1999 Ford Contour

Above average

Owners filed 419 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the body and frame. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the Ford Contour years to avoid. Which Ford Contour years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
60,000 milesMedian miles at failure

136 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 1999 Ford Contour problems

82 of the 419 complaints (20%) are about the body and frame.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure · body and frame74
002
Unknown or Other35
102
Tires15
104
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags14
11010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine13
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes12
202
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine11
000
Air Bags · airbags9
505
Suspension › Front7
000
Structure › Body · body and frame7
000

1999 Ford Contour body and frame problems

20% of all complaints

82 of the 419 complaints are about the body and frame. This is what owners describe:

  • leaks oil or fluid5% · 4

Share of the 82 body and frame complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
50,000 mi
median of 31 reports
Peak year of filing
2003
25 body and frame complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 0 · 5
in these complaints
Recalls on the body and frame
None
“I have a 1999 FORD contour sport v6. My motor/tranmission mounts keep failing a have replaced numerous times. Causing many engine issues. Have taken several mechanics, even dealership. Been told this is a manufacturing fault. Why has NHTSA not made a recall. To make the company fix their mistake or at least a way to keep mounts from failing. All I keep getting is "thats just how its made".”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 8, 2011
“Dash curling back. Strap for fuel tank rusted, going to break, rust on brake line, rust under both back doors and spreading to underneath car, radio speakers out, car hesitates while accelerating, trunk leaks defroster not working properly because of dash. Was not aware of a recall for dash. Should be recall for corrosion problem as it is unsafe to drive.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 30, 2011

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1998: 1 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'981999: 27 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2000: 52 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2001: 43 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2002: 41 complaints, 3 about the body and frame'022003: 62 complaints, 25 about the body and frame2004: 68 complaints, 18 about the body and frame2005: 55 complaints, 13 about the body and frame2006: 20 complaints, 6 about the body and frame'062007: 18 complaints, 6 about the body and frame2008: 10 complaints, 1 about the body and frame2009: 5 complaints, 3 about the body and frame2010: 3 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'102011: 7 complaints, 4 about the body and frame2012: 1 complaints, 1 about the body and frame2013: 1 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2014: 1 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'142015: 1 complaints, 1 about the body and frame2016: 1 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2017: 1 complaints, 1 about the body and frame2018: 0 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'182019: 0 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2020: 0 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2021: 0 complaints, 0 about the body and frame2022: 0 complaints, 0 about the body and frame'222023: 1 complaints, 0 about the body and frameRecall 99V060000 (electrical system)Recall 00V075000 (brakes)Recall 00V350000 (fuel system)Recall 06E022000 (brakes)Recall 08E033000 (suspension)NHTSA investigation DP06004NHTSA investigation EA01001
All complaintsAbout the body and frameRecall (red: the body and frame)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1999 Contour peaked in 2004, with 68 filed that year. No recall on file covers the body and frame, the subject of 20% of the complaints. In 2023 owners filed 1 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension08E033000
Filed Apr 14, 20086,903 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Chassis Products

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.

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly00V350000
Filed Oct 30, 20003,750 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

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.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch99V060000
Filed Mar 17, 19994,569 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 1999 Contour.

INSTRUMENT PANEL COVER WARPAGEDefect petition DP06004Closed
Opened Oct 23, 2006Closed Apr 10, 2007body and frame

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.

BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESSEngineering analysis EA01001Closed
Opened Jan 5, 2001Closed Jul 31, 2001electrical system

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

182 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1999 Contour. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 35transmission 29electrical system 22throttle and acceleration 13fuel system 12equipment 11suspension 10body and frame 8
0346Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 3, 2003body and frame

INSTRUMENT PANEL WARPAGE REPAIR. *TT *JB

98164Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 7, 2000body and frame

A TRANSEAL COATING IS ON THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS. THIS COATING MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE DELIVERY TO THE CUSTOMER. YD

99215Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 18, 1999body and frame

SUBJECT REGARDING VEHICLES THAT HAVE WATER LEAKING ONTO FRONT FLOOR FROM DOOR PANEL AREA. *TT

6509Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 1, 1999body and frame

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A GLOVEBOX SQUEAKING OR RATTLE NOISE AS THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN OVER BUMPS. *TT

12896Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 1999body and frame

CONCERNS WITH GLOVEBOX SQUEAK AND RATTLE. *TT

99-8-15Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 3, 1999body and frame

