Owners filed 218 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train › automatic transmission. It has been recalled 8 times.
When it fails
09700097,000 milesMedian miles at failure
31 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
14
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
11
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
9
5
0
1
Electrical System
7
0
2
0
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
6
1
1
1
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
6
0
1
0
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
6
0
1
0
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element
Defect. FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Risk. THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic06E022000
Filed Mar 13, 20067,440 vehiclesBrake Parts, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
Electrical System01V230000
Filed Jul 9, 2001342,962 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element01I009000
Filed Jul 9, 2001566,979 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995-1997 FORD CONTOUR AND MERCURY MYSTIQUE VEHICLES. THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR COULD OVERHEAT CAUSING THE ATTACHED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TO MELT.
Risk. THIS COULD CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Remedy. FORD WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE HEATER BLOWER SWITCH FOR 10 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF SALE OF THE VEHICLE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND A NEW WIRE JUMPER HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components00V075000
Filed Mar 9, 2000436,200 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch99V103000
Filed May 5, 1999605,581 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.
Risk. 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift98V233000
Filed Sep 18, 1998175,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.
Fuel System, Other › Storage97V203000
Filed Nov 17, 19971,800 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES MODIFIED TO RUN ON EITHER GASOLINE OR COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). THE NATURAL GAS FUEL TANKS HAVE A SOLENOID SHUT-OFF VALVE THAT STOPS FUEL FLOW FROM THE FUEL TANK IN THE EVENT OF CERTAIN MODERATE TO SEVERE COLLISIONS. IF THE VEHICLE IS IN A COLLISION AND THE NATURAL GAS FUEL LINE IS DAMAGED, THE SYSTEM COULD LEAK NATURAL GAS.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy. FORD HAS REQUESTED OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES TO HAVE THE CNG FUEL SYSTEM DISABLED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN AND TO ONLY USE GASOLINE FUEL UNTIL A PERMANENT CORRECTIVE ACTION IS DEVELOPED. OWNERS ARE BEING ALERTED TO THIS SOLENOID VALVE CONCERN AT THIS TIME. THE TIMING OF CORRECTIVE ACTIONS IS BEING DELAYED TO ALLOW BOTH CONDITIONS TO BE REMEDIED AT ONE TIME. IN THE MEANTIME, THERE IS NOT RISK AS LONG AS THE NATURAL GAS SYSTEM HAS BEEN DISABLED AND THE VHEICLE IS ONLY OPERATED ON GASOLINE.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Engine
Filed Feb 6, 2013134,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT PERSONALLY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, SERPENTINE BELT, WATER PUMP, FUEL INJECTOR, AND PULLEYS. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000. UPDATED 2/21/13 *CN STATUS UPDATE 03/19/13
Engine
Filed Aug 6, 2012134,000 milesTX
THE WIRING HARNESS HAS DETERIORATED TO WHERE THE ENGINE RUNS LEAN AND DIES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. ONCE HOME I CHECKED EVERYTHING I COULD UNTIL THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COOLED THEN NOTICED THE WIRING ON THE NUMBER 1 CYLINDER. THE MORE I LOOKED I COULD SEE ALL THE INJECTOR PLUGS WERE DETERIORATED BADLY WITH NUMBER 4 BEING WORSE. JUST TOUCHING THE HARNESS CAUSES THE INSULATION TO FLAKE OFF AND BARE WIRES TO BE EXPOSED. I PURCHASED A CODE READER TO ALLOW PROPER INDICATIONS OF WHAT CODES WERE INDICATED WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. NOW FORD WANTS ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER SO THEY CAN CHARGE ME AND TELL ME WHAT I ALREADY KNOW AND CAN PLAINLY SEE! *TR
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed May 25, 201091,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE REPEATEDLY DECELERATES AND ACCELERATES WITHOUT WARRANT. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS BEING OPERATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. IT WOULD ALSO TAKE AN UNUSUALLY LONG TIME FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER TO ENGAGE AND WOULD BLOW ONLY HOT AIR. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 6, 200987,000 milesNC
