NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
891 reports141,720 miles · Jul 6, 2007
Electrical SystemPower TrainFire
EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION ISSUES, WITH INTERMITTENT ROUGH SHIFTING AND INTERMITTENT FAILURES TO ENGAGE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT MYSTERIOUSLY STARTED TO RUN FINE FOR SEVERAL DAYS. ONE MORNING I DROVE A SHORT DISTANCE FOR AN APPOINTMENT. UPON RETURNING AND STARTING THE CAR I NOTICED SMOKE EXITING THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COM…
Read full complaint
EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION ISSUES, WITH INTERMITTENT ROUGH SHIFTING AND INTERMITTENT FAILURES TO ENGAGE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT MYSTERIOUSLY STARTED TO RUN FINE FOR SEVERAL DAYS. ONE MORNING I DROVE A SHORT DISTANCE FOR AN APPOINTMENT. UPON RETURNING AND STARTING THE CAR I NOTICED SMOKE EXITING THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I TURNED OF THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND I COULD STILL SEE SOME SMOKE COMING FROM THE LEFT-REAR PART OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, SEVERAL OF THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS FAILED, INCLUDING PARK/BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK, HEATER FAN, BACKUP LIGHTS, DIRECTIONAL FLASHERS. FOLLOWING THE INCIDENT, THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES HAVE RESUMED. UPON INSPECTION, I NOTICED SEVERAL WIRES HAD CRACKING INSULATION, AND SOME EVEN HAD BARE WIRE EXPOSED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10195519
Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE A 1995 FORD CONTOUR AND I PAID OVER $16,000.00 FOR IT. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE SINCE I GOT THIS CAR. I HAVE 50,888 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES AND WORKED ON 4 TIMES. WATER PUMP WENT OUT, AIR WENT OUT ALL WIRING COVERS HAS CRUMBLED OFF LEAVING EXPOSED WIRES TO START A FIRE AND MUCH MORE. I…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 1995 FORD CONTOUR AND I PAID OVER $16,000.00 FOR IT. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE SINCE I GOT THIS CAR. I HAVE 50,888 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES AND WORKED ON 4 TIMES. WATER PUMP WENT OUT, AIR WENT OUT ALL WIRING COVERS HAS CRUMBLED OFF LEAVING EXPOSED WIRES TO START A FIRE AND MUCH MORE. I HAVE BEEN TREATED LIKE I WAS A CHILD AND DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I NOW HAVE A CAR THAT I CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE IT IS A FIRE HAZARD. I WANT SOMETHING DONE TO MY SATISFACTION. I KNOW THEY QUIT MAKING THE 1995 FORD CONTOUR BECAUSE THERE WERE SO MANY MANUFACTURER PROBLEMS. I AM NOW TOLD THEY CAN'T GET PARTS TO FIX THE CAR AND I CAN'T TRADE IT IN ON ANOTHER ONE. I AM A FEMALE AND I AM TIRED OF THE TREATMENT I'M RECEIVING FROM FORD. MY CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. I HAVE CONTACTED SEVERAL AGENCYS CONCERNING MY PROBLEMS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10188182
198,000 miles · Apr 14, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY CAR HAS CONTINUALLY TO RUN HOT, THE PART THAT SENDS THE INFORMATION THE ENGINE FOR THE FAN TO COME ON WAS DEFECTIVE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO TRY TO PURCHASE THE PART AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THIS PART WAS A RECALL PART. BY THIS PART BEING DEFECTIVE IT HAS DAMAGED MY ENGINE AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT M…
Read full complaint
MY CAR HAS CONTINUALLY TO RUN HOT, THE PART THAT SENDS THE INFORMATION THE ENGINE FOR THE FAN TO COME ON WAS DEFECTIVE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO TRY TO PURCHASE THE PART AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THIS PART WAS A RECALL PART. BY THIS PART BEING DEFECTIVE IT HAS DAMAGED MY ENGINE AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS OVER THE MILES AND THE RECALL DATE WAS OVER AND THEY WAS NOT GOING TO HONOR THE RECALL. THEY TOLD ME THAT I CAN PURCHASE THE PART, BUT THEY WAS NOT GOING TO REPLACE MY ENGINE. THIS PART HAS DAMAGED MY ENGINE AND THEY SHOULD NOT ONLY REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE PART WITH NOT CHARGE, BUT THEY SHOULD ALSO REPLACE MY ENGINE DUE THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER STATED THAT THEY WERE ONLY FOLLOWING FORD MOTOR COMPANY GUIDELINES.