SUBJECT REGARDING DOOR TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 8 bulletins about the body and frame, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 3, 2023TX

The dash is curling up

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 15, 2017120,000 milesOH

REAR FRAME, SUSPENSION RUSTED COMPLETELY INTO AN WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND THREW ME INTO DITCH. THIS IS COMPLETELY NOT ACCEPTABLE. I HAVE 1960'S CARS %100 BETTER THAN THIS . I KNOW THIS IS A 1999 BUT THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. CAN ANYTHING BE DONE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 26, 201696,000 milesIL

THE BRAKE LINES UNDER THE CAR HAVE RUSTED TO THE POINT OF BREAKING APART. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 100K MILES AND WAS NOT SUBJECT TO ANY EXTREME CONDITIONS. THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKS OUT OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE ALMOST AS QUICKLY AS IT IS POURED IN AND HAS LEFT THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE WITHOUT EXPENSIVE REPAIRS.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 13, 2015110,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO WOBBLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 14, 2014100,000 milesCT

THE FUEL TANK STRAP IS COMPLETELY CORRODED AWAY, AND THE FUEL TANK IS READY TO FALL OFF. THE PROTECTIVE COATING IS DEFECTIVE AND HAS COMPLETELY FALLEN OFF, CAUSING THE FUEL STRAP TO BE EATEN AWAY BY RUST AND CORROSION. THE FUEL TANK IS GOING TO FALL OFF EVENTUALLY. THE FUEL FILLER NECK AND EMISSION FITTINGS AT THE TANK, ARE CORRODING BADLY TOO. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 30, 201352,238 milesCA

THE FUEL PUMP FAILED FREQUENTLY WHILE DRIVING, USUALLY UPHILL. CAR WOULD STALL AND SOMETIMES RESTART, CREATING A HAZARD WHEN ON THE FREEWAY. EVENTUALLY THE FUEL PUMP FAILED COMPLETELY. MY MECHANIC REPLACED IT, HAVING TO RETROFIT THE GAS TANK IN ORDER FOR THE PUMP TO BE INSTALLED, REMOVING CERTAIN FITTINGS. THE FILLER GROMMET WAS DEFECTIVE, AND AFTER THE FUEL PUMP WAS FIXED AND REFUELING WAS TAKING PLACE, GASOLINE POURED OUT OF THE TANK AND THE CAR HAD TO BE RETURNED TO THE MECHANIC. THE REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMP FAILED ABOUT 10 MONTHS LATER, IN SEPT. 2011. AT THAT TIME, THE CAR HAD BEEN WORKING FINE THE NIGHT BEFORE AND WOULDN'T START IN THE MORNING. FORD WILL ONLY GUARANTEE THE ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT, SO IF THE REPLACEMENT HAD FAILED AFTER MORE THAN TWO MONTHS, FORD WOULDN'T HAVE REPLACED THE PART. THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW MOTOR HAS BROKEN THREE TIMES. I HAVE ALSO HAD TROUBLE WITH THE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM, WHICH CAUSES A WHINE WHENEVER THE CAR IS STARTED COLD. THIS IS IRRITATING, BUT DOESN'T SEEM TO CAUSE ANY DIFFICULTY WITH THE OPERATION OF THE CAR. THE DASHBOARD WAS RECALLED, A CHEAP PLASTIC PIECE PLACED OVER THE VENTS, WHICH RUINED THE LOOK OF THE DASHBOARD. I PERSUADED THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE DASHBOARD AS ORIGINALLY PROMISED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE REPLACEMENT HAS NOW ALSO DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WITH THE VENT BEING SEPARATED FROM THE DASH. THERE ARE ALSO VAGUE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, INCLUDING SURGING AND DIMMING OF LIGHTS. CAN'T USE THE RADIO FOR FEAR OF STALLING THE CAR, OR USE T

Structure
Filed Jul 4, 201284,919 milesVA

THE DASHBOARD WINDSHIELD AIR/DEFROSTING VENT COVER BELOW THE WINDSHIELD POPPED OFF AND THE DASHBOARD PADDING HAS PEALED UP BLOCKING WINDSHIELD/FORWARD VISIBILITY. THIS HAS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FAIL THE VIRGINIA SAFETY INSPECTION. ALL REMEDIES WE HAVE TRIED HAVE ONLY SEEM TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY RELIEF. I HAVE PICTURES. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL OTHER CONTOUR OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS AND I HAVE SEEN CONTOURS IN PARKING LOTS WITH SIMILAR CONDITIONS. ADDITIONALLY, I WAS TOLD THIS WAS IDENTIFIED IN A PAST SAFETY RECALL. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD RESULTING FROM DEFECTIVE MATERIALS AND POOR DESIGN. *JS

