← New search

1995 Ford Contour

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Contour years

Owner complaints for the 1995 Ford Contour are substantially higher than the model-year median of 218.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 78 of 891 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 224 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 180 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 126 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

38 crash reports65 fire reports28 injury reports

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

83 reports
Clear category filter
45,000 miles · Jan 29, 2003
Air BagsElectrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE A FORD CONTOUR 1995 MANUFACTURED IN 12/94 I HAVE SOME COMPLAINTS ABOUT MY CAR. THERE ARE SOME RECALLS OUT ON THIS VEHICLE. BUT THERE ARE NOT LIST FOR MY CONTOUR VIN # BUT I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE ROBINS FORD DELERSHIP IN GLENOLDEN,PA FOR NOT STARTING. AFTER THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE THEY CALL…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A FORD CONTOUR 1995 MANUFACTURED IN 12/94 I HAVE SOME COMPLAINTS ABOUT MY CAR. THERE ARE SOME RECALLS OUT ON THIS VEHICLE. BUT THERE ARE NOT LIST FOR MY CONTOUR VIN # BUT I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE ROBINS FORD DELERSHIP IN GLENOLDEN,PA FOR NOT STARTING. AFTER THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT I HAVE A WIRING HARNESS DEFECT THAT CAUSED IT TO SHORT CIRCUIT MY SPARK PLUGS. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE WIRES FOR THIS VEHICLE IS OUT DATED AND FOR HAVE BEEN REPLACING THEM WITH UPDATED WIRES. BUT THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR MY VIN# BUT IT IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH THIS CAR. I ALSO HAVE SOME PROBLEMS THAT HAVE JUST STARTED THAT FORD HAVE RECALLS ON BUT AGAIN NOT MY SO CALLED VIN#. MY SEAT BELTS ON THIS CAR HAVE BEEN BREAKING OFF AT THE CONNECTION TAB AS WELL AS MY DEFROSTER NOT WORKING. BOTH HAVE RECALLS ON THEM. I ALSO HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT OTHER RECALLS THEY HAVE OPEN ON THIS CAR THAT ARE SAFTY HASZERDS ONE FOR WHICH IS A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY FILLER THAT CAN CAUSE A FLASH FIRE AND A FUEL TANK LEAKAGE THAT CAN CAUSE A FIRE THEY ALSO HAVE A RECALL FOR THEIR AIR BAGS. I HAVE CHILDREN THAT MAKES ME VERY CONCERED ABOUT THEIR SAFTY IN THIS CAR. AND THE LACK OF CONCERN BY THEIR FORD MANUFACTURER. HOW CAN I GET THIS THINGS FIX SO THEIR WILL BE NO ACCIDENTS.

NHTSA ODI #10004889

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline

CONSUMER NOTICE GAS TANK VENT TUBE BROKE CAUSING A GAS LEAK. REPLACED A YEAR LATER PROBLEM RECCURRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

NHTSA ODI #10004508

Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

CONSUMER TOOK CAR TO FORD DEALER REGARDING RECALLS. DEALER REPAIRED 2 RECALLS BUT STATED THEY WOULD NOT FIX REMAINING BECAUSE CONSUMER HAS DRIVEN VEHICLE 105K MILES SINCE PURCHASE. CONSUMER STATES THE FOLLOWING RECALL REMEDIES WERE REFUSED 95V232000, 94V203000 AND 94V184000. TS

NHTSA ODI #10001371

Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

OWNER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SOME MINOR WORK. SHE WAS TOLD THAT FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING AT FILLER NECK. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF NHTSA RECALL 95V232000. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #8016450

Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL IS LEAKING AT WELD OF FUEL FILLER NECK, THERE IS RECALL 95V232000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS IS AFFECTED DUE TO VIN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #8012000

Mileage unknown · May 21, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

WHEN TRYING TO THE FILL VEHICLE WITH GAS FUEL WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF, AND CONSUMER CANNOT FILL TANK IN THE USUAL TIME IT WOULD TAKE A PERSON. CONSUMER WILL HAVE TO STAND THERE AND CONTINUE TO PUSH NOZZLE OVER AND OVER BEFORE FILLING UP. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8010211

Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE FUEL INJECTOR HARNESS HAS DETERIORATED; THE INSULATION IS CRACKING OFF OF THE WIRES. I HAVE DETERMINED THAT FORD USED WIRE WITH THE WRONG INSULATION; THE PVC INSULATED WIRE THAT FORD USED CANNOT HANDLE THE HEAT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AS A RESULT THE INSULATION BECOMES BRITTLE AND STARTS CRACKING, FLAKING OFF WHEN THE WIR…

Read full complaint

THE FUEL INJECTOR HARNESS HAS DETERIORATED; THE INSULATION IS CRACKING OFF OF THE WIRES. I HAVE DETERMINED THAT FORD USED WIRE WITH THE WRONG INSULATION; THE PVC INSULATED WIRE THAT FORD USED CANNOT HANDLE THE HEAT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AS A RESULT THE INSULATION BECOMES BRITTLE AND STARTS CRACKING, FLAKING OFF WHEN THE WIRE IS FLEXED. THIS LEAVES BARE WIRE UNDER THE HOOD. MY CONCERN IS THAT A SHORT IN THIS HARNESS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. I BELIEVE ALL 95-97 FORD CONTOUR/MECURY MYSTIQUE CARS ARE AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM, EVEN IF THEY DON'T CURRENTLY SHOW ANY SYMPTOMS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #760443

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFire

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH ON HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A SMOKE SMELL COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. HE PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK PRIOR TO RECALL 00V367, ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING AND BURNING EXCESS OIL FROM OVERHEATED PISTON RINGS, AFTER RECALL REPAIRS, THERE WAS AN …

