1998 FORD CONTOUR. HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR OVER HEATED RESULTING IN LOSS OF TAIL LIGHTS AND PARKING LIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION. TERMINAL 15 OF CONNECTOR WAS BURNED. SAFETY RECALL 99S14 ADDRESSES THIS PROBLEM BUT FORD DEALER SAYS THIS CAR WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. . I INSTALLED FORD KIT F5RZ14A411BA AND FIXED …
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1998 FORD CONTOUR. HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR OVER HEATED RESULTING IN LOSS OF TAIL LIGHTS AND PARKING LIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION. TERMINAL 15 OF CONNECTOR WAS BURNED. SAFETY RECALL 99S14 ADDRESSES THIS PROBLEM BUT FORD DEALER SAYS THIS CAR WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. . I INSTALLED FORD KIT F5RZ14A411BA AND FIXED THE PROBLEM. WHY WAS THIS CAR NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL OR IS THE FORD DEALER MISTAKEN? SHOULD THE RECALL BE EXPANDED? I SAVED THE OLD CONNECTOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10261823
85,400 miles · Feb 6, 2009
Exterior Lighting
I CURRENTLY AM THE SECOND OWNER OF A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. RECENTLY THE PARKING, AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS CEASED TO OPERATE. I CHANGED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WHICH LASTED FOR A WEEK AND BURNED OUT.. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALED THERE WAS A SERVICE RECALL DATED 5/10/99 UNDER SERIAL #99V10300 FOR THE HEADLIGHT HARNESS WHICH WAS CAU…
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I CURRENTLY AM THE SECOND OWNER OF A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. RECENTLY THE PARKING, AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS CEASED TO OPERATE. I CHANGED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WHICH LASTED FOR A WEEK AND BURNED OUT.. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALED THERE WAS A SERVICE RECALL DATED 5/10/99 UNDER SERIAL #99V10300 FOR THE HEADLIGHT HARNESS WHICH WAS CAUSING THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROBLEM. I CONTACTED FORD WHO STATED THEIR WAS NO OPEN RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. FURTHER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALED ADDITIONAL OWNERS WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM BUT WERE INFORMED BY FORD THAT THEIR PARTICULAR VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. MY COMPLAINT IS IF SO MANY FORD CONTOUR MODELS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WHY ARE ONLY CERTAIN VEHICLES COVERED WHEN MANY ARE HAVING IDENTICAL PROBLEMS THANKYOU *TR
NHTSA ODI #10257729
73,000 miles · Sep 20, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingSuspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP FOR REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED. IN 2001, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V255000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). THE DEALER …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP FOR REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED. IN 2001, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V255000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME AND STATED THAT NO REPAIR WAS NEEDED. HOWEVER, NOW THAT THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS NO LONGER VALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 01/09/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE COILS SPRINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED REPLACED HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND CABLE IN ENGINE. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR UPDATED 06/04/08. *LJ
NHTSA ODI #10203548
Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2006
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT ILLUMINATION. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10168233
Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2006
Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHT IN THE CONSUMER'S 1998 FORD CONTOUR DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROAD ENOUGH WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. *KB VISIBILITY IS ESPECIALLY BAD WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT IN THE RAIN BECAUSE THE LIGHTS FOG UP. THE CONSUMER HAS ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE HEADLIGHTS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10164764
Mileage unknown · May 30, 2006
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE A 1998 FORD CONTOUR THAT THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND REAR TAILLIGHTS HAVE STOPPED WORKING, WHILE THE HEADLIGHTS CONTINUE TO FUNCTION. THE CAUSE WAS THE WIRING OVERHEATING AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE SWITCH. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND LOCATED A RECALL NHSTA CAMPAIGN 99V103000 FOR THE 1998 FORD CONTOU…
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I HAVE A 1998 FORD CONTOUR THAT THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND REAR TAILLIGHTS HAVE STOPPED WORKING, WHILE THE HEADLIGHTS CONTINUE TO FUNCTION. THE CAUSE WAS THE WIRING OVERHEATING AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE SWITCH. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND LOCATED A RECALL NHSTA CAMPAIGN 99V103000 FOR THE 1998 FORD CONTOUR FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM, BUT ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR THE WORK OUT OF POCKET, BUT I AM WONDERING IF IT WAS IN ERROR THAN MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10158569
