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: 65 of 563 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 123 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 119 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 77 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
34 crash reports24 fire reports24 injury reports
What owners actually said
563 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 1999
Seats
THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS NOT FIRMLY ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THUS, THE SEATBACK ROCKS SLIGHTLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE DURING CORNERING, AND FROM FRONT TO BACK DURING ACCELERATION AND BRAKING. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER TOLD ME THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON, AND CANNOT BE CURED. SPECIFICALLY, THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT CERT…
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THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS NOT FIRMLY ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THUS, THE SEATBACK ROCKS SLIGHTLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE DURING CORNERING, AND FROM FRONT TO BACK DURING ACCELERATION AND BRAKING. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER TOLD ME THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON, AND CANNOT BE CURED. SPECIFICALLY, THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT CERTAIN 'RIVETS' OR METAL FLANGES IN THE SEAT TRACK STRETCH OVER TIME AND CAUSE THE LOOSE FEELING OF THE SEAT BACK. REPLACING THE SEAT RAILS DOES NO GOOD, AS THE NEW PARTS ARE OF THE SAME DESIGN, AND EVENTUALLY BEGIN TO FAIL LIKE THE OEM PARTS. THIS MALFUNCTION OF THE SEAT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN TO ME. HAVING THE SEATBACK DISLODGED DURING NORMAL DRIVING COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. WHAT'S WORSE WOULD BE A SEATBACK FAILURE DURING AN ACCIDENT, POSSIBLY ALLOWING ME TO BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. MY ONLY RECOURSE IN THIS MATTER IS TO PURCHASE AFTERMARKET SEATS OF HIGHER QUALITY. SEATS FROM A MANUFACTURER SUCH AS RECARO OR CORBEAU COME WITH A SUBSTATIAL WARRANTY, AND ARE SURE TO BE MORE DURABLE AND SAFE THAN THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. IN SUM, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SAFETY-ORIENTED RECALL OF ALL FORD PRODUCTS THAT HAVE THIS SEATBACK MALFUNCTION. SPECIFICALLY, I WOULD LIKE FORD TO REDESIGN A MORE DURABLE, SAFE SEAT MECHANISM AND RETROFIT ALL EXISTING CARS. AN ADDITIONAL NOTE - I AM A MEMBER OF THE FORD CONTOUR ENTHUSIASTS GROUP, AS WELL AS A FORD CONTOUR MAILING LIST RECIPIENT. OF THE 505 PEOPLE ON THE MAILING LIST, MANY HAVE HAD THE SAME SEATBACK FAILURES. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTACT THE CONTOUR ENTHUSIASTS GROUP AT WWW.CONTOUR.ORG FOR MORE OWNER TESTIMONIALS. THANK YOU, TOM DISALVO. *AK (TDISALVO@STUDENTS.WISC.EDU)
NHTSA ODI #705087
Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 1999
Seats
SEAT TRACK PROBLEM: SEAT TRACK "POPS" AND MOVES DURING CORNERING, WHICH DIRECTLY AFFECTS DRIVER'S POSITION AND STEERING; CAN CAUSE UNINTENTIONAL SWERVING WHILE CORNERING; SEAT TRACK HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES AND EACH REPLACEMENT HAS FAILED. FORD HAS NOT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #705052
Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 1999
EquipmentPower TrainSeat Belts
TRANSMISSION REPLACED DUE TO GRINDING AND SCRAPING, WAS ALSO REPLACED ONCE BY PREVIOUS OWNER.
NHTSA ODI #548027
Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 1999
Air BagsCrashInjury
DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN A VERY MINOR COLLISION, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT TO SUSTAIN INJURIES. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #836113
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 1999
Child Seat
WE HAVE A INFANT/TODDLER CAR SEAT THAT CANNOT BE PUT IN THE REAR FACING POSITION BECAUSE THE BACK SEATS ARE TOO ANGELED BACK.WE ALSO CAN'T HAVE SEAT IN MIDDLE BECAUSE THEN MY 9 YR OLD HAS TO SIT AGAINST THE DOOR.I AM NOW FORCED TO FACE MY BABY FORWARD IN HIS CARSEAT.HELP! THE CUP HOLDES NEXT TO GEARSHIFT LEAK INTO THE SHIFT COL…
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WE HAVE A INFANT/TODDLER CAR SEAT THAT CANNOT BE PUT IN THE REAR FACING POSITION BECAUSE THE BACK SEATS ARE TOO ANGELED BACK.WE ALSO CAN'T HAVE SEAT IN MIDDLE BECAUSE THEN MY 9 YR OLD HAS TO SIT AGAINST THE DOOR.I AM NOW FORCED TO FACE MY BABY FORWARD IN HIS CARSEAT.HELP! THE CUP HOLDES NEXT TO GEARSHIFT LEAK INTO THE SHIFT COLUM AND CAUSE THE GEARSHIFT TO STICK. BROOKDALE FORD SAID IT WOULD COST ME $100 TO CLEAN IT FOR ME.THEY OFFERED NO HELP, THE LEAST THAT SHOULD BE DONE IS TO FIX IT SO NOTHING MORE CAN LEAK THROUGH THE HOLDERS.
