Model year record

1996 Ford Contour

8 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 858 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V230000

Electrical system

Component
Electrical system
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
342,962
Reported to NHTSA
2001-07-09
Owners notified
2001-08-29

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.

Manufacturer 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.

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 00V075000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
436,200
Reported to NHTSA
2000-03-09
Owners notified
2000-10-11

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V247000

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
22,324
Reported to NHTSA
1999-09-13
Owners notified
1999-10-11

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL FILLER PIPE VENT HOSE MAY HAVE LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF OZONE RESISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE HOSE BECOMING BRITTLE AND CRACKING.

Safety risk

A CRACKED HOSE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING FUELED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL FILLER VENT HOSE CONTACTING THE APPROPRIATE BLEND OF PVC AND NITRILE RUBBER.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V103000

Exterior lighting: headlights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
605,581
Reported to NHTSA
1999-05-05
Owners notified
1999-07-16

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.

Safety risk

THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN DISTORTION OF THE TERMINAL CAUSING AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, PARKING LAMP, AND TAIL LAMP CIRCUITS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLAMP SWITCH WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAINING BRONZE TERMINALS AND AN INSPECTION, AND REPLACEMENT IF NECESSARY, OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.

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 97V203000

Fuel system, other: storage

Component
Fuel system, other: storage
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
1,800
Reported to NHTSA
1997-11-17
Owners notified
1998-02-09

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES MODIFIED TO RUN ON EITHER GASOLINE OR COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). THE NATURAL GAS FUEL TANKS HAVE A SOLENOID SHUT-OFF VALVE THAT STOPS FUEL FLOW FROM THE FUEL TANK IN THE EVENT OF CERTAIN MODERATE TO SEVERE COLLISIONS. IF THE VEHICLE IS IN A COLLISION AND THE NATURAL GAS FUEL LINE IS DAMAGED, THE SYSTEM COULD LEAK NATURAL GAS.

Safety risk

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

FORD HAS REQUESTED OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES TO HAVE THE CNG FUEL SYSTEM DISABLED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN AND TO ONLY USE GASOLINE FUEL UNTIL A PERMANENT CORRECTIVE ACTION IS DEVELOPED. OWNERS ARE BEING ALERTED TO THIS SOLENOID VALVE CONCERN AT THIS TIME. THE TIMING OF CORRECTIVE ACTIONS IS BEING DELAYED TO ALLOW BOTH CONDITIONS TO BE REMEDIED AT ONE TIME. IN THE MEANTIME, THERE IS NOT RISK AS LONG AS THE NATURAL GAS SYSTEM HAS BEEN DISABLED AND THE VHEICLE IS ONLY OPERATED ON GASOLINE.

Owner complaints

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

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline52
Power train: automatic transmission4886,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch39110,000 mi
Electrical system37100,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner33
Unknown or other2841,692 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system24
Engine and engine cooling: engine2166,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers20
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip1990,000 mi
Interior lighting1860,000 mi
Vehicle speed control1891,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring17107,880 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood17135,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator16
Exterior lighting: headlights1560,000 mi
Air bags: frontal14
Visibility: power window devices and controls1349,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash12101,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components12
Suspension1220,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery11
Air bags1084,327 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly10
Engine and engine cooling949,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan9103,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control91,200 mi
Suspension: front9
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system9
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element9130,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor895,000 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights8105,900 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)865,000 mi
Steering820,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition7
Power train749,000 mi
Visibility: windshield7
Electrical system: ignition: switch6
Equipment: electrical6
Power train: manual transmission6
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor695,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system6
Vehicle speed control: linkages668,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline5
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift5
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump5
Structure: body: door5
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system4
Exterior lighting4
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap4127,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch4
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter4
Seat belts4
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar4
Structure: body: trunk lid4
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs478,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables466,600 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys3
Exterior lighting: brake lights3
Seat belts: front: retractor3
Steering: linkages3
Steering: rack and pinion3
Suspension: rear: shock absorber3
Suspension: rear: springs: coil springs365,000 mi
Wheels3
Child seat250,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module2
Electrical system: starter assembly2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)2112,000 mi
Equipment248,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.2
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit2
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system2
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump2
Fuel system, gasoline: storage2
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift2
Power train: axle assembly2
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly2
Seat belts: front: webbing2
Seat belts: rear/other2
Seats2
Service brakes, air: antilock2
Service brakes, hydraulic249,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper295,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder2
Structure: body2
Suspension: front: control arm2
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint2
Suspension: front: macpherson strut2
Tires2
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal2
Visibility2130,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core2
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer2
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs2
Air bags: side/window1
Child seat: harness buckle: infant1
Electrical system: horn1
Electronic stability control (ESC)1150,000 mi
Engine180,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly1
Exterior lighting: headlights: concealment devices1
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch1
Exterior lighting: tail lights: switch1105,900 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: auxillary tank1
Fuel system, other: delivery1
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock1
Parking brake1
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft1
Power train: driveline: differential unit1
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1
Seat belts: front1
Seat belts: front: anchorage1
Seats: front assembly: recliner1
Service brakes, air: antilock: wheel speed sensor1
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: differential proportional valve1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections1
Steering: linkages: arm: idler and attachment1
Structure1
Structure: body: bumpers1
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments1
Structure: body: roof and pillars1
Structure: frame and members1
Suspension: front: shock absorber1
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar1
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar1
Suspension: rear: springs181,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt1
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor1
Visibility: glass, side/rear1
Wheels: hub1
Wheels: rim1119,000 mi

The 1995 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 1997 model has 3 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.