALL AFFECTED BY THIS ALSO MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON MAKING ME UNABLE TO REGISTER MY CAR AND GET UPDATED TAGS PLEASE CONTACT T ME REGARDING THIS MATTER AS I AND OTHER CONSUMERS NEED HELP WITH THIS .[XXX] VIA EMAIL ALSO [XXX]. VIN INVALID INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR*JB
- 12/03/1998· AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, AND THE THE HORN DOESN'T WORK. ALSO, THE HORN IS VERY HARD WHEN TRYING TO PRESS IT. DEALER REPAIRED THE HORN, AND THE PROBLEM IS BACK, AND THEY CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
- 12/03/1998· AIR BAGS
THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF. CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM IN JUNE OF 98, BUT THE LIGHT STOPPED FLASHING WITHOUT BEING SERVICED. THE VEHICLE WILL BE CHECKED BY THE DEALERSHIP. *AK
- 12/02/2004· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMCrash
1.ABS BRAKE FUSE AND BLOWER MOTOR FUSE ARE ONE AND THE SAME, DARN COLD IN MINNESOTA, AND HARD TO GET TOO TO REPLACE. MUST PULL OUT BATTERY FIRST. TO REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC PUMP FOR ABS BRAKES TO FIX PROBLEM...$3000.00, MORE THAN THE CAR IS WORTH FOR TRADE IN OR RESALE VALUE. I FOUND THIS OUT AFTER HITTING A DEER ON NOV. 26 2004. AND DOES NOT INCLUDE COSMETIC DAMAGE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EITHER. 2.FRONT AND BACK WINDOW MOLDING IS SHRINKING AND FORCING WINDOWS OUT, VERY DRAFTY. 3.SHIFT MODULE FAILED, TOOK TO FORD DEALER TO REPLACE, WHEN REPLACED THE DASH BOARD STARTED SMOKING. THE NEIGHBOR MODULE BURNT UP, AND ALL THE DASH BOARD WIRING. TOTAL COST TO REPAIR $1200.00, BUT THE DEALERSHIP TOOK OFF $200.00 OF THE LABOR COSTS. 4. I CALLED FORD ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS TO COMPLAIN. THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I HAVE DEALERS THAT WILL NOT TAKE IT ON A TRADE IN, BECAUSE IT'S A CONTOUR.*AK
- 12/02/1998· POWER TRAIN
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR, RECALL NUMBER 98S26. AFTER A DELAY IN OBTAINING PARTS, THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, NO PROBLEM SINCE. *AK *ML
- 12/02/1998· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE VIBRATES AND THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF WITHOUT GIVING ANY PRIOR WARNING. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THEY ARE HARD AND FOOT GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS THREE TIMES, AND THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACED THE AIR BAG DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIERE WASN'T ANY AIR IN THE AIR BAG. *AK
- 12/01/2000· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I WAS UNABLE TO REFUEL VEHICLE AT ALL, I TOOK VEHICLE TO NOURSE FAMILY FORD OF DELAWARE, OH, FOR REPAIRS, THEY REPLACED THE FUEL NECK TO TANK. *AK
- 12/01/2000· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
UNABLE TO FILL GAS TANK WITHOUT GAS OVERFLOW, OR GAS FEEDBACK, SHUTTING OFF FUEL NOZZLE. ATTEMPTED TO TURN FUEL NOZZLE, IN EVERY POSITION TO NO AVAIL. CALLED A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID NO RECALL, JUST A SERVICE BULLETIN. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND FRUST. *AK
- 12/01/1998· AIR BAGSCrash
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING DOWN STREET WHEN BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, DRIVER WAS INJURED, BURNED. RESULTED IN ACCIDENT. *AK *ML
- 12/01/1998· STEERING
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTER, CONTACTED DEALER. NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. RECALL NUMBER 98V233000. DEC.15,1998 AT 8;00 AM THE SERVICE WAS DONE. *AK.ET.
- 12/01/1998· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION ALLOWED DRIVER TO PULL KEY OUT OF IGNITION WHILE AUTOMOBILE WAS STILL IN DRIVE-. THE AUTOMOBILE ROLLED BACKWARD WHEN DRIVEN EVEN IF THE KEY WAS OUT OF IGNITION. *AK
- 12/01/1998· POWER TRAIN
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #98V233000 FOR THE SHIFT LEVER, BUT THE DEALER DOESN'T HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THE VEHICLE. *AK
- 11/30/2001· POWER TRAIN
CLUTCH HYDRAULIC CABLE HAS BURST THREE TIMES WITHIN 23000 MILES. *AK