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 17, 2011107,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND EXHIBITED A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR SUB-FRAME WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

Structure
Filed Aug 3, 2011TN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENTIRE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD CURLED UPWARD. THE DAMAGED DASHBOARD CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH THE DEFROST AND AIR CONDITIONER, BECAUSE THE WINDSHIELD WOULD NOT DEFROST. THE CONTACT PLANS TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT WAS HARD TO SEE OUT OF THE WINDOW WHENEVER IT RAINED OR THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CHILLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 10, 2011180,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 06/16/11*LJ UPDATED 07/11/11

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 10, 2011TN

1999 FORD CONTOUR, FUEL CONSTANTLY CUTTING OFF AND NOT RESTARTING. SHOWS GAS BUT ACTS LIKE NO GAS IN CAR. SAID TO BE FUEL PUMP PROBLEM. NO ONE CAN FIND ISSUE. I HAVE BABIES AND HAD BEEN STUCK ON FREEWAY FOR OVER TWO HOURS WHEN SOMEONE HAD TO COME AND GET US AND TOW VEHICLE HOME. STILL NOT WORKING. *TR

Structure
Filed Apr 8, 2011MO

I HAVE A 1999 FORD CONTOUR SPORT V6. MY MOTOR/TRANMISSION MOUNTS KEEP FAILING A HAVE REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. CAUSING MANY ENGINE ISSUES. HAVE TAKEN SEVERAL MECHANICS, EVEN DEALERSHIP. BEEN TOLD THIS IS A MANUFACTURING FAULT. WHY HAS NHTSA NOT MADE A RECALL. TO MAKE THE COMPANY FIX THEIR MISTAKE OR AT LEAST A WAY TO KEEP MOUNTS FROM FAILING. ALL I KEEP GETTING IS "THATS JUST HOW ITS MADE". WHEN COPARING THE FROD REPLACEMENT PART TO THOSE SOLD AT MY LOCAL AUTO PARTS STORE ITS THE SAME THING. SO AS FAR AS I CAN TELL THERE IS NO IMPROVEMENT MADE TO PARTS. HAD MY TRANS MISSION REPLACED-THE TRANSMISSION LEAKED-THEY NOTED THAT THE LEAK WAS DO TO FAILED MOUNTS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 4, 201173,556 milesHI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT WAS REFUELING THE VEHICLE WHEN HE NOTICED LARGE AMOUNTS OF FUEL SPILLING FROM THE VEHICLE AND ONTO THE GROUND ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET WAS LEAKING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V350000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SECURE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT HIS EXPENSE BUT WAS AWAITING THE REQUIRED PARTS NEEDED FOR REPAIRS, WHICH WERE ON BACKORDER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,556.

Structure
Filed Jan 30, 2011SC

DASH CURLING BACK. STRAP FOR FUEL TANK RUSTED, GOING TO BREAK, RUST ON BRAKE LINE, RUST UNDER BOTH BACK DOORS AND SPREADING TO UNDERNEATH CAR, RADIO SPEAKERS OUT, CAR HESITATES WHILE ACCELERATING, TRUNK LEAKS DEFROSTER NOT WORKING PROPERLY BECAUSE OF DASH. WAS NOT AWARE OF A RECALL FOR DASH. SHOULD BE RECALL FOR CORROSION PROBLEM AS IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE NO OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION SO I TAKE A HUGE CHANCE EVERYTIME I DRIVE WHICH IS 3 OR 4 TIMES A WEEK TO WORK.. FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO REASON. PIECE OF JUNK AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR. FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES. THEY SHOULD HAVE TO FIX THESE CARS OR REPLACE THEM. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THE STRAP FOR FUEL TANK IS GOING TO BREAK. THE CAR ONLY HAS 61,000 MILES ON IT. WHAT A JOKE! *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 11, 2010MS

