TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE IS NOT RETURNING TO IDLE. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS AND, WHEN IT IS RELEASED, THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO IDLE AT HIGH RPMS. THE THROTTLE ALSO STICKS WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 10-80 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURS EACH DAY UNDER NORMAL WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE CU…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE IS NOT RETURNING TO IDLE. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS AND, WHEN IT IS RELEASED, THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO IDLE AT HIGH RPMS. THE THROTTLE ALSO STICKS WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 10-80 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURS EACH DAY UNDER NORMAL WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,653 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 09/12/07.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10201060
35,000 miles · Mar 15, 2005
Air BagsElectrical SystemVehicle Speed Control
THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER TAKES HIS FOOT OFF THE PEDAL THE ENGINE DOES NOT RETURN TO IT'S LOWER IDLING SPEED. THE CONSUMER IS ALSO EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS FLASHING. OWNER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER AND BECAUSE OF THE VIN, THIS VEHICLE IS NO…
Read full complaint
THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER TAKES HIS FOOT OFF THE PEDAL THE ENGINE DOES NOT RETURN TO IT'S LOWER IDLING SPEED. THE CONSUMER IS ALSO EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS FLASHING. OWNER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER AND BECAUSE OF THE VIN, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS RELATING TO THE DEFECTS OF THIS VEHICLE. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10111402
140,000 miles · Sep 29, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control
WHENEVER FOOT WAS RELEASED FROM BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED WHEN CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE WHILE TRYING TO SLOW DOWN FOR STOP SIGNS OR LIGHTS. CONSUMER DID NOT TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10094566
Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND TAKING FOOT SLIGHTLY OFF THE ACCELERATOR VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO REGAIN POWER AND RESTART VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS SUPPOSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL DOING THE S…
Read full complaint
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND TAKING FOOT SLIGHTLY OFF THE ACCELERATOR VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO REGAIN POWER AND RESTART VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS SUPPOSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL DOING THE SAME THING.
NHTSA ODI #10064756
48,619 miles · Jan 22, 2003
Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLES ACCELERATOR CABLE BROKE CAUSING THE PEDAL TO GO TO THE FLOOR RESULTING IN LOSS OF SPEED AND ACCELERATION. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10004329
Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2001
Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IT IDLES VERY HIGH AND MAKES VERY LOUD NOISES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8001204
Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
CONSUMER SPED UP TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND WHEN SLOWING DOWN VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE. ALSO, VEHICLE WAS RACING UP TO 2000 RPM/, STALLING, AND MAKING A RUMBLING SOUND. DEALER STATED OXYGEN SENSOR HAD GONE BAD. IT CONTROLS AMOUNT OF AIR AND GAS MIXTURE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #890574
Mileage unknown · May 16, 2001
Air BagsElectrical SystemVehicle Speed Control
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON/ HORN, AND CRUISE CONTROL ARE NOT WORKING. CONSUEMR STATED THIS WAS SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL 99 V 243 000. CONSUMER WAS SCARED THAT AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY IN FACE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #888377
Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2001
SuspensionVehicle Speed Control
THE CONSUMER PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND IT PROMPTLY FELL TO THE FLOOR, THE CONSUMER NOTICED PARTS ON THE FLOORBOARD. NLM
NHTSA ODI #560065
Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2000
Vehicle Speed Control
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE HESTITATED. THROTTLE WOULD ROAR UP HIGH. WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND THEN VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT. BOTH DEALERSHIPS WERE AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
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