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: 161 of 846 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 132 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 130 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 128 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
50 crash reports20 fire reports36 injury reports
What owners actually said
846 reports
121,600 miles · Aug 25, 2003
Power Train
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED IN 2001 (SEE ODI # 759046 SUBMITTED 3/02). TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AND REMAINED IN SERVICE UNTIL 2003. IN JUNE 2003, TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING UNDER NORMAL CITY DRIVING CONDITIONS AND WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND SERVICE. TRANSMISSION WAS DEEMED "UNREBUILDABLE" AND REPL…
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED IN 2001 (SEE ODI # 759046 SUBMITTED 3/02). TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AND REMAINED IN SERVICE UNTIL 2003. IN JUNE 2003, TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING UNDER NORMAL CITY DRIVING CONDITIONS AND WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND SERVICE. TRANSMISSION WAS DEEMED "UNREBUILDABLE" AND REPLACED WITH NEW FORD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10033426
70,000 miles · Aug 15, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. IT OCCURRED A LOT AT IDLE OR WHILE COASTING, ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING CORNERS. DEALER CONFUSED. *PH *JB
NHTSA ODI #10024672
Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2003
Air BagsExterior LightingPower Train
I WENT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP HERE IN LOUISIANA AND SHOWED THEM THE PAPERS THAT WAS SENT TO ME CONCERNING RECALLS FOR MY YEAR & MAKE OF CAR. I TOLD THEM THAT SOME OF THE RECALLS ON THOSE PAPERS WAS HAPPENING TO MY CAR AND WHY HAVEN'T THEY BEEN REPAIRED WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR IN AND THEY STATED TO ME THAT IF THE VIN # FOR MY CAR…
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I WENT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP HERE IN LOUISIANA AND SHOWED THEM THE PAPERS THAT WAS SENT TO ME CONCERNING RECALLS FOR MY YEAR & MAKE OF CAR. I TOLD THEM THAT SOME OF THE RECALLS ON THOSE PAPERS WAS HAPPENING TO MY CAR AND WHY HAVEN'T THEY BEEN REPAIRED WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR IN AND THEY STATED TO ME THAT IF THE VIN # FOR MY CAR DIDN'T COME UP AS A RECALL AND AS LONG AS THE PROBLEM DIDN'T EXIST THEN THEY COULD NOT REPAIR IT . AND I STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH MY VIN DIDN'T COME UP AND EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS HAVING SOME THESE RECALLS PROBLEMS YALL ARE NOT GOING TO REPAIR THEM BECAUSE MY VIN # DIDN'T COME UP AND THE PROBLEM IS NOT EXISTING RIGHT NOW ALL ARE NOT GOING TO REPAIR OR FIX THESE RECALLS, AND I WAS TOLD YES. WELL, SOME OF THESE RECALLS ARE EXISTING ON MY CAR AND I CAN'T GET THE FORD PLACE TO REPAIR OR FIX THEM WHY IS THAT? I THINK THAT'S VERY UNFAIR TO THE CUSTOMER.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10032722
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2003
Suspension
COMPLAINT OF POOR SERVICE FROM ADVANTAGE BOHN FORD. *MR THE COILS SPRING(S) HAD BROKEN. *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10034020
93,000 miles · Aug 7, 2003
Exterior Lighting
CONSUMER NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. TOOK TO DEALER, DEALER STATED THE 2 FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH
NHTSA ODI #10032413
Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2003
StructureCrash
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 6/17/2003 FOR RECALL# 01V255000 SUBJECT: FRONT COIL SPRING CORROSION. ON 7/8/2003 THE VEHICLE HIT A POTHOLE. THE SHIELD THAT WAS INSTALLED DUE TO THE RECALL WENT DOWN ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT REFUSED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS. *PH
NHTSA ODI #10032409
Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2003
Visibility
CONSUMER STATES THAT HEATER FAN HAS FAILED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10032072
69,820 miles · Aug 5, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
SUFFERED A WATER PUMP FAILURE. THE PLASTIC/BAKELITE IMPELLER SHATTERED CATASTROPHICALLY, RESULTING IN PARTS STREWN THROUGHOUT COOLANT SYSTEM. TOTAL REPAIR COST: $470. SINCE PART WAS REPLACED AT AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE, FORD WILL NOT REPORT THE FAULTY PART. PERHAPS PROPYLENE GLYCOL, THE PRINCIPLE CHEMICAL FOUND IN COOLANT, CAUSES…
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SUFFERED A WATER PUMP FAILURE. THE PLASTIC/BAKELITE IMPELLER SHATTERED CATASTROPHICALLY, RESULTING IN PARTS STREWN THROUGHOUT COOLANT SYSTEM. TOTAL REPAIR COST: $470. SINCE PART WAS REPLACED AT AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE, FORD WILL NOT REPORT THE FAULTY PART. PERHAPS PROPYLENE GLYCOL, THE PRINCIPLE CHEMICAL FOUND IN COOLANT, CAUSES THE PLASTIC PART TO BECOME BRITTLE AND SHATTER, BUT NO ONE AT FORD WILL LISTEN TO THAT. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOUND ON WEB REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE. TIME FOR A RECALL - THE TORONTO FIELD OFFICE TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10030828
Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2003
Suspension
PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM RECALL 01I013000 REPAIRS FOR THE COIL SPRINGS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10031883
Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE VEHICLE IS STOPPED ENGINE WOULD RACE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*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
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