The 1996 Ford Contour has 10 safety recalls and 563 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (148 complaints).
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, hydraulic
NHTSA recall 06E022000 · Mar 13, 2006 · 7,440 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.
Electrical system
NHTSA recall 01V230000 · Jul 9, 2001 · 342,962 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Engine and engine cooling
NHTSA recall 00V367000 · Nov 6, 2000 · 262,559 vehicles · opened 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
NHTSA recall 00V075000 · Mar 9, 2000 · 436,200 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL FILLER PIPE VENT HOSE MAY HAVE LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF OZONE RESISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE HOSE BECOMING BRITTLE AND CRACKING.
Risk: A CRACKED HOSE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING FUELED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL FILLER VENT HOSE CONTACTING THE APPROPRIATE BLEND OF PVC AND NITRILE RUBBER.
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
NHTSA recall 99V103000 · May 5, 1999 · 605,581 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 shift
NHTSA recall 98V233000 · Sep 18, 1998 · 175,000 vehicles · opened 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 control › Cables
NHTSA recall 97V225000 · Dec 8, 1997 · 38,000 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, other › Storage
NHTSA recall 97V203000 · Nov 17, 1997 · 1,800 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
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
1996 Ford Contour 4-DR.
Overall
Not 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
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Contour
22mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 28 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
Contour
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-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*
Electrical system Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers; Wiring
148
0
17
0
102,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine › Gasoline; Cooling system
143
2
6
1
80,500 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
86
1
0
0
81,124 mi
Exterior lighting Headlights › Switch; Headlights
75
0
4
0
105,900 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components
53
6
2
3
92,500 mi
Visibility Power window devices and controls; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element
46
0
0
0
130,000 mi
Equipment Appliance › Air conditioner; Electrical
43
0
1
0
—
Suspension Front; Front › Springs › Coil springs
41
3
0
8
78,000 mi
Steering Hydraulic power assist system; Hydraulic power assist › Pump
32
0
0
0
—
Vehicle speed control Linkages; Cables
31
7
0
5
79,500 mi
Fuel system, gasoline Storage › Tank assembly; Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
29
0
0
0
—
Unknown or other
28
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Dec 27, 2007 · 120,000 miles · crash · 1 injuryAir bags The contact owned a 1996 Ford Contour. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, going downhill, the vehicle hit black ice, then crashed into a parked vehicle. The air bags deployed and detached upon impact, slicing the contact's head open, snapped his fifth and sixth vertebrae, and the seatbelt fractured his ribs. The police were called to the scene of the collision. The police officer informed the contact that the air bag had detached from the steering wheel and was in the rear passenger seat. A police report was filed. The contact was transported to the hospital for injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled. The dealer and manufacturer were not…
Apr 1, 2017 · 150,000 milesElectronic stability control (esc) MY CAR WAS RECALLED IN 2001. THE PAST 6 MO MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SMELLS LIKE ITS BURNING OR SOMETHING MELTING. ALMOST LIKE ITS GOING TO CATCH ON FIRE
Dec 24, 2006Electrical system THE WIRE HARNESS MOTOR, TRANSMISSION AND FUEL INJECTION ARE BAD ,AND WAS STATIONARY 5 YEAR AGO LIKE MANY MANY MANY CONTOURS AND MISTYQUES IN MY COUNTRY , I NEED A SOLUTION PLEASE, COUSE RESPONSABILITY IS FROM FORD COMPANY IN ALL THE WORLD. THANK YOU. I AM IN MEXICO.
Feb 29, 2016 · 100,000 miles · fireElectrical system TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD FAIL TO START DUE TO A MELTED WIRE IN THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOMETER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE ACCURATE READING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Aug 11, 2015 · 58,606 milesElectrical system CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM A USED CAR DEALER ON 8/11/15. THE CAR HAS 58606 MILES ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES CAUSED BY A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS. WIRING HARNESS WAS UNDER THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND NOT REPAIRED. FORD HAS NOT OFFERED ANY TYPE OF ASSISTANCE AND MECHANIC SAYS THE CAR IS A FIRE HAZARD AND HARNESS HAS TO BE REPLACED. CONTACTED FORD WHO SAID THE CAR WAS NOT UNDER ANY TYPE OF RECALL AND THEY NO LONGER MAKE THE PART.
Sep 29, 2015 · 68,000 milesElectrical system TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE TAILLIGHT AND FRONT PANEL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.
Feb 1, 2010 · 20,000 milesSteering CORROSION UNDER THE CAR (POLICE INCEPTOR ). CAR WAS PURCHASE FROM A LOCAL DEALER IN BAMBERG, SC THAT SELL MANY CROWN VICTORIAS. HE INDICATED MY CAR CAME FROM UP NORTH, PENNSYLVANIA. *TR
Apr 17, 2013 · 80,000 milesElectrical system I PURCHASED A USED 1996 FORD CONTOUR FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER AND AFTER A FEW DAYS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MY MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AND FIXED IT. A FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD IT CAME BACK ON. AFTER FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS BAD. THE INSULATION ON THE WIRES WAS FLAKING OFF AND IN ONE SPOT THE WIRE BUNDLE COVERING HAD MELTED. RESEARCH ON LINE SHOWED THAT FORD HAD A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM (99M03) AND EXTENDED THE RECALL FOR 10 YEARS. IN AN ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM WITH A DIFFERENT WIRING HARNESS HAS PROVED TO BE A LOOSING BATTLE I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAID THAT THEY NO LONGER BUILD THIS PART AND THAT THEY HAD NO PARTS IN STOCK…
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
RQ02006 · opened Feb 26, 2002 · closed Sep 12, 2002 · led to recall 98V233000INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION There is no summary currently available
EA01001 · opened Jan 5, 2001 · closed Jul 31, 2001 · led to recall 01I009000BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS There is no summary currently available
PE00023 · opened Jun 14, 2000 · closed Jan 5, 2001BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS There is no summary currently available
RQ99019 · opened Sep 15, 1999 · closed Mar 7, 2001 · led to recall 99V243000VARIOUS INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL ISSUES There is no summary currently available
PE98063 · opened Dec 3, 1998 · closed May 10, 1999 · led to recall 99V103000HEADLIGHT SWITCH ODI OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON DECEMBER 3, 1989 BASED ON FIVE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, ALL OF WHICH MENTIONED CONCERNS CENTERED ON THE DASHBOARD-MOUNTED HEADLIGHT SWITCH.THESE CONCERNS INCLUDED AN ALLEGATION OF THE SWITCH CATCHING FIRE, AN ALLEGATION OF HEADLIGHT LOSS, AND THREE ALLEGATIONS OF INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TAIL LIGHT OUTAGES.THREE OF THE REPORTS SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND ITS ASSOCIATED WIRING AS HAVING BEEN HEAT DAMAGED.FORD INVESTIGATIONS HAVE FOUND THAT OVERHEATING OF AN ELECTRICAL TERMINAL AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR CAUSES LOSS OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TAIL LIGHTS.FORD WILL REMEDY THIS CONDITION IN 1996-1998 MODEL CONTOUR AND MYSTIQUE VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM APRIL 20, 1995 THROUGH AUGUST 12, 1998 AND AT THE CAUTITLAN, MEXICO ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM JUNE 13, 1995 THROUGH AUGUST 24, 1998 UNDER RECALL 99V-103.THE…