NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
132 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 29, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other
WHILE UNDER WARRANTY THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HAD IT REPLACED. WHILE UNDER WARRANTY HAD THE REAR MAIN SEAL REPLACED. JUST THREE WEEKS AFTER THAT REPAIR THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL AND FOUND THAT IT WAS AT THE PROPER LEVEL.I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO SAID I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. NOW I HAVE APPEALED TO FORD MOTE…
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WHILE UNDER WARRANTY THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HAD IT REPLACED. WHILE UNDER WARRANTY HAD THE REAR MAIN SEAL REPLACED. JUST THREE WEEKS AFTER THAT REPAIR THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL AND FOUND THAT IT WAS AT THE PROPER LEVEL.I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO SAID I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. NOW I HAVE APPEALED TO FORD MOTER CO. TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT THEIR COST. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE FAILURE BEGAN UNDER WARRANTY BUT ONLY MANIFESTED ITSELF 3 WEEKS AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD.
NHTSA ODI #732821
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE WAS RUNNING HOT THE 1ST TIME DEALER KEPT IT FOR 2 WEEKS & CLAIMED IT WAS FIXED. VEHICLE WENT TO THE DEALER AGAIN THIS TIME FOR 47 DAYS WHICH A LOANER VEHICLE WAS GIVEN & IT WAS RETURNED WITH NO EXPLANATION WHAT WAS WRONG. IT'S STILL RUNNING HOT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #871099
Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension
THOUGH THIS CAR IS ONLY SLIGHTLY OVER 3 YEARS OLD, I HAVE HAD 5 RECALLS ON IT, HAD TO REPLACE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS ($400), CONSOLE CLOCK LIGHT HAS BURNED OUT, HAD TO REPLACE WINDSHIELD DUE TO EXTENSIVE CRACK CAUSED BY SMALL STONE CHIP,ETC. CURRENT CAM TIMING JOB ESTIMATED AT $1,000. I'VE NEVER HAD THIS MUCH TROUBLE WITH A VEHI…
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THOUGH THIS CAR IS ONLY SLIGHTLY OVER 3 YEARS OLD, I HAVE HAD 5 RECALLS ON IT, HAD TO REPLACE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS ($400), CONSOLE CLOCK LIGHT HAS BURNED OUT, HAD TO REPLACE WINDSHIELD DUE TO EXTENSIVE CRACK CAUSED BY SMALL STONE CHIP,ETC. CURRENT CAM TIMING JOB ESTIMATED AT $1,000. I'VE NEVER HAD THIS MUCH TROUBLE WITH A VEHICLE IN MY LIFE. ASKED FORD'S TO COVER 1/2 OF COST; WAS REFERRED TO DEALER, WHO "DECLINED." IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I CAN DO ABOUT THIS LEMON??
NHTSA ODI #730269
Mileage unknown · Aug 21, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train
I WAS IN TRANSIT TO REPLACE MY BRAKING SYSTEM FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 6 MONTHS WHEN MY TRANSMISSION FAILED. MY 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE CAR NOW STALLS WHEN IN A STOPPED POSITION AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THESE ISSUES, AMONGST A LIST OF OTHER MAJOR FAILURES HAS OCCURRED IN THE LAST 2.5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP OF THIS LEMON ( CO…
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I WAS IN TRANSIT TO REPLACE MY BRAKING SYSTEM FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 6 MONTHS WHEN MY TRANSMISSION FAILED. MY 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE CAR NOW STALLS WHEN IN A STOPPED POSITION AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THESE ISSUES, AMONGST A LIST OF OTHER MAJOR FAILURES HAS OCCURRED IN THE LAST 2.5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP OF THIS LEMON ( COMPLETE A/C SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED, COMPLETE FUEL SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED, WINDOW MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED, ETC.). NEITHER THE FORD MANUFACTURER OR DEALERSHIPS HAVE RESPONDED, AGREED OR OFFERED ANY INVESTIGATION, CORRECTION, COMPENSATION OR ASSISTANCE IN RESPONSE TO THESE PREVIOUSLY WRITTEN AND VERBAL MATTERS, AND LEGAL ACTION WILL COMMENCE. THE ISSUES LISTED IN THIS TABLE ARE ONLY THE RECENT (LAST 3 MONTHS), AND DO NOT INCLUDE THE MONTAGE OF PROBLEMS IN THE LAST 2 YEARS, SOME OF WHICH ARE MENTIONED IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.
