U.S. public vehicle records

1995 Ford CONTOUR: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

891 owner complaints analyzed

8 distinct recall campaigns

99,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1995 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 78 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood is the most frequently named component, appearing in 68 of 891 complaints (7.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	128	14.4%
Braking behavior	104	11.7%
Steering behavior	90	10.1%
Transmission and shifting	72	8.1%
Engine operation	52	5.8%
Fuel system concerns	40	4.5%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline

Engine And Engine Cooling

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	68
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	63
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan	45
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	45
Engine And Engine Cooling	42
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	42
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	42
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System	34

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood: 68; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 63; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan: 45; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 45; Engine And Engine Cooling: 42; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System: 42; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 42; Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System: 34

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 7; 50,000 to 74,999: 9; 75,000 to 99,999: 20; 100,000 to 149,999: 28; 150,000 and above: 11

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (28). 813 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

127

2000

2001

188

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2013

2015

1995: 54; 1996: 84; 1997: 45; 1998: 89; 1999: 127; 2000: 90; 2001: 188; 2002: 79; 2003: 50; 2004: 29; 2005: 11; 2006: 9; 2007: 10; 2008: 9; 2009: 7; 2010: 4; 2011: 3; 2013: 2; 2015: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 128 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 104 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 90 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10000047 · 2002-12-12 (December 12, 2002)

THE ENGINE MOUNT ON THE BELL HOUSING IS WEAKLY MADE, POSSIBLY FRACTURES CAN OCCUR IN THE ALUMINUM. IT WILL BREAK UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE BELL HOUSING IN MY PERSONAL VEHICLE BROKE AND CAUSED A DOMINO EFFECT OF OTHER PROBLEMS.

Owner-reported narrative. 95,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000047 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10000849 · 2003-01-09 (January 9, 2003)

CAR OVERHEATED. PLASTIC PART ON WATER PUMP BROKE AND MELTED. MECHANICS SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF A PLASTIC IMPELLER FOR THE WATER PUMP.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10000849 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10001371 · 2002-12-23 (December 23, 2002)

CONSUMER TOOK CAR TO FORD DEALER REGARDING RECALLS. DEALER REPAIRED 2 RECALLS BUT STATED THEY WOULD NOT FIX REMAINING BECAUSE CONSUMER HAS DRIVEN VEHICLE 105K MILES SINCE PURCHASE. CONSUMER STATES THE FOLLOWING RECALL REMEDIES WERE REFUSED 95V232000, 94V203000 AND 94V184000. TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001371 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10001478 · 2003-01-08 (January 8, 2003)

WHILE IN MOTION GOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WILL DECELERATE AND JERK BACK AND FORTH. *JG *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001478 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10001587 · 2002-12-27 (December 27, 2002)

HAD RECEIVED A NOTICE (00V367000) AND TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. THE MECHANIC REFUSE TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR AND INDICATED NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. CONTACTED FORD AND A REPRESENTATIVE WAS SENT. MECHANIC FINALLY INDICATED HAD PARTS FOR REPAIR. ONCE RECALL WAS REPAIRED AND WAS DRIVING, STARTED SMELLING SMOKE. HAD PARKED AND LEFT VEHICLE. NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. RAMEY FORD TAZEWELL VA 24651 PHONE #[phone removed] TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001587 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10002163 · 2003-01-06 (January 6, 2003)

THE WIRE HARNESS HAS EXPOSE WIRES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. PLEASE FURNISH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. PH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002163 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10002164 · 2003-01-06 (January 6, 2003)

THE WIRE HARNESS HAS EXPOSE WIRES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. PLEASE FURNISH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. PH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002164 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10002866 · 2003-01-17 (January 17, 2003)

ABRUPT LOSS OF STEERING POWER WHEN DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLES, RECURRING ISSUE. FOUND DESCRIPTION AFTER INTERNET SEARCH (TSB 97-11-2). DATE CITED IS MOST RECENT EVENT. DEALER AND FORD ACKNOWLEDGE ISSUE BUT WILL NOT INSTALL KIT TO PREVENT RECURRENCE AT THEIR EXPENSE.

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10002866 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

8 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

00V367000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Reported: 2000-11-06 (November 6, 2000)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

94V184000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Reported: 1994-09-29 (September 29, 1994)

A METAL SHIELD ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PLASTIC FUEL FILLER PIPE CAN DEVELOP A STATIC ELECTRICAL CHARGE DURING REFUELING OF THE VEHICLE.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, MODIFY THE VEHICLES BY ADDING A GROUND STRAP BETWEEN THE FILLER PIPE SHIELD AND THE BODY.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

94V203000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Reported: 1994-10-18 (October 18, 1994)

THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE OPENING REINFORCEMENT CAN LEAK AT THE WELD.

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, AS APPROPRIATE, REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

95V009000 · Visibility:Windshield

Reported: 1995-01-24 (January 24, 1995)

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."

Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE WINDOW BREAKS, THE GLASS FRAGMENTS OF THE REAR WINDOWS EXCEED THE SIZE SPECIFICATIONS OF FMVSS NO. 205.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT REAR DOOR GLASS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

95V228000 · Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage

Reported: 1995-12-04 (December 4, 1995)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

95V232000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Reported: 1995-12-05 (December 5, 1995)

THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE OPENING REINFORCEMENT, CONSTRUCTED FROM TWO SEPARATELY MOLDED PIECES, CAN LEAK AT THE WELD.

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES WITH UNITS CONTAINING ONE-PIECE MOLDED REINFORCEMENTS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

97V225000 · Vehicle Speed Control:Cables

Reported: 1997-12-08 (December 8, 1997)

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.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT IS LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BENDING OR KINKING DURING INSTALLATION.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

98V233000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor Shift

Reported: 1998-09-18 (September 18, 1998)

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.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

