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
41,100 miles · Nov 15, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline
VEHICLE OPERATOR NOTICED ODOR OF NATURAL GAS IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE BROUGHT TO FRAMINGHAM FORD VIA FLAT BED DETERMINATION FUEL TANK LEAKING. NOT UNDER WARRANTY. HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY, EXPIRES MAY 2003. FORD DENIES COVERAGE. THIS CONSTITUTES A SAFETY HAZARD.----- DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO AR…
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VEHICLE OPERATOR NOTICED ODOR OF NATURAL GAS IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE BROUGHT TO FRAMINGHAM FORD VIA FLAT BED DETERMINATION FUEL TANK LEAKING. NOT UNDER WARRANTY. HAS EXTENDED WARRANTY, EXPIRES MAY 2003. FORD DENIES COVERAGE. THIS CONSTITUTES A SAFETY HAZARD.----- DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS-----------------769739. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10008554
Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline
CONSUMER STATED FULE WAS LEAKING FROM THE FILLER NECK AREA. MR THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW FILL TUBE AND SEAL AND PLACED A NEW GASKET ON THE EXHAUST.*JB
NHTSA ODI #8022749
Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2002
Fuel System, Other
CONSUMER STATES STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AFTER RECALL WAS PERFORM ON THE VEHICLE. RECALL#01F104000 FUEL PIPE. COTTAM WALKER FORD 505-751-3200 PLEASE PROVIDE THE ADDRESS TS
NHTSA ODI #8022469
Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
FORD OPERATION #991308A FORD IS AWARE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE CYCLE VARIABLE CAMSHAFT TIMING (VCT) SOLENOID WHICH ACCORDING TO A PRINT OUT IS STILL COVERED UNDER THE EMISSIONS WARRANTY COVERAGE OF 80,000MILES AND 8 YEARS. HOWEVER, WHEN CALLING THE DEALER ONTHE PROBLEM - THEY PLAY STUPID AND QUOTE A PRICING IN THE THOUSANDS. WHA…
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FORD OPERATION #991308A FORD IS AWARE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE CYCLE VARIABLE CAMSHAFT TIMING (VCT) SOLENOID WHICH ACCORDING TO A PRINT OUT IS STILL COVERED UNDER THE EMISSIONS WARRANTY COVERAGE OF 80,000MILES AND 8 YEARS. HOWEVER, WHEN CALLING THE DEALER ONTHE PROBLEM - THEY PLAY STUPID AND QUOTE A PRICING IN THE THOUSANDS. WHAT GIVES??? MY INFORMATION COMES DIRECTLY FROM FORD TO THE MITCHELL INFORMATION COMPANY., LLC. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE TECH WHO LOOKED AT THE CAR - HE SAID THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HE IS SEEING TOO FREQUENTLY ON THE CONTOUR, ESPECIALLY THE 98. IS THIS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY FORD DISCONTINUED TO PRODUCE THIS CAR? SHOULD THIS BE A RECALL, SINCE THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL IN THE DRIVE POSITION WITHOUT WARNING? DT
NHTSA ODI #769347
46,000 miles · Nov 4, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND WILL STAY ON THE REMAINDER OF THE TIME VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. DEALER NOTIFIED, OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED BY A DIFFERENT TECHNICIAN WHICH SEEMS TO HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. MR *NLM
NHTSA ODI #8022112
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP 4 TIMES ON MY 1998 FORD CONTOUR. DEC. 28, 2001 - 1ST INCIDENT: WATER PUMP FAILURE, ALSO HAD TO REPLACE SENSOR AND THERMOSTAT BECAUSE THE RADIATOR HAD ZERO WATER IN IT. MARCH 26, 2002 - 2ND INCIDENT: WATER PUMP FAILURE. MAY 24, 2002 - 3RD INCIDENT: WATER PUMP FAILURE. OCTOBER 24, 2002 - 4TH …
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I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP 4 TIMES ON MY 1998 FORD CONTOUR. DEC. 28, 2001 - 1ST INCIDENT: WATER PUMP FAILURE, ALSO HAD TO REPLACE SENSOR AND THERMOSTAT BECAUSE THE RADIATOR HAD ZERO WATER IN IT. MARCH 26, 2002 - 2ND INCIDENT: WATER PUMP FAILURE. MAY 24, 2002 - 3RD INCIDENT: WATER PUMP FAILURE. OCTOBER 24, 2002 - 4TH INCIDENT: WATER PUMP FAILURE, ALSO HAD TO HAVE A BELT ON THE PUMP REPLACED. I CALLED NORMA AT THE FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER (1-800-392-3673) AND SHE TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING THAT FORD CAN DO SINCE THE PARTS WARRANTY (12 MONTH/12,000 MILES) IS OVER THE MILEAGE. I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF A WATER PUMP AND IF THERE ARE FUTURE FAILURES UNDER THE WARRANTY ONCE I'VE PAID FOR THE REPAIRS IT WILL BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE. I INFORMED NORMA THAT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY HAVE OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE WATER PUMP FAILURE/DEFECT AND THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP HAS GRACIOUSLY PAID FOR A RENTAL CAR FOR ALL 4 REPLACEMENTS AND HAS GIVEN ME A DISCOUNT ON LABOR FOR THIS 4TH REPLACEMENT. ALSO MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUALLY STAYS ON EVEN AFTER BEING "SERVICED" BY THE DEALERSHIP. DT
NHTSA ODI #768890
Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2002
Power Train
REPLACED TIMING BELT AND IDLER PULLEY 3 MONTHS AGO AND NOW THE GEARS ARE SOUNDING LIKE THEY ARE GOING OUT AGAIN. MR
NHTSA ODI #768506
Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2002
Equipment
BLOWER NOT WORKING ALREADY REPLACED WITH RECALL OUT AGAIN. AIR CONDITIONING REPAIRED AND REPLACED TWICE GOING OUT AGAIN. MAKING SOUNDS LIKE BEFORE LIKE BEARINGS GOING OUT. MR
NHTSA ODI #768505
Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2002
Seats
I ACCELERATED LEAVING A STOP LIGHT AND THE DRIVER SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. UPON FURTHER REVIEW A METAL BRACKET SNAPPED CLEAN IN HALF. I HAVE LOOKED THIS UP ON THE INTERNET AND IT APEARS TO BE A COMMON OCCURANCE WITH THE FORD CONTOUR. HOWEVER, FORD SEEMS UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT ITAND THE PART IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. …
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I ACCELERATED LEAVING A STOP LIGHT AND THE DRIVER SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. UPON FURTHER REVIEW A METAL BRACKET SNAPPED CLEAN IN HALF. I HAVE LOOKED THIS UP ON THE INTERNET AND IT APEARS TO BE A COMMON OCCURANCE WITH THE FORD CONTOUR. HOWEVER, FORD SEEMS UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT ITAND THE PART IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. MR
NHTSA ODI #768114
Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2002
Latches/locks/linkages
CONSUMER HAS PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LOCKS AFTER VEHICLE WAS STOLEN. *MR
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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