Our reliability study for this generation Ford Contour includes details on
average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to
gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Ford Contour.
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
The transmission may go into limp-in mode due to a faulty manual lever position sensor. (1995)
Brakes:
Ice in the parking brake cables will not allow the parking brake to release or release fully. (1995-97)
Dashboard lights:
A slipping drive belt causes a lack of power steering and the charge warning light to glow. A new belt, idler pulley, and a splash kit are needed. (1995-97)
Engine misfire:
Lack of acceleration in below 32 degrees Fahrenheit on the 2.5-liter engine is often due to ice on the throttle plate. A revised engine computer prevents the problem. (1995)
Engine temperature:
Engine overheating on 2.5-liter engines may be due to broken plastic water pump impeller blades. (1995-2000)
Heater core:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1995-2000)
Steering problems:
If the steering wheel vibrates while idling with the transmission engaged and the A/C running, the steering mass damper, airbag module, and radiator mounts must be replaced. (1995-97)
Transmission leak:
Transmission fluid may leak from the vent hole of automatic transmission. A revised vent tube is available. (1995-96)
Transmission noise:
Gear clash going into third on the manual transmission can be remedied by a rebuilt input gear shaft and a new shift fork. (1995-97)
NHTSA Recall History
1995:
Front-seatbelt anchor tabs may be cracked.
1995:
Fuel-tank filler reinforcement can leak.
1995:
If right rear-door window breaks, glass fragments will exceed allowable size.
1995:
Metal shield on plastic fuel-filler pipe can develop static charge during refueling; could serve as ignition source.
1995:
Passenger-airbag's inflator body is cracked and may not inflate properly.
1995-96 w/V6:
Tightening of the engine-cooling fan-motor bearings can result in increased motor torque and higher than normal motor current and accompanying high motor temperatures.
1995-96 w/traction control:
Throttle cables were damaged during assembly, leading to fraying or separation; could prevent engine from returning to idle.
1995-98:
Automatic-transmission control can be damaged if subjected to certain interior cleaning products; gear indicator can deteriorate and incorrectly indicate actual gear position.
1996:
Fuel-filler-pipe vent hose may have less than intended level of ozone resistance, which could result in brittleness and cracking.
1996-97 w/bi-fuel engine:
If natural-gas fuel line is damaged in a collision, gas leakage could occur.
1996-98 w/o ABS:
Pressure reducing valve in rear brakes may be subject to corrosion, which could result in malfunction when operated in areas that use salt compounds for deicing or dust control.
1996-98:
An open circuit in the wiring harness could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material, increasing the potential for a fire.
1996-98:
Overheating at headlamp and wiring-harness terminals could result in open circuit for instrument lights, parking lamps, and taillamps.
1998:
Accelerator cable may have burr that could fray the core wire; cable could stick, bind, or cause high engine rpm.
1998:
Airbag-sensor wiring insulation can become brittle and crack over time; could cause airbag warning light to illuminate and disable airbag system.
1998:
Front coil springs may fracture as a result of corrosion in high corrosion environments.
1998:
Text and/or graphics for headlamp aiming instructions, provided in owner guides, are not sufficiently clear.
1999 w/automatic transmission:
Ignition key can be rotated to "Lock" position and removed, without shift lever being in "Park" position.
2000 w/ABS:
A pressure-conscious reducing valve in the rear brakes may corrode and malfunction, locking rear wheels and adversely affecting handling.
2000:
Brake performance may be reduced due to incorrect power brake booster and master-cylinder assembly.
2000:
Fuel leak could result from a damaged fuel-tank-filler pipe grommet.
2000:
Improper label was installed on some cars, with incorrect instructions for activation of childproof safety locks.
2000:
Seatbelt-buckle assemblies were not properly heat treated and do not pass the load-bearing requirement.