NHTSA ODI #728526
Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2000
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
HAVE HAD 5 RECALLS SINCE BUYING THE CAR. ALSO, HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE WATER PUMP CHANGED. THE PROBLEM IS TRYING TO GET THE RECALLS DONE. I HAD TAKEN THE CAR IN PREVIOUSLY ONLY TO BE TOLD THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AND HAD TO RESCHEDULE. THE LAST TWO RECALLS I STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING THESE DONE WHEN SCHEDULE. THE AI…
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HAVE HAD 5 RECALLS SINCE BUYING THE CAR. ALSO, HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE WATER PUMP CHANGED. THE PROBLEM IS TRYING TO GET THE RECALLS DONE. I HAD TAKEN THE CAR IN PREVIOUSLY ONLY TO BE TOLD THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AND HAD TO RESCHEDULE. THE LAST TWO RECALLS I STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING THESE DONE WHEN SCHEDULE. THE AIR BAG AND THE BRAKES WERE THE LAST TWO. I SCHEDULED THEM FINALLY IN APRIL THIS YEAR. ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR ONLY TO BE TOLD THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS. I EXPRESSED AGAIN HOW HARD IT WAS FOR ME TO COME IN BECAUSE I WORK 5-6 DAYS A WEEK. AGAIN I RESCHEDULED FOR JULY. I CALLED AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT VERIFIED THE PARTS WERE THERE. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN. AGAIN LATE SATURDAY AFTERNOON WENT TO PICK UP THE CAR ONLY TO BE TOLD AGAIN THEY DID NOT HAVE PARTS. IT SEEMS TO BE THESE RECALLS ARE NOT THAT IMPORTANT. I ALSO ASKED WHY MY BRAKES SCRUBBED WHEN I STOPPED, THEY COMMENT WAS WE COULDN'T GET IT TOO. MY POINT IS IT I DO NOT BELIEVE THE FORD PLACE CARES ONE WAY OR THE OTHER WHAT HAPPENS TO ME OR MY CAR.
NHTSA ODI #725987
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE IS SUPPOSEDLY 4 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ON THE 1998 CONTOUR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #725341
Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
VALVE STICKS SHUT, CAUSING FUEL TO BACKUP AND SPILL WHEN FILLING TANK. WAS REPLACED, NOW REPLACEMENT PART ALSO STICKING.*AK
NHTSA ODI #724313
Mileage unknown · May 19, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
TIMING BELT SLIPPED OFF THE VEHICLE. IT HAD TO BE REPLACED FIVE TIMES ALREADY. WHEN TIMING BELTS SLIPPED VEHICLE SHUTDOWN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #862188
Mileage unknown · May 12, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS IN VERY HIGH NORMAL RANGE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS; CAR COMES VERY CLOSE TO OVERHEATING. HAVE I MISSED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS PROBLEM? *AK
NHTSA ODI #722581
Mileage unknown · May 12, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
ODOR OF ANTI-FREEZE IS VERY STRONG INSIDE CAR AT TIMES; DEALER CHECKED FOR LEAKS AND SAID THERE WERE NONE.........NO SOLUTION TO PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #722580
Official recalls
9Aug 8, 2001
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.
Jul 9, 2001
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.
Oct 30, 2000
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.
Mar 9, 2000
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.
Sep 8, 1999
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.
Jul 20, 1999
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.
May 5, 1999
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.
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.
Feb 10, 1998
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
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
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.
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