891 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

8.8%Usable mileage78 / 891 records

79.0%Valid incident date704 / 891 records

100.0%Valid filing date891 / 891 records

79.0%Ordered incident and filing dates704 / 891 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	133.3% ODI 490677 NO ACCELERATION DURING FIRST SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR. *SD Look up ODI 490677 at NHTSA ↗	216.7% ODI 831572 WHILE DRIVING, TRANSMISSION WOULD JUMP INTO NEUTRAL AND BACK INTO GEAR, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE SPEED WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED ,AND INFORMED REPAIRS WOULD BE MADE AT THE COST TO CONSUMER. *AK Look up ODI 831572 at NHTSA ↗	637.1% ODI 10003035 · 89,000 mi AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ENGAGE SECOND GEAR OR OVERDRIVE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 89000 MILES. Look up ODI 10003035 at NHTSA ↗	468.2% ODI 10000682 · 128,000 mi TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED REPEATEDLY EVEN AFTER COMPLETE REBUILD. HAVE ALSO HAD TREAD SEPARATION IN TIRES ON 5 SEPARATE OCCASIONS Look up ODI 10000682 at NHTSA ↗	167.3% ODI 10042928 · 97,000 mi CD4E TRANSMISSION IN 1998 FORD CONTOUR GL (SAME COMPLAINT AS THE C4DE IN THE MAZDA 626). TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT DUE TO THE TSS SENSOR BREAKING AND FALLING INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION - WHICH STOPPED THE PUMP AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE SENSOR IS IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE FENDERWELL, WHERE IT IS EXPOSED TO ROAD HAZARDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS. NOT A GOOD DESIGN. FURTHERMORE, THE REPAIR COSTS $3000 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION AND ALL THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE FORD PUT THE SENSOR IN A POSITION WHERE IT CAN BREAK AND CAUSE SIGNIFICA… Look up ODI 10042928 at NHTSA ↗	728.5% ODI 10008508 THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE.*JB Look up ODI 10008508 at NHTSA ↗	133.1% ODI 10066613 CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO ROTATE THE IGNITION KEY TO THE LOCK POSITION AND REMOVE IT WITHOUT THE SHIFT LEVER AND TRANSMISSION BEING IN PARK. PH NM Look up ODI 10066613 at NHTSA ↗	31.5% ODI 10038118 · 40,000 mi DASHBOARD WARPED AND SEPARATED FROM THE BODY OF VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED THE DEFROSTER NOT TO WORK PROPERLY AND MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE DRIVER TO JUDGE THE DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIS VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO EXPERIENCED DELAYED SHIFTING. AK NLM Look up ODI 10038118 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10192430 I REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2001 FORD CONTOUR IN AUGUST, 2006. IT IS NOW JUNE, 2007 AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACING AGAIN!!! I HAVE HEARD FROM SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH CONTOURS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THAT PARTICULAR MAKE/MODEL. THEY HAVE ALL GOTTEN RID OF THEIRS BECAUSE OF THIS MAJOR PROBLEM. *TR Look up ODI 10192430 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	133.3% ODI 721142 I PAYED FORD 17,892.00 IN SEPT, 1998, BECAUSE THEY WERE GOING TO DAMAGE MY CREDIT BECAUSE I HAD TO MAKE SO MANY REPAIRS ON THIS CAR. THEY ONLY EXTENDED MY MONTHLY PAYMENTS SO I COULD REPAIR THE ENGINE. THE CAR IS STILL SITTING IN MY DRIVE WAY NEEDING REPAIRS. I HAD TO GET A USED 92 DODGE TO GO TO WORK IN. I WILL NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH FORD AGAIN, THEY ARE NOT FAIR TO THERE CUSTOMERS. I HOPE THIS WILL HELP SOMEONE IN THE FUTURE I HAD TO REFINANCE MY HOME TO PAY FORD MOTOR COMPANY OFF FOR THIS LEMON LINCOLN. *NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. … Look up ODI 721142 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	455.1% ODI 10032244 CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE IS LEAKING GAS FROM THE TAIL PIPE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK Look up ODI 10032244 at NHTSA ↗	498.7% ODI 10134493 CONSUMER HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE 1996 FORD CONTOUR.*MR THERE HAS BEEN SO MANY RECALLS ON CONSUMER'S VEHICLE THAT SHE WASN'T AWARE OF BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER NEVER SENT NOTICES. SINCE THEN CONSUMER HAS BEEN PAYING FOR ENTIRE FULL PRICE AND IS ASKING FOR REIMBURSEMENT. HOWEVER, THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE IS THE GAS FUMES WHICH IS LEAKING THEREFORE LEAVING POISONOUS CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES COMING IN THROUGH THE HEATER VENTS. THESE HARSH CHEMICALS ARE DAMAGING TO THE LUNGS, BRAIN, RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND ITS MAKING CONSUMER V… Look up ODI 10134493 at NHTSA ↗	125.5% ODI 550229 WHEN WIND BLOW 30 MPH THE VEHICLE WANDERS WHILE DRIVING. YH Look up ODI 550229 at NHTSA ↗	394.6% ODI 539092 OIL FUMES ENTERING INTO VEHICLE. Look up ODI 539092 at NHTSA ↗	204.8% ODI 550204 VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *MJS Look up ODI 550204 at NHTSA ↗	94.5% ODI 10142678 · 40,000 mi THE DASHBOARD, WHICH WAS ONCE RECALLED, THE RECALL HAS SINCE EXPIRED. IS DELAMINATING OFF THE FOAM , PREVENTING PROPER DEFROSTING OF WINDSHIELD AND HINDERING VIEW OUT OF FRONT WINDOW. THE FUEL PUMP WHICH WAS RECALLED ON OTHER FORD MODELS FOR EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM, FAILS, PREVENTING ACCELERATION ONTO HIGHWAYS. THE WATER PUMP, WHICH IS PLASTIC, DISINTERGRATES IN THE MOTOR.*JB Look up ODI 10142678 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Structure	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	18.3% ODI 10022203 DASHBOARD HAS STARTED PEALING UP FROM WINDSHIELD. *AK Look up ODI 10022203 at NHTSA ↗	10.1% ODI 10070549 I WAS REAR-ENDED EARLIER THIS YEAR AND TOOK MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR BUMPER REPLACEMENT. DEALERSHIP DID NOT INFORM ME THAT FORD DISCONTINUED MY BUMPER MODEL, SO THEY REPAIRED IT INSTEAD OF REPLACING IT -- WITHOUT MY PERMISSION! SILVER PLASTIC STRIP THAT RUNS THROUGH CENTER OF BUMPER WAS RE-INSTALLED AS-IS - CRACKED - SINCE BUMPER WAS NOT BEING MADE ANYMORE AND NEW PART WASN'T AVAILABLE. BOTH HORNS WERE REPLACED, IN SPITE OF RARELY BEING USED. RUBBER WINDOW STRIPS LOOSEN, POP UP EASILY. ONE POWER WINDOW IN REAR CAN ONLY GO DOWN ABOUT… Look up ODI 10070549 at NHTSA ↗	10.2% ODI 10016232 WET/LEAKING TRUNK. ALSO LEAKING FROM TRUNK TO BACK SEAT. CAN'T LOCATE WHERE THE LEAK IS COMING FROM. *JB Look up ODI 10016232 at NHTSA ↗	10.5% ODI 550229 WHEN WIND BLOW 30 MPH THE VEHICLE WANDERS WHILE DRIVING. YH Look up ODI 550229 at NHTSA ↗	20.2% ODI 10069777 MY 1998 CONTOUR IS AT 128,225 MILES. THE PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THE CAR ARE THE FOLLOWING: -THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT OF AIM AND MOISTURE COLLECTS IN THE HEADLAMP AND WHEN THE MOISTURE DRIES IT LEAVES A FILM ON THE INSIDE OF THE LENS. THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE HEADLIGHTS IS TERRIBLE. I CAN BARELY SEE AT NIGHT EVEN WHEN IT IS A CLEAR NIGHT. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL NEAR MISSES. I ALMOST HIT A MAN ON A BICYCLE THE OTHER NIGHT. HE HAD REFLECTORS ON HIS BIKE BUT I DIDN'T SEE HIM TILL I WAS RIGHT UP BEHIND HIM. I HAVEN'T HAD THIS FIXED BECAUSE I C… Look up ODI 10069777 at NHTSA ↗	8219.6% ODI 10010192 DASHBOARD IS CURLING UP FROM THE WINDSHIELD. SINCE THIS HAS STARTED THE VENT FOR THE DEFOGGING SYSTEMS HAS POPPED COMPLETELY OUT, THE WARNING BELL FOR THE LIGHTS LEFT ON AND KEY IN IGNITION HAVE STOPPED WORKING AND THE RADIO CUTS IN AND OUT. I TOOK IT TO MY AUTO REPAIR SHOP WHO CONTACTED MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY (WHO SUPPOSEDLY COVER ME BUMPER TO BUMPER ACCORDING TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM) WHO STATE IF IT IS NOT SAFETY RELATED THEY DON'T COVER IT. I THEN WENT TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP WITH THE PROBLEM AS THE CAR IS A 1999 WITH BARE… Look up ODI 10010192 at NHTSA ↗	7336.7% ODI 10009616 FORD RECALL 01B78 CONCERNING INSTRUMENT PANEL WARPAGE. *AK CYNTHIA MAYO CALLED 6/6/2003 TO REQUEST A QUESTIONNAIRE TO MAKE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS AND TO SEND COPIES OF DOCUMENTS. Look up ODI 10009616 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10037658 · 36,000 mi DASHBOARD IS SEPARATING FROM THE STRUCTURE AND LIFTING UPWARDS. THIS IS CAUSING AN OBSTRUCTION OF THE DRIVER'S VIEW THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY HEAT MOISTURE. *AK Look up ODI 10037658 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	212.4% ODI 10069714 I'M A HEARING IMPAIRED DRIVER/OWNER OF FORD '95 CONTOUR GL (LOW-INCOMER, AVERAGE $21,000 A YEAR). I'VE BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 1997 FROM A MINNEAPOLIS-AREA FORD DEALERSHIP (QUALITY AUTO DEALERSHIP IN BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA). AT THE TIME, I HAD LESS THAN $10,000 TO PAY FOR A RECENT USED CAR(ONE THAT IS WITHIN 2-3 YEARS AFTER IT CAME ON THE MARKET). I TRIED OUT FEW CARS AND THE WHITE 1995 FORD CONTOUR GL. THE DEALER INSISTED THAT '95 FORD CONTOUR GL WAS A GOOD BUY AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE. I WAS WILLING TO TRADE UP MY OLD CAR TO REDUCE THE PRICE BUT I… Look up ODI 10069714 at NHTSA ↗	285.0% ODI 10025066 · 41,692 mi AFTER THE RECALL FOR THE HEAT BLOWER 010I 009 000 WAS COMPLETED. THE DEFECT RE-OCCURRED EIGHT TIMES. *NLM Look up ODI 10025066 at NHTSA ↗	73.2% ODI 10006962 · 87,000 mi 1997 FORD CONTOUR. NLM DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS767928 Look up ODI 10006962 at NHTSA ↗	333.9% ODI 10042147 SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE HAS RESULTED IN CONSUMER PAYING FOR MOST OF THE RECALL REPAIRS. MR THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE ALSO CAUGHT ON FIRE ONCE. NLM Look up ODI 10042147 at NHTSA ↗	4611.0% ODI 10003649 DASHBOARD IS COMING UNGLUED AND BUCKLING, OBSTRUCTING CONSUMER'S VIEW OUT OF FRONT WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING.*JB Look up ODI 10003649 at NHTSA ↗	2613.1% ODI 10009168 THE DASHBOARD DETACHED FROM THE GRILL.*JB Look up ODI 10009168 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	323.6% ODI 10064073 · 78,000 mi THE CAR HAS TROUBLE STARTING OR WILL NOT START. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND WE CANNOT PREDICT WHEN THE CAR WILL NOT CRANK/START. YOU TURN THE KEY AND NOTHING HAPPENS; IT DOES NOT CRANK OR MAKE ANY NOISE AT ALL. IF YOU PARK THE CAR AND GO INSIDE, RETURN AND TRY TO START THE CAR, SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT START. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES. SOMETIMES, IF YOU WAIT 20-30 MINUTES, THE CAR WILL START UP, BUT YOU CANNOT BE SURE. THE CAR HAS BEEN SCOPED AND VARIOUS REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS, AND SINCE THE NON-CRANKING EPIS… Look up ODI 10064073 at NHTSA ↗	356.2% ODI 10016135 THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SYMPTOMS OF RECALL 01-V-230-0000. RECALL DEESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ROUGH SURFACE OF THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR'S STAINLESS STEEL BLADES CAN DAMAGE THE COPPER SURFACE OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR. *NLM Look up ODI 10016135 at NHTSA ↗	83.7% ODI 10057363 WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE TURNED ON THEY OPERATED PROPERLY BUT THE TAIL LIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS DID NOT. THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED AND REPAIRED FOR THIS PROBLEM ON 10/19/1999. RECALL# 99V103000 SUBJECT: HEADLIGHT SWITCH/WIRING HARNESS. *NM Look up ODI 10057363 at NHTSA ↗	455.3% ODI 10008222 THE HEATER WENT OUT IN OUR CAR, SO WE DECIDED TO FIX IT AT HOME. AFTER TAKING OUT THE BAD PART, WE DISCOVERED IT WAS MELTED. I DECIDED TO CHECK THE WEB TO SEE IF YET ANOTHER RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED. INDEED IT HAD. WE DON'T REMEMBER BEING NOTIFIED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR. THEY FIXED IT. ONE MONTH LATER, OUR HEATER BLOWER MOTOR WENT OUT. WE BELIEVE THIS IS IN DIRECT CORRELATION TO THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR THAT WAS MELTED. WE ENDED UP PAYING OUT OF POCKET TO GET A NEW HEATER BLOWER MOTOR, BUT NOT AFTER TRYING TO CON… Look up ODI 10008222 at NHTSA ↗	112.6% ODI 10010192 DASHBOARD IS CURLING UP FROM THE WINDSHIELD. SINCE THIS HAS STARTED THE VENT FOR THE DEFOGGING SYSTEMS HAS POPPED COMPLETELY OUT, THE WARNING BELL FOR THE LIGHTS LEFT ON AND KEY IN IGNITION HAVE STOPPED WORKING AND THE RADIO CUTS IN AND OUT. I TOOK IT TO MY AUTO REPAIR SHOP WHO CONTACTED MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY (WHO SUPPOSEDLY COVER ME BUMPER TO BUMPER ACCORDING TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM) WHO STATE IF IT IS NOT SAFETY RELATED THEY DON'T COVER IT. I THEN WENT TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP WITH THE PROBLEM AS THE CAR IS A 1999 WITH BARE… Look up ODI 10010192 at NHTSA ↗	21.0% ODI 10090810 · 41,650 mi ON 09/09/2004 THE WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME IN OUR 2000 FORD CONTOUR 2.0 LITER WHEN THE AC AND RADIO SHUT OFF, THE SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING AND ELECTRIC WINDOWS OPERATED SLOW. SHE MADE IT TO THE DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CAR SHUT ITSELF OFF. IT WOULD NOT RESTART UNTIL IT SET FOR A FEW HOURS. NEXT MORNING SHE MADE ALL BUT 100 FEET OF 1 MILE TO A LOCAL GARAGE, WHO SAID ALT IS PUTTING OUT 12 VOLTS WHEN IT SHOULD BE AT 14, BUT ALT MAY BE OK. THE IDIOT LIGHTS IN THE DASH WILL NOT LIGHT UP WHILE STARTING THE CAR. GARAGE THINKS A SHORT TO THE IDIOT DAS… Look up ODI 10090810 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	424.7% ODI 10001478 WHILE IN MOTION GOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WILL DECELERATE AND JERK BACK AND FORTH. JG JB Look up ODI 10001478 at NHTSA ↗	203.6% ODI 10059039 HEAD GASKET AND ENGINE FAILURE ON MY 1996 FORD CONTOUR AT 64,000 MILES. THE CAR WAS WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS IN A PASSING ZONE AND THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE. FROM WHAT I CAN SEE OVER THE INTERNET, THIS IS AN ON-GOING PROBLEM WITH FORD.*AK Look up ODI 10059039 at NHTSA ↗	62.8% ODI 552150 VEHICLE HAS CONTINUED KNOCKING SOUND, DEALERS CHANGE LEFT BALL JOINT, RIM AND RIGHT WHEEL JOINT, HOWEVER THE SOUND STILL THERE DUE TO PC JOINT FAILURE. YH Look up ODI 552150 at NHTSA ↗	303.5% ODI 10009293 THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.*JB Look up ODI 10009293 at NHTSA ↗	133.1% ODI 10007358 THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND DID NOT RESTART.*JB Look up ODI 10007358 at NHTSA ↗	31.5% ODI 10017682 THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND LOST POWER. *JB Look up ODI 10017682 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	687.6% ODI 10004587 MECHANIC STATED THAT THEY ARE GETTING SEVERAL VEHICLES WHERE THE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION IS BEING COMPROMISED DUE TO HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST. THE HARNESS IS TOO CLOSE TO THE HEAT SIDE OF MOTOR. ALSO, THE WIRE COATING IS NOT MEETING SPECIFICATIONS AND IS CRUMBLING. TS Look up ODI 10004587 at NHTSA ↗	152.7% ODI 10025034 CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND HAD THE MECHANIC LOOK UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. VEHICLE WAS MELTING INSIDE DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. SHE HAD NO AIR CONDITION OR HEAT. *AK Look up ODI 10025034 at NHTSA ↗	94.1% ODI 10132771 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 Look up ODI 10132771 at NHTSA ↗	131.5% ODI 10040822 · 107,000 mi MY CAR STOPPED RUNNING WHILE I WAS IN MOTION AT AROUND 45 MPH. FORTUNATELY, TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND I WAS ABLE TO MOVE MY DISABLED VEHICLE TO A SAFE LOCATION OFF THE ROADWAY. THE COMPUTER WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE PROBLEM AND WAS REPLACED. AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR FROM THE DEALER, I DROVE AROUND THIRTY MILES AND NOTICED THAT THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WAS ON. RETURNING TO THE DEALER, I WAS INFORMED IT WAS A FAULTY SENSOR. I REPLACED THAT, AND ABOUT 4 MILES LATER, THE CAR DIED AGAIN, WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD, IN MOTION. THE DEALER MECHANIC SAI… Look up ODI 10040822 at NHTSA ↗	61.4% ODI 10172794 · 95,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IN GEAR. A POP NOISE WAS HEARD AND SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE THEN CAUGHT FIRE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS AND IT WAS NEVER TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER. A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS PROCESSED.AK UPDATED 12/11/06. *JB Look up ODI 10172794 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	242.7% ODI 10016220 · 62,400 mi THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SEVERE STEERING PROBLEM DUE TO A BROKEN SPRING. MECHANIC FOUND ALL FOUR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. THE MECHANIC STATED ALL FOUR SPRINGS APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN BROKEN FOR A LONG TIME. THE CAR IS ONLY USED ON PAVED ROADS. *JB Look up ODI 10016220 at NHTSA ↗	40.7% ODI 10023505 · 78,000 mi THE PARKING BRAKE WOULDN'T RELEASE. WE TOWED THE CAR TO MIDAS. THE INSPECTION IDENTIFIED NORMAL BRAKE WEAR, BUT ALSO SERIOUS FRONT END DEFICIENCIES. THE MANAGER TOLD US BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN AND HAD BEEN BROKEN