1997 Ford Contour
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Contour › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Ford Contour. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 1997 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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The nuts included in the packaging for these ball joint assemblies are missing the intended prevailing torque (self-locking) feature. if the incorrect nut was to become loose, the joining members may loosen leading to a separation of the ball joint. this may result in loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could create the potential for a fire.
Remedy
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.
Remedy
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: passenger vehicles not equipped with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). a pressure conscious reducing valve (pcrv) in the rear brakes may be subject to corrosion and result in malfunction, when operated in areas that use salt compounds on the roadway for de-icing or dust control.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If both pcrv's malfunction, vehicle handling could be adversely affected during braking as a result of the rear wheels locking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The damage could result in distortion of the terminal causing an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, parking lamp, and tail lamp circuits.
Remedy
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in incorrect gear selection.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
218 complaints11 involved a crash10 involved a fire10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford contour. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact personally performed a diagnostic. The contact replaced the timing belt, serpentine belt…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford contour. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact personally performed a diagnostic. The contact replaced the timing belt, serpentine belt, water pump, fuel injector, and pulleys. The failure continued after the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000. updated 2/21/13 *cn status update 03/19/13
- Electrical system · Engine
The wiring harness has deteriorated to where the engine runs lean and dies. The check engine light came on while driving. Once home I checked everything I could until the engine compartment cooled then noticed the wiring on the number 1 cylinder. The more I looked I could see all the injector plugs…
The wiring harness has deteriorated to where the engine runs lean and dies. The check engine light came on while driving. Once home I checked everything I could until the engine compartment cooled then noticed the wiring on the number 1 cylinder. The more I looked I could see all the injector plugs were deteriorated badly with number 4 being worse. Just touching the harness causes the insulation to flake off and bare wires to be exposed. I purchased a code reader to allow proper indications of what codes were indicated when the check engine light illuminated. Now ford wants me to take the vehicle to a dealer so they can charge me and tell me what I already know and can plainly see! *tr
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford contour. The contact stated the vehicle repeatedly decelerates and accelerates without warrant. When the air conditioner was being operated, the vehicle would begin to shake violently. It would also take an unusually long time for the air conditioner to engage and…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford contour. The contact stated the vehicle repeatedly decelerates and accelerates without warrant. When the air conditioner was being operated, the vehicle would begin to shake violently. It would also take an unusually long time for the air conditioner to engage and would blow only hot air. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 91,000 and the current mileage was 92,000.
- Exterior lighting · Fuel system, gasoline · Latches/locks/linkages · Parking brake · Unknown or other
Could not get an inspection sticker - no mechanic could find out why the check engine will not go off -very costly. it stalls when raining, the passenger door handle does not work, it has to warm up for 5 minutes before it will move, the tail lights came loose, causing melting of housing, every valve imaginable has been replaced, belt squeals when air or defrost turned on. *Tr
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford contour. the contact stated that there was a bad ground in the main line harness, which caused the electrical system in the vehicle to fail. the vehicle was not included in the recall. the current mileage was 116,000 and failure mileage was 115,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford contour. while attempting to shift gears, the gear indicator displayed an inaccurate reading. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 98v233000 (powertrain:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift). the vehicle has…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford contour. while attempting to shift gears, the gear indicator displayed an inaccurate reading. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 98v233000 (powertrain:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift). the vehicle has not been repaired. the powertrain was unknown. the failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 78,000. updated 01/29/08 *bf updated 01/29/08 *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Bought a 1997 ford contour and 4 days later the head gasket blew. After being in shop over a month and many other problems repaired I finally got car back and the very next day the head gasket blew again within 2 miles from my house. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford contour. while the contact applied the brakes at 30 mph, the vehicle failed to stop. the vehicle drove uphill and into a parking lot and stopped by emergency brake. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 141,000. updated 02-01-08 *bf the consumer stated the hydraulic vacuum line was leaking. Updated 02/01/08 *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford contour. the contact stated that the defroster stopped working. the vehicle was serviced for nhtsa recall # 01i009000 (visibility:defroster/defogger system:windshield:controls/wiring) in 2001. the instrument panel and tail lights also do not work. the vehicle was…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford contour. the contact stated that the defroster stopped working. the vehicle was serviced for nhtsa recall # 01i009000 (visibility:defroster/defogger system:windshield:controls/wiring) in 2001. the instrument panel and tail lights also do not work. the vehicle was serviced for nhtsa recall # 99v103000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch) in 1999. the current mileage IS 92,794 and failure mileage was 90,000. updated 02-01-08 *bf updated 02/01/08 *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford contour. while driving 25 mph on 3/19/07 the driver felt something heavy fall on his foot and he began to lose control of the steering wheel. the steering column fell on the brake pedal and he couldn't stop the vehicle. the contact's vehicle crashed into a…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 ford contour. while driving 25 mph on 3/19/07 the driver felt something heavy fall on his foot and he began to lose control of the steering wheel. the steering column fell on the brake pedal and he couldn't stop the vehicle. the contact's vehicle crashed into a parked truck. the passenger side air deployed; however, the driver side didn't deploy. two passengers in the vehicle suffered minor injuries to their knees and chests. the police officer stated that he never heard of a steering column breaking while driving. the contact stated in the state of wisconsin insurance was not required as she was uninsured. the service mechanic on 01/13/07 stated that the brake failure was due to the brake hose being loose. the failure mileage was with 158,000. the contact doesnt have the current mileage. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Engine and engine cooling
I have 1997 ford contour SE. I have had several problems with it, check engine light comes on constantly, radiator light comes on constantly, runs poorly. I had all checked when they happen on multilple occasions. After doing some research on the internet, I found that there may be a problem with…
I have 1997 ford contour SE. I have had several problems with it, check engine light comes on constantly, radiator light comes on constantly, runs poorly. I had all checked when they happen on multilple occasions. After doing some research on the internet, I found that there may be a problem with the wiring harness in the engine compartment. I was told by a freind that he had heard of a problem like this and ford was fixing them, and I should call the dealer. I called the dealer and they confirmed there was a recall but based on my vin I was not included due to the age of my car. This was done at brandon ford around the july/august time frame. Thinking that I had to do the repair myself, due to the cost at the dealership (over $3000.00), I started looking for parts myself on the internet. There I found the recall/ext. Warranty info. 99M03 and in this it states 10 years or 100,000 mile. I again got hope that maybe they had missread the recall at the dealer ship. I then returned with vin and the info 99m03 in had and one of their service advisers confirmed that it should be covered. I then made an appointment for the next day to drop the car off at 8:30am to have it done. I call that same day at 2:30pm to check to see if and for how long I wounld need a rental car. I was told at that time that my car was not covered due to it's age and that it ran out on 10/26/06. Had the first person looked the info. Up properly back in the july/august time frame it would have been fixed. I was also told by the service manager that the repair would take them approx. 3 days to do, and for only gives them 6-7 hrs to do it, so they lose money to do these repairs. Based on the 99m03 info I should have recieved a letter stating the ext. Warranty which I did not, but had recieved other recall info. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
I responded to a service advisory about a faulty blower fan switch. The switch was replaced but it was apparently replaced with another faulty switch which failed. I had the fan replaced at a local service station to the tune of $192.64. ford would not replace the faulty fan switch. *nm
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights · Interior lighting
Dt: the consumer stated that 1997 ford contour was having a problem with the interior lights and the tail lights. The consumer bought the vehicle used, and ford told her that the taillights were on recall 99v133000 and was already fixed. the dealership will not fix the vehicle again. The…
Dt: the consumer stated that 1997 ford contour was having a problem with the interior lights and the tail lights. The consumer bought the vehicle used, and ford told her that the taillights were on recall 99v133000 and was already fixed. the dealership will not fix the vehicle again. The consumer did not want to pay for the repairs, and she wanted some one to fix it. The consumer has only owned the vehicle for one month. The car IS at the dealership right now being checked.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
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
- Electrical system › Wiring
Dt: 01s22 ford recall. Consumer had recall work done . Dealer should have replaced the heater blower switch and a wire jumper harness. Dealer completed work on march 15, 2002. Dealer iwas mike shad ford in jacksonville, florida. Last tuesday july 12, 2005 the wire jumper harness caught on fire…
Dt: 01s22 ford recall. Consumer had recall work done . Dealer should have replaced the heater blower switch and a wire jumper harness. Dealer completed work on march 15, 2002. Dealer iwas mike shad ford in jacksonville, florida. Last tuesday july 12, 2005 the wire jumper harness caught on fire while consumer was driving vehicle on side street, glenwood ave., at night. Flames shot up from where windshield wipers were located. Flame lasted a couple seconds then were gone. Consumer pulled over, contacted fire department, and had vehicle towed to a dealership. Dealer don jenkins ford in suquay, north carolina. Consumer contacted insurance company and they said it was a defect so they would not pay. Consumer found on nhtsa website that ford offered a warranty on this recall of 10 years from original date of sale or 150,000 miles. When she contacted ford they told her that warranty was only 100,000 miles and nhtsa website information was incorrect. Ford will not fix vehicle for consumer. *ak
- Electrical system
The vehicle caught on fire after being parked for 2 minutes. the local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. the fire marshall informed the consumer that the cause might have been an electrical short. the dealer was not notified at this time. *ak *sc *jb
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs · Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil springs
1997 ford contour GL 4 cyl 123,000 miles. my right front coil spring IS broken and the other three look to be heavily rusted and cracked. I have called the dealership and they have no information about the tsb 98m04 about which I was never notified.*ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