70,000 miles · May 1, 2006
Exterior Lighting
ON 98 FORD CONTOURS BOTH OF THE HEADLIGHTS FORM CONDENSATION ON THE INSIDE AND THEN BECOME PITTED. THIS GREATLY REDUCES THE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT AND DURING STORMY WEATHER. WE HAVE CHANGED THE BULBS BUT NOT THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. WHEN WE WENT TO LOOK FOR A SET OF HEADLIGHTS WE DISCOVERED THAT ALL THE USED SETS HAVE THE …
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ON 98 FORD CONTOURS BOTH OF THE HEADLIGHTS FORM CONDENSATION ON THE INSIDE AND THEN BECOME PITTED. THIS GREATLY REDUCES THE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT AND DURING STORMY WEATHER. WE HAVE CHANGED THE BULBS BUT NOT THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. WHEN WE WENT TO LOOK FOR A SET OF HEADLIGHTS WE DISCOVERED THAT ALL THE USED SETS HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE LIGHTS NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THIS PROBLEM IS OCCURRING ON ALL FORD CONTOURS AND ITS MERCURY COUNTERPART. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10156509
109,000 miles · Feb 1, 2006
Exterior Lighting
FORD WILL NOT REPAIR A RECALL (99S14) ON MY 1998 CONTOUR SE DUE TO THE FACT THAT MY SPECIFIC VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, ALTHOUGH THE YEAR IS IN THE RECALL. THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME. (INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS NOT WORKING WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON.) THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FORD RECALL 99S14 IS TH…
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FORD WILL NOT REPAIR A RECALL (99S14) ON MY 1998 CONTOUR SE DUE TO THE FACT THAT MY SPECIFIC VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, ALTHOUGH THE YEAR IS IN THE RECALL. THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME. (INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS NOT WORKING WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON.) THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FORD RECALL 99S14 IS THE SAME AS MY OBSERVED PROBLEM. UNSAFE TO DRIVE CAR AT NIGHT. NO CORRECTION HAS BEEN PERFORMED. FORD SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS KNOWN RECALL. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10149255
99,100 miles · Jul 27, 2005
Exterior Lighting
WHEN TURNING HEADLIGHTS ON, TAIL LIGHTS AND INTERIOR PANEL LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 99V103000). HOWEVER, FORD SAYS THAT IT IS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER [XXX]. UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM…
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WHEN TURNING HEADLIGHTS ON, TAIL LIGHTS AND INTERIOR PANEL LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 99V103000). HOWEVER, FORD SAYS THAT IT IS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER [XXX]. UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #10130258
Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2004
Exterior Lighting
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT, THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE DIM. THE CONSUMER WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
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.
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: 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
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 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN SOME CASES, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISABLED.
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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.
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. 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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.
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
7
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
EA00025 · Fuel Expulsion During Refueling
Opened Oct 4, 2000 · Closed Jan 25, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE00027 · Fuel Expulsion During Refueling
Opened Jul 10, 2000 · Closed Oct 4, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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
SQ98002 · Fuel Gauge Does Not Read Below 1/4
Opened Jan 27, 1998 · Closed Jul 31, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
FORD'S SERVICE BULLETIN DATED DECEMBER 8, 1997, POINTS OUT THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WILL NOT READ ABOVE 3/4 TANK OR BELOW 1/4 TANK OF FUEL.THE ERRONEOUS FUEL GAUGE READING WILL INDICATE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE FUEL RESERVE THAN ACTUALLY PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK.ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT WHERE THE DRIVER ALLEGED THAT HIS VEHICLE RAN OUT OF GAS DUE TO A FALSE FUEL GAUGE READING.THIS INVESTIGATION WASTO ASCERTAIN FACTS CONCERNING THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE, SCOPE, AND RATIONAL FOR ELECTING NOT TO CONDUCT A SAFETY COMPAIGN.
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