COULD NOT GET AN INSPECTION STICKER - NO MECHANIC COULD FIND OUT WHY THE CHECK ENGINE WILL NOT GO OFF -VERY COSTLY. IT STALLS WHEN RAINING, THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT WORK, IT HAS TO WARM UP FOR 5 MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL MOVE, THE TAIL LIGHTS CAME LOOSE, CAUSING MELTING OF HOUSING, EVERY VALVE IMAGINABLE HAS BEEN REPLACED, BELT SQUEALS WHEN AIR OR DEFROST TURNED ON. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Nov 3, 2008115,000 milesMO
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BAD GROUND IN THE MAIN LINE HARNESS, WHICH CAUSED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift
Filed Dec 28, 200760,000 milesPA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS, THE GEAR INDICATOR DISPLAYED AN INACCURATE READING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V233000 (POWERTRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000. UPDATED 01/29/08 *BF UPDATED 01/29/08 *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Nov 12, 2007105,000 milesTX
BOUGHT A 1997 FORD CONTOUR AND 4 DAYS LATER THE HEAD GASKET BLEW. AFTER BEING IN SHOP OVER A MONTH AND MANY OTHER PROBLEMS REPAIRED I FINALLY GOT CAR BACK AND THE VERY NEXT DAY THE HEAD GASKET BLEW AGAIN WITHIN 2 MILES FROM MY HOUSE. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 25, 2007141,000 milesMA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE DROVE UPHILL AND INTO A PARKING LOT AND STOPPED BY EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 141,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE HYDRAULIC VACUUM LINE WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jul 5, 200790,000 milesOK
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA RECALL # 01I009000 (VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:CONTROLS/WIRING) IN 2001. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TAIL LIGHTS ALSO DO NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA RECALL # 99V103000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH) IN 1999. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 92,794 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash2 injured
Filed Apr 23, 2007158,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ON 3/19/07 THE DRIVER FELT SOMETHING HEAVY FALL ON HIS FOOT AND HE BEGAN TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING COLUMN FELL ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HE COULDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PARKED TRUCK. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR DEPLOYED; HOWEVER, THE DRIVER SIDE DIDN'T DEPLOY. TWO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES TO THEIR KNEES AND CHESTS. THE POLICE OFFICER STATED THAT HE NEVER HEARD OF A STEERING COLUMN BREAKING WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED IN THE STATE OF WISCONSIN INSURANCE WAS NOT REQUIRED AS SHE WAS UNINSURED. THE SERVICE MECHANIC ON 01/13/07 STATED THAT THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE BRAKE HOSE BEING LOOSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS WITH 158,000. THE CONTACT DOESNT HAVE THE CURRENT MILEAGE. *AK
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Filed Dec 30, 200685,000 milesFL
I HAVE 1997 FORD CONTOUR SE. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH IT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON CONSTANTLY, RADIATOR LIGHT COMES ON CONSTANTLY, RUNS POORLY. I HAD ALL CHECKED WHEN THEY HAPPEN ON MULTILPLE OCCASIONS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I WAS TOLD BY A FREIND THAT HE HAD HEARD OF A PROBLEM LIKE THIS AND FORD WAS FIXING THEM, AND I SHOULD CALL THE DEALER. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THERE WAS A RECALL BUT BASED ON MY VIN I WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO THE AGE OF MY CAR. THIS WAS DONE AT BRANDON FORD AROUND THE JULY/AUGUST TIME FRAME. THINKING THAT I HAD TO DO THE REPAIR MYSELF, DUE TO THE COST AT THE DEALERSHIP (OVER $3000.00), I STARTED LOOKING FOR PARTS MYSELF ON THE INTERNET. THERE I FOUND THE RECALL/EXT. WARRANTY INFO. 99M03 AND IN THIS IT STATES 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILE. I AGAIN GOT HOPE THAT MAYBE THEY HAD MISSREAD THE RECALL AT THE DEALER SHIP. I THEN RETURNED WITH VIN AND THE INFO 99M03 IN HAD AND ONE OF THEIR SERVICE ADVISERS CONFIRMED THAT IT SHOULD BE COVERED. I THEN MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE NEXT DAY TO DROP THE CAR OFF AT 8:30AM TO HAVE IT DONE. I CALL THAT SAME DAY AT 2:30PM TO CHECK TO SEE IF AND FOR HOW LONG I WOUNLD NEED A RENTAL CAR. I WAS TOLD AT THAT TIME THAT MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED DUE TO IT'S AGE AND THAT IT RAN OUT ON 10/26/06. HAD THE FIRST PERSON LOOKED THE INFO. UP PROPERLY BACK IN THE JULY/AUGUST TIME FRAME IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED. I WA
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan
Filed Jul 22, 2006115,000 milesCT