I HAVE NOTICED THAT ON EVERY 1999 FORD CONTOUR THE HEADLIGHT COVERS TURN YELLOW AND START TO CRACK. I HAVE CHECKED A LOT OF PLACES AND LOOK AT THE LIGHTS AND EVERYONE I HAVE SEEN ARE THE SAME. I CAN'T DRIVE WITH MY LIGHTS ON LOW BEAM AT ALL. I KEEP THEM ON HIGH BEAM SO THAT I CAN SEE. LOW BEAM LOOKS AS IF THEY AREN'T ON. *TR

Equipment
Filed Aug 7, 2010TX

I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTICES, BUT I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY. I HAVE A 1999 FORD CONTOUR, PURCHASED NEW, ONE OWNER, WHERE THE DASH IS CURLING BACK, THE HEADLAMPS COLLECT MOISTURE, THE TAIL LAMP HAS BEEN REPLACED REPEATEDLY, AND NOW THE TORQUE CONVERTER IS SHOWING UP ON A READ-OUT. I HAVE ASKED OVER THE YEARS ABOUT THE PROBLEMS, AND I'VE ALWAYS BEEN TOLD THEY ARE NOT MANUFACTURE ISSUES, BUT CURRENT READINGS SUGGEST OTHERWISE. I REALLY NEED TO GET THESE ITEMS CORRECTED IF THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 21, 2010122,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL UNTIL THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THERE WAS A RECALL ON HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V194000: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED WITH THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000. UPDATED 10/27/10. *LJ

Structure › Frame and MembersCrash3 injured
Filed Oct 14, 200937,777 milesMI

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

Structure
Filed Oct 9, 2009CA

LETTER ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE CONCERNS ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE WARPING DASH ON VARIOUS FORD PRODUCTS SUCH AS HIS 1999 FORD CONTOUR. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED FORD ISSUED A RECALL IN 2001 TO REPLACE THE DASH BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE WARPING. APPARENTLY, FORD NEVER FIXED THE MANUFACTURING FLAW BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT DASH STARTED TO WARP SOON AFTERWARDS. THE CONSUMER STATED IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE DASH WARPED UPWARDS, IMPACTING THE VISIBILITY OF THE DRIVER. THE WARPING ALSO IMPACTED THE OPERATION OF THE DEFROSTER, SO THE FRONT WINDOW WAS NOT BEING DEFROSTED WHICH CAUSED VISIBILITY ISSUES. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank AssemblyFire
Filed Oct 7, 2009150,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE ADDING FUEL TO THE FUEL TANK, GASOLINE BEGAN LEAKING. A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE FUEL TANK SEAL CAUSED THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HOSE TO MELT. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED . THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000.

Structure
Filed Jun 12, 200940,090 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS AGO, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS FALLING APART IN HER VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. SHE FIRST NOTICED THE ISSUE WHEN THE DEFROST VENT WAS BEGINNING TO PUSH OUTWARD DUE TO THE BENDING OF THE DASHBOARD. WHEN THE GLOVE BOX IS OPENED, IT FALLS TO THE FLOOR BECAUSE THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD HAS SHIFTED. THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE OUTSIDE OR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,090.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 28, 2009160,000 milesOH

REAR BRAKE FAILURE ON 99 FORD CONTOUR SE CONTACTED DUTRO FORD ZANESVILE OHIO SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR. *TR

Visibility
Filed Oct 21, 2008157,000 milesMI

HAPPENED AROUND OCT 15, 2008 AT NIGHT, BETWEEN MARSHALL AND OLIVET MI. FAILURE WAS WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE, CAUSING WIPERS TO BLOW OFF THE VEHICLE. PART IS HARD TO FIND, LOOKING TO GET IT FIXED FOR SAFETY OBVIOUSLY. WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE WELL, SINCE NEXT EXIT WAS STILL MILES AWAY. NO EASY WAY TO FIX THIS IN AN EMERGENCY, LIKE THIS. THIS TYPE OF LINKAGE IS UNSAFE, AND I BELIEVE ANY VEHICLES WITH IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR

Structure
Filed Oct 19, 200845,000 milesWI

DASHBOARD IS CURLING UP STARTED ON THE RIGHT SIDE. DEAL PUT SOME TYPE OF GLUE ON IT BUT ITS NOT STAYING DOWN. NOW ALMOST THE WHOLE DASHBOARD IS CURLING UP. I READ THERE WAS A RECALL. WHY WERE WE NOT NOTIFIED? NOT HAPPY WITH FORD *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 11, 200868,000 milesNY

