Model year record

1995 Ford Contour

8 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,323 owner complaints on file.

Ford Contour, 1995–2000 generation
Pictured: the 1995–2000 generation. IFCAR, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V367000

Engine and engine cooling

Component
Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
262,559
Reported to NHTSA
2000-11-06
Owners notified
2001-02-05

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.0L AND 2.5L ENGINES, AND 1996 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. TIGHTENING OF THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MOTOR BEARINGS, UP TO AND INCLUDING MOTOR STALL, CAN RESULT IN INCREASED MOTOR TORQUE AND HIGHER THAN NORMAL MOTOR CURRENT AND ACCOMPANYING HIGH MOTOR TEMPERATURES.

Safety risk

OVERHEATING OF THE COOLING FAN MOTOR DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT CAN RESULT IN SMOKE AND ODORS FROM BEARING GREASE, INSULATION AND OTHER INTERNAL MOTOR COMPONENTS. IF ELECTRICAL CURRENT CONTINUES TO BE APPLIED TO THE MOTOR, INTERNAL MOTOR COMPONENTS COULD IGNITE POSSIBLY IGNITING OTHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A POSITIVE TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT DEVICE IN-LINE WITH EACH FAN MOTOR. FORD WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY TO A TOTAL OF 8 YEARS OF SERVICE OR 100,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF THE VEHICLE ALREADY HAS MORE THAN 100,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL JULY 31, 2001.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V233000

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
175,000
Reported to NHTSA
1998-09-18
Owners notified
1998-11-20

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V225000

Vehicle speed control: cables

Component
Vehicle speed control: cables
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
38,000
Reported to NHTSA
1997-12-08
Owners notified
1998-01-13

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL OPTION. THE THROTTLE CABLES WERE DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY LEADING TO FRAYING OR SEPARATION OF THE THROTTLE CABLE.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT IS LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BENDING OR KINKING DURING INSTALLATION.

Recall campaignNHTSA 95V232000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
167,784
Reported to NHTSA
1995-12-05
Owners notified
1995-12-27

Defect description

THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE OPENING REINFORCEMENT, CONSTRUCTED FROM TWO SEPARATELY MOLDED PIECES, CAN LEAK AT THE WELD.

Safety risk

FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES WITH UNITS CONTAINING ONE-PIECE MOLDED REINFORCEMENTS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 95V228000

Seat belts: front: anchorage

Component
Seat belts: front: anchorage
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
229,500
Reported to NHTSA
1995-12-04
Owners notified
1995-12-27

Defect description

CRACKS HAVE BEEN FOUND IN THE FRONT SAFETY BELT OUTBOARD ANCHOR TABS DUE TO A COMBINATION OF HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT OF THE TAB AND STRESS INTRODUCED DURING ATTACHMENT OF THE ANCHOR TAB TO THE SEAT FRAME. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Safety risk

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: A FRACTURE OR SEPARATION IN THIS AREA WOULD REDUCE THE LOAD THAT THE ANCHOR AND THE FRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES COULD SUSTAIN, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY IN A VEHICLE COLLISOIN.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL AN ANCHOR TAB REINFORCEMENT OR REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPLETE FRONT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY IF AN ANCHOR TAB IS FOUND TO HAVE FRACTURED.

Recall campaignNHTSA 95V009000

Visibility: windshield

Component
Visibility: windshield
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
2,512
Reported to NHTSA
1995-01-24
Owners notified
1995-02-17

Defect description

THE GLASS TEMPERING PROCESS ON THE RIGHT HAND REAR DOOR WINDOWS WAS NOT CORRECTLY PERFORMED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."

Safety risk

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE WINDOW BREAKS, THE GLASS FRAGMENTS OF THE REAR WINDOWS EXCEED THE SIZE SPECIFICATIONS OF FMVSS NO. 205.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT REAR DOOR GLASS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 94V203000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
28,500
Reported to NHTSA
1994-10-18
Owners notified
1994-10-14

Defect description

THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE OPENING REINFORCEMENT CAN LEAK AT THE WELD.