I RESPONDED TO A SERVICE ADVISORY ABOUT A FAULTY BLOWER FAN SWITCH. THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED BUT IT WAS APPARENTLY REPLACED WITH ANOTHER FAULTY SWITCH WHICH FAILED. I HAD THE FAN REPLACED AT A LOCAL SERVICE STATION TO THE TUNE OF $192.64. FORD WOULD NOT REPLACE THE FAULTY FAN SWITCH. *NM
Interior Lighting
Filed Sep 26, 2005119,533 milesOH
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT 1997 FORD CONTOUR WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND THE TAIL LIGHTS. THE CONSUMER BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED, AND FORD TOLD HER THAT THE TAILLIGHTS WERE ON RECALL 99V133000 AND WAS ALREADY FIXED. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT FIX THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE CONSUMER DID NOT WANT TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, AND SHE WANTED SOME ONE TO FIX IT. THE CONSUMER HAS ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR ONE MONTH. THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP RIGHT NOW BEING CHECKED.*AK
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Filed Aug 14, 2005TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE, VEHICLE WOULD SOMETIMES START AND SOMETIMES IT WOULD NOT, WHEN VEHICLE ON THE ROAD IT WOULD STOP WHEN MAKING A STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT, OR WHEN TURNING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. *NM
Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Jul 19, 2005138,000 milesNC
DT: 01S22 FORD RECALL. CONSUMER HAD RECALL WORK DONE . DEALER SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE HEATER BLOWER SWITCH AND A WIRE JUMPER HARNESS. DEALER COMPLETED WORK ON MARCH 15, 2002. DEALER IWAS MIKE SHAD FORD IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. LAST TUESDAY JULY 12, 2005 THE WIRE JUMPER HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON SIDE STREET, GLENWOOD AVE., AT NIGHT. FLAMES SHOT UP FROM WHERE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE LOCATED. FLAME LASTED A COUPLE SECONDS THEN WERE GONE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, CONTACTED FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. DEALER DON JENKINS FORD IN SUQUAY, NORTH CAROLINA. CONSUMER CONTACTED INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY SAID IT WAS A DEFECT SO THEY WOULD NOT PAY. CONSUMER FOUND ON NHTSA WEBSITE THAT FORD OFFERED A WARRANTY ON THIS RECALL OF 10 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF SALE OR 150,000 MILES. WHEN SHE CONTACTED FORD THEY TOLD HER THAT WARRANTY WAS ONLY 100,000 MILES AND NHTSA WEBSITE INFORMATION WAS INCORRECT. FORD WILL NOT FIX VEHICLE FOR CONSUMER. *AK
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 7, 200592,708 milesNJ
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 2 MINUTES. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHALL INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE CAUSE MIGHT HAVE BEEN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK *SC *JB
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Mar 15, 2005123,000 milesOH
1997 FORD CONTOUR GL 4 CYL 123,000 MILES. MY RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING IS BROKEN AND THE OTHER THREE LOOK TO BE HEAVILY RUSTED AND CRACKED. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION ABOUT THE TSB 98M04 ABOUT WHICH I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED.*AK
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist SystemCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 2, 2005OH
22 YR. OLD SON MATT CRASHED HIS 1997 FORD CONTOUR INTO UTILITY POLE-FEELS BEARINGS CAUSED HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF STEERING. INNER WINDSHIELD DRIVER'S SIDE POST AT CORNER CAME APART, PLASTIC ON INTERIOR-WHICH STOPPED AT TOP OF POST AND WASN'T CONNECTED TO ANYTHING ON INSIDE OF ROOF-POPPED OUT AND LACERATED HIS LEFT EYEBALL. THE EYEBALL INTERIOR WAS PROTRUDING AND SURGERY WAS NECESSARY TO STITCH THE EYEBALL BACK TOGETHER. HE WILL EVENTUALLY NEED A CORNEA TRANSPLANT TO GET DECENT VISION FROM THAT EYE. THE RIGHT EYE SUSTAINED BLUNT TRAUMA WHICH CAUSED A HEMATOMA TO DEVELOP WHICH CAUSED BLINDNESS UNTIL IT'S RECENT REMOVAL. RESTORATION OF EYESIGHT IN THE RIGHT EYE IS A SLOW PROGRESS.*AK
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Dec 9, 2004CT
THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING CAUSED AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, THE PARK LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS. *JB
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Dec 8, 2004130,000 milesNY
HEADLIGHTS OVERHEATED, CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS TO MELT.*AK THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 99V103000. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED AS OF YET. *TC
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Apr 14, 2008. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.