1999 Ford Contour
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Contour › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Ford Contour. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1999 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.
Vehicle description: bi-fuel vehicles. these vehicles may have a fuel tank filler pipe grommet that could have been damaged during the installation of the bi-fuel system. if the grommet IS damaged, fuel could leak. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. dealers will replace the fuel tank filler pipe grommet.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the grommet IS damaged, fuel could leak. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank filler pipe grommet.
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 built with automatic transmissions which utilize a park/lock solenoid. it IS possible to rotate the ignition key to the lock position and remove the key without the shift lever and transmission being in park. these vehicles do not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 114, "theft protection."
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in a crash and possible personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these vehicles. vehicles that have units with ignition keys removable in gear positions other than park, will have the steering column replaced.
Owner complaints
419 complaints28 involved a crash10 involved a fire34 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Visibility/wiper
The dash is curling up
- Structure › Body
Rear frame, suspension rusted completely into an went out of control and threw me into ditch. This IS completely not acceptable. I have 1960's cars %100 better than this . I know this IS a 1999 but this IS completely unacceptable. Can anything be done.
- Unknown or other
The brake lines under the car have rusted to the point of breaking apart. The vehicle has less than 100K miles and was not subject to any extreme conditions. The brake fluid leaks out of the undercarriage almost as quickly as it IS poured in and has left the car undriveable without expensive repairs.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. While driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle started to wobble. The contact noticed that the rear frame was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
The fuel tank strap IS completely corroded away, and the fuel tank IS ready to fall off. the protective coating IS defective and has completely fallen off, causing the fuel strap to be eaten away by rust and corrosion. the fuel tank IS going to fall off eventually. the fuel filler neck and emission fittings at the tank, are corroding badly too. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
The fuel pump failed frequently while driving, usually uphill. car would stall and sometimes restart, creating a hazard when on the freeway. eventually the fuel pump failed completely. my mechanic replaced it, having to retrofit the gas tank in order for the pump to be installed, removing…
The fuel pump failed frequently while driving, usually uphill. car would stall and sometimes restart, creating a hazard when on the freeway. eventually the fuel pump failed completely. my mechanic replaced it, having to retrofit the gas tank in order for the pump to be installed, removing certain fittings. the filler grommet was defective, and after the fuel pump was fixed and refueling was taking place, gasoline poured out of the tank and the car had to be returned to the mechanic. the replacement fuel pump failed about 10 months later, in sept. 2011. at that time, the car had been working fine the night before and wouldn't start in the morning. ford will only guarantee the original replacement, so if the replacement had failed after more than two months, ford wouldn't have replaced the part. the driver's side window motor has broken three times. I have also had trouble with the air intake system, which causes a whine whenever the car IS started cold. this IS irritating, but doesn't seem to cause any difficulty with the operation of the car. the dashboard was recalled, a cheap plastic piece placed over the vents, which ruined the look of the dashboard. I persuaded the dealer to replace the dashboard as originally promised in the recall notice. the replacement has now also developed a problem with the vent being separated from the dash. there are also vague electrical problems, including surging and dimming of lights. can't use the radio for fear of stalling the car, or use the heating system along with the rear defrost simultaneously. *tr
- Structure · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system · Visibility › Windshield
The dashboard windshield air/defrosting vent cover below the windshield popped off and the dashboard padding has pealed up blocking windshield/forward visibility. this has caused the vehicle to fail the virginia safety inspection. All remedies we have tried have only seem to provide temporary…
The dashboard windshield air/defrosting vent cover below the windshield popped off and the dashboard padding has pealed up blocking windshield/forward visibility. this has caused the vehicle to fail the virginia safety inspection. All remedies we have tried have only seem to provide temporary relief. I have pictures. I have talked to several other contour owners who have the same problems and I have seen contours in parking lots with similar conditions. additionally, I was told this was identified in a past safety recall. this IS a safety hazard resulting from defective materials and poor design. *js
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. The contact was driving 15 mph when the vehicle started to sway from side to side and exhibited a loud, abnormal noise. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the rear sub-frame was completely corroded and advised the contact to call…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. The contact was driving 15 mph when the vehicle started to sway from side to side and exhibited a loud, abnormal noise. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the rear sub-frame was completely corroded and advised the contact to call the manufacturer. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 107,000.