22 yr. Old son matt crashed his 1997 ford contour into utility pole-feels bearings caused him to lose control of steering. inner windshield driver's side post at corner came apart, plastic on interior-which stopped at top of post and wasn't connected to anything on inside of roof-popped out and…
22 yr. Old son matt crashed his 1997 ford contour into utility pole-feels bearings caused him to lose control of steering. inner windshield driver's side post at corner came apart, plastic on interior-which stopped at top of post and wasn't connected to anything on inside of roof-popped out and lacerated his left eyeball. the eyeball interior was protruding and surgery was necessary to stitch the eyeball back together. he will eventually need a cornea transplant to get decent vision from that eye. the right eye sustained blunt trauma which caused a hematoma to develop which caused blindness until it's recent removal. restoration of eyesight in the right eye IS a slow progress.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
The headlight switch wiring caused an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, the park lights and tail lights. *jb
- Electrical system › Wiring · Exterior lighting › Headlights · Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Headlights overheated, causing the electrical harness to melt.*ak the consumer noticed that the vehicle lights were not working. nhtsa campaign ID number : 99v103000. the problem has not been corrected as of yet. *tc
- Electrical system
While parked in the driveway vehicle caught on fire. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Shift lever does not engage drive when shifted to d position; will only engage when shifted to 2 position.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Nar 06/19/2003. *mr the consumers water pump had broken and to his surprise the mechanic discovered that the pump was made of plastic, in which they are usually made of metal. The consumer believed that ford should recall all cars made with plastic pumps and replace them with metal ones. *Cb *jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
Engine blows with no warning trany goes while going uphill at 25 mph
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Car had a problem with lights which I feel should have been cover under recall 99v-103 (ford campain number 99s14). But was told my vin # 1fal653xvk143361 was not covered. The problem IS ecactlly as stated in the recall. I feel the problem IS more wide spread than ford IS saying.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Incorrect gear indication
There is no summary currently available
- Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
There is no summary currently available
- Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
There is no summary currently available
- Various intermittent electrical issues
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10020445Under hood wire harness. Additional 10 years or 100,000 miles. Ford.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013086Replacement speaker installation tips.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10011161Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with diagnostic trouble code(s) p0420 and/or p0430.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 10002767Vehicles without the coolant lock-off may exhibit a no start condition.
- 10002766Compressed natural gas (CNG). Rough idle or no start when cold. Vehicles equipped with CNG bi-fuel engine only.
- 10002598Inoperative shift interlock solenoid or repeat instrument interface module failure.
- 6092178Some vehicles equipped with 2.5L engine and CD4E transmission may exhibit a driveline rattle or clunking type noise during tip-in or transmission gear engagement.
- 6091800Subject regarding technical hotline assistance for bi-fuel vehicles.
- 6091773Concerns with the left air conditioning panel register discharge temperature that IS warmer than the center and / or right vents.
- 6091765Subject regarding 60 amp fuse blown.
- 6091747Some vehicles may require steering wheel and airbag replacement.
- 6091738Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration at 60 - 70 mph (100 - 115 kph).
- 6091702Information regarding decklid release issues.
- 6091681Some vehicles may exhibit a front brake groan.
- 6090534Information regarding clunk/rattle on tip-in or transmission gear engagement. *Mjs
- 6090305Concerns with vehicles exhibiting a driveline rattle or clunking type noise during tip-in or transmission gear engagement.
- 6090218Exhibiting a starter grinding noise and / or lack of starter drive engagement.
- 6090198This bulletin addresses an issue with the automatic transmission fluid seeping from the vent, resulting in fluid collecting on the main control assembly.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090085Service information for musty and mildew type odors coming from the air conditioning / heating system.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 6089639Concerns with a harsh shift felt at large throttle openings (or at heavy acceleration rate) on some vehicles.
- 6089626Owner notification program providing additional coverage for replacement of the blower switch, resistor and attached wire connectors. This additional coverage IS provided in case the vehicle owner experiences durability concerns with these components.
- 6089622Owner notification program for additonal coverage on heater blower switch, resistor and attached wire connectors replacement. This additional coverage IS provided in case the vehicle owner experiences durability concerns with these components.
- 637775Subject regarding automatic shifter assembly or the indicator housing replacement.
- 636417Guidance for CNG tank inspection for vehicles produced after december 2, 1996. Update.
- 636042Subject regarding alternative fuel vehicle compressed natural gas tank inspection.
- 630685Concern with headlamps and/or instrument panel lamps dimming slightly at idle.
- 630631Some vehicles equipped with the CD4E transaxle may exhibit harsh and delayed 1-2/2-3 upshifts after transaxle or turbine shaft speed sensor replacement, possible diagnostic trouble codes 628, 642, 645, 646, 647, 648, p0731, p0732, p0734, p0741 and p01744.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630408Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine light and/or egr diagnostic trouble codes 332, p0401, p1407 (lackof egr flow).
- 630331Some compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles may exhibit rough idle or no start when cold.
- 630024Some vehicles may exhibit a noise that appears to come from the front wheel bearings.
Every Ford Contour model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.