2 MAJOR POWERTRAIN FAILURES. TIMING BELT PULLEY BROKE AT 68,000 MILES. $600 TO REPAIR. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BROKE AT 85,000 MILES. BOTH OCCURRED OUT OF THE BLUE. CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN TREATED GENTLY, ALL FLUIDS HAVE BEEN CHANGED CONSISTENTLY, AND ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN COMPLETED ON TIME. TRANSMISSION MUST BE REPLACED OR REBUILT WITH A PRICE TAG OF $2K-$3K. *TR

Tires
Filed Sep 8, 2008IL

NEW GOODYEAR GS H TIRES PURCHASED FROM SAM'S CLUB IN JUNE '08 HAVE LITTLE OR NO STOPPING OR TURNING TRACTION IN WET WEATHER. NEAR COLLISIONS AND SLIDING ON TURNS. NO ACCIDENT YET. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 14, 2008NJ

IN THE BACK SEAT I HAVE ONLY 2 SEATBELTS IT'S SHOULD HAVE 3. *TR

Visibility
Filed Jul 17, 2008FL

I THINK SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO CORRECT THE CLOUDING OF HEADLIGHT LENS - IT IS DEFINITELY A HAZARD AND VERY DANGEROUS...THERE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE ANY INCIDENTS BEFORE THIS IS LOOKED INTO..... LETS DO IT BEFORE THERE ARE INJURIES!! *TR

Tires1 injured
Filed Mar 6, 2008150,170 milesSC

TIRE WAS PURCHASED ON 9-03-07 AT WALMART IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH. TODAY IS MARCH 6,2008. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND GET THE FLAT TIRE SHUDDER. JACK UP CAR, PULL OFF TIRE, SLIT MY HAND ON THREADS ON THE INTERIOR. THE PART OF THE TIRE THAT IS CLOSEST TO THE CAR IS COMPLETELY BALD, AND THREADED. MILEAGE AT TIME OF PURCHASE 144,296. MILEAGE TODAY, WHEN TIRE BLEW 150,177. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 14, 200899,279 milesOH

I HAVE A 1999 FORD CONTOUR I BOUGHT IT AND 6 MONTHS LATER THE TIMING BELT WENT OUT THIS COST ME $800.00 OUT OF POCKET AFTER THE WARRANTY PAID THEIR PART. DROVE IT ANOTHER 3 MONTHS WHEN IT STALLED OUT AND STARTED SPUTTERING I REPLACED THE PLUGS, WIRES, IGNITION CONTROL BOX, AND FUEL FILTER AND FOUND A HOSE THAT HAD A HOLE IN IT FROM BEING MELTED AFTER REPLACING ALL OF THAT FOUND THE TRANSMISSION TO BE LEAKING AND NO WAY TO GET TO IT EASILY. STILL RAN CRAPPY TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIGURE IT OUT BROUGHT IT HOME AND IT WON'T RUN ANYMORE IT STILL DOES NOT RUN NOT SURE WHAT ELSE TO DO HAD TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE TO GET TO AND FROM WORK WHILE STILL PAYING ON THIS ONE AND CAN NOT USE IT ANYMORE. THIS IS MY SECOND FORD AND I WILL NOT EVER GET ANOTHER ONE. AND WITH ALL THIS GOING ON WHEN THE MECHANIC SHUT THE BACK PASSENGER THE GLASS SHATTERED AND IT WAS SHUT NORMALLY. ALSO THE RADIO HAS ISSUES. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 14, 2008100,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER STATING THAT THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT WAS MADE, THE DASHBOARD DEVELOPED A GAP NEXT TO THE PASSENGER SIDE VENT, WHICH OVER TIME, CAUSED THE VENT TO SINK BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (KEN GORDON FORD) AND HAD IT REPAIRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPAIRED. A FEW DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AGAIN. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE TIMING BELT AND WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Jan 1, 2008CA

DASH ON FORD CONTOUR WARPS, INTERFERING WITH VISION AND DEFROST CAPABILITIES OF VEHICLE. FORD HAD A ONE RECALL ON THE DASH, BUT REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM AGAIN.*CN

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Dec 28, 2007100,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. THE VEHICLE STALLS AND MAKES A LOT OF NOISE DURING ACCELERATION. THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS AND OTHER INTERIOR LIGHTING WILL NOT DIM WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT MUST REMOVE THE BULBS TO DIM THE LIGHTS. WHEN THE KEY IS INSERTED IN THE IGNITION, THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS UP. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT SWAY BAR WAS LEAKING AND THE BRAKES, ROTORS, AND STRUTS WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Aug 20, 200785,000 milesPA

