TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE D…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 92,000.
NHTSA ODI #10344054
Mileage unknown · May 14, 2010
Electrical System
I HEARD ABOUT THE FORD CONTOUR ENGINE WIRING HARNESS RECALL ONLY BY INTERNET. MY CAR IS A FORD CONTOUR SPORT 1998. THE WIRE INSULATION IS PEELING OFF IN THE WHOLE HARNESS, AND THE CAR IS STOPPED NOW. MILEAGE IS APPROX. 110000. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY MESSAGE FROM FORD. I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10330421
80,000 miles · Apr 12, 2010
Electrical System
THE WIRING INSULATION ON MY 1998 FORD CONTOUR IS LITERALLY FALLING OFF THE WIRES. I AM AFRAID TO TOUCH ANY WIRE BECAUSE THE INSULATION JUST FLAKES OFF LEAVING BARE WIRE. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND APPARENTLY IS FAIRLY COMMON IN THIS MODEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10325248
190,000 miles · Mar 31, 2010
Electrical System
INSULATION ON WIRING HARNESS BREAKING AND FALLING OFF.
NHTSA ODI #10323215
82,000 miles · Oct 16, 2009
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND RADIO FAILED, AND THEN THE ENGINE STALLED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO JUMP START THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY, AND THE MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FAILED. HIS VEHICLE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND RADIO FAILED, AND THEN THE ENGINE STALLED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO JUMP START THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY, AND THE MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FAILED. HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL# 01V230000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). NO REPAIRS WERE MADE, AND THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 82,000. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10288677
62,000 miles · May 4, 2009
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE WIRING AROUND THE HEATING UNIT SENSORS HAVE DETERIORATED. THE CODING HAS CRACKED OFF THE OTHER WIRES, CAUSING THEM TO BE EXPOSED. THIS ALLOWS ALL OF THE WIRES TO TOUCH EACH OTHER, WHICH COULD CAUSE A SHORT IN THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT,…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE WIRING AROUND THE HEATING UNIT SENSORS HAVE DETERIORATED. THE CODING HAS CRACKED OFF THE OTHER WIRES, CAUSING THEM TO BE EXPOSED. THIS ALLOWS ALL OF THE WIRES TO TOUCH EACH OTHER, WHICH COULD CAUSE A SHORT IN THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE IS STILL OPERABLE, BUT THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE BECOMES EXTREMELY HIGH. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLS WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS, SUCH AS 15 MPH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V230000. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SINCE THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 62,000.
NHTSA ODI #10267628
Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2008
Electrical System
I HAVE A 1998 FORD CONTOUR LX WITH ONLY APPROX. 53,000 MILES ON IT. I AM ON THE 4TH (FOURTH) ALTERNATOR REPLACEMENT: AUGUST 2004, OCTOBER 2005, AUGUST 2006 AND NOW, SEPTEMBER 2008. THERE IS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL OF FORD VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242759
60,000 miles · Jul 8, 2008
Electrical System
1. ALL ENGINE WIRE HARNESS INSULATION IS CRACKING AND FALLING OFF. BARE WIRE AT MOST OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CONNECTORS. UNKNOWN DAMAGE UNDER WIRE WRAPPING. EXISTING FORD RECALL COVER 95-97 YEAR MODELS. SUBJECT VEHICLE IS A 98 MODEL YEAR. 2. STILL WAITING FOR THE FIRST MAJOR MELTDOWN. CONNECTOR WIRES ARE PHYSICALLY PULLED A…
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1. ALL ENGINE WIRE HARNESS INSULATION IS CRACKING AND FALLING OFF. BARE WIRE AT MOST OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CONNECTORS. UNKNOWN DAMAGE UNDER WIRE WRAPPING. EXISTING FORD RECALL COVER 95-97 YEAR MODELS. SUBJECT VEHICLE IS A 98 MODEL YEAR. 2. STILL WAITING FOR THE FIRST MAJOR MELTDOWN. CONNECTOR WIRES ARE PHYSICALLY PULLED APART TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. 3. NO REPAIR WORK HAS BEEN DONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10233494
27,300 miles · Apr 11, 2008
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE THE GEAR SHIFTING SYSTEM REPAIRED, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,300.
NHTSA ODI #10224197
97,000 miles · Dec 28, 2007
Electrical System
ENGINE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION IS CRUMBLING LEAVING EXPOSED WIRES. FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR FORD CONTOURS (ALL YEARS), BUT THAT A RECALL HAS ONLY BEEN ISSUED FOR 1995-1997 VEHICLES. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH SENSORS NOT WORKING, SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE INTERMITTENTLY STOPS FUNCTIONING. CHECK ENGINE LIGH…
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ENGINE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION IS CRUMBLING LEAVING EXPOSED WIRES. FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR FORD CONTOURS (ALL YEARS), BUT THAT A RECALL HAS ONLY BEEN ISSUED FOR 1995-1997 VEHICLES. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH SENSORS NOT WORKING, SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE INTERMITTENTLY STOPS FUNCTIONING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY. MECHANIC HAS STATED THAT PROBLEMS ARE IN WIRING HARNESS. *TR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN HIGH CORROSION ENVIRONMENTS. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CATCHER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 23, 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 1-866-436-7332.
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: BI-FUEL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE BI-FUEL SYSTEM. IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
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 AIR BAG SENSOR WIRING PIGTAIL INSULATION CAN BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACK OVER TIME DUE TO ACCUMULATION OF WATER IN THE PIGTAIL PROTECTIVE CONVOLUTE IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES RELATED TO THE ROUTING OF THE WIRING PIGTAIL NEAR THE RADIATOR. THIS CAN RESULT IN ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACKING OF THE INSULATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN SOME CASES, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISABLED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AIR BAG SENSORS WITH REVISED WIRING INSULATION. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WHICH HAVE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WILL HAVE A NEW AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR INSTALLED.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A BURR ON OR NEAR THE END OF THE CABLE SLEEVE INTERIOR. THIS BURR COULD FRAY THE CORE WIRE RESULTING IN THE ACCELERATOR NOT RETURNING TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.
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. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.
Remedy: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.
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
EA00025 · Fuel Expulsion During Refueling
Opened Oct 4, 2000 · Closed Jan 25, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE00027 · Fuel Expulsion During Refueling
Opened Jul 10, 2000 · Closed Oct 4, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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
SQ98002 · Fuel Gauge Does Not Read Below 1/4
Opened Jan 27, 1998 · Closed Jul 31, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
FORD'S SERVICE BULLETIN DATED DECEMBER 8, 1997, POINTS OUT THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WILL NOT READ ABOVE 3/4 TANK OR BELOW 1/4 TANK OF FUEL.THE ERRONEOUS FUEL GAUGE READING WILL INDICATE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE FUEL RESERVE THAN ACTUALLY PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK.ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT WHERE THE DRIVER ALLEGED THAT HIS VEHICLE RAN OUT OF GAS DUE TO A FALSE FUEL GAUGE READING.THIS INVESTIGATION WASTO ASCERTAIN FACTS CONCERNING THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE, SCOPE, AND RATIONAL FOR ELECTING NOT TO CONDUCT A SAFETY COMPAIGN.
1998 Ford Contour Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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