Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 161 of 846 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 132 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 130 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 128 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
50 crash reports20 fire reports36 injury reports
What owners actually said
846 reports
30,000 miles · Dec 19, 2006
Electrical System
TL*- THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE CAR FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER (MAROONE FORD) AND THEY TOLD HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THAT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY BUT SHE WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE REPA…
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TL*- THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE CAR FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER (MAROONE FORD) AND THEY TOLD HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THAT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY BUT SHE WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE REPAIRS.
NHTSA ODI #10176557
107,556 miles · Dec 9, 2006
Electrical System
I HAVE A 1998 FORD CONTOUR SVT, THIS IS MY THIRD ONE. EVERY ONE I PURCHASE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM, THE WIRES IN THE WIRE HARNESS FOR THE COMPUTER AND CAR CRACK AND THE COATING JUST FALLS RIGHT OFF, WHICH ALLOWS THE WIRES TO THE COMPUTER TO TOUCH WHICH SHORTS THE COMPUTER AND MAKES THE CAR NO LONGER START, IT WILL CRANK BUT IT WILL…
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I HAVE A 1998 FORD CONTOUR SVT, THIS IS MY THIRD ONE. EVERY ONE I PURCHASE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM, THE WIRES IN THE WIRE HARNESS FOR THE COMPUTER AND CAR CRACK AND THE COATING JUST FALLS RIGHT OFF, WHICH ALLOWS THE WIRES TO THE COMPUTER TO TOUCH WHICH SHORTS THE COMPUTER AND MAKES THE CAR NO LONGER START, IT WILL CRANK BUT IT WILL NOT START CAUSE THE COMPUTER IN SHORTED AND CONFUSED SO THERE IS NO FUEL AND NO SPARK GOING TO THE FUEL RAIL OR THE COIL PACK. AT THIS POINT THE CAR NEEDS A WIRE HARNESS AND A PCM AND THIS ALL COSTS CLOSE TO $3000 OF WHICH I DO NOT HAVE TO FIX IT. MY FRIEND WORKED FOR GENERAL ELECTRIC AND HE SAID HE HAS SEEN THIS BEFORE AT THE FACTORY WHEN THE COATING IS HEATED TO HIGH ONCE IT DRYS ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE COATING CRACKS AND FLAKES OFF. FORD SAYS THEY WILL NOT HELP ME ALTHOUGH ITS A CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THESE SVT CONTOURS I AM HOPING THIS CAN HELP ALL US FORD LOVERS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10175661
128,000 miles · Nov 29, 2006
StructureVisibility
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WINDOW CRANK SHAFT (MANUAL WINDOW) SNAPPED OFF CLEAN INSIDE REGULATOR LEAVING WINDOW UTTERLY INOPERABLE. THIS HAPPENED DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF WINDOW DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS AND WARM WEATHER. DEALER CLAIMED "IT HAPPENS A LOT". VERY DANGEROUS IF VEHICLE WAS IN A FIRE, ACCIDENT, SUBMERGED IN WATER E…
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DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WINDOW CRANK SHAFT (MANUAL WINDOW) SNAPPED OFF CLEAN INSIDE REGULATOR LEAVING WINDOW UTTERLY INOPERABLE. THIS HAPPENED DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF WINDOW DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS AND WARM WEATHER. DEALER CLAIMED "IT HAPPENS A LOT". VERY DANGEROUS IF VEHICLE WAS IN A FIRE, ACCIDENT, SUBMERGED IN WATER ETC. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10174716
85,465 miles · Nov 6, 2006
Electrical System
THERE'S A RECALL ON 1995-1997 FORD CONTOUR ( #99M03 AT WWW.CONTOUR.ORG/FAQ/RECALL/99M0). THE RECALL IS FOR A COMPLETE ENGINE HARNESS FAILURE , DUE TO CRACKING AND BRITTLE WIRES. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED 06/97, AND I HAVE A COMPLETE WIRE HARNESS FAILURE. THEY WANT OVER $3000.00 TO REPAIR A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER…
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THERE'S A RECALL ON 1995-1997 FORD CONTOUR ( #99M03 AT WWW.CONTOUR.ORG/FAQ/RECALL/99M0). THE RECALL IS FOR A COMPLETE ENGINE HARNESS FAILURE , DUE TO CRACKING AND BRITTLE WIRES. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED 06/97, AND I HAVE A COMPLETE WIRE HARNESS FAILURE. THEY WANT OVER $3000.00 TO REPAIR A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL. I SPOKE TO FORD AND THEY DO NOT HAVE AN ANSWER AS TO WHY THEY ARE ONLY COVERING SOME VEHICLE. THEY SHOULD COVER ALL CONTOUR'S WITH THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A MATTER THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALOUD TO GET AWAY WITH. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10172771
113,000 miles · Oct 31, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED A SENSOR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10172247
135,150 miles · Oct 3, 2006
Electrical System
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. IT WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THE ENGINE HARNESS, COOLING FAN HARNESS, AND POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #10169842
110,000 miles · Sep 27, 2006
Electrical System
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, ALL POWER FAILED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL, ALONG WITH STEERING AND BRAKE FAILURES. THE SERVICE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE POWER FAILURE HAD HAPPENED 6 TIMES SINCE 2001. AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE DEALER EXPRESSED THE WIRING HA…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, ALL POWER FAILED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL, ALONG WITH STEERING AND BRAKE FAILURES. THE SERVICE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE POWER FAILURE HAD HAPPENED 6 TIMES SINCE 2001. AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE DEALER EXPRESSED THE WIRING HARNESS WAS BEYOND REPAIR AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
NHTSA ODI #10169381
Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2006
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT ILLUMINATION. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10168233
97,282 miles · Sep 6, 2006
Electrical System
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE WIRING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BECAME BRITTLE AND THE INSULATION CRACKED AND FELL OFF DUE TO OVERHEATING. THE CONNECTION TO THE ENGINE ALSO DISINTEGRATED DUE TO OVERHEATING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE SERVICE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THE WIRING HARNESS NE…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE WIRING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BECAME BRITTLE AND THE INSULATION CRACKED AND FELL OFF DUE TO OVERHEATING. THE CONNECTION TO THE ENGINE ALSO DISINTEGRATED DUE TO OVERHEATING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE SERVICE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHEN THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VIN DID NOT MATCH THE RECALL FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (01V230000), FORD RECALL # 01S22. UPDATED 1/17/2007 - *NM
NHTSA ODI #10167465
112,000 miles · Aug 31, 2006
Seats
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT RECLINED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC.
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.
1998 Ford Contour Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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