Model year record

1995 Ford Contour

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

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.

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.