ALSO THE TIMING BELT IS BROKEN AND THERE'S NOTHING ON OWNER'S GUIDE THAT TELLS YOU TO CHANGE TIMING BELT AFTER 60,000 MILES. ENGINE LIGHT ON AFTER ONE MONTH OF BUYING THIS CAR I CALL THE DEALER MADE APPOINTMENTS FEW TIMES BUT THE PROBLEM NEVER WENT AWAY, FEW TIMES I HAD TO PAY FOR THEM TO CHECK ON THE WAY HOME THE LIGHT IS BA…
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ALSO THE TIMING BELT IS BROKEN AND THERE'S NOTHING ON OWNER'S GUIDE THAT TELLS YOU TO CHANGE TIMING BELT AFTER 60,000 MILES. ENGINE LIGHT ON AFTER ONE MONTH OF BUYING THIS CAR I CALL THE DEALER MADE APPOINTMENTS FEW TIMES BUT THE PROBLEM NEVER WENT AWAY, FEW TIMES I HAD TO PAY FOR THEM TO CHECK ON THE WAY HOME THE LIGHT IS BACK ON , I CALL THEM BACK AND ASK WHAT'S THE PROBLEM , WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF ME TAKING A DAY OFF TO BRING THE CAR TO BE FIX AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST., THEIR REMARK WAS THERE'S 23 SENSOR AND THEY COULD'NT TELL WHICH ONE IT WAS. NOW I'M STUCK PAYING 1 1/2 YRS ON A CAR THAT I DON'T HAVE , STILL HAVE TO CAME UP WITH MONEY TO GET A NEW ENGINE IN WHICH I DON'T HAVE , BUMPING RIDE TO AND FROM WORK, CANCEL ALL MY APPTS. AND BEGGING PEOPLE FOR RIDES SO I CAN PICK UP KIDS FROM SCHOOL AND FOOD SHOPPING, I CAN'T TAKE THE KIDS TO DO ANYTHING BECAUSE I HAVE NO CAR THAT'S NOT FARE. THANK-YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP ,THANK-YOU AGAIN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #757379
Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMING ON. TOOK TO KINSEL FORD IN JUNE 2001...TOLD CATALYTIC CONVERTER GOING OUT. ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF...STARTED COMING ON AGAIN AND CAR HAD ALOT OF EXHAUST AND RUNNING ROUGH. TOOK TO SILSBEE FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WAS OUT DUE TO THE ENGINE COOLING FAN NOT COMING ON LIKE IT WAS SUPPOSE TO SO IT A…
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ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMING ON. TOOK TO KINSEL FORD IN JUNE 2001...TOLD CATALYTIC CONVERTER GOING OUT. ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF...STARTED COMING ON AGAIN AND CAR HAD ALOT OF EXHAUST AND RUNNING ROUGH. TOOK TO SILSBEE FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WAS OUT DUE TO THE ENGINE COOLING FAN NOT COMING ON LIKE IT WAS SUPPOSE TO SO IT ALSO FRIED THE WIRES. FORD IS WILLING TO PAY FOR PARTS BUT REFUSES TO PAY FOR LABOR DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY SAY IT WAS OUT OF THE 100,000 WARRENTY FOR THE REPAIR. I EXPLAINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS GOING ON WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN IN JUNE AND THEY DIDN'T CORRECT IT THEN, ACCORDING TO THE CHECK OUT SHEET THEY DIDN'T EVEN CHECK IT FOR THAT AND I SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR THAT RECALL TO BE CHECKED. I HAD EVEN BEEN IN IN MARCH OF 2000 FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT MY CAR HAD NO RECALL FOR THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING FAN. JUST EXTREMELY UPSET THAT YOU CAN HAVE A RECALL, TAKE YOUR CAR IN AND IT NOT BE CHECKED FOR IT AND WHEN IT GOES OUT DUE TO THE RECALL THAT THE COMPANY PENALIZES THE CONSUMER.*AK
NHTSA ODI #757282
Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY WHILE IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, CONSUMER SENT COPIES OF BILLS TO DEALER, BUT NO RESPONSE, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *TT
NHTSA ODI #564038
Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control
STALLS OUT IF YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS, SURGES BETWEEN 1-4 RMPS, ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, ALL STARTED AFTER I HAD THE HEATER BLOWER SWITCH REPLACED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #756307
Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #756261
Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
WATER PUMP FAILURE @ 78000 MILES - REPORT EARLY FAILURE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #754910
Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND THE SERVICING DEPT AT THE FORD DEALER AND OTHER AUTO SERVICING CENTER COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHY TO THIS DAY IT IS ON. AT ONE TIME THE ENTIRE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND REAR BRAKES LIGHTS WENT OUT. IT CURRENTLY SHUT ITS SELF OFF ( STALLS) AND GET HOT. THE ENGINE SOUNDS REVVED UP AND SHORTLY A…