FOR SOME TIME, CAUSING ONE STRUT TO BEND. HE SAID HAD THE SECOND STRUT BENT OR BROKE, THE CAR BODY WOULD HAVE DROPPED DOWN ONTO THE TIRES. HE SAID THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *NLM Look up ODI 10023505 at NHTSA ↗	41.8% ODI 10049024 I BELIEVE ALL 1997 FORD CONTOURS SHOULD BE RECALLED, OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS I HAVE REPLACED THE CLUTCH, WATERPUMP, BLOWER MOTOR, BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS, BUSHINGS, SWAY BARS, WHEEL BEARINGS, FRONT & REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS(BOTH TWICE!!!!), AXLE, 2 OXYGEN SENSORS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, EGR VALVE, COIL SPRINGS, BATTERY, BALLJOINTS, DOOR LATCH, ALMOST ALL OF THE FULL FRONT SUSPENSION!!!! THERE ARE MORE PARTS THAT I HAD REPLACED BUT I CAN'T REMEMBER ALL THE NAMES OF THE PARTS THERE ARE TOO MANY!! MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF, SEAT BELT L… Look up ODI 10049024 at NHTSA ↗	728.5% ODI 10009080 THE FRONT SPRINGS BROKE, WHICH CAUSED THE PASSENGER TIRE TO BLOW OUT.JB TS Look up ODI 10009080 at NHTSA ↗	61.4% ODI 10080318 · 29,000 mi WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FRONT COIL SPRINGS SNAPPED, AND VEHICLE BECAME INOPERATIVE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK Look up ODI 10080318 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	110,250–141,290 mi	126,500 mi	14	ODI 10010632 · 84,000 mi THE PROBLEM IS IN THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE HOOD. THE OUTER COATING CRACKED CAUSING THE WIRES TO MELT. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY THEY DID A RECALL ON IT --THE RECALL NUMBER IS 99M03. FORD WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL DUE TO THE FACT THE CAR WAS LISTED AS SALVAGE BUT THE REASONS FOR SALVAGE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL ISSUE. THE WIRES HAVE WORKED FINE FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS AND THEY ARE THE ORIGINAL WIRES AND HARNESS. JB Look up ODI 10010632 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10023668 · 155,121 mi MY CAR STALLED ON ME BACK IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR, AND WHEN IT WAS LOOKED AT A GARAGE, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A FAULTY ENGINE WIRING HARNESS ON MY 1995 FORD CONTOUR. I LOOKED AROUND ON THE INTERNET, AND SAW THAT THERE WAS INDEED A RECALL ON THIS SAME HARNESS. I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM FORD ABOUT IT. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, AND THEY VERIFIED THAT THERE WAS INDEED A RECALL ON IT, AND TO BRING IT IN TO HAVE THE WORK DONE. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED THERE TO HAVE IT FIXED. AFTER THEY HAD IT FOR ABOUT THREE OR FOUR DAYS, I WENT BACK TO CHEC… Look up ODI 10023668 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10025943 · 140,000 mi I HAVE A 1995 FORD CONTOUR AND RECENTLY HAD IT IN THE GARAGE TO HAVE SOME TRANSMISSION WORK DONE. WHEN I PICKED THE CAR UP THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR WAS A SAFETY HAZARD AS MOST OF THE UNDER HOOD WIRING HARNESSES WERE FAULTY. THE INSULATION OM THE WIRES WERE CRACKING AND IN SOME CASES BARE WIRES WERE EXPOSED. I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALL'S ON THE CONDITION HAVE I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE.AK Look up ODI 10025943 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	50,000–119,750 mi	80,000 mi	6	ODI 10003035 · 89,000 mi AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ENGAGE SECOND GEAR OR OVERDRIVE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 89000 MILES. Look up ODI 10003035 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10059056 · 43,000 mi MY 1995 CONTOUR GL V-6 SEDAN'S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER ONLY 43,000 MILES. AN INTERNAL PUMP WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. FORD APOLOGIZED BY OFFERED NO COMPENSATION.*AK Look up ODI 10059056 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10116722 · 130,000 mi THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 1995 FORD CONTOUR LOCKED UP SUDDENLY ONE EVENING RECENTLY. TRANS SHOP REBUILT THE TRANS FOR ME. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THEM WITH BAD NEWS. THE BAD NEWS WAS THAT THE MECHANIC REALIZED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS BEING DAMAGED. IT WAS DAMAGED IN A WAY THAT THE OWNER OF THE SHOP SAID IT COULD VERY WELL HAVE CAUGHT THE VEHICLE ON FIRE, AND APPARENTLY LED TO THE FAILURE OF THE TRANS (I AM NOT MECAHNIC, SO I CAN ONLY GO WITH WHAT I GATHERED FROM THEM). FORD HAD ISSUED PROGRAM 99M03 WHICH C… Look up ODI 10116722 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan	Too few reports for a range	100,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10036708 · 150,000 mi COOLING FAN INOPERATIVE DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM A BEARING SEIZE. FAN WAS REPLACED AT OWNERS EXPENSE TWICE AND IS STILL INOPERATIVE, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND THE AIR CONDITIONING TO FAIL.*AK Look up ODI 10036708 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10040886 · 50,000 mi BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE DOORS DO NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUT. REAR SEATBELTS HAVE FALLEN APART. HVAC FAN MOTOR DOESN'T WORK. ALSO, FAN MOTOR RELAY FAILS. Look up ODI 10040886 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	78,250–108,566 mi	94,000 mi	6	ODI 10020732 · 111,421 mi RECALL PROBLEM WITH FORD/CONTOUR, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V367000. *AK Look up ODI 10020732 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10028542 · 88,000 mi ENGINE COOLING FAN CAUGHT FIRE IN 1999 - CAR UNDER WARRANTY AND REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP. 2 MORE ENGINE COOLING PROBLEMS IN 1999 THE MOST SERIOUS PROBLEM WAS WHEN THE WATER PUMP FAILED. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. IN 2002 THE ENGINE BEGAN OVERHEATING AND WE HAD TO REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT, OTHER PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED WERE REPLACEMENT OF OXYGEN SENSOR AND FUEL PUMP DUE TO LEAKAGE. IN JUNE 2003 CAR OVERHEATING, THE COOLING FAN CONNECTION HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED. IN JULY 2003 CAR OVERHEATING, CHECKED BY MECHANIC WHO NOTED THAT THERE WATER PUMP WA… Look up ODI 10028542 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10069436 · 75,000 mi THE CAR HAS ALWAYS RUN HOT AND I HAVE HAD THE COMPRESSOR FIXED AND A MONTH LATER I KNOW HAVE A BURNT OUT BLOWER MOTOR THAT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. I NEVER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE RECALL AND THAN WAS TOLD I MISSED THE CUT OFF DATE TO FILE FOR A REPAIR, BOTTOM LINE I WASNT COVERED. I ALSO BROUGHT MY CAR IN A DAY BEFORE MY WARRANTY WAS UP AND THEY DIDNT HONOR IT, I WAS TOLD IT WAS TOO LATE. Look up ODI 10069436 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	Too few reports for a range	35,000 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10041099 · 58,000 mi WATER PUMP FAILURES VERY COMMON AROUND 60K MILES, PLASTIC IMPELLER FAILURE, AND ENGINE OVERHEATS. LA Look up ODI 10041099 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10087842 · 12,000 mi WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH COOLING MOTOR OVERHEATED. AS A RESULT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. AK Look up ODI 10087842 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Too few reports for a range	112,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10008552 · 130,000 mi THE CAR HAD JUST BEEN TURNED OFF, A FAINT ODOR OF SOMETHING HOT WAS NOTICED BUT FIGURED THE HEATING FAN MOTOR WAS MALFUNCTIONING. APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER, THE BICKNELL FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT NOTIFIED US THAT THE CAR'S ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ENGULFED AND TOTALLY DESTROYED EVERY THING IN IT. ----DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS------769736. AK Look up ODI 10008552 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10253579 · 95,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, BUT MAINTAINED THE SAME SPEED THE ENTIRE TIME. ALL POWER WAS LOST, INCLUDING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE TOOK APPROXIMATELY TWO HOURS TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FORD MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL, IN WHICH THE PREVIOUS OWNER DID NOT HAVE REPAIRED. THE RECALL DATE HAS CURRENTLY EXPIRED AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE… Look up ODI 10253579 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2000: 62 complaints · 2001: 3 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2000	9	29	62
2001	0	1	3