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 14, 200760,000 milesMN

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

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Jul 17, 200765,000 milesPA

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

Suspension › Front
Filed Jul 12, 2007IL

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

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jul 9, 200736,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS DASHBOARD IS COVERED WITH LAMINATED PLASTIC THAT COVERS THE GRILL. THE GRILL SEPARATED AT THE PLACE WHERE THE DASHBOARD CONNECTS TO THE AIR CONDITIONER. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO ACKNOWLEDGED THE FAILURE. FORD STATED THAT THEY HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT THE FAILURE AND THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE CONTACT MUST STOP THE VEHICLE TO CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD AND WINDOWS. THIS FAILURE IS FROM AIR NOT BLOWING CORRECTLY DUE TO THE DASHBOARD DEFECT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 36,000.

Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft
Filed May 8, 200742,000 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING 40MPH, THE REAR AXLE BROKE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE CAR WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED DUE TO A BROKEN AXLE. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 42,000.

Structure
Filed May 7, 2007MA

I CONTACTED FORD TO FIND OUT RECALL INFORMATION ON THE 1999 FORD CONTOUR WHICH DASHBOARD WAS CURLING UP AND FORWARD. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS VOLUNTARY RECALL EXPIRED IN 2002, AND THAT IT WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THEREFORE , IT WILL NOT BE FIXED, AND I WOULD NEED TO PAY. I WISH TO STATE THAT IT SHOULD BE A SAFETY PROBLEM AS IT IS CURLING UP AND FORWARD IN THE WINDSHIELD. WHEN IT CURLS UP IT CAUSES OBSTRUCTION TO THE DRIVER'S VIEW. PLEASE IF YOU WOULD LIKE I WOULD BE HAPPY TO TAKE PICTURES. THIS CAR WAS BECOMING A SAFETY HAZARD FOR ME, AND I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE OR SELL IT. TO FIX IT WOULD BE MORE THAN THE CAR WAS WORTH. THEREFORE, BECAUSE THEY DID NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY I WILL BE OUT OF A VEHICLE. *AK

Structure
Filed May 2, 2007KY

WARPED DASH .THERE IS NO HELP AVAILABLE FOR THIS, IT'S GETTING SO BAD THAT IT'S HARD TO SEE OVER DASH THE DEFROSTER DOESN'T DO ITS JOB WELL ,AND FORD WANTS AN ARM AN LEG TO FIX THERE PROBLEM. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND VERY WIDE SPREAD. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed Apr 19, 200740,000 milesWI

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON THREE TIMES FOR DIFFERENT OXYGEN SENSORS. THESE GREATLY EFFECT THE GAS MILEAGE AND TIMING OF ENGINE RESULTING IN MORE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. THE MECHANIC STATED HE HAS SEEN A LOT OF FORD CONTOURS IN WITH THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM. COST IS MINIMUM $250-$450 TO REPLACE. *JB

Seat Belts › Front
Filed Apr 17, 200770,699 milesMN

DRIVER SEAT BELT RIPPED/TORE. NO INJURIES. LOOKS LIKE IT WILL NOT SURVIVE ANOTHER INCIDENT. HAVE A FRIEND THAT THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO ON A FORD VEHICLE AS WELL. *JB

Suspension › Rear
Filed Apr 13, 200799,098 milesVA

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

Structure
Filed Apr 5, 2007CA

DASHBOARD HAS DETACHED AT THE WINDSHIELD. IT HAS EXPERIENCED A SEVERE WARPAGE AND IS NOW RESTING UPWARD ABOUT 5 INCHES HIGHER THAN ITS NORMAL POSITION. THE DEFROSTER GRILL POPPED OUT - IT IS BLOCKING THE VIEW AND REDIRECTED THE DEFROSTER SO THAT IT WILL TAKE MUCH LONGER TO CLEAR WINDSHIELD, BUT NOT COMPLETELY. IT HAS PEELED BACK SO FAR THAT IT IS NOW IN THE AREA OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG, WHICH I FELT IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE. DEALER HAS CONSISTENTLY BLOWN ME OFF. *JB

Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Mar 14, 200795 miles00

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

Structure
Filed Mar 8, 200732,000 milesNJ

WARPED PANEL. *JB

Structure
Filed Jan 29, 2007MI

DASHBOARD IS WARPED AND IN COLD WEATHER WARPS AND HAS WARPED EVEN WORSE. IT OBSTRUCTS THE DRIVER'S VIEW, POTENTIALLY DECREASES FLOW FROM DEFROSTING VENTS, AND THE VIEW IS ADDITIONALLY OBSTRUCTED AS THE PLASTIC VENT COVER ACROSS THE DASH AS IT IS NO LONGER RETAINED BY THE WARPED MATERIAL. AIRBAGS MAY PROJECT PIECES IN CASE OF DEPLOYMENTS AS CRACKS ARE VISIBLE IN THE DASH.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 24, 200776,000 milesTX

1. DASH WARP CAUSES VISIBILITY PROBLEMS, DEFROSTER MALFUNCTION, LOOSE TRIM. I DROVE OVER A SEAM IN THE ROADWAY AT AN OVERPASS (SMALL BUMP) & THE VENT TRIM POPPED LOOSE. THIS IS SIMPLY AN AGING ISSUE AS THERE WAS NO UNUSUAL EVENT. MY CAR IS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR, BUT THIS ISSUE IS ALSO PREVALENT ON THE MERCURY MYSTIQUE 1999 & 2000 , AND SOME 1998 MODELS WITH THE NEWER STYLE DASH. 2. THE TRIM POPPED LOOSE FROM THE DASH WHILE COMMUTING ON I-45 TO WORK. THE VENT TRIM CAME TO REST IN FRONT OF THE AIR BAG & ON MY ARMS AS I DROVE, BUT FORTUNATELY DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. 3. THE VENT TRIM WAS PLACED LOOSELY ONTO THE DASH SO THE DEFROSTER WOULD STILL BE USABLE, BUT THE WARPED DASH PREVENTS IT FROM BEING PROPERLY SECURED. A NEW VENT TRIM WILL NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM. THERE WAS AN OLD RECALL WHICH INCLUDED A 'REPAIR KIT', BUT IT HAS EXPIRED. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE RECALL RE-INSTATED. *JB

Structure
Filed Jan 22, 200738,200 milesTX

IN JULY 2002, I PURCHASED A 1999 FORD CONTOUR FROM A FORD DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS A FORD CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE. WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE PURCHASE, THE DASH BEGAN TO WARP CAUSING THE DEFROST VENT COVER TO POP OUT AND NOT FIT CORRECTLY. THE FORD DEALER NEVER MADE ME AWARE OF A FORD CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (#01B78). ALSO, I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM FORD. OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS THE DASH HAS CONTINUED TO WARP BADLY. THE WARPING HAS BECOME SO BAD IT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE OPERATION OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. ALSO, PART OF THE DASH IS COVERING THE DEFROST VENT. I THINK FORD NEEDS TO RE-OPEN THE OFFER TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT FOR SAFETY REASON. I AGREE WITH THE PETITIONER IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER DP06004, THAT ". . . IMPROPERLY RETAINED INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENTS CAN BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE DESIRED PERFORMANCE OF FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS AS WELL AS BECOME PROJECTILES DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS." *NM

Complaints 1-50 of 419, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20014000Routine
2000199710Routine
1999 — this page419590Above average
199884612204Fatalities reported
19972188100Above average
199656311240High concern
1995891126511Fatalities reported
199412000Routine
19933000Routine

Compare every Contour year →

1999 Ford Contour: questions buyers ask

Is the 1999 Ford Contour a good car?

It is not among the Contour years to avoid. Owners filed 419 complaints, against about 491 for a typical Contour year. The most common complaint is about the body and frame (20%).

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Ford Contour?

The body and frame: 82 of the 419 complaints (20%) are about it. Owners most often say it leaks oil or fluid (5%). The typical report comes at 50,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1999 Ford Contour have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 14, 2008. The largest, 00V075000, covered 436,200 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1999 Ford Contour problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 60,000 miles. For the body and frame the midpoint is 50,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1999 Ford Contour?

Yes, 2 times. The latest, DP06004 ("INSTRUMENT PANEL COVER WARPAGE"), was opened Oct 23, 2006 and closed Apr 10, 2007.

Are there service bulletins for the 1999 Ford Contour?

The manufacturer filed 182 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (35), the transmission (29) and the electrical system (22). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

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.