Model year record

1998 Ford Contour

9 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,189 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V255000

Suspension: front: springs: coil springs

Component
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
108,000
Reported to NHTSA
2001-08-08
Owners notified
2001-10-23

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

Manufacturer 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.

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 00V350000

Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly

Component
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
3,750
Reported to NHTSA
2000-10-30
Owners notified
2000-11-30

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.

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 99V243000

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive

Component
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
280,481
Reported to NHTSA
1999-09-08
Owners notified
1999-09-27

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IN SOME CASES, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISABLED.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V194000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
159,565
Reported to NHTSA
1999-07-20
Owners notified
1999-08-17

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.

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 98V028000

Exterior lighting: headlights

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
571,800
Reported to NHTSA
1998-02-10
Owners notified
1998-03-23

Defect description

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."

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.

Owner complaints

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

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Power train: automatic transmission7484,218 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs7381,320 mi
Air bags5095,463 mi
Electrical system4593,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline42
Engine and engine cooling: engine3471,000 mi
Unknown or other34
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system3163,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip3148,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components28122,000 mi
Air bags: frontal2789,465 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module2464,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly2370,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights2270,000 mi
Seats2185,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner2067,300 mi
Vehicle speed control1948,619 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers1853,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system18
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash1579,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling1572,000 mi
Power train15
Seats: front assembly: recliner14112,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring1374,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood1390,300 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift1332,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor1350,000 mi
Tires13
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys1285,298 mi
Fuel system, gasoline1293,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1255,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)1218,000 mi
Steering11120,000 mi
Interior lighting10
Suspension1049,600 mi
Electrical system: ignition9
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch9109,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump932,000 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly8
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc8
Suspension: front8
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor879,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator718,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control732,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan68,600 mi
Equipment6133,000 mi
Fuel system, other680,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor6
Steering: hydraulic power assist system6
Structure: body: door6128,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal6130,000 mi
Wheels663,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery5
Suspension: front: wheel bearing550,000 mi
Visibility: windshield5
Electrical system: ignition: switch4
Equipment: electrical4
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings418,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch4
Power train: manual transmission4
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device4
Steering: rack and pinion4
Vehicle speed control: cruise control4140,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core4
Electrical system: horn3
Engine386,000 mi
Exterior lighting: back up lights3
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly3
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch3
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft3
Power train: manual transmission: column shift assembly3
Seat belts3
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly3
Service brakes, air: antilock3
Service brakes, hydraulic378,600 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum3
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly3
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments3
Suspension: front: macpherson strut350,600 mi
Suspension: rear: springs: coil springs390,300 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables335,000 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear3
Wheels: hub346,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor272,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe2
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.2
Exterior lighting285,400 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights293,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch2
Exterior lighting: turn signal2
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit218,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system2
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch2
Parking brake: conventional2
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)240,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly2
Power train: clutch assembly2
Power train: driveline2
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint2
Seat belts: front280,000 mi
Seat belts: front: webbing2
Service brakes, air: antilock: wheel speed sensor2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar2
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid2
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump2
Steering: rack and pinion: rack252,839 mi
Structure2
Structure: body2
Structure: body: bumpers2
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar2
Suspension: rear2
Vehicle speed control: linkages2
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element2
Visibility: power window devices and controls2
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly2
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer2
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs2
Child seat: harness retainer/chest clip1
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module1
Electrical system: ignition: module1
Electrical system: starter assembly: relay1
Electrical system: starter assembly: solenoid163,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)1
Electronic stability control: automatic (ASC)1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly1
Exterior lighting: fog lights1
Exterior lighting: tail lights179,000 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights: switch1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting140,000 mi
Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system1
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: filling/charging1
Fuel/propulsion system1122,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages1
Parking brake1
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical163,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift1
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter149,800 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal1
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)1
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1
Seat belts: front: anchorage1
Seat belts: front: warning light/devices1
Seat belts: rear/other1
Service brakes1147,000 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor1
Service brakes, electric1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module153,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper1118,410 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1
Steering: gear box: shaft pitman1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections1
Steering: linkages158,000 mi
Structure: body: roof and pillars1
Structure: body: trunk lid1
Structure: frame and members1
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields1
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar1
Suspension: rear: shock absorber1
Suspension: rear: springs1
Tires: sidewall1
Tires: tread/belt1
Visibility1128,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior127,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor1
Wheels: hubcap/cover1
Wheels: rim1

The 1997 model has 4 times as many complaints as this one. The 1999 model has 2 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.