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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

Structure complaints

14 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingStructureUnknown Or Other

I WAS REAR-ENDED EARLIER THIS YEAR AND TOOK MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR BUMPER REPLACEMENT. DEALERSHIP DID NOT INFORM ME THAT FORD DISCONTINUED MY BUMPER MODEL, SO THEY REPAIRED IT INSTEAD OF REPLACING IT -- WITHOUT MY PERMISSION! SILVER PLASTIC STRIP THAT RUNS THROUGH CENTER OF BUMPER WAS RE-INSTALLED AS-IS - CRACKED - SI…

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I WAS REAR-ENDED EARLIER THIS YEAR AND TOOK MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR BUMPER REPLACEMENT. DEALERSHIP DID NOT INFORM ME THAT FORD DISCONTINUED MY BUMPER MODEL, SO THEY REPAIRED IT INSTEAD OF REPLACING IT -- WITHOUT MY PERMISSION! SILVER PLASTIC STRIP THAT RUNS THROUGH CENTER OF BUMPER WAS RE-INSTALLED AS-IS - CRACKED - SINCE BUMPER WAS NOT BEING MADE ANYMORE AND NEW PART WASN'T AVAILABLE. BOTH HORNS WERE REPLACED, IN SPITE OF RARELY BEING USED. RUBBER WINDOW STRIPS LOOSEN, POP UP EASILY. ONE POWER WINDOW IN REAR CAN ONLY GO DOWN ABOUT 6 INCHES, SQUEAKING TERRIBLY AS IT MOVES DOWN; TOO EXPENSIVE TO FIX. OUTER GAS DOOR RELEASE STICKS. BOTH METHODS OF OPENING THE DOOR (FLOOR LEVER AND TRUNK STRAP) STOPPED WORKING THIS YEAR. PAID FOR REPAIR AT DEALERSHIP, BUT BOTH METHODS STOPPED WORKING AGAIN AFTER A FEW DAYS. I NOW HAVE TO OPEN UP MY TRUNK EVERY TIME I GO TO THE GAS STATION, PULL THE RELEASE STRAP AND RAP LIGHTLY ON THE OUTER DOOR IN ORDER FOR IT TO POP OPEN. I AM SCHEDULED FOR A NEW REPAIR IN A FEW DAYS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR ROUGH IDLE AND STALLING. PROBLEM INVOLVES MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND/OR PCM, AND IS DETAILED IN TSB ARTICLE NO. 98-20-7. HAD CONTACTS CLEANED ON RADIATOR TANK AND DRIVER'S DOOR PANEL (BEEPING SIGNAL FOR WHEN DOOR OPENS AND KEY IS LEFT IN IGNITION STOPPED WORKING). HAD COMPLETE TUNE-UP AT DEALERSHIP THIS SUMMER, WITH MILEAGE AT ONLY 40,000. DRIVER'S SIDE SPEAKER WIRE HAS LOOSENED, WITH SOUND DRIFTING IN AND OUT DEPENDING ON BUMPS HIT ON THE ROAD. DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK COLLAPSED INSIDE KEYHOLE. LOCK CYLINDERS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE IN SETS OF FIVE, SO ALL FIVE OF MY LOCK CYLINDERS HAD TO BE REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP. REPLACEMENT CYLINDER ON MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT VIBRATES TOO MUCH WHILE DRIVING. REVERSE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. WIRING HAD TO BE REPAIRED. PAINT IS THIN AND SCRATCHES EASILY, EVEN FROM NON-ABRASIVE CONTACT. DRIVER'S WINDOW OPENS ALL THE WAY, SLIDING DOWN AT A QUICK SPEED. VERY INDIFFERENT TREATMENT BY DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ODI #10070549

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2002
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

VEHICLE IS EMMITTING NOISES AS IF THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE IS FALLING APART. *JG

NHTSA ODI #566874

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2002
Structure

DOOR LATCH FAILED TO LOCK; INVESTIGATION SHOWS LATCH SPRING FAILED HAVE PART IN HAND. *AK

NHTSA ODI #759189

Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Other

SERPENTINE BELT NOISY, IDLER PULLEY FLAT WITH FLAT SPOT AND TENSIONER NOT TIGHT. NLM

NHTSA ODI #558904

Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2000
Structure

LOSS STERRING WHEN SUBFRAME WELD SEPERATED

NHTSA ODI #730595

Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2000
Structure

BOTH REARS DOORS SQUEAK, HAVE TRIED WD40;MACHINE OIL;SILICON LUBRICANT, VERY LOUD

NHTSA ODI #728005

Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 1999
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineSeat Belts

REAR DOORS CREAK VERY LOUDLY - HAVE TO APPLY OIL MONTHLY, ENGINE CONSTANTLY RUNS HOT - HAD THERMOSTAT REPLACED, OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED CAUSING VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS, ALTERNATOR HAS FAILED TWICE WITHIN A YEAR -VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS BOTH TIMES, WINDSHIELD MOLDING SHIFTING OUT OF PLACE, HAVE TO REPLACE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPEATEDLY,…

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REAR DOORS CREAK VERY LOUDLY - HAVE TO APPLY OIL MONTHLY, ENGINE CONSTANTLY RUNS HOT - HAD THERMOSTAT REPLACED, OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED CAUSING VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS, ALTERNATOR HAS FAILED TWICE WITHIN A YEAR -VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS BOTH TIMES, WINDSHIELD MOLDING SHIFTING OUT OF PLACE, HAVE TO REPLACE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPEATEDLY, GAS SPILLS OUT OF NECK OF TANK WHEN REFUELING. SEATBELT COVER ON DOOR PANEL POPS OFF ON DRIVER SIDE AND BROKE OFF ON PASSENGER SIDE. OFF

NHTSA ODI #714247

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 1999
Structure

THE FRAME UNDERNEATH, BY THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE, IS SHAKING AND RATTLING. DEALER SAYS HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #833624

Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 1998
StructureSuspension

FRONT COIL SPRING BROKEN.

NHTSA ODI #542389

Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 1998
StructureTires

TIRE WENT FLAT, AND WHILE TRYING TO CHANGE THE TIRE THE PANEL IN WHICH THE JACK PAD IS LOCATED PULLED OUT OF THE BODY WHEN CAR WAS JACKED UP RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE FALLING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #829903

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