IllustrationENGINE COOLING FAN BURNED OUT, CAUSING OTHER INTERNAL COMPONENTS TO FAIL AND TOTAL REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE NEEDED.*AK
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Contour years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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
What owners actually said
891 reportsWHEN TRUNK WAS SHUT REAR PASSENGER'S WINDOW WAS SHATTERED. CONTACTED DEALER ABOUT A RECALL THAT CONSUMER SAW, AND DEALER SAID THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF RECALL. *AK
ALL 4 COIL SPRINGS HAVE BROKEN. FORD CAMPAIGN 98M04 COVERS THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FOR 2.0L ENGINE VEHICLES. THERE IS NO RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY CAMPAIGN FOR THE REAR SPRINGS. THE DEALER AND THEIR FORD SERVICE REP CANNOT EXPLAIN WHY MY 2.5L ENGINE VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER 98M04, THOUGH THE SAME DEFECTIVE STEEL IS USED IN…
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ALL 4 COIL SPRINGS HAVE BROKEN. FORD CAMPAIGN 98M04 COVERS THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FOR 2.0L ENGINE VEHICLES. THERE IS NO RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY CAMPAIGN FOR THE REAR SPRINGS. THE DEALER AND THEIR FORD SERVICE REP CANNOT EXPLAIN WHY MY 2.5L ENGINE VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER 98M04, THOUGH THE SAME DEFECTIVE STEEL IS USED IN BOTH. I HAVE RESEARCHED FRONT AND REAR COIL SPRING FAILURES FOR MY VEHICLE ON THE INTERNET AND DISCOVERED A VERY SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF 1995 CONTOUR/MYSTIQUE OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF BOTH FRONT AND REAR COIL SPRING FAILURES. THESE OWNERS, NOT COVERED UNDER 98M04, HAVE RECEIVED NO SATISFACTION FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY. MY DEALER HAS REPORTED VERY LITTLE COOPERATION FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHILE INVESTIGATING MY VEHICLE'S COIL SPRING PROBLEM.
I JUST PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED A FORM, I TRIED TO MAKE CORRECTIONS DUE TO THE FACT THAT MY E-MAIL ADDRESS WAS WRONG. NO SAFETY DEFECT. *AK (TIRESIZE: 15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 15 )
TIRE BLOWED OUT ON DRIVER SIDE - FRONT ON INTRRSTATE. TOTAL TIRE PEELED JUST LIKE FIRESTONE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS TORN UP DOWN TO THE RIM. WHEN I TOOK IT FOR REPAIR WHEN IT FIRST HAPPEN, THE DEALTER I CARRIED IT TO TOLD ME NOT TO GET IT FIX, TAKE IT BACK WHERE I PURCHASED IT BECAUSE IT WAS A BAD DEFECT IN THE TIRE. TIRES DON'T…
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TIRE BLOWED OUT ON DRIVER SIDE - FRONT ON INTRRSTATE. TOTAL TIRE PEELED JUST LIKE FIRESTONE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS TORN UP DOWN TO THE RIM. WHEN I TOOK IT FOR REPAIR WHEN IT FIRST HAPPEN, THE DEALTER I CARRIED IT TO TOLD ME NOT TO GET IT FIX, TAKE IT BACK WHERE I PURCHASED IT BECAUSE IT WAS A BAD DEFECT IN THE TIRE. TIRES DON'T JUST PEEL LIKE THAT. THIS TIRE PEELED JUST LIKE A RECAP TREARING UP THE RIM, MESSING UP THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYATEM, SCTRACHED UP THE FENDER, TORE THE PLASTIC UNDERNEATH SURROUNDING TIRE, HAD WIRES HANGING DOWN, BROKE THE HEADLIGHT AND TORE UP THE SIDE SKIRT ON THE CAR. I CARRIED IT BACK WHERE I GOT IT FROM AND WHEN THE MANAGER CAME TO LOOK AT THE TIRE, HE STATED THAT THE TIRE SHOULDN'T HAVE TORN UP LIKE THAT. THE TIRE HAD CUTS ALL OVER IT,. I TOOK PICTURES OF MY CAR AND THE TIRE. IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE FOR ME TO SEE A TIRE THAT TORN UP. THERE WAS A LOT SOUND AND THE STEEL BELT WAS TORN UP LIKE STRINGS. THE TOP PEELING OF THE TIRE WAS LEFT IN THE ROAD. IT THREW ME IN THE OTHER LANE ON TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HURT MY BACK AND GOT SHOOK UP REAL BAD. I;M SSTILL HAVING NIGHTMARES BECAUSE THEIR WAS AN 18 WHEELER RIGHT BEHIND ME. IT WAS GOD'S WILL HE DIDN'T HIT ME. THEY SAID THEY WOULD FIX MY CAR AND PURCHASE ANOTHER TIRE, BUT WHAT ABOUT MY PAIN AND SUFFERING AND THE FACT THAT I CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE THERE'S A SCRUBBING SOUND AND THE ABS LIGHT, NOR TRACTION LIGHT WILL GO OFF. (TIRESIZE: 15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 15 )
WHEN DRIVING THROUGH WATER THERE IS A LOSS OF STEERING FOR A SHORT TIME.HAS BEEN THIS WAY SINCE NEW.WE ARE OLDER NOW & IT IS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.I READ WHERE YOU HAD HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT SEVERAL TIMES.WHEN YOU LOOK UNDER LRIGHT FRONT OF CAR YOU CAN SEE WHY THIS HAPPENS.THE BELT DRIVE PULLEY IS EXPOSED S…
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WHEN DRIVING THROUGH WATER THERE IS A LOSS OF STEERING FOR A SHORT TIME.HAS BEEN THIS WAY SINCE NEW.WE ARE OLDER NOW & IT IS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.I READ WHERE YOU HAD HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT SEVERAL TIMES.WHEN YOU LOOK UNDER LRIGHT FRONT OF CAR YOU CAN SEE WHY THIS HAPPENS.THE BELT DRIVE PULLEY IS EXPOSED SO THAT WATER IS SPLASHED ON IT.WONDER HOW MANY FATAL ACCIDENTS THIS HAS CAUSED.*AK
CONSTANT FAILURE OF EMISSION RELATED COMPONENTS. REPLACED AT 75K FOR $1000, BUT FAILS AGAIN AT 85K MILES. FORD CLAIMS 100K MAINTAINENCE FREE FOR ENGINE, BUT NOT TRUE FOR 1995 CONTOUR. *AK
I HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF THIS CAR, THE MILEAGE IS STILL FAIRLY LOW,,,HOW CAN IT BLOW A HEADGASKET.*AK
WATER PUMP HAS FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK. WATER PUMP IMPELLER FRACTURED AT HUB, AND THE CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE IMPELLER WAS CONSTRUCTED EITHER OF IMPROPER MATERIAL OR MATERIAL OF INSUFFICIENT CROSS SECTION. FORD HAS REDESIGNED THE PUMP. *YH
ENGINE OVERHEATED, HEAD GASKET BLOWN, ENGINE COMPLETLY DESTROYED, NO SIGNS BEFORE OVERHEATING, GAUGES DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. *AK
Official recalls
800V367000 · 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.
95V232000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
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.
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.
94V203000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
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.
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
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