← New search

1999 Ford Contour

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Ford Contour do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 218.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

137 reports with mileage · 282 unknown

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.

  • Structure. Review the 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

28 crash reports9 fire reports22 injury reports

Suspension complaints

32 reports
Clear category filter
37,777 miles · Oct 14, 2009
SteeringStructureSuspensionCrashInjury

I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALLS. I HAVE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE REPLACED STARTER AND BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES FEELS LIKE SUSPENSION IS FALLING APART AND NEVER NOTIFIED I HAVE SMALL AND OLDER CHILDREN SHAMEFUL. THESE EVENTS STARTING TAKING PLACE WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 1999 ARM CONTROL 3 …

Read full complaint

I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALLS. I HAVE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE REPLACED STARTER AND BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES FEELS LIKE SUSPENSION IS FALLING APART AND NEVER NOTIFIED I HAVE SMALL AND OLDER CHILDREN SHAMEFUL. THESE EVENTS STARTING TAKING PLACE WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 1999 ARM CONTROL 3 TIMES REPLACED I WAS LIED TO BY FORD AND SAID I MUST OF HIT A BUMP BUMP MY BUMP 3 TIMES ALMOST DEAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10287331

85,000 miles · Aug 20, 2007
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. SHE STATED THAT THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING. THEY STATED THAT THE ROAD SALT COULD BE A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE CRACK. THE MECHANIC MADE THE REPLACEMENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 85,000. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WAS UNAV…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. SHE STATED THAT THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING. THEY STATED THAT THE ROAD SALT COULD BE A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE CRACK. THE MECHANIC MADE THE REPLACEMENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 85,000. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10200098

60,000 miles · Aug 14, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

1999 FORD CONTOUR SE SPORT DASHBOARD PEELING. MY DASHBOARD STARTED TO PEEL AWAY AT APPROX 60,000 MILES. I NOW HAVE 80,000 MILES ON MY CAR. I DID NOT RECEIVE NOTICE OF A RECALL ON THIS MATTER, WHICH WAS APPARENTLY A SECRET. I HAVE OWNED 3 FORDS AND WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DUE TO THE LAX CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FAILURE TO TAKE RESPONS…

Read full complaint

1999 FORD CONTOUR SE SPORT DASHBOARD PEELING. MY DASHBOARD STARTED TO PEEL AWAY AT APPROX 60,000 MILES. I NOW HAVE 80,000 MILES ON MY CAR. I DID NOT RECEIVE NOTICE OF A RECALL ON THIS MATTER, WHICH WAS APPARENTLY A SECRET. I HAVE OWNED 3 FORDS AND WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DUE TO THE LAX CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FAILURE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PRODUCT FAILURE. I HAVE ALSO HAD ALL THE HEAD GASKETS REPLACED (I AM 60 AND HARDLY HOT RODDING), REAR STRUTS AND SOMETHING RELATED TO A LOUD HUMMING SOUND UNDER THE HOOD THAT WAS ESSENTIAL FOR THE CAR TO REMAIN IN WORKING ORDER AND PROBLEMS WITH THE KEY STICKING IN THE IGNITION AND ALSO A FUEL PUMP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10199517

65,000 miles · Jul 17, 2007
Suspension

THE 1999 CONTOUR HAS 67,000 MILES. AT 36,000 MILES HAD THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING REPLACED. SINCE THEN, I HAD THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED 3 MORE TIMES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10196634

Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2007
Suspension

TOOK CAR TO DEALER BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE ACTING UP . FOUND THAT BOTH TONE RINGS IN THE ABS SYSTEM BROKE. THE DASHBOARD HAD BEEN WARPING FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS, WAS TOLD AT THE SHOP THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE DASHBOARD, AND I MUST HAVE GOTTEN A LETTER, BUT IT EXPIRED AND WILL COST $1164.60 TO REPLACE IT. THE DURING …

