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1995-2000 Ford Contour Reliability
Date Published: 2/20/08
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.
1995-2000 Ford Contour Reliability
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)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $360
Alternator $455
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $800
Brakes $290
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $750
Constant Velocity Joints $465
Radiator $345
Shocks and/or Struts $345
Shocks and/or Struts $700
Timing Chain or Belt $175
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.
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