Model year record

1995 Ford Contour recalls & problems

The 1995 Ford Contour has 11 safety recalls and 891 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (282 complaints).

Recalls11safety recalls

Complaints891filed by owners

Crashes · fires39 · 65reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths39 · 11reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SuspensionApr 14, 2008

Suspension

Recall 08E0330006,903 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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, hydraulicMar 13, 2006

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 06E0220007,440 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Engine and engine coolingNov 6, 2000

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 00V367000262,559 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Power trainSep 18, 1998

Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift

Recall 98V233000175,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.

Vehicle speed controlDec 8, 1997

Cables

Recall 97V22500038,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT IS LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BENDING OR KINKING DURING INSTALLATION.

Fuel system, gasolineDec 5, 1995

Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap

Recall 95V232000167,784 vehicles

Problem: THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE OPENING REINFORCEMENT, CONSTRUCTED FROM TWO SEPARATELY MOLDED PIECES, CAN LEAK AT THE WELD.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES WITH UNITS CONTAINING ONE-PIECE MOLDED REINFORCEMENTS.

Seat beltsDec 4, 1995

Front › Anchorage

Recall 95V228000229,500 vehicles

Problem: CRACKS HAVE BEEN FOUND IN THE FRONT SAFETY BELT OUTBOARD ANCHOR TABS DUE TO A COMBINATION OF HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT OF THE TAB AND STRESS INTRODUCED DURING ATTACHMENT OF THE ANCHOR TAB TO THE SEAT FRAME. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: A FRACTURE OR SEPARATION IN THIS AREA WOULD REDUCE THE LOAD THAT THE ANCHOR AND THE FRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES COULD SUSTAIN, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY IN A VEHICLE COLLISOIN.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL AN ANCHOR TAB REINFORCEMENT OR REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPLETE FRONT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY IF AN ANCHOR TAB IS FOUND TO HAVE FRACTURED.

Air bagsFeb 24, 1995

Frontal

Recall 95E0060028,600 vehicles

Problem: THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAS AN INFLATOR BODY THAT CRACKED DURING FORMING OF THE CURL THAT RETAINS THE IGNITER PLUG IN THE END OF THE INFLATOR. ALSO THE IGNITER END CAP CAN SEPARATE FROM THE INFLATOR.
Risk: THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT INFLATE PROPERLY RESULTING IN REDUCED OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. IF THE IGNITER END CAP SEPARATES IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, HOT GASES CAN BE RELEASED AND IGNITE FLAMMABLE MATERIAL OR CAUSE BURN INJURIES.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE.

VisibilityJan 24, 1995

Windshield

Recall 95V0090002,512 vehicles

Problem: THE GLASS TEMPERING PROCESS ON THE RIGHT HAND REAR DOOR WINDOWS WAS NOT CORRECTLY PERFORMED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE WINDOW BREAKS, THE GLASS FRAGMENTS OF THE REAR WINDOWS EXCEED THE SIZE SPECIFICATIONS OF FMVSS NO. 205.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT REAR DOOR GLASS.

Fuel system, gasolineOct 18, 1994

Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap

Recall 94V20300028,500 vehicles

Problem: THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE OPENING REINFORCEMENT CAN LEAK AT THE WELD.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, AS APPROPRIATE, REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS.

Fuel system, gasolineSep 29, 1994

Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap

Recall 94V1840008,000 vehicles

Problem: A METAL SHIELD ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PLASTIC FUEL FILLER PIPE CAN DEVELOP A STATIC ELECTRICAL CHARGE DURING REFUELING OF THE VEHICLE.
Risk: A STATIC CHARGE CAN DISCHARGE AND SERVE AS AN IGNITION SOURCE FOR FUEL VAPORS IN THE AREA OF THE FILLER PIPE, RESULTING IN A FLASH VAPOR IGNITION AND A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, MODIFY THE VEHICLES BY ADDING A GROUND STRAP BETWEEN THE FILLER PIPE SHIELD AND THE BODY.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1995 Ford Contour 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Contour

25mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 31 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Contour

24mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Contour

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Contour

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingCooling system › Fan; Engine › Gasoline	282	2	30	2	88,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring › Front underhood; Wiring	215	1	37	1	115,377 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift	140	1	3	1	89,000 mi
SuspensionFront › Springs › Coil springs; Rear	93	0	0	2	93,597 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	89	7	0	10	—
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap; Storage › Tank assembly	87	2	3	0	67,000 mi
SteeringHydraulic power assist system; Hydraulic power assist › Pump	80	1	1	0	80,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	49	22	0	21	—
VisibilityWindshield; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element	46	1	2	2	—
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front › Buckle assembly	44	3	0	3	—
Vehicle speed controlCables; Accelerator pedal	42	4	0	2	—
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Turn signal	27	0	2	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Power train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER FIFTEEN MINUTES AND DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT A NEW TRANSMISSION SENSOR WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000. MA 10/2 UPDATED 11/28/2017*CN
Jul 15, 2013 · 84,000 miles
EngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED A BURNING ODOR WAS EMITTED FROM THE AIR VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V367000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,140.
Sep 24, 2013 · 158,140 miles
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE, WHICH WAS ALSO PUNCTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Jan 12, 2013 · 98,000 miles
Engine and engine coolingFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, A BURNING ODOR BEGAN TO EMIT FROM THE VENTS. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS, WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT, RADIATOR, OXYGEN SENSOR, FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FILTER. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V367000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
Mar 31, 2011 · 100,000 miles
Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON WHILE IN PARK WHEN A FUSE BLEW AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A PRIVATE MECHANIC THEN CONFIRMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 97,000.
Jun 1, 2011 · 97,000 miles
Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING UNDER THE HOOD WAS FRACTURING FROM THE PLASTIC COVERING AND THE WIRES WERE TOUCHING WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE POTENTIAL OF THE WIRES SHORTENING OR CAUSING A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE OF THE WIRING WAS SO SEVERE THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Jun 1, 2008 · 120,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
I HAVE A 1995 FORD CONTOUR AND JUST FOUND OUT ALL ALONG THERE WAS A CAMPAIGN ON THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT . THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND IS CAUSING THE CAR TO ACT ERRATICALLY IT IS A FIRE HAZARD DUE TO THE FACT THE WIRING HARNESS IS FRAYED IF I TOUCH ANY OF THE WIRES THE INSULATION JUST FALLS OFF WHAT HASN'T ALREADY FELL OFF. ENGINE DIES AND STALLS ALL THE TIME AND CAR IS UN DRIVABLE CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A CAMPAIGN AND RECALL ON WIRING HARNESS . BUT IS UNAVAILABLE NOW BUT I COULD BUY ONE FOR $1300.00 IT HAS CAUGHT SMALL FIRE DUE TO THIS. *TR
Aug 15, 2010 · 198,000 miles
Electrical system
THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS DEFECTIVE. THE PLASTIC COVERING THE WIRES IS CRACKED AND PEELING OFF IN THE ENTIRE SYSTEM CAUSING THE CAR TO OCCASIONALLY BRAKE FOR NO REASON AND TO KICK AND SPUTTER WHEN DRIVING ESPECIALLY WHEN IT HAS BEEN RAINING. THE FORD DEALER ADMITS IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM CAUSED BY AN EXPERIMENTAL PLASTIC THAT WAS USED THAT YEAR BUT THE COMPLAINT IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALLS SO WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE MINOR REPAIRS DONE TO THE WIRING EVERY TIME THE CAR DIES DUE TO A SHORT IN THE SYSTEM. THE CAR IS IN PERFECT SHAPE MECHANICALLY AND THE BODY IS IN GREAT SHAPE ALSO. I AM WONDERING WHY NO ONE HAS ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE BECAUSE I HATE TO THINK…
Jun 15, 2010 · 118,754 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

INCORRECT GEAR INDICATIONClosedLed to recall 98V233000
There is no summary currently available
RQ02006 · opened Feb 26, 2002 · closed Sep 12, 2002
BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESSClosedLed to recall 01I009000
There is no summary currently available
EA01001 · opened Jan 5, 2001 · closed Jul 31, 2001
BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESSClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE00023 · opened Jun 14, 2000 · closed Jan 5, 2001
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRESClosedLed to recall 00V367000
There is no summary currently available
EA00005 · opened Feb 23, 2000 · closed Nov 9, 2000
VARIOUS INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL ISSUESClosedLed to recall 99V243000
There is no summary currently available
RQ99019 · opened Sep 15, 1999 · closed Mar 7, 2001
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRESClosed
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON AUGUST 18, 1999, BASED ON FOUR REPORTS OF FIRE INVOLVING THE ENGINE COOLING FAN.THE REPORTS ALLEGE THE ELECTRONIC COOLING FAN CAUGHT FIRE WITH RESULTANT DAMAGE TO THE FAN AND WIRE HARNESS AND/OR THE HARNESS CONNECTOR.IN ITS PE RESPONSE, FORD PROVIDED INFORMATION RELEVANT TO 46 ADDITIONAL ALLEGED FIRE INCIDENTS AND 47 ALLEGED FAILURES OF THE COOLING FAN INVOLVING THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE FAN.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO FURTHER STUDY THE ISSUE.
PE99052 · opened Aug 18, 1999 · closed Feb 23, 2000
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILUREClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE98050 · opened Sep 14, 1998 · closed Feb 4, 1999