NHTSA ODI #704522
Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 1999
Power Train
RECALL 98S26. FLOOR LEVER IS NOT CORRECTLY INDICATING IN WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN. PLASTIC PIECE AROUND LEVER HAS CRACKED. DEALER CONTACTED AND STATES VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLY TO RECALL. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #835788
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 1999
Seat Belts
THE BELT IS FAR TOO LONG TO BE USED WITH A CAR SEAT - WE HAD TO TIE IT IN A KNOT IN ORDER TO USE OUR CHILD SEAT!
NHTSA ODI #704291
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 1999
Service Brakes, Air
WHEN PRESSING BRAKES IT VIBRATES AND MAKES NOISE. ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITH BECAUSE OF SAME PROBLEM. SERVICE TECH SAYS IT WILL BE A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM DUE TO THE TYPE OF BRAKE PADS THE VEHICLE USES.
NHTSA ODI #704198
Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 1999
EquipmentExterior LightingWheels
THE WORST PROBLEM WAS THE WHEEL FALLING OFF WHILE IN OPERATION, WITH NO WARNING. THE AXIL, ROTOR, AND BALLJOINT WAS REPLACED. THE HEATING AND COOLING IS ALL MESSED UP. THE FAN WILL ONLY BLOW ON LOW, IT IS NIETHER HOT NOR COLD. THE TAIL LIGHTS AND PANEL LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. IT'S NOT A FUSE
NHTSA ODI #704138
Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 1999
Steering
STEERING COLUMN BOLT SIEZED CAUSING STEERING COLUMN TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Remedy: 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.
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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL FILLER PIPE VENT HOSE MAY HAVE LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF OZONE RESISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE HOSE BECOMING BRITTLE AND CRACKING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A CRACKED HOSE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING FUELED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL FILLER VENT HOSE CONTACTING THE APPROPRIATE BLEND OF PVC AND NITRILE RUBBER.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN DISTORTION OF THE TERMINAL CAUSING AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, PARKING LAMP, AND TAIL LAMP CIRCUITS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLAMP SWITCH WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAINING BRONZE TERMINALS AND AN INSPECTION, AND REPLACEMENT IF NECESSARY, OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.
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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES MODIFIED TO RUN ON EITHER GASOLINE OR COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). THE NATURAL GAS FUEL TANKS HAVE A SOLENOID SHUT-OFF VALVE THAT STOPS FUEL FLOW FROM THE FUEL TANK IN THE EVENT OF CERTAIN MODERATE TO SEVERE COLLISIONS. IF THE VEHICLE IS IN A COLLISION AND THE NATURAL GAS FUEL LINE IS DAMAGED, THE SYSTEM COULD LEAK NATURAL GAS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: FORD HAS REQUESTED OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES TO HAVE THE CNG FUEL SYSTEM DISABLED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN AND TO ONLY USE GASOLINE FUEL UNTIL A PERMANENT CORRECTIVE ACTION IS DEVELOPED. OWNERS ARE BEING ALERTED TO THIS SOLENOID VALVE CONCERN AT THIS TIME. THE TIMING OF CORRECTIVE ACTIONS IS BEING DELAYED TO ALLOW BOTH CONDITIONS TO BE REMEDIED AT ONE TIME. IN THE MEANTIME, THERE IS NOT RISK AS LONG AS THE NATURAL GAS SYSTEM HAS BEEN DISABLED AND THE VHEICLE IS ONLY OPERATED ON GASOLINE.
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
5
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
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
PE98063 · Headlight Switch
Opened Dec 3, 1998 · Closed May 10, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
ODI OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON DECEMBER 3, 1989 BASED ON FIVE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, ALL OF WHICH MENTIONED CONCERNS CENTERED ON THE DASHBOARD-MOUNTED HEADLIGHT SWITCH.THESE CONCERNS INCLUDED AN ALLEGATION OF THE SWITCH CATCHING FIRE, AN ALLEGATION OF HEADLIGHT LOSS, AND THREE ALLEGATIONS OF INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TAIL LIGHT OUTAGES.THREE OF THE REPORTS SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND ITS ASSOCIATED WIRING AS HAVING BEEN HEAT DAMAGED.FORD INVESTIGATIONS HAVE FOUND THAT OVERHEATING OF AN ELECTRICAL TERMINAL AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR CAUSES LOSS OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TAIL LIGHTS.FORD WILL REMEDY THIS CONDITION IN 1996-1998 MODEL CONTOUR AND MYSTIQUE VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM APRIL 20, 1995 THROUGH AUGUST 12, 1998 AND AT THE CAUTITLAN, MEXICO ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM JUNE 13, 1995 THROUGH AUGUST 24, 1998 UNDER RECALL 99V-103.THE REMEDY INVOLVES REPLACEMENT OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR AND IF NECESSARY, THE SWITCH ITSELF.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
1996 Ford Contour Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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