Read full complaint

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH ON HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A SMOKE SMELL COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. HE PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK PRIOR TO RECALL 00V367, ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING AND BURNING EXCESS OIL FROM OVERHEATED PISTON RINGS, AFTER RECALL REPAIRS, THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ANTIFREEZE LEAK THAT WAS GOING INTO MOTOR OIL, ENGINE COOLING FANS WERE OPERATING INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ENGINE WAS HOT, DEALER FOUND UPPER RADIATOR HOSE AT WATER PUMP HAD A PINHOLE LEAK, ENGINE COOLING FAN WIRING OVERHEATED AND BURNED OUT AT FAN RELAY AND FAN CONNECTORS, THEN CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 01I009 AND HAD THESE REPAIRS COMPLETED ON VEHICLE, AFTER RECALL REPAIRS, ENGINE AND IN-DASH WIRING OVERHEATED AND BURNED, DEALER INSTALLED RECALL PARTS FOR BLOWER MOTOR AGAIN, CONSUMER LATER INFORMED A NEW MOTOR WAS NEEDED DUE TO NO COMPRESSION DUE TO OVERHEATING DAMAGE. THIS TOOK PLACE PRIOR TO VEHICLE FIRE. HEADLIGHT AND TAILLIGHT LENSES REPLACED. OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE, SHIFT LEVER INTERNAL SLIDING BEZEL HAD A STRESS CRACK, AT TIMES IT WAS HARD TO GET OUT OF PARK WHEN TEMPERATURE WAS COLD. A/C DID NOT BLOW COLD AIR AND WAS NOISY. FUEL DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AT TIMES. SPEEDOMETER CABLE WAS REPLACED DUE TO A TICKING NOISE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #8002848

Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

WHILE FILLING VEHICLE WITH GASOLINE FILLER NECK WILL ONLY ACCEPT EIGHT GALLONS OF GASOLINE. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8002370

Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2001
Fuel System, Gasoline

CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE OF VEHICLE. *AK *JG

NHTSA ODI #8000897

Official recalls

8

00V367000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 6, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

98V233000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

Sep 18, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.

97V225000 · Vehicle Speed Control:cables

Dec 8, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT IS LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BENDING OR KINKING DURING INSTALLATION.

95V228000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Dec 4, 1995

CRACKS HAVE BEEN FOUND IN THE FRONT SAFETY BELT OUTBOARD ANCHOR TABS DUE TO A COMBINATION OF HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT OF THE TAB AND STRESS INTRODUCED DURING ATTACHMENT OF THE ANCHOR TAB TO THE SEAT FRAME. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: A FRACTURE OR SEPARATION IN THIS AREA WOULD REDUCE THE LOAD THAT THE ANCHOR AND THE FRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES COULD SUSTAIN, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY IN A VEHICLE COLLISOIN.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL AN ANCHOR TAB REINFORCEMENT OR REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPLETE FRONT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY IF AN ANCHOR TAB IS FOUND TO HAVE FRACTURED.

95V009000 · Visibility:windshield

Jan 24, 1995

THE GLASS TEMPERING PROCESS ON THE RIGHT HAND REAR DOOR WINDOWS WAS NOT CORRECTLY PERFORMED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE WINDOW BREAKS, THE GLASS FRAGMENTS OF THE REAR WINDOWS EXCEED THE SIZE SPECIFICATIONS OF FMVSS NO. 205.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT REAR DOOR GLASS.

94V184000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

Sep 29, 1994

A METAL SHIELD ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PLASTIC FUEL FILLER PIPE CAN DEVELOP A STATIC ELECTRICAL CHARGE DURING REFUELING OF THE VEHICLE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A STATIC CHARGE CAN DISCHARGE AND SERVE AS AN IGNITION SOURCE FOR FUEL VAPORS IN THE AREA OF THE FILLER PIPE, RESULTING IN A FLASH VAPOR IGNITION AND A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, MODIFY THE VEHICLES BY ADDING A GROUND STRAP BETWEEN THE FILLER PIPE SHIELD AND THE BODY.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

7

RQ02006 · Incorrect Gear Indication

Opened Feb 26, 2002 · Closed Sep 12, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train

There is no summary currently available

EA01001 · Blower Switch/resistor Or Wiring Harness

Opened Jan 5, 2001 · Closed Jul 31, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

There is no summary currently available

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System

There is no summary currently available

Electrical System

There is no summary currently available

PE00023 · Blower Switch/resistor Or Wiring Harness

Opened Jun 14, 2000 · Closed Jan 5, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

There is no summary currently available

EA00005 · Engine Cooling Fan Fires

Opened Feb 23, 2000 · Closed Nov 9, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

There is no summary currently available

RQ99019 · Various Intermittent Electrical Issues

Opened Sep 15, 1999 · Closed Mar 7, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other

There is no summary currently available

PE99052 · Engine Cooling Fan Fires

Opened Aug 18, 1999 · Closed Feb 23, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON AUGUST 18, 1999, BASED ON FOUR REPORTS OF FIRE INVOLVING THE ENGINE COOLING FAN.THE REPORTS ALLEGE THE ELECTRONIC COOLING FAN CAUGHT FIRE WITH RESULTANT DAMAGE TO THE FAN AND WIRE HARNESS AND/OR THE HARNESS CONNECTOR.IN ITS PE RESPONSE, FORD PROVIDED INFORMATION RELEVANT TO 46 ADDITIONAL ALLEGED FIRE INCIDENTS AND 47 ALLEGED FAILURES OF THE COOLING FAN INVOLVING THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE FAN.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO FURTHER STUDY THE ISSUE.

PE98050 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Failure

Opened Sep 14, 1998 · Closed Feb 4, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension

There is no summary currently available