Electrical System. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports12 fire reports6 injury reports

Power Train complaints

30 reports

Clear category filter

148,000 miles · Oct 23, 2007

Power Train

THE FORWARD GEARS ON MY TRANSMISSION HAVE CEASED TO WORK. NOW I'M BEING TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I FIND IT KIND OF WEIRD THAT A 96 NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION ALREADY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10206597

56,000 miles · Sep 9, 2005

Power Train

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED MY MERCURY MYSTIQUE NEW IN NOVEMBER OF 1996. I HAVE ALWAYS DRIVEN THE CAR VERY EASY, I DON'T EVEN GET ON THE EXPRESSWAY VERY OFTEN. AT AROUND 45,000 MILES, I HAD THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED, WHICH THE OWNERS MANUAL DOESN'T EVEN MENTION. NOW, WITH ONLY 55K MILES, THE TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AND NEEDS A TOTAL REBUILD! ALTHOUGH THE CAR IS NEARLY 9 YEARS OLD, AT 55,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILING IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THERE HAS TO BE SOME KIND OF FLAW IN THE DESIGN FOR IT TO DO THIS. *B

NHTSA ODI #10136054

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2003

Power Train

THE FLOOR SHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL BECAME DAMAGED IN RESULT OF GEAR POSITION INDICATOR DETERIORATE AND NOT INDICATE THE ACTUAL GEAR POSITION. CONSUMER VIN NUMBER DOSE NOT COMPLY TO RECALL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

NHTSA ODI #10006087

Mileage unknown · May 22, 2002

Power Train

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SHIFT AT ODD TIMES. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE SHIFTS BEGAN TO TAKE EXCESSIVELY LONG BETWEEN GEAR ENGAGEMENT. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE O/D OFF LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH ON THE DASH AND THE TRANSMISSION REFUSED TO ENGAGE GEARS. DRIVER STRANDED. UPON INSPECTION AT DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD TRANSMISSION WAS "TOTALLED" AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. DETAILS SKETCHY, BUT TECHNICIAN REPORTED THAT AN INTERNAL FAILURE OCCURED AND TRANSMISSION LUBRICATION WAS AFFECTED (STOPPED). GEARS BEGAN RUNNING METAL ON METAL WITH NO WARNING AND "INTERNAL DAMAGE" OCCURED. CAR WAS DRIVEN LESS THAN 12 MILES AFTER WARNING LIGHT ON DASH BEGAN TO FLASH. THIS CAR HAS ONLY 63K MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION IS TOTALLED BY LACK OF LUBRICATION WITH A FULL RESERVOIR OR FORD FLUID.*AK

NHTSA ODI #762172

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2002

Power Train

NHTS# 98V233000 - PROBLEM W/ MY VEHICLE BUT MY VIN # NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL.*AK

NHTSA ODI #757743

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2001

Power Train

THE GEAR DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. FROM STOP TO LOW SPEED (<20MPH) IT WHINES, JERKS AND STALLS. AT HIGH SPEED (40MPH) IT STOPS SHIFTING AND KEEPS WHINING AT 3-4000RPM WHILE IT SHOULD SHIFT UP. THE O/D OFF WARNING LIGHT COMES UP 2-3 MINUTES AFTER STARTING THE CAR. *AK

NHTSA ODI #755268

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2001

Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train

WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR ANOTHER ISSUE, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT VEHICLE DEVELOPED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL.*JB

NHTSA ODI #561677

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2001

Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

VEHICLE STALLED, WHITE SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF HOOD, AND THERE WAS A COOLANT SMELL, DEALER REPLACED BATTERY, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM WAS THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT AND BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT REPLACED VEHICLE OVERHEATED CAUSING THE HEAD GASKET TO BLOW CAUSING COOLANT TO GO INTO THE CYLINDER. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #561408

Mileage unknown · May 25, 2001

Power Train

I DON'T HAVE AN ESTIMATE ON TRANSMISSION DAMAGE. TRANSMISSION WAS IN GOOD CONDITION WENT IT WAS BROUGHT TO DEALER, IT IS NOW INOPERABLE. I AM LOOKING INTO POSSIBLE TAMPERING WITH THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NO INTENTION OF PAYING FOR THIS DAMAGE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #745878

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2001

Electrical SystemPower Train

COMPUTER AT MECHANIC SHOW MAJOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DEFECTS-IT APPEARS THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THIS AS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR AND FORD CONTOUR. FORD/MERCURY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING-ALSO THE TRANSMISSION GOES OUT QUIT OFTEN-HAD A NEW ONE AT 50,000 MILES-HAS HAD MANY RECALLS ALREADY AND NOTHING HAS BEEN FIXED ON THIS C…

Read full complaint

NHTSA ODI #745495

Official recalls

01V230000 · Electrical System

Jul 9, 2001

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.

00V367000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 6, 2000

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.

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.

99V247000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

Sep 13, 1999

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.

99V103000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

May 5, 1999

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.

98V233000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift

Sep 18, 1998

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.

97V225000 · Vehicle Speed Control:cables

Dec 8, 1997

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