Read full complaint

TOOK CAR TO DEALER BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE ACTING UP . FOUND THAT BOTH TONE RINGS IN THE ABS SYSTEM BROKE. THE DASHBOARD HAD BEEN WARPING FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS, WAS TOLD AT THE SHOP THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE DASHBOARD, AND I MUST HAVE GOTTEN A LETTER, BUT IT EXPIRED AND WILL COST $1164.60 TO REPLACE IT. THE DURING THE INSPECTION THEY TOLD ME THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE. THEY COULD GET AWAY WITH THE DEFECTIVE DASHBOARD BECAUSE THEY COULD BLAME THE CONSUMER, FOR DRIVING WITHOUT CLEAR VISION?, BUT THE RINGS THAT CONTROL THE BRAKING ACTION,AND THE COIL SPRING BEING MADE OF BAD MATERIALS WAS A ABSOLUTELY A SAFETY PROBLEM, THAT SHOULD BRING ABOUT AN IMMEDIATE RECALL. WHEN ONE OF THESE COMPONENTS FAILED WHILE DRIVING A BUS FULL OF CHILDREN OF A CLIFF WHOSE FAULT WILL IT BE THEN. NOT MINE FOR NOT REPORTING IT, MAYBE THAT OF NHTSA FOR NOT RECALLING IT, MAYBE FORDS FOR NOT FIXING IT, OR MAYBE SHARED BLAME. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10196223

99,098 miles · Apr 13, 2007
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

VIBRATION WHEN BRAKES APPLIED. THIS PROBLEM STARTED BEFORE I EVEN PULLED OFF THE LOT WHEN I BOUGHT IT USED. THE DEALERSHIP HAD SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT. NOW, THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS. THE FIRST TIME I BOUGHT A SET OF TIRES, THEN GOT AN ALIGNMENT. WAS TOLD I NEEDED DIFFERENT TIRES SI…

Read full complaint

VIBRATION WHEN BRAKES APPLIED. THIS PROBLEM STARTED BEFORE I EVEN PULLED OFF THE LOT WHEN I BOUGHT IT USED. THE DEALERSHIP HAD SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT. NOW, THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS. THE FIRST TIME I BOUGHT A SET OF TIRES, THEN GOT AN ALIGNMENT. WAS TOLD I NEEDED DIFFERENT TIRES SINCE THE VIBRATION DID NOT STOP. BOUGHT MORE TIRES ,AND WAS TOLD THAT IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ALIGNMENT. TODAY, MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP. IT'S GOING TO COST $120 JUST TO HAVE DIAGNOSTICS DONE. I ALSO HEARD STRANGE NOISES FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR EVERY TIME I BRAKE. I'M SHOPPING FOR A NEW CAR TOMORROW. I HAVE YET TO MEET SOMEONE WHO CAN TELL ME EXACTLY WHAT WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR AND FIX IT!*AK

NHTSA ODI #10187837

95 miles · Mar 14, 2007
Suspension

ON MY 1999 FORD CONTOUR WITH 95,000 KM, BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS HAVE BROKEN, PUNCTURING BOTH REAR TIRES. THIS CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN VERY NICELY AND GIVEN INCREDIBLE TLC. THE COST OF THESE REPAIRS TOTALED $1000, AND SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED IF THE SPRINGS WERE MANUFACTURED PROPERLY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10185060

81,600 miles · Apr 7, 2006
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineSuspension

MY CAR SPORADIC STALLED IN TRAFFIC BECAUSE THE NEW FUEL PUMP WOULD SHUT OFF. THE CAUSE WAS FAULTY WIRING THAT SHORTED OUT AND IN TURN DESTROYED THE CARS COMPUTER. NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE SO DEALER WAS USING PARTS FROM DIFFERENT MAKE/MODEL PARTS FOR REPAIRS. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10154842

149,400 miles · May 31, 2005
Suspension

MY WIFE AND I OWN A 1999 FORD COUNTOUR. IN AUGUST 2004, I HAD A BROKEN LEFT-FRONT COIL SPRING REPLACED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC WITH A USED PART FROM THE IDENTICAL MAKE/MODEL VEHICLE. IN MAY 2005, THE VEHICLE WAS REJECTED DURING A NYS VEHICLE INSPECTION FOR A BROKEN LEFT-FRONT COIL SPRING. AFTER CHECKING ON INTERNET AND FINDING …