Safety risk

FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, AS APPROPRIATE, REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 94V184000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
8,000
Reported to NHTSA
1994-09-29
Owners notified
1994-10-15

Defect description

A METAL SHIELD ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PLASTIC FUEL FILLER PIPE CAN DEVELOP A STATIC ELECTRICAL CHARGE DURING REFUELING OF THE VEHICLE.

Safety risk

A STATIC CHARGE CAN DISCHARGE AND SERVE AS AN IGNITION SOURCE FOR FUEL VAPORS IN THE AREA OF THE FILLER PIPE, RESULTING IN A FLASH VAPOR IGNITION AND A VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, MODIFY THE VEHICLES BY ADDING A GROUND STRAP BETWEEN THE FILLER PIPE SHIELD AND THE BODY.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood69125,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission6371,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan4850,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline47—
Engine and engine cooling4675,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system4212,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine4295,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap3645,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system35—
Electrical system34112,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip31—
Electrical system: wiring26101,000 mi
Vehicle speed control26—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly2546,000 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs2462,400 mi
Air bags: frontal23—
Air bags21—
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner21—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components21—
Unknown or other21—
Electrical system: ignition18—
Exterior lighting: headlights18—
Power train1584,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift1555,800 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage15—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump15—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash14123,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor14—
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers13—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly13—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly12—
Visibility: windshield12—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys11—
Suspension: rear11—
Suspension: rear: springs11—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery10—
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator10—
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)10—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor10—
Steering105,000 mi
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar10—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element10—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system9—
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch950,000 mi
Parking brake: conventional8—
Power train: manual transmission8—
Suspension: front8137,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables8196,000 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar7—
Structure: body: door7—
Suspension775,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system7—
Electrical system: ignition: switch680,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control688,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump688,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly6—
Seat belts645,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor6—
Seats6—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads6—
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar6—
Tires6—
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal6—
Electrical system: starter assembly578,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline5—
Seats: front assembly: recliner5—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper5—
Structure: frame and members5—
Visibility: power window devices and controls5—
Wheels5—
Electrical system: horn4—
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch4—
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable4—
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)4—
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch4—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc4—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections4—
Suspension: rear: springs: coil springs489,195 mi
Air bags: side/window345,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module378,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe3—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings3—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system3—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage3—
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint3—
Power train: driveline: driveshaft3—
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly3—
Tires: tread/belt3—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core3—
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module236,000 mi
Equipment: electrical2—
Exterior lighting: brake lights2—
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch2—
Exterior lighting: tail lights2—
Exterior lighting: turn signal2—
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system2—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail2—
Parking brake2—
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift2—
Power train: driveline2—
Seat belts: front2—
Seats: front assembly: head restraint2—
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor2—
Service brakes, hydraulic2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages2—
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm2—
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly2—
Steering: rack and pinion2—
Suspension: front: macpherson strut2—
Suspension: rear: shock absorber2—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor245,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer2—
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1—
Electrical system: starter assembly: relay178,000 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly: solenoid178,000 mi
Engine1158,140 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)1—
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch1—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery1—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors1—
Fuel system, other1—
Fuel system, other: delivery1—
Interior lighting1—
Latches/locks/linkages1—
Parking brake: driveline: air1—
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter1—
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft1166,900 mi
Power train: clutch assembly1—
Power train: driveline: differential unit1—
Power train: manual transmission: shift pattern indicator1—
Seat belts: front: webbing1—
Seat belts: rear/other150,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: power adjust1—
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler189,007 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: ABS warning light1—
Service brakes, air: antilock: interconnecting assembly(wiring)1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: brake fluid low warning: lamp1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1—
Steering: column180,000 mi
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device1—
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)1—
Structure1—
Structure: body: hood1—
Structure: body: roof and pillars1—
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm1—
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint1—
Suspension: front: shock absorber1—
Suspension: front: wheel bearing1—
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly: leaf1—
Tires: sidewall158,521 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1—
Vehicle speed control: linkages1—
Visibility: glass, side/rear1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices1—
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring1—
Wheels: hub1166,900 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs1—
Wheels: rim1—

The 1994 model has 102 times as many complaints as this one. The 1996 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Ford Contour model years

All Ford Contour recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.