NHTSA ODI #10187841
188,000 miles · Feb 27, 2007
Electrical System
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS INSULATION ON THE 1995 FORD CONTOUR'S ENGINE BECAME BRITTLE AND CRACKED. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS FORD RECALL NUMBER 99M03 WHICH STATED THAT THE REASON FOR THIS WAS DUE TO HEAT AND MOISTURE. THE CONTACT STATED MOST OF THE INSULATION HAS FALLEN OFF. THE CONTACT …
Read full complaint
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS INSULATION ON THE 1995 FORD CONTOUR'S ENGINE BECAME BRITTLE AND CRACKED. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS FORD RECALL NUMBER 99M03 WHICH STATED THAT THE REASON FOR THIS WAS DUE TO HEAT AND MOISTURE. THE CONTACT STATED MOST OF THE INSULATION HAS FALLEN OFF. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE, AND HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAD 18,8000 MILES. *AK UPDATE 4/9 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10183669
120,088 miles · Feb 20, 2007
Fuel System, Gasoline
MY 95 CONTOUR STARTED FOR TWO SECONDS, THEN DIED. IT WOULD NOT START AFTER THAT. MY MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP QUIT. I ONLY HAD THE CAR TWO DAYS FROM PURCHASE, SO I CHECKED ONLINE FOR SERVICE ISSUES, RECALLS, ETC., AND FOUND OUT ALL THE VARIOUS FUEL, ELECTRICAL, EMISSION AND OTHER PROBLEMS THIS VEHICLE HAS, MY BIG…
Read full complaint
MY 95 CONTOUR STARTED FOR TWO SECONDS, THEN DIED. IT WOULD NOT START AFTER THAT. MY MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP QUIT. I ONLY HAD THE CAR TWO DAYS FROM PURCHASE, SO I CHECKED ONLINE FOR SERVICE ISSUES, RECALLS, ETC., AND FOUND OUT ALL THE VARIOUS FUEL, ELECTRICAL, EMISSION AND OTHER PROBLEMS THIS VEHICLE HAS, MY BIGGEST CONCERN BEING THAT IT COULD CATCH FIRE(I DO HAVE A FAMILY TO DRIVE AROUND), I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED ABOUT THE UNCOOPERATIVE COMING FROM THE DEALERSHIPS CONCERNING ALL THIS, I AM VERY LOW-INCOME, I SPENT $1000.00 FOR THIS CAR THINKING IT WAS A GOOD DEPENDABLE CAR, AND NOW FIND MYSELF WONDERING HOW I WILL BE ABLE TO AFFORD ALL THE REPAIRS ON MY SINGLE INCOME, FORD, SHAME ON YOU!! *JB
NHTSA ODI #10183066
36,000 miles · Feb 8, 2007
Air BagsInjury
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 1995 FORD CONTOUR WITH 36000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 55 MPH THE FRONT FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE FORD ENGINEER CHECKED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, BUT HE DETERMINED THAT THE…
Read full complaint
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 1995 FORD CONTOUR WITH 36000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 55 MPH THE FRONT FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE FORD ENGINEER CHECKED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, BUT HE DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. THE DRIVER RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10182022
136,000 miles · Oct 1, 2006
Electrical System
WIRING ON 95 FORD CONTOUR, WE DID A VALVE JOB TO THIS CAR AND AT THIS TIME WE NOTICED THE WIRING HARNESS WAS A MESS THE COATING WAS COMING OFF THE WIRES, WHAT COATING THAT IS THERE IS DRY AND BRITTLE EXPOSING THE WIRES, THE BARE WIRES TOUCHING AT PLACES, WENT AND GOT ONE FROM THE RECYCLE PARTS YARD AND IT WAS THE SAME WAY NOW …
Read full complaint
WIRING ON 95 FORD CONTOUR, WE DID A VALVE JOB TO THIS CAR AND AT THIS TIME WE NOTICED THE WIRING HARNESS WAS A MESS THE COATING WAS COMING OFF THE WIRES, WHAT COATING THAT IS THERE IS DRY AND BRITTLE EXPOSING THE WIRES, THE BARE WIRES TOUCHING AT PLACES, WENT AND GOT ONE FROM THE RECYCLE PARTS YARD AND IT WAS THE SAME WAY NOW WE ARE HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING A GOOD ONE TO PUT BACK ON THE CAR A NEW ONE IS SO EXPENSIVE I BELIEVE I WAS QUOTED AROUND $1300.00 . *NM
NHTSA ODI #10169703
100,000 miles · Sep 27, 2006
Electrical System
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED MECHANIC FOR A NORMAL TUNE UP; IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS WAS DETERIORATED. DUE TO THE POTENTIAL RISK OF FIRE WHILE REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO GO TO THE DEALER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALE…
Read full complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED MECHANIC FOR A NORMAL TUNE UP; IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS WAS DETERIORATED. DUE TO THE POTENTIAL RISK OF FIRE WHILE REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO GO TO THE DEALER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE DETERIORATED ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS WERE DISCONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND PROVIDED A TELEPHONE NUMBER TO A PARTS STORE. THE STORE DID NOT CARRY THE PARTS EITHER. THE JUNK YARD WAS ALSO CHECKED FOR AVAILABILITY OF REPLACEMENT PARTS. THE PARTS AT THE JUNK YARD WERE IN A WORST CONDITION THAN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10169413
Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2006
Electrical System
CONSUMER 1995 CONTOUR DIED WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE HAD WIRING PROBLEMS UNDER THE HOOD. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10171177
166,900 miles · Sep 1, 2006
Power TrainWheels
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT GROANING AND CRUNCHING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HUB WAS PUNCHING OUT THE SEALED BEARINGS. THE BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE HAD …
Read full complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT GROANING AND CRUNCHING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HUB WAS PUNCHING OUT THE SEALED BEARINGS. THE BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE HAD ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE AXLE SHAFT. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP WAS ABLE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM COMPLETELY.
NHTSA ODI #10167235
Official recalls
8Nov 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.
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.
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.
Dec 5, 1995
THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE OPENING REINFORCEMENT, CONSTRUCTED FROM TWO SEPARATELY MOLDED PIECES, CAN LEAK AT THE WELD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES WITH UNITS CONTAINING ONE-PIECE MOLDED REINFORCEMENTS.
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.
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.
Oct 18, 1994
THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE OPENING REINFORCEMENT CAN LEAK AT THE WELD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, AS APPROPRIATE, REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS.
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
7RQ02006 · 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