- Structure
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. The contact stated the entire top of the dashboard curled upward. The damaged dashboard caused problems with the defrost and air conditioner, because the windshield would not defrost. The contact plans to take the vehicle to the dealer. The contact was…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. The contact stated the entire top of the dashboard curled upward. The damaged dashboard caused problems with the defrost and air conditioner, because the windshield would not defrost. The contact plans to take the vehicle to the dealer. The contact was concerned about the safety issue because it was hard to see out of the window whenever it rained or the weather conditions were chilly. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 170,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. While the contact inspected the vehicle, he noticed that the fuel tank straps were rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000. updated 06/16/11*lj updated 07/11/11
- Fuel system, gasoline
1999 ford contour, fuel constantly cutting off and not restarting. Shows gas but acts like no gas in car. Said to be fuel pump problem. No one can find issue. I have babies and had been stuck on freeway for over two hours when someone had to come and get us and tow vehicle home. Still not working. *tr
- Structure
I have a 1999 ford contour sport V6. My motor/tranmission mounts keep failing a have replaced numerous times. Causing many engine issues. Have taken several mechanics, even dealership. Been told this IS a manufacturing fault. Why has nhtsa not made a recall. To make the company fix their mistake or…
I have a 1999 ford contour sport V6. My motor/tranmission mounts keep failing a have replaced numerous times. Causing many engine issues. Have taken several mechanics, even dealership. Been told this IS a manufacturing fault. Why has nhtsa not made a recall. To make the company fix their mistake or at least a way to keep mounts from failing. All I keep getting IS "thats just how its made". When coparing the frod replacement part to those sold at my local auto parts store its the same thing. So as far as I can tell there IS no improvement made to parts. Had my trans mission replaced-the transmission leaked-they noted that the leak was do to failed mounts. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. The contact was refueling the vehicle when he noticed large amounts of fuel spilling from the vehicle and onto the ground abnormally. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where the mechanic advised him that the fuel tank filler pipe grommet was…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. The contact was refueling the vehicle when he noticed large amounts of fuel spilling from the vehicle and onto the ground abnormally. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where the mechanic advised him that the fuel tank filler pipe grommet was leaking. The contact referenced the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number: 00v350000 (fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was able to secure an appointment to have the vehicle repaired at his expense but was awaiting the required parts needed for repairs, which were on backorder. The failure mileage was 73,556.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Structure
Dash curling back. Strap for fuel tank rusted, going to break, rust on brake line, rust under both back doors and spreading to underneath car, radio speakers out, car hesitates while accelerating, trunk leaks defroster not working properly because of dash. Was not aware of a recall for dash. Should…
Dash curling back. Strap for fuel tank rusted, going to break, rust on brake line, rust under both back doors and spreading to underneath car, radio speakers out, car hesitates while accelerating, trunk leaks defroster not working properly because of dash. Was not aware of a recall for dash. Should be recall for corrosion problem as it IS unsafe to drive. I have no other means of transportation so I take a huge chance everytime I drive which IS 3 or 4 times a week to work.. Fuel pump had to be replaced. Check engine light comes on for no reason. Piece of junk and I can't afford to buy another car. Ford should be ashamed of themselves. They should have to fix these cars or replace them. The mechanic told me the strap for fuel tank IS going to break. The car only has 61,000 miles on it. What a joke! *tr
- Exterior lighting
I have noticed that on every 1999 ford contour the headlight covers turn yellow and start to crack. I have checked a lot of places and look at the lights and everyone I have seen are the same. I can't drive with my lights on low beam at all. I keep them on high beam so that I can see. Low beam looks as if they aren't on. *Tr
- Equipment · Power train
I have never received any recall notices, but I need to know if there are any. I have a 1999 ford contour, purchased new, one owner, where the dash IS curling back, the headlamps collect moisture, the tail lamp has been replaced repeatedly, and now the torque converter IS showing up on a read-out.…
I have never received any recall notices, but I need to know if there are any. I have a 1999 ford contour, purchased new, one owner, where the dash IS curling back, the headlamps collect moisture, the tail lamp has been replaced repeatedly, and now the torque converter IS showing up on a read-out. I have asked over the years about the problems, and I've always been told they are not manufacture issues, but current readings suggest otherwise. I really need to get these items corrected if there have been recalls. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. The contact stated while driving at approximate speeds of 25 mph, the vehicle abnormally accelerated without driver intent. The contact applied the emergency brake and shifted into neutral until the vehicle coasted to a stop. The vehicle was towed to a…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. The contact stated while driving at approximate speeds of 25 mph, the vehicle abnormally accelerated without driver intent. The contact applied the emergency brake and shifted into neutral until the vehicle coasted to a stop. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where the contact was advised there was a recall on his year, make and model (nhtsa campaign ID number: 99v194000: vehicle speed control). The manufacturer advised the contact that his vin was not included with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000. Updated 10/27/10. *Lj
- Steering · Structure › Frame and members · Suspension · Suspension › Rear · Traction control system · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
I was never notified of any recalls. I have had to pay out of pocket expenses lost control of vehicle replaced starter and brakes several times feels like suspension IS falling apart and never notified I have small and older children shameful. These events starting taking place when I purchased the…
I was never notified of any recalls. I have had to pay out of pocket expenses lost control of vehicle replaced starter and brakes several times feels like suspension IS falling apart and never notified I have small and older children shameful. These events starting taking place when I purchased the vehicle in 1999 arm control 3 times replaced I was lied to by ford and said I must of hit a bump bump my bump 3 times almost dead. *Tr
- Structure · Unknown or other
Letter on behalf of constituent re concerns about the defective warping dash on various ford products such as his 1999 ford contour. *nj the consumer stated ford issued a recall in 2001 to replace the dash because of excessive warping. Apparently, ford never fixed the manufacturing flaw because…
Letter on behalf of constituent re concerns about the defective warping dash on various ford products such as his 1999 ford contour. *nj the consumer stated ford issued a recall in 2001 to replace the dash because of excessive warping. Apparently, ford never fixed the manufacturing flaw because the replacement dash started to warp soon afterwards. The consumer stated it IS a safety issue because the dash warped upwards, impacting the visibility of the driver. The warping also impacted the operation of the defroster, so the front window was not being defrosted which caused visibility issues. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. while adding fuel to the fuel tank, gasoline began leaking. A technician concluded that the fuel tank seal caused the exhaust system hose to melt. the vehicle was in the process of being repaired . The failure and current mileages were 150,000.
- Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. approximately six months ago, the contact noticed that the dashboard was falling apart in her vehicle. the failure occurred without warning. she first noticed the issue when the defrost vent was beginning to push outward due to the bending of the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. approximately six months ago, the contact noticed that the dashboard was falling apart in her vehicle. the failure occurred without warning. she first noticed the issue when the defrost vent was beginning to push outward due to the bending of the dashboard. when the glove box IS opened, it falls to the floor because the entire dashboard has shifted. there was no impact to the outside or passenger compartment of the vehicle prior to the failure. the failure mileage was 40,090.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Rear brake failure on 99 ford contour SE contacted dutro ford zanesvile ohio said there was no recall on this car. *Tr
- Visibility
Happened around oct 15, 2008 at night, between marshall and olivet mi. Failure was windshield wiper linkage, causing wipers to blow off the vehicle. Part IS hard to find, looking to get it fixed for safety obviously. was not able to see well, since next exit was still miles away. No easy way to…
Happened around oct 15, 2008 at night, between marshall and olivet mi. Failure was windshield wiper linkage, causing wipers to blow off the vehicle. Part IS hard to find, looking to get it fixed for safety obviously. was not able to see well, since next exit was still miles away. No easy way to fix this in an emergency, like this. This type of linkage IS unsafe, and I believe any vehicles with it should be recalled. *Tr
- Structure
Dashboard IS curling up started on the right side. Deal put some type of glue on it but its not staying down. Now almost the whole dashboard IS curling up. I read there was a recall. Why were we not notified? Not happy with ford *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2 major powertrain failures. timing belt pulley broke at 68,000 miles. $600 to repair. automatic transmission broke at 85,000 miles. both occurred out of the blue. car has always been treated gently, all fluids have been changed consistently, and all routine maintenance has been completed on time. transmission must be replaced or rebuilt with a price tag of $2K-$3K. *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Instrument panel cover warpage
The agency has denied a petition requesting an investigation of instrument panel warpage for the subject vehicles. The notice of denial was published in the federal register, volume 72, number 67, on monday, april 9, 2007, pages 17605 and 17606.see document search for details.
- Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
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.
- 10026389Ford: certain 1999-2001 model year vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in new york and certain 2001 vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in the state of maine, certified for sale in california-federal emission warranty refund.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013115Steering column shipped without crush pad - reuse original crush pad if not damaged.
- 10013086Replacement speaker installation tips.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10009321Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
- 10008993Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0420 and/or p0430/ 2.5L engine only.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10004066Malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p0171/p0174 or p1072/p0175 stored in memory or as hard faults. Hesitation, lack of power or runs rough condition.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10003193The malfunction indicator lamp (mil) may be illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p1380, p1381, p1383, and/or p0340 may be stored in memory.
- 10003149Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with no hard fault.
- 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.
- 10001899Instrument panel warpage repair.
- 6092221Some vehicles equipped with 2.0L engine may exhibit a timing belt shredding or timing belt striking the front cover.
- 6092189Some vehicles with CD4E automatic transaxle, may exhibit an objectionable sulfur or rotten egg odor from the exhaust following aggressive driving, such as full-throttle acceleration.
- 6092160Information regarding a/c peanut o-ring color.
- 6092023Concerns with slight engine rpm flare on a 2-3 upshift at altitude.
- 6091833Exepriencing an intermittent malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble codes p0351, p0352, and / or p0353.
- 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.
- 6091763CD4E transaxle may exhibit a no forward drive concern.
- 6091734Information on installing fuses at pre-delivery.
- 6091702Information regarding decklid release issues.
- 6091681Some vehicles may exhibit a front brake groan.
- 6090889Some vehicles with CD4E automatic transacle may exhibit an objectionable sulfur or rotten egg odor from the exhaust following aggressive driving.
- 6090834Information on using peanut style a/c fittings.
- 6090733Vehicles may exhibit a creaking or squeaking type noise from the rear suspension.
- 6090580Information regarding rear spring creak/squeak. *Mjs
- 6090220Exhibiting a buzz or rattle type noise from the right side area of the instrument panel.
- 6090218Exhibiting a starter grinding noise and / or lack of starter drive engagement.
- 6090211Exhibiting a hesitation / stumble or rough running on vehiles with 2.0L engines built from 5/3/1999 to 7/26/1999.
- 6090198This bulletin addresses an issue with the automatic transmission fluid seeping from the vent, resulting in fluid collecting on the main control assembly.
- 6090196Concerns with the interior lamp staying on.
Every Ford Contour model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.