Read full complaint

MY WIFE AND I OWN A 1999 FORD COUNTOUR. IN AUGUST 2004, I HAD A BROKEN LEFT-FRONT COIL SPRING REPLACED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC WITH A USED PART FROM THE IDENTICAL MAKE/MODEL VEHICLE. IN MAY 2005, THE VEHICLE WAS REJECTED DURING A NYS VEHICLE INSPECTION FOR A BROKEN LEFT-FRONT COIL SPRING. AFTER CHECKING ON INTERNET AND FINDING A PATTERN OF SIMILAR COIL SPRING BREAKAGE IN RECENT FORD VEHICLES - INCLUDING A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THE 1998 CONTOUR - I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE TO REQUEST AN ADJUSTMENT, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE 1999 CONTOUR WAS NOT COVERED BY ANY EXTENDED WARRANTY RELATING TO THIS VERY COMMON DEFECT AND THAT NO ADJUSTMENT WOULD BE MADE. WHY HAS FORD CONTINUED TO UTILIZE THIS DEFECT-PRONE COIL SPRING DESIGN ON NUMEROUS MODELS, AND WHY IS THERE NO EXTENTED WARRANTY IN PLACE FOR THE 1999 CONTOUR AS THERE IS FOR THE 1998 MODEL?

NHTSA ODI #10122520

Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

1999 V6 CONTOUR SE. RH REAR SPRING MADE BY VISTEON BROKE FROM CORROSION @ 87K MILES. LH REAR SPRING COVERED WITH RUST VISTEON IS ALSO MAKER OF FRONT SPRINGS THAT HAD RECALL ON 95-97MY FRONT SPRINGS. POOR SPRING COATING DESIGN INCL. IRON PHOSPHATE. IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE AT 75K MILES. HAD TO BE REPLACED. TOP OF DASHBOARD…

Read full complaint

1999 V6 CONTOUR SE. RH REAR SPRING MADE BY VISTEON BROKE FROM CORROSION @ 87K MILES. LH REAR SPRING COVERED WITH RUST VISTEON IS ALSO MAKER OF FRONT SPRINGS THAT HAD RECALL ON 95-97MY FRONT SPRINGS. POOR SPRING COATING DESIGN INCL. IRON PHOSPHATE. IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE AT 75K MILES. HAD TO BE REPLACED. TOP OF DASHBOARD WAS RECALLED WITH A KIT. KIT DID NOT FIX PROBLEM -- EXCESSIVE RATTLES STILL EXIST. I UNDERSTAND THAT WAS THE INTENT OF RECALL & FORD HAS NO ADDITIONAL KITS OR PLANS TO REPLACE FAULTY RECALL. KIT WAS REPLACED AROUND 60K MILES. FAULTY DPFE SENSOR ON THIS DURATEC ENGINE. DEALER TOLD ME REPLACEMENT SENSORS HAD A RE-DESIGN THAT DID NOT HAVE EXPOSED AREA THAT CONSTANTLY TRIGGERS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. ORIGINAL SENSORS GET CONTAMINATION AND WILL TRIGGER THE CHECK LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY. FORD DID NOT RECALL AND ONLY REPLACED IF COMPLAINTS UNDER WARRANTY. I NOTICED PROBLEM AROUND 60000 MILES.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10116663

Official recalls

3

00V350000 · Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly

Oct 30, 2000

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.

00V075000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components

Mar 9, 2000

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.

99V060000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch

Mar 17, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WHICH UTILIZE A PARK/LOCK SOLENOID. IT IS POSSIBLE TO ROTATE THE IGNITION KEY TO THE LOCK POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT THE SHIFT LEVER AND TRANSMISSION BEING IN PARK. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES. VEHICLES THAT HAVE UNITS WITH IGNITION KEYS REMOVABLE IN GEAR POSITIONS OTHER THAN PARK, WILL HAVE THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED.

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

2

DP06004 · Instrument Panel Cover Warpage

Opened Oct 23, 2006 · Closed Apr 10, 2007

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure; Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:fan/motor

THE AGENCY HAS DENIED A PETITION REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF INSTRUMENT PANEL WARPAGE FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THE NOTICE OF DENIAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER, VOLUME 72, NUMBER 67, ON MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2007, PAGES 17605 AND 17606.SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH FOR DETAILS.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure

THE AGENCY HAS DENIED A PETITION REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF INSTRUMENT PANEL WARPAGE FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THE NOTICE OF DENIAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER, VOLUME 72, NUMBER 67, ON MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2007, PAGES 17605 AND 17606.SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH FOR DETAILS.

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:fan/motor

THE AGENCY HAS DENIED A PETITION REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF INSTRUMENT PANEL WARPAGE FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THE NOTICE OF DENIAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER, VOLUME 72, NUMBER 67, ON MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2007, PAGES 17605 AND 17606.SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH FOR DETAILS.

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