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2000	180	17	2
2001	2	2	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	Engine And Engine Cooling	Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System
Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood	—	3 ODI 10188182 I HAVE A 1995 FORD CONTOUR AND I PAID OVER $16,000.00 FOR IT. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE SINCE I GOT THIS CAR. I HAVE 50,888 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES AND WORKED ON 4 TIMES. WATER PUMP WENT OUT, AIR WENT OUT ALL WIRING COVERS HAS CRUMBLED OFF LEAVING EXPOSED WIRES TO START A FIRE AND MUCH MORE. I HAVE BEEN TREATED LIKE I WAS A CHILD AND DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I NOW HAVE A CAR THAT I CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE IT IS A FIRE HAZARD. I WANT SOMETHING DONE TO MY SATISFACTION. I K… Look up ODI 10188182 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10195519 · 141,720 mi EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION ISSUES, WITH INTERMITTENT ROUGH SHIFTING AND INTERMITTENT FAILURES TO ENGAGE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT MYSTERIOUSLY STARTED TO RUN FINE FOR SEVERAL DAYS. ONE MORNING I DROVE A SHORT DISTANCE FOR AN APPOINTMENT. UPON RETURNING AND STARTING THE CAR I NOTICED SMOKE EXITING THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I TURNED OF THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND I COULD STILL SEE SOME SMOKE COMING FROM THE LEFT-REAR PART OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, SEVERAL OF THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICA… Look up ODI 10195519 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 745915 FIRST THE A/C STARTED FLOODING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. RESULT THE CONDENSER WAS REPLACED BY PLANTATION FORD, WHO TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. THEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED LURCHING IN REVERSE. RESULT $2000, AND AGAIN FORD TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CONTOUR. FINALLY THE ENGINE QUIT ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. MUCH LATER FORD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE COOLING FAN FUSE, AAND THE WIRING HARNESS. BOTH OF WHICH I WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT, BUT HAD TO LEARN FROM A MECHANIC. AND WHEN I DID TAKE … Look up ODI 745915 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 889059 CONSUMER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN ENGINE COOLING FAN RECALL 00V367000. CONSUMER MADE THREE APPOINTMENTS TO HAVE VEHICLE SERVICED; HOWEVER, DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT APPOINTMENTS WERE NEVER PUT INTO COMPUTER AND SERVICE WAS DENIED. ON MAY 19TH, 2001 THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN UNDERHOOD WIRING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK Look up ODI 889059 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 707023 THEY DON'T KNOW WHY MY ENGINE CUTS OUT. I BELIEVE PROBLEM IS LEFT OVER FROM ALL THE WORK THEY DID ON ABS AND CAT. CONVERTER CHANGEOVER. THEY WILL NOT WARRANTY CAR NOW THAT FACTORY WARRANTY EXPIRED. REFUSED TO INSTALL "FLIGHT RECORDER" TO TROUBLESHOOT. DEALER REFUSED TO OFFER EXTENDED WARRANTY AT NO CHARGE SINCE THEY ARE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS. DEALER REPLACED ENTIRE LH WIRING HARNESS WHEN REPAIRING ABS, LEFT MANY "LOOSE ENDS" ALL OVER THE CAR. AK Look up ODI 707023 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 740409 THIS VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD TO REPLACE WITH A NEW VEHICLE IN JUNE 2000. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. AK Look up ODI 740409 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 8002848 CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH ON HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A SMOKE SMELL COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. HE PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK PRIOR TO RECALL 00V367, ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING AND BURNING EXCESS OIL FROM OVERHEATED PISTON RINGS, AFTER RECALL REPAIRS, THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ANTIFREEZE LEAK THAT WAS GOING INTO MOTOR OIL, ENGINE COOLING FANS WERE OPERATING INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ENGINE WAS HOT, DEALER FOUND UPPER RADIATOR HOSE AT WATER PUMP HAD A PINHOLE LEAK, ENGINE COOLING FAN WIRING … Look up ODI 8002848 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 10188182 I HAVE A 1995 FORD CONTOUR AND I PAID OVER $16,000.00 FOR IT. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE SINCE I GOT THIS CAR. I HAVE 50,888 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES AND WORKED ON 4 TIMES. WATER PUMP WENT OUT, AIR WENT OUT ALL WIRING COVERS HAS CRUMBLED OFF LEAVING EXPOSED WIRES TO START A FIRE AND MUCH MORE. I HAVE BEEN TREATED LIKE I WAS A CHILD AND DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I NOW HAVE A CAR THAT I CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE IT IS A FIRE HAZARD. I WANT SOMETHING DONE TO MY SATISFACTION. I K… Look up ODI 10188182 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 745915 FIRST THE A/C STARTED FLOODING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. RESULT THE CONDENSER WAS REPLACED BY PLANTATION FORD, WHO TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. THEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED LURCHING IN REVERSE. RESULT $2000, AND AGAIN FORD TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CONTOUR. FINALLY THE ENGINE QUIT ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. MUCH LATER FORD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE COOLING FAN FUSE, AAND THE WIRING HARNESS. BOTH OF WHICH I WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT, BUT HAD TO LEARN FROM A MECHANIC. AND WHEN I DID TAKE … Look up ODI 745915 at NHTSA ↗	0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	3 ODI 10188182 I HAVE A 1995 FORD CONTOUR AND I PAID OVER $16,000.00 FOR IT. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE SINCE I GOT THIS CAR. I HAVE 50,888 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES AND WORKED ON 4 TIMES. WATER PUMP WENT OUT, AIR WENT OUT ALL WIRING COVERS HAS CRUMBLED OFF LEAVING EXPOSED WIRES TO START A FIRE AND MUCH MORE. I HAVE BEEN TREATED LIKE I WAS A CHILD AND DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I NOW HAVE A CAR THAT I CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE IT IS A FIRE HAZARD. I WANT SOMETHING DONE TO MY SATISFACTION. I K… Look up ODI 10188182 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10195519 · 141,720 mi EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION ISSUES, WITH INTERMITTENT ROUGH SHIFTING AND INTERMITTENT FAILURES TO ENGAGE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT MYSTERIOUSLY STARTED TO RUN FINE FOR SEVERAL DAYS. ONE MORNING I DROVE A SHORT DISTANCE FOR AN APPOINTMENT. UPON RETURNING AND STARTING THE CAR I NOTICED SMOKE EXITING THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I TURNED OF THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND I COULD STILL SEE SOME SMOKE COMING FROM THE LEFT-REAR PART OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, SEVERAL OF THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICA… Look up ODI 10195519 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 745915 FIRST THE A/C STARTED FLOODING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. RESULT THE CONDENSER WAS REPLACED BY PLANTATION FORD, WHO TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. THEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED LURCHING IN REVERSE. RESULT $2000, AND AGAIN FORD TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CONTOUR. FINALLY THE ENGINE QUIT ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. MUCH LATER FORD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE COOLING FAN FUSE, AAND THE WIRING HARNESS. BOTH OF WHICH I WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT, BUT HAD TO LEARN FROM A MECHANIC. AND WHEN I DID TAKE … Look up ODI 745915 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	2 ODI 704638 I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH VIBRATION IN MY CAR FROM WHEN I PICKED IT UP. I HAVE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL WHILE STOPPED IN ORDER TO KEEP THE STEERING WHEEL FROM SHAKING TERRIBLY. AFTER HAVING IT IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SEVERAL TIMES, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH CONTOURS AND DID NOT PURSUE IT ANY FURTHER. I HAVE NOW BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET ALONG WITH A REBUILT ENGINE. I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER IF ALL THE VIBRATION IN THE CAR WEAKENED THE SEAL CAUSING LEAKING FROM THE HEAD GASKET. THIS CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD AND HAS… Look up ODI 704638 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 718208 NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 718208 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 566874 THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON AND OFF. *JG Look up ODI 566874 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 539965 AIR CONDITIONER SWITCH FAILED. Look up ODI 539965 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 10188182 I HAVE A 1995 FORD CONTOUR AND I PAID OVER $16,000.00 FOR IT. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE SINCE I GOT THIS CAR. I HAVE 50,888 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES AND WORKED ON 4 TIMES. WATER PUMP WENT OUT, AIR WENT OUT ALL WIRING COVERS HAS CRUMBLED OFF LEAVING EXPOSED WIRES TO START A FIRE AND MUCH MORE. I HAVE BEEN TREATED LIKE I WAS A CHILD AND DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I NOW HAVE A CAR THAT I CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE IT IS A FIRE HAZARD. I WANT SOMETHING DONE TO MY SATISFACTION. I K… Look up ODI 10188182 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 745915 FIRST THE A/C STARTED FLOODING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. RESULT THE CONDENSER WAS REPLACED BY PLANTATION FORD, WHO TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. THEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED LURCHING IN REVERSE. RESULT $2000, AND AGAIN FORD TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CONTOUR. FINALLY THE ENGINE QUIT ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. MUCH LATER FORD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE COOLING FAN FUSE, AAND THE WIRING HARNESS. BOTH OF WHICH I WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT, BUT HAD TO LEARN FROM A MECHANIC. AND WHEN I DID TAKE … Look up ODI 745915 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 762379 THE EGR VALVE, EGR GAS REGULATOR VALVE WENT BAD. THE SHIFTING SENSOR WENT BAD CAUSING IT TO FEEL LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE MOUNT BROKE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO VIBRATE VERY BADLY. THE A/C COMPRESSOR LOCKED UP CAUSING THE BELT TO BRAKE AND STRANDING MY WIFE AND 8 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER. Look up ODI 762379 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 781446 TRANSMISSION SLIPPING/FAILING TO ENGAGE IN OVERDRIVE. ALSO, LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHEN IT RAINS. Look up ODI 781446 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan	1 ODI 889059 CONSUMER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN ENGINE COOLING FAN RECALL 00V367000. CONSUMER MADE THREE APPOINTMENTS TO HAVE VEHICLE SERVICED; HOWEVER, DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT APPOINTMENTS WERE NEVER PUT INTO COMPUTER AND SERVICE WAS DENIED. ON MAY 19TH, 2001 THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN UNDERHOOD WIRING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK Look up ODI 889059 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	2 ODI 561425 CONSUMER COMPLAINS OF THE TEPERATURE GAUGE BEING OVER TOO FAR. JG Look up ODI 561425 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 888884 ENGINE CONTINUALLY OVERHEATED AND WOULD STALL WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED. DEALERSHIP REPLACED ENGINE ASSEMBLY WITH 78,200 MILES ON ENGINE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. SECOND ENGINE EXPERIENCED OVERHEATING AND STALLING APPROXIMATELY 38,000 MILES AFTER ENGINE COMPONENTS HAD BEEN REPLACED. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL 00V367 FOR ENGINE COOLING FAN AFTER THESE PROBLEMS HAD HAPPENED, AND WAS INFORMED BY DEALERSHIP THAT THIS VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL BECAUSE IT HAD OVER 100,000 MILES ON IT. AK *JB Look up ODI 888884 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 561425 CONSUMER COMPLAINS OF THE TEPERATURE GAUGE BEING OVER TOO FAR. JG Look up ODI 561425 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 8008761 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BURNED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE. CONTACTED DEALER. AK AFTER DEALER PERFORMED RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V367000, CONSUMER COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, ANOTHER MECHANIC FOUND WIRING HARNESS WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. CONSUMER ADDS THAT THE OIL PUMP ALSO FAILED. *TT Look up ODI 8008761 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 753320 RADIATOR FAN MOTOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND WATER PUMP FAILURE CAUSED ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THIS THEN CAUSED THE ENGINE HEAD OR GASKET TO FAIL. ALSO EXPECT TO FIND WATER PUMP IMPELLER DAMAGE. THESE COMPONENT FAILURES HAVE PRODUCED A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR ESTIMATE. BY SEARCHING CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE, OWNERS CAN PLAINLY SEE THAT THE COOLING SYSTEM FAILURES ARE CAUSEING EXTENSIVE AND COSTLY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE ENGINE. A RECALL IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FAN MOTORS, THIS DOES NOT ADDRESS THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE VEHICLE ENGINE BY THE FA… Look up ODI 753320 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 753320 RADIATOR FAN MOTOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND WATER PUMP FAILURE CAUSED ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THIS THEN CAUSED THE ENGINE HEAD OR GASKET TO FAIL. ALSO EXPECT TO FIND WATER PUMP IMPELLER DAMAGE. THESE COMPONENT FAILURES HAVE PRODUCED A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR ESTIMATE. BY SEARCHING CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE, OWNERS CAN PLAINLY SEE THAT THE COOLING SYSTEM FAILURES ARE CAUSEING EXTENSIVE AND COSTLY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE ENGINE. A RECALL IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FAN MOTORS, THIS DOES NOT ADDRESS THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE VEHICLE ENGINE BY THE FA… Look up ODI 753320 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 880241 HEAD GASKET BLEWOUT, CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT AND SMOKE. THERE WERE NO SIGNS OR WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR. VEHICLE HAD REQUIRED LARGE AMOUNTS OF ANTIFREEZE AND OIL. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL ON COOLING FAN. QUESTIONED DEALER IF RECALL HAD ANYTHNG TO DO WITH GASKET BLOWING. DEALER SAID THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ANY RELATIONSHIP. AK THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START DUE TO SPARK PLUG ASSEMBLY FAILURE AND ENGINE HEAD GASKETS FAILURE. YH Look up ODI 880241 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	2 ODI 707023 THEY DON'T KNOW WHY MY ENGINE CUTS OUT. I BELIEVE PROBLEM IS LEFT OVER FROM ALL THE WORK THEY DID ON ABS AND CAT. CONVERTER CHANGEOVER. THEY WILL NOT WARRANTY CAR NOW THAT FACTORY WARRANTY EXPIRED. REFUSED TO INSTALL "FLIGHT RECORDER" TO TROUBLESHOOT. DEALER REFUSED TO OFFER EXTENDED WARRANTY AT NO CHARGE SINCE THEY ARE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS. DEALER REPLACED ENTIRE LH WIRING HARNESS WHEN REPAIRING ABS, LEFT MANY "LOOSE ENDS" ALL OVER THE CAR. AK Look up ODI 707023 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 740409 THIS VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD TO REPLACE WITH A NEW VEHICLE IN JUNE 2000. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. AK Look up ODI 740409 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 704638 I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH VIBRATION IN MY CAR FROM WHEN I PICKED IT UP. I HAVE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL WHILE STOPPED IN ORDER TO KEEP THE STEERING WHEEL FROM SHAKING TERRIBLY. AFTER HAVING IT IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SEVERAL TIMES, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH CONTOURS AND DID NOT PURSUE IT ANY FURTHER. I HAVE NOW BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET ALONG WITH A REBUILT ENGINE. I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER IF ALL THE VIBRATION IN THE CAR WEAKENED THE SEAL CAUSING LEAKING FROM THE HEAD GASKET. THIS CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD AND HAS… Look up ODI 704638 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 718208 NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK Look up ODI 718208 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 561425 CONSUMER COMPLAINS OF THE TEPERATURE GAUGE BEING OVER TOO FAR. JG Look up ODI 561425 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 888884 ENGINE CONTINUALLY OVERHEATED AND WOULD STALL WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED. DEALERSHIP REPLACED ENGINE ASSEMBLY WITH 78,200 MILES ON ENGINE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. SECOND ENGINE EXPERIENCED OVERHEATING AND STALLING APPROXIMATELY 38,000 MILES AFTER ENGINE COMPONENTS HAD BEEN REPLACED. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL 00V367 FOR ENGINE COOLING FAN AFTER THESE PROBLEMS HAD HAPPENED, AND WAS INFORMED BY DEALERSHIP THAT THIS VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL BECAUSE IT HAD OVER 100,000 MILES ON IT. AK *JB Look up ODI 888884 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 561425 CONSUMER COMPLAINS OF THE TEPERATURE GAUGE BEING OVER TOO FAR. *JG Look up ODI 561425 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 558904 THE VEHICLE NEARLY STALLED ON COLD START AND THE BATTERY SES LIGHT ILLUMINATED, CONSMER ALSO NOTICED A SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CONSUMER TURNED VEHCLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT WITH NO PROBLEM AND THE SMELL WAS NO LONGER PRESENT, CONSUMER LEFT THE VEHICLE PARKED FOR SEVERAL DAYS, BUT WHEN IT WAS WARMED UP FOR 15 MIN. CONSUMER NOTICED UNEVEN ACCELERATION AND MISFIRING, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED EVER SINCE. NLM Look up ODI 558904 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 733066 COOLING FAN MOTOR REPLACED BY AUTOPACT CAR SERVICE IN CHARLOTTE NC, BUT ENGINE STILL OVERHEATED. CAR THEN TOWED TO HARRELSON FORD IN CHARLOTTE WHERE I WAS TOLD ENGINE WAS "BURNED UP" DUE TO ENGINE COOLING FAN FAILURE. THEY RECOMMENDED ENGINE REPLACEMENT AND COMPONENTS AT COST NEARLY $5000. IN 1999, COOLING FAN RAN ERRADICALLY AND REQUIRED BATTERY TO BE REPLACED ACCORDING TO FORD DEALERSHIP IN GREENSBORO, NC. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO REPLACED ENGINE THERMASTAT. RATHER THAN A THERMASTAT PROBLEM, I SUSPECT ENGINE COOLING FAN WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED D… Look up ODI 733066 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 763061 WAS DRIVING 60MPH ON HIGHWAY WHEN ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. 30 SECONDS LATER, I HEARD NOISE WHICH SOUNDED LIKE BICYCLE CHAIN SWITCHING GEARS. 90 SECONDS AFTER THAT, THE OIL LIGHT LIT , TEMPERATURE GAUGE REGISTERED HOT SUDDENLY AND SIMULTANEOUSLY ENGINE DIED. FORD DEALER SERVICE DEPT. DIAGNOSED "WATER PUMP FAILURE". REMOVED WATER PUMP. THE PLASTIC IMPELLER HAS MULTIPLE CRACKS AND NO LONGER SPINS WITH SHAFT. FORD DEALER HAS SERVICE BULLETIN ACKNOWLEDGING PROBLEMS WITH WATER PUMPS ON MY TYPE VEHICLE, AND EXTENDS WARRANTY TO 6 YEARS/75,000… Look up ODI 763061 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 558904 THE VEHICLE NEARLY STALLED ON COLD START AND THE BATTERY SES LIGHT ILLUMINATED, CONSMER ALSO NOTICED A SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CONSUMER TURNED VEHCLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT WITH NO PROBLEM AND THE SMELL WAS NO LONGER PRESENT, CONSUMER LEFT THE VEHICLE PARKED FOR SEVERAL DAYS, BUT WHEN IT WAS WARMED UP FOR 15 MIN. CONSUMER NOTICED UNEVEN ACCELERATION AND MISFIRING, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED EVER SINCE. NLM Look up ODI 558904 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 8014498 WHILE DRIVING THERE IS SMOKE , AND VEHICLE CUTS OFF, WHICH IS CAUSED BY VEHICLE OVERHEATING, AND HEAD GASKET FAILING. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP.*AK Look up ODI 8014498 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	1 ODI 8002848 CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH ON HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A SMOKE SMELL COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. HE PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK PRIOR TO RECALL 00V367, ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING AND BURNING EXCESS OIL FROM OVERHEATED PISTON RINGS, AFTER RECALL REPAIRS, THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ANTIFREEZE LEAK THAT WAS GOING INTO MOTOR OIL, ENGINE COOLING FANS WERE OPERATING INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ENGINE WAS HOT, DEALER FOUND UPPER RADIATOR HOSE AT WATER PUMP HAD A PINHOLE LEAK, ENGINE COOLING FAN WIRING … Look up ODI 8002848 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 566874 THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON AND OFF. *JG Look up ODI 566874 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 561425 CONSUMER COMPLAINS OF THE TEPERATURE GAUGE BEING OVER TOO FAR. JG Look up ODI 561425 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 8008761 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BURNED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE. CONTACTED DEALER. AK AFTER DEALER PERFORMED RECALL CAMPAIGN 00V367000, CONSUMER COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, ANOTHER MECHANIC FOUND WIRING HARNESS WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. CONSUMER ADDS THAT THE OIL PUMP ALSO FAILED. *TT Look up ODI 8008761 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 561425 CONSUMER COMPLAINS OF THE TEPERATURE GAUGE BEING OVER TOO FAR. *JG Look up ODI 561425 at NHTSA ↗	—	4 ODI 516464 VEHICLE OVERHEATS AFTER DRIVING SHORT DISTANCES CONTINUALLY. Look up ODI 516464 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 878523 WHILE DRIVING ENGINE WILL OVERHEAT. TEMPERATURE GAUGE WILL GO ALL WAY TO RED PART, AND A DARK SMOKE WILL COME FROM DASHBOARD WITH A PLASTIC SMELL. COOLING SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK. AK Look up ODI 878523 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 879747 WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65 MPH ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM STARTED TO ACT UP, AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE INSIDE VEHICLE STARTED TO REACH THE OVERHEATING AREA, AND THEN ENGINE BLEW. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER SAID THEY WILL TAKE A LOOK AT VEHICLE. AK THERMOSTAT HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND GALLONS OF WATER AND ANTIFREEZE HAD BEEN PUT INTO THE RADIATOR SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE INCIDENT OCCURED. *YH Look up ODI 879747 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 882170 WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON .VEHICLE WAS SERVICED. TECHNICIAN STATED VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND NEEDED VALVE JOB .AK CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THE COMPONENT IN RECALL 00V367 MAY HAVE BEEN THE PROBLEM ALL ALONG AND YET HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS WITH THE VALVE AND GASKET, THE RECALL COMPONENT HAS FAILED 2 TIMES. SLC Look up ODI 882170 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 886162 CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND TEMPERATURE LIGHT CAME ON, AND ENGINE GASKET BLEWOUT. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. *AK Look up ODI 886162 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 563680 DPF SENSOR NEEDS REPLACED. *SLC Look up ODI 563680 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	0	1 ODI 539965 AIR CONDITIONER SWITCH FAILED. Look up ODI 539965 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 753320 RADIATOR FAN MOTOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND WATER PUMP FAILURE CAUSED ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THIS THEN CAUSED THE ENGINE HEAD OR GASKET TO FAIL. ALSO EXPECT TO FIND WATER PUMP IMPELLER DAMAGE. THESE COMPONENT FAILURES HAVE PRODUCED A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR ESTIMATE. BY SEARCHING CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE, OWNERS CAN PLAINLY SEE THAT THE COOLING SYSTEM FAILURES ARE CAUSEING EXTENSIVE AND COSTLY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE ENGINE. A RECALL IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FAN MOTORS, THIS DOES NOT ADDRESS THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE VEHICLE ENGINE BY THE FA… Look up ODI 753320 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 558904 THE VEHICLE NEARLY STALLED ON COLD START AND THE BATTERY SES LIGHT ILLUMINATED, CONSMER ALSO NOTICED A SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CONSUMER TURNED VEHCLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT WITH NO PROBLEM AND THE SMELL WAS NO LONGER PRESENT, CONSUMER LEFT THE VEHICLE PARKED FOR SEVERAL DAYS, BUT WHEN IT WAS WARMED UP FOR 15 MIN. CONSUMER NOTICED UNEVEN ACCELERATION AND MISFIRING, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED EVER SINCE. NLM Look up ODI 558904 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 733066 COOLING FAN MOTOR REPLACED BY AUTOPACT CAR SERVICE IN CHARLOTTE NC, BUT ENGINE STILL OVERHEATED. CAR THEN TOWED TO HARRELSON FORD IN CHARLOTTE WHERE I WAS TOLD ENGINE WAS "BURNED UP" DUE TO ENGINE COOLING FAN FAILURE. THEY RECOMMENDED ENGINE REPLACEMENT AND COMPONENTS AT COST NEARLY $5000. IN 1999, COOLING FAN RAN ERRADICALLY AND REQUIRED BATTERY TO BE REPLACED ACCORDING TO FORD DEALERSHIP IN GREENSBORO, NC. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO REPLACED ENGINE THERMASTAT. RATHER THAN A THERMASTAT PROBLEM, I SUSPECT ENGINE COOLING FAN WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED D… Look up ODI 733066 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 763061 WAS DRIVING 60MPH ON HIGHWAY WHEN ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. 30 SECONDS LATER, I HEARD NOISE WHICH SOUNDED LIKE BICYCLE CHAIN SWITCHING GEARS. 90 SECONDS AFTER THAT, THE OIL LIGHT LIT , TEMPERATURE GAUGE REGISTERED HOT SUDDENLY AND SIMULTANEOUSLY ENGINE DIED. FORD DEALER SERVICE DEPT. DIAGNOSED "WATER PUMP FAILURE". REMOVED WATER PUMP. THE PLASTIC IMPELLER HAS MULTIPLE CRACKS AND NO LONGER SPINS WITH SHAFT. FORD DEALER HAS SERVICE BULLETIN ACKNOWLEDGING PROBLEMS WITH WATER PUMPS ON MY TYPE VEHICLE, AND EXTENDS WARRANTY TO 6 YEARS/75,000… Look up ODI 763061 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 516464 VEHICLE OVERHEATS AFTER DRIVING SHORT DISTANCES CONTINUALLY. Look up ODI 516464 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 878523 WHILE DRIVING ENGINE WILL OVERHEAT. TEMPERATURE GAUGE WILL GO ALL WAY TO RED PART, AND A DARK SMOKE WILL COME FROM DASHBOARD WITH A PLASTIC SMELL. COOLING SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK. AK Look up ODI 878523 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 879747 WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65 MPH ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM STARTED TO ACT UP, AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE INSIDE VEHICLE STARTED TO REACH THE OVERHEATING AREA, AND THEN ENGINE BLEW. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER SAID THEY WILL TAKE A LOOK AT VEHICLE. AK THERMOSTAT HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND GALLONS OF WATER AND ANTIFREEZE HAD BEEN PUT INTO THE RADIATOR SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE INCIDENT OCCURED. *YH Look up ODI 879747 at NHTSA ↗	—	6 ODI 558904 THE VEHICLE NEARLY STALLED ON COLD START AND THE BATTERY SES LIGHT ILLUMINATED, CONSMER ALSO NOTICED A SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CONSUMER TURNED VEHCLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT WITH NO PROBLEM AND THE SMELL WAS NO LONGER PRESENT, CONSUMER LEFT THE VEHICLE PARKED FOR SEVERAL DAYS, BUT WHEN IT WAS WARMED UP FOR 15 MIN. CONSUMER NOTICED UNEVEN ACCELERATION AND MISFIRING, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED EVER SINCE. NLM Look up ODI 558904 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 747241 CAR HAS OVERHEATED ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS, ENGINE LIGHT ON CONSTANTLY, BLOWN HEAD GASKET THE LAST TIME CAR OVERHEATED, RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. DEALER IS TRYING TO SAY THAT THE RECALLED COOLING FAN DIDN'T RESULT IN DESTRUCTION OF ENGINE. EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED WITH THE DEALER SERVICE AND IN FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP DEPT. Look up ODI 747241 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 753320 RADIATOR FAN MOTOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND WATER PUMP FAILURE CAUSED ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THIS THEN CAUSED THE ENGINE HEAD OR GASKET TO FAIL. ALSO EXPECT TO FIND WATER PUMP IMPELLER DAMAGE. THESE COMPONENT FAILURES HAVE PRODUCED A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR ESTIMATE. BY SEARCHING CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE, OWNERS CAN PLAINLY SEE THAT THE COOLING SYSTEM FAILURES ARE CAUSEING EXTENSIVE AND COSTLY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE ENGINE. A RECALL IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FAN MOTORS, THIS DOES NOT ADDRESS THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE VEHICLE ENGINE BY THE FA… Look up ODI 753320 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	2 ODI 10188182 I HAVE A 1995 FORD CONTOUR AND I PAID OVER $16,000.00 FOR IT. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE SINCE I GOT THIS CAR. I HAVE 50,888 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES AND WORKED ON 4 TIMES. WATER PUMP WENT OUT, AIR WENT OUT ALL WIRING COVERS HAS CRUMBLED OFF LEAVING EXPOSED WIRES TO START A FIRE AND MUCH MORE. I HAVE BEEN TREATED LIKE I WAS A CHILD AND DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I NOW HAVE A CAR THAT I CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE IT IS A FIRE HAZARD. I WANT SOMETHING DONE TO MY SATISFACTION. I K… Look up ODI 10188182 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 745915 FIRST THE A/C STARTED FLOODING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. RESULT THE CONDENSER WAS REPLACED BY PLANTATION FORD, WHO TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. THEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED LURCHING IN REVERSE. RESULT $2000, AND AGAIN FORD TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CONTOUR. FINALLY THE ENGINE QUIT ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. MUCH LATER FORD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE COOLING FAN FUSE, AAND THE WIRING HARNESS. BOTH OF WHICH I WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT, BUT HAD TO LEARN FROM A MECHANIC. AND WHEN I DID TAKE … Look up ODI 745915 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 10188182 I HAVE A 1995 FORD CONTOUR AND I PAID OVER $16,000.00 FOR IT. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE SINCE I GOT THIS CAR. I HAVE 50,888 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES AND WORKED ON 4 TIMES. WATER PUMP WENT OUT, AIR WENT OUT ALL WIRING COVERS HAS CRUMBLED OFF LEAVING EXPOSED WIRES TO START A FIRE AND MUCH MORE. I HAVE BEEN TREATED LIKE I WAS A CHILD AND DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I NOW HAVE A CAR THAT I CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE IT IS A FIRE HAZARD. I WANT SOMETHING DONE TO MY SATISFACTION. I K… Look up ODI 10188182 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 745915 FIRST THE A/C STARTED FLOODING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. RESULT THE CONDENSER WAS REPLACED BY PLANTATION FORD, WHO TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. THEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED LURCHING IN REVERSE. RESULT $2000, AND AGAIN FORD TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CONTOUR. FINALLY THE ENGINE QUIT ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. MUCH LATER FORD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE COOLING FAN FUSE, AAND THE WIRING HARNESS. BOTH OF WHICH I WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT, BUT HAD TO LEARN FROM A MECHANIC. AND WHEN I DID TAKE … Look up ODI 745915 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 762379 THE EGR VALVE, EGR GAS REGULATOR VALVE WENT BAD. THE SHIFTING SENSOR WENT BAD CAUSING IT TO FEEL LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE MOUNT BROKE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO VIBRATE VERY BADLY. THE A/C COMPRESSOR LOCKED UP CAUSING THE BELT TO BRAKE AND STRANDING MY WIFE AND 8 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER. Look up ODI 762379 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 753320 RADIATOR FAN MOTOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND WATER PUMP FAILURE CAUSED ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THIS THEN CAUSED THE ENGINE HEAD OR GASKET TO FAIL. ALSO EXPECT TO FIND WATER PUMP IMPELLER DAMAGE. THESE COMPONENT FAILURES HAVE PRODUCED A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR ESTIMATE. BY SEARCHING CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE, OWNERS CAN PLAINLY SEE THAT THE COOLING SYSTEM FAILURES ARE CAUSEING EXTENSIVE AND COSTLY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE ENGINE. A RECALL IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FAN MOTORS, THIS DOES NOT ADDRESS THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE VEHICLE ENGINE BY THE FA… Look up ODI 753320 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 880241 HEAD GASKET BLEWOUT, CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT AND SMOKE. THERE WERE NO SIGNS OR WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR. VEHICLE HAD REQUIRED LARGE AMOUNTS OF ANTIFREEZE AND OIL. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL ON COOLING FAN. QUESTIONED DEALER IF RECALL HAD ANYTHNG TO DO WITH GASKET BLOWING. DEALER SAID THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ANY RELATIONSHIP. AK THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START DUE TO SPARK PLUG ASSEMBLY FAILURE AND ENGINE HEAD GASKETS FAILURE. YH Look up ODI 880241 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 558904 THE VEHICLE NEARLY STALLED ON COLD START AND THE BATTERY SES LIGHT ILLUMINATED, CONSMER ALSO NOTICED A SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CONSUMER TURNED VEHCLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT WITH NO PROBLEM AND THE SMELL WAS NO LONGER PRESENT, CONSUMER LEFT THE VEHICLE PARKED FOR SEVERAL DAYS, BUT WHEN IT WAS WARMED UP FOR 15 MIN. CONSUMER NOTICED UNEVEN ACCELERATION AND MISFIRING, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED EVER SINCE. NLM Look up ODI 558904 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 8014498 WHILE DRIVING THERE IS SMOKE , AND VEHICLE CUTS OFF, WHICH IS CAUSED BY VEHICLE OVERHEATING, AND HEAD GASKET FAILING. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP.*AK Look up ODI 8014498 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 882170 WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON .VEHICLE WAS SERVICED. TECHNICIAN STATED VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND NEEDED VALVE JOB .AK CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THE COMPONENT IN RECALL 00V367 MAY HAVE BEEN THE PROBLEM ALL ALONG AND YET HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS WITH THE VALVE AND GASKET, THE RECALL COMPONENT HAS FAILED 2 TIMES. SLC Look up ODI 882170 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 886162 CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND TEMPERATURE LIGHT CAME ON, AND ENGINE GASKET BLEWOUT. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. *AK Look up ODI 886162 at NHTSA ↗	6 ODI 558904 THE VEHICLE NEARLY STALLED ON COLD START AND THE BATTERY SES LIGHT ILLUMINATED, CONSMER ALSO NOTICED A SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CONSUMER TURNED VEHCLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT WITH NO PROBLEM AND THE SMELL WAS NO LONGER PRESENT, CONSUMER LEFT THE VEHICLE PARKED FOR SEVERAL DAYS, BUT WHEN IT WAS WARMED UP FOR 15 MIN. CONSUMER NOTICED UNEVEN ACCELERATION AND MISFIRING, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED EVER SINCE. NLM Look up ODI 558904 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 747241 CAR HAS OVERHEATED ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS, ENGINE LIGHT ON CONSTANTLY, BLOWN HEAD GASKET THE LAST TIME CAR OVERHEATED, RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. DEALER IS TRYING TO SAY THAT THE RECALLED COOLING FAN DIDN'T RESULT IN DESTRUCTION OF ENGINE. EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED WITH THE DEALER SERVICE AND IN FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP DEPT. Look up ODI 747241 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 753320 RADIATOR FAN MOTOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND WATER PUMP FAILURE CAUSED ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THIS THEN CAUSED THE ENGINE HEAD OR GASKET TO FAIL. ALSO EXPECT TO FIND WATER PUMP IMPELLER DAMAGE. THESE COMPONENT FAILURES HAVE PRODUCED A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR ESTIMATE. BY SEARCHING CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE, OWNERS CAN PLAINLY SEE THAT THE COOLING SYSTEM FAILURES ARE CAUSEING EXTENSIVE AND COSTLY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE ENGINE. A RECALL IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FAN MOTORS, THIS DOES NOT ADDRESS THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE VEHICLE ENGINE BY THE FA… Look up ODI 753320 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 968111 CRANCKSHAFT/PULLEY FAILED. *AK Look up ODI 968111 at NHTSA ↗
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System	0	1 ODI 781446 TRANSMISSION SLIPPING/FAILING TO ENGAGE IN OVERDRIVE. ALSO, LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHEN IT RAINS. Look up ODI 781446 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 563680 DPF SENSOR NEEDS REPLACED. *SLC Look up ODI 563680 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 968111 CRANCKSHAFT/PULLEY FAILED. *AK Look up ODI 968111 at NHTSA ↗	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

