1996 Ford Contour
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Ford › Contour › 1996
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 1996 Ford Contour. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
11 recalls name the 1996 Ford Contour. Newest first.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: 1995-1997 ford contour and mercury mystique vehicles. the heater blower resistor could overheat causing the attached electrical connector to melt.
This could create the potential for a fire.
Ford will provide additional warranty coverage for the heater blower switch for 10 years from original date of sale of the vehicle or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness free of charge.
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…
The open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A cracked hose could result in fuel leakage when the vehicle IS being fueled.
Dealers will install a fuel filler vent hose contacting the appropriate blend of pvc and nitrile rubber.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating.
The damage could result in distortion of the terminal causing an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, parking lamp, and tail lamp circuits.
Dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and an inspection, and replacement if necessary, of the headlamp switch.
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.
This condition can result in incorrect gear selection.
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.
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.
This condition could prevent the engine from returning to idle.
Dealers will replace the throttle cable with a revised design that IS less susceptible to bending or kinking during installation.
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…
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
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.
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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 throughout the USA. I tried salvage yards and there are no good parts out there. How can a used car lot sell cars without looking into safety recalls on the vehicles. I have no recourse but to junk the car and take a $3000 loss. IS there any help out there? *tr
My car had been having many issues .fixing what we thought were the problem we found that the electrical connected to the cooling fan was melted as well as many problems in wire harnesses in front of engine.. It IS very apparent the wiring IS defective and caused melting n burn wires throughout the wiring system. I have had 4 mechanics look at it and was told by all that this make n model IS very well known for this electrical issue. *tr
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. While parked, the contact smelled smoke and noticed flames near the rear of the radio and the center column that divided the front and rear driver side doors. The contact was able to extinguish the flames herself. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign ID number: 01v230000 (electrical system) that could possibly have been related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that the vin was not included in the recall. The contact stated the failure affected the exterior lighting and interior lighting of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 62,922.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. while operating the vehicle in reverse, the contact noticed that the vehicle lost power without warning. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who performed a diagnostic test which concluded that the wiring harness was corroded and cracked. The mechanic confirmed that the vehicle needed to be repaired. the vehicle was included in recall number: 01v230000 (electrical system); however, since the recall had expired the dealer was not willing to offer any assistance. they advised the contact to locate a wiring harness at a junk yard for installation. the contact did not inform the manufacturer nor was the vehicle repaired due to the cost. the failure mileage was approximately 130,000. updated 5/2/11 *cn updated 1/11/11 *cn
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. the contact stated that the vehicle would independently accelerate when driving with the cruise control activated at various speeds. the contact stated that the failure started intermittently but progressively became worse over time. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 91,000.
I printed out all of the recalls on 1996, ford contour but when I went to the ford place they said the recalls are not on my particular car. so IS that so? that cars are made in batches and only certain batches are recalled. I have a 1996 ford contour, 4 cylinder motor. That does have all of the problems on the recall list for my car. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. The contact stated that the plug on the headlight switch overheated and melted the wire in the plug. He had to disconnect the battery every time he got out of the vehicle because it caused a failure within the parking lights. The plug and headlight switch needed to be replaced. He found recall 99v103000 online and was told by both the manufacturer and the dealer that his vehicle was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired to-date. The current mileage was approximately 183,000. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
I have a ford contour (1996 sport W/2.5 v6..nearly all of the wiring under the hood either has broken or no insulation on it. Some times the temperature light comes on...today the electric cooling fan smoked then blew a fuse. I've never seen wiring like this. I expect better from ford than this..this car just turned over to 72000 miles....this car IS a total fire hazard.....i've owned ford cars and trucks all my life but if nothing can be done about this car it will be the last ford I buy..this wiring should be against the law. I wonder if the safety team knows about this. *Tr
Blower motor failure. The blower controls the defroster and heater. the failure results in fog, frost etc so visibility IS greatly limited. if one can see well an accident IS possible. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. while driving 55 mph, the contact smelled a burning odor and noticed smoke emanating from the instrument panel. after close inspection, he noticed that the blower switch and all associated wiring were melted. the dealer would not assume responsibility because the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign ID number 01v230000 (electrical system). the manufacturer would not assist and the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 109,688. 4/01/09 *nj ford stated the vehicle was diagnosed before it left the factory and they refused to reimburse the consumer. Updated 04/07/09. *Jb
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. the contact stated that the wiring harness was malfunctioning, which causes the check engine indicator to illuminate on the instrument panel, engine failure, and electrical fires under the hood. he has been repairing the failure himself, but the wiring harness continues to malfunction. the dealer stated that there were no recalls related to the failure and the repair would cost $1,500. the manufacturer stated that they would not repair the vehicle. the failure mileage was 103,000.
Was filling up my fuel tank and just as the pump clicked off gasoline started pouring out from the top of the tank and it still does it everytime I fill it up I am very concerned because it IS a severe fire hazard please help me out. *Tr
Several times during the past 3 months the gas pedal/accelerator seemed to "stick" or race and I could not get the car to idle to back down until I put it in gear. july 3, while driving in busy traffic, the accelerator/gas pedal went to the floor and fortunately I was able to steer the car around a corner to the side of the road. the police were able to push the car into a car repair place where the mechanic suggested I call ford about a recall. the speed control cable had just snapped right off! I called from the repair place and ford said there was no recall on my vin vehicle. I had the car towed to my home as I was leaving town the next day. I have returned now and after searching your site have found what seems to be the recall for the very problem I have with my 1996 ford contour. I called a ford dealership and was told my vin did not have the recall problem. what IS my next step, please? lucy hocking lucyhocking@yahoo.com 414-541-2326 414-520-8323 make : ford model : contour year : 1996 manufacturer : ford motor company mfr's report date : dec 03, 1997 nhtsa campaign ID number : 97v225000 component: vehicle speed control:cables potential number of units affected : 38000 summary: 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. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. while attempting to shift the gears on the floor shift, the contact experienced incorrect gear selection. he took the vehicle to the dealer and a technician stated that they did not repair vehicles after ten years. the manufacturer stated that his vin was not included nhtsa campaign ID number 98v233000 (power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift); therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. the failure and current mileages were 86,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. As he started his vehicle, the tail lights or the dashboard did not light up. His mechanic gave him a copy of nhtsa campaign# 01v230000. The dealer and the manufacturer stated that his vehicle was not a part of the recall. The related nhtsa action# IS ea01001. The failure mileage was 186,000.
Rear passenger door unable to open, coupled with the fact the windows only open half way as a child safety feature. *tr
I just got the car from used car dealer on 02/07/08 drove fine went home and in the morning I went out got kids in car and went to back up and had no reverse..the shop I took it to said the transmission IS out. The car only has 81000 miles on it....and there has been alot of complaints made about this transmission in 1996 ford contours... I think some thing needs to be done ... *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. the heater fan motor for the defroster failed. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the fan switch failed and would cost $58 to repair. the dealer kept changing the diagnosis until the contact spent $271; however, the vehicle was still not repaired. nhtsa campaign ID number 01i009000 (visibility:defroster/defogger system: windshield: controls/wiring) was referenced. the dealer stated that the vehicle passed the ten year free period. the current mileage was 131,000 and failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
There is no summary currently available
There is no summary currently available
There is no summary currently available
There is no summary currently available
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 remedy involves replacement of the headlight switch connector and if necessary, the switch itself.this preliminary evaluation IS closed.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.