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PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND THE SERVICING DEPT AT THE FORD DEALER AND OTHER AUTO SERVICING CENTER COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHY TO THIS DAY IT IS ON. AT ONE TIME THE ENTIRE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND REAR BRAKES LIGHTS WENT OUT. IT CURRENTLY SHUT ITS SELF OFF ( STALLS) AND GET HOT. THE ENGINE SOUNDS REVVED UP AND SHORTLY AFTER THE AC UNIT WENT OUT.EVERYTHING HAS BEEN CHECKED OUT/ THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT WAS REPLACED SOME WIRING HAD TO BE REPLACED ALL THE FLUIDS ARE WHERE THEY SHOULD BE AND IT STILL STALLS AND OVERHEATS FOR NO REASON. BOTH FRONT WINDOWS ELECTRICAL MOTORS HAVE GONE OUT.
NHTSA ODI #751712
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 00V367000. OVERHEATING OF ENGINE COOLING FAN DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #895601
Mileage unknown · Aug 30, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingVisibility
VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR RECALL 00V367000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 00S44 CONCERNING ENGINE COOLING FAN. AFTER VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP, SAME DAY, CONSUMER FOUND AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER WERE NOT WORKING. ONLY DEFROSTER WORKED. DEALER OPENED HOOD AND STATED NOTHING WAS DONE TO AFFECT AIR CONDITIONING UNIT/HEATER. ADVISE…
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VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR RECALL 00V367000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 00S44 CONCERNING ENGINE COOLING FAN. AFTER VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP, SAME DAY, CONSUMER FOUND AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER WERE NOT WORKING. ONLY DEFROSTER WORKED. DEALER OPENED HOOD AND STATED NOTHING WAS DONE TO AFFECT AIR CONDITIONING UNIT/HEATER. ADVISED CONSUMER TO CALL BACK NEXT WEEK TO SPEAK TO SERVICE MANAGER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #895508
Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. DEALER SAID ENGINE COOLING FAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A RECALL 00V367000, BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED DUE TO VIN. *AK
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: 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
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 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A CRACKED HOSE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING FUELED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL FILLER VENT HOSE CONTACTING THE APPROPRIATE BLEND OF PVC AND NITRILE RUBBER.
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 EQUIPPED WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL OPTION. THE THROTTLE CABLES WERE DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY LEADING TO FRAYING OR SEPARATION OF THE THROTTLE CABLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT IS LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BENDING OR KINKING DURING INSTALLATION.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
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.
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
5
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
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
PE98063 · Headlight Switch
Opened Dec 3, 1998 · Closed May 10, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
ODI OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON DECEMBER 3, 1989 BASED ON FIVE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, ALL OF WHICH MENTIONED CONCERNS CENTERED ON THE DASHBOARD-MOUNTED HEADLIGHT SWITCH.THESE CONCERNS INCLUDED AN ALLEGATION OF THE SWITCH CATCHING FIRE, AN ALLEGATION OF HEADLIGHT LOSS, AND THREE ALLEGATIONS OF INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TAIL LIGHT OUTAGES.THREE OF THE REPORTS SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND ITS ASSOCIATED WIRING AS HAVING BEEN HEAT DAMAGED.FORD INVESTIGATIONS HAVE FOUND THAT OVERHEATING OF AN ELECTRICAL TERMINAL AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR CAUSES LOSS OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TAIL LIGHTS.FORD WILL REMEDY THIS CONDITION IN 1996-1998 MODEL CONTOUR AND MYSTIQUE VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM APRIL 20, 1995 THROUGH AUGUST 12, 1998 AND AT THE CAUTITLAN, MEXICO ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM JUNE 13, 1995 THROUGH AUGUST 24, 1998 UNDER RECALL 99V-103.THE REMEDY INVOLVES REPLACEMENT OF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR AND IF NECESSARY, THE SWITCH ITSELF.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
1996 Ford Contour Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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