7 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

54 mentions · 6.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 123,500 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10014365

I OWN A 1995 FORD CONTOUR THAT QUITS WITH NO WARNING, MY SON HAS HAD IT STALL ON THE EXPRESSWAY 8 TO 10 TIMES AND THE FORD DEALERS KEEP REPLACING THINGS, BUT THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE A CAR THAT WILL JUST STALL OUT AT ANY TIME. WHAT CAN I DO. *NLM

Look up ODI 10014365 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10023668 · 155,121 mi

MY CAR STALLED ON ME BACK IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR, AND WHEN IT WAS LOOKED AT A GARAGE, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A FAULTY ENGINE WIRING HARNESS ON MY 1995 FORD CONTOUR. I LOOKED AROUND ON THE INTERNET, AND SAW THAT THERE WAS INDEED A RECALL ON THIS SAME HARNESS. I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM FORD ABOUT IT. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, AND THEY VERIFIED THAT THERE WAS INDEED A RECALL ON IT, AND TO BRING IT IN TO HAVE THE WORK DONE. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED THERE TO HAVE IT FIXED. AFTER THEY HAD IT FOR ABOUT THREE OR FOUR DAYS, I WENT BACK TO CHEC…

Look up ODI 10023668 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10026931

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL STALL, AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Look up ODI 10026931 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

47 mentions · 5.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 505840

POWER STEERING BELT SLIPS OFF WHENEVER VEHICLE IS DRIVEN OVER A WATER PUDDLE. *SD

Look up ODI 505840 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 508363

PASSING THROUGH A PUDDLE CAUSED VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER STEERING. *AK

Look up ODI 508363 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 508397

WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN OVER WATER THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON/LOSS OF POWER STEERING.

Look up ODI 508397 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

24 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10009173

CONSUMER SIMULTANEOUSLY PRESSED ON THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDAL.*JB

Look up ODI 10009173 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10009248

THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED SIMULTANEOUSLY.*JB

Look up ODI 10009248 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 484476

BRAKES FAILED/NOISY.

Look up ODI 484476 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

17 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 110,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10127863 · 120,000 mi

1995 FORD CONTOUR. RECALL 99M03 (UNDERHOOD WIRING HARNESS) WAS COMPLETED BY FORD DEALERSHIP OCTOBER 2000. IN 2003 AND SINCE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, ABS LIGHT COMES ON, BLOWS FUSES RANDOMLY, FINALLY THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED SMOKING AND THE WIRING CAUGHT FIRE. AFTER INSPECTION, IT APPEARS FORD ONLY REPLACED PART OF THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE RECALL, NOT THE ENTIRE HARNESS AS THE INVOICE SHOWS. PART OF THE WIRING APPEARS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE, WHILE SOME SECTIONS OF THE HARNESS ARE FRAYED, INSULATION IS FALLING OFF, AND BARE WIRE IS EXPOS…

Look up ODI 10127863 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10235577

MY 1995 FORD CONTOUR WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL WHEN THE ENGINE COOLING FAN AND WIRING HARNESS BURNED UP. HOWEVER THEY REPLACED ONLY THAT PART OF THE WIRING HARNESS THAT IS DIRECTLY CONNECTED WITH ENGINE COOLING FANS, THE REST OF THE UNDERHOOD WIRING IS FAILING DUE TO OVERHEATING CAUSING THE INSULATION TO BREAK DOWN. I HAD TO REPLACE THE CONNECTOR TO THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE SENSOR BECAUSE IT HAS TURNED INTO A SOFT GELATIN LIKE SUBSTANCE CAUSING SHORTS. I BELIEVE THE ENTIRE UNDERHOOD WIRING HARNESS SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED WHEN THE FANS CA…

Look up ODI 10235577 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10248064

TURN CAR ON WHEN CAR REACHES TO NORMAL TEMP CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND STALLS MOST OF THE TIME AT A COMPLETE STOP SHUT ENGINE OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS OFF TILL RUN FOR A MIN WHEN ENGINE IS CALLED LIGHT STAYS OFF TILL ENGINE IS WARM AGAIN. *TR

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Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

16 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 141,720 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10001478

WHILE IN MOTION GOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WILL DECELERATE AND JERK BACK AND FORTH. *JG *JB

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ODI 10032980

I BOUGHT A CAR ON AUG O8,2003. IT BROKE DOWN AN HOUR LATER ON THE HIGHWAY. I TOOK IT TO TINKS AND THE MECHANIC RUSS TOLD ME THAT THE WERE 20-30 WIRES THAT NEED TO BE REPLACE AND THAT THE CAR WAS NO GOOD. I WANTED MY MONEY BACK AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD FIX THE CAR THE WARRANY IS FOR 30 DAYS.THEY FIXED THE CAR AND I GOT IT BACK ON AUG 14,2003. IT STALLED 4 TIMES AFTER I PICKED IT UP. THEY ALSO GAVE ME 4 KEYS THAT WOULD NOT OPEN THE CAR SO I WAS LOCKED OUT. THEY HAD TO BREAK INTO THE CAR BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE KEY. I HAD TO GO PHILLIPSBURG T…

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ODI 10074143

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE JERKED AND CHANGED GEARS ON ITS OWN. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

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Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

11 mentions · 1.2% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10004508

CONSUMER NOTICE GAS TANK VENT TUBE BROKE CAUSING A GAS LEAK. REPLACED A YEAR LATER PROBLEM RECCURRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

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ODI 707883

THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A GAS LEAK AT THE JOINT OF THE FUEL PIPE AND GAS TANK CREATING A PUDDLE OF GAS UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. I DISCOVERED A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON MANY 95 CONTOURS DUE TO DEFECTIVE GAS TANK ASSEMBLIES. I TOOK OUR VEHICLE DOWN TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. HE CALLED ME WITH AN ESTIMATE OF $578 TO REPLACE THE GAS TANK ASSEMBLY. I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ASKED FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE THEY SAID THEY WOULD TRY TO HELP AND THAT I WOULD HERE FROM THE DEALER WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS. I R…

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ODI 713958

(1) DUAL ELECTRIC RADIATOR FANS COUGHT ON FIRE FOR NO APPARENT REASON - MAY (2) WATER PUMP FAILED. PLASTIC IMPELLER CRUMBLED AT FINGER PRESSURE (3) SMELLS OF GAS, WHEN LOW ON GAS (4) CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED CAUSING RESTRICTION (5) POWER LOSS INCLUDING POWER STEERING WHEN DRIVEN THROUGH A WATER PUDDLE OR IN HEAVY RAIN.

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Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

9 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 135,044 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10053588 · 150,000 mi

AFTER GOING THROUGH THE CAR WASH VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. CONSUMER OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND NO INSULATION ON THE WIRES WHICH CAUSED A SHORT. *AK

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ODI 10183066 · 120,088 mi

MY 95 CONTOUR STARTED FOR TWO SECONDS, THEN DIED. IT WOULD NOT START AFTER THAT. MY MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP QUIT. I ONLY HAD THE CAR TWO DAYS FROM PURCHASE, SO I CHECKED ONLINE FOR SERVICE ISSUES, RECALLS, ETC., AND FOUND OUT ALL THE VARIOUS FUEL, ELECTRICAL, EMISSION AND OTHER PROBLEMS THIS VEHICLE HAS, MY BIGGEST CONCERN BEING THAT IT COULD CATCH FIRE(I DO HAVE A FAMILY TO DRIVE AROUND), I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED ABOUT THE UNCOOPERATIVE COMING FROM THE DEALERSHIPS CONCERNING ALL THIS, I AM VERY LOW-INCOME, I SPENT $1000.00 FOR …

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ODI 741154

BEGINNING A MONTH AGO, MY CAR WILL NOT START ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. I HAVE HAD IT TOWED INTO 2 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT SHOPS, REPLACED FUEL FILTER, AND FUEL PUMP. CAR STILL WON'T START EARLY MORNINGS. HAD CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP, THE RETAINED CAR 48 HOURS, COULD NOT IDENTIFY PROBLEM. FRIENDS SUGGESTS IT MAY BE EMI CAUSING PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IN DEARBORN, MI DOES NOT RESPOND TO MY QUESTIONS REGARDING EMI (ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE WITH MY CAR'S "COMPUTER". NEIGHBORS WITH FORD AUTOMOBILES HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. WE LIVE IN…

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Matching rule