Model year record

1999 Ford Contour recalls & problems

The 1999 Ford Contour has 5 safety recalls and 419 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (94 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints419filed by owners

Crashes · fires28 · 9reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths34 · 0reported 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.

Fuel system, otherOct 30, 2000

Storage › Tank assembly

Recall 00V3500003,750 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.

Service brakes, hydraulicMar 9, 2000

Foundation components

Recall 00V075000436,200 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.

Electrical systemMar 17, 1999

Ignition › Switch

Recall 99V0600004,569 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

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

1999 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

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Contour

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Contour

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/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*
StructureBody; Body › Door	94	1	0	6	50,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Wiring › Interior/under dash	73	1	10	1	60,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	57	1	2	0	60,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	47	4	0	3	99,098 mi
Unknown or other	47	2	0	5	58,322 mi
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system; Windshield	43	0	3	0	65,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Front › Springs › Coil springs	34	3	0	6	71,892 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	29	17	2	17	55,000 mi
TiresTread/belt; Markings	27	1	0	7	80,499 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission	27	0	0	0	66,500 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Storage › Tank assembly	26	0	1	0	73,556 mi
Seat beltsFront › Retractor; Front › Anchorage	25	5	0	7	60,000 mi

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

Recent owner complaints

Visibility/wiper
The dash is curling up
May 1, 2023
Structure › Body
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.
Feb 14, 2017 · 120,000 miles
Unknown or other
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.
Sep 30, 2014 · 96,000 miles
Structure › Body
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.
Jun 29, 2015 · 110,000 miles
Fuel system, gasoline
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
Jan 14, 2014 · 100,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
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…
Nov 9, 2010 · 52,238 miles
Structure
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
Mar 9, 2009 · 84,919 miles
Structure › Body
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.
Oct 14, 2011 · 107,000 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

INSTRUMENT PANEL COVER WARPAGEClosed
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.
DP06004 · opened Oct 23, 2006 · closed Apr 10, 2007
BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESSClosedLed to recall 01I009000
There is no summary currently available
EA01001 · opened Jan 5, 2001 · closed Jul 31, 2001