2000 Ford Contour
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Contour › 2000
These records cover every 2000 Ford Contour. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 2000 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: passenger vehicles built with an incorrect power brake booster and master cylinder assembly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If either the master cylinder or power brake booster IS subsequently serviced with only one of the correct brake booster or master cylinder parts, brake performance would be reduced.
Remedy
Dealers will install the correct contour brake booster and master cylinder in each of these vehicles. Owner notification began january 28, 2002. 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 1-866-436-7332.
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, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and MINI vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. the buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the date code on certain seat belt buckles of your vehicle and replace all seat belt buckles that fall within the suspect date code range. owner notification began october 26, 2000. 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. an incorrect label was installed on the driver side rear door. this label contains instructions for the activation of the childproof safety locks.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The operator of the vehicle may believe the childproof safety lock was activated when it was not, potentially allowing the door to be opened from the inside.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with a replacement label and installation instructions.
Owner complaints
199 complaints8 involved a crash1 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Structure · Visibility/wiper
Dashboard IS delaminating and peeling upward interfering with air bag deployment, defrosters and visibility. Ford has ongoing issues with this same problem on other ford products. I feel this IS definitely a safety issue and quality issue. *tr
- Service brakes · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light
TL* the contact owns a 2000 ford contour. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal noise. In addition, the vehicle traction control activated when the brakes were activated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 ford contour. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal noise. In addition, the vehicle traction control activated when the brakes were activated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS system needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,800.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2000 ford contour. The contact stated that when the fuel tank was half full, the engine would hesitate, lose power, surge and stall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the fuel pump and fuel filter were replaced but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 170,000.
- Exterior lighting · Structure › Body
I had just got on interstate when my car started cutting out. I immediately put my flashers on & tried to get in the left lane so I could get on shoulder of interstate but cars would not allow me to get over. My car died in middle of interstate. I called asap (a service in alabama for help on the…
I had just got on interstate when my car started cutting out. I immediately put my flashers on & tried to get in the left lane so I could get on shoulder of interstate but cars would not allow me to get over. My car died in middle of interstate. I called asap (a service in alabama for help on the interstate) & told them where I was & I needed them to bring me some gas. Then a car came flying up behind me but was able to stop & did not hit me. Then the car behind him had stopped but a truck behind her was not able to stop. He hit her, she hit the man behind me and he hit me. Paramedics were called for a 4 year old in the womans car who said his head hurt. I could have been killed if the car behind me had hit me and turned my car sideways & was hit on the side by another car, because everyone was driving way too fast and did not acknowledge my flashers at all. They would fly past me blowing their horns. Did they think I was stopped on purpose? Believe me if I could have made the car go I would have. This car does this sometimes when on a 1/4 tank of gas, and since this accident it has gotten worse. Now it does it on 3/4 tank. I do not get on interstate anymore. No one seems to be able to find out why these cars do this. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2000 ford contour. The contact stated that after refueling, a strong odor of fuel was emitted from the vehicle. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed that the fuel tank was leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 ford contour. The contact stated that after refueling, a strong odor of fuel was emitted from the vehicle. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed that the fuel tank was leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the filler pipe grommet was leaking. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 00v350000 (fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 173,000.
- Structure
Cars dashboard got so hot that it curled up causing the front defrosters not to work and also partially obstructing my vision while driving that car. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford contour. The contact stated that when putting fuel in the vehicle, the fuel would spill onto the ground. The dealer stated that the fuel filter grommet failed. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the vehicle was not included in recall 00v350000 (fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly). The current and failure mileages were 67,400.
- Electrical system
Instrument panel warping, loose bezel - the warping may adversely affect performance of the air bag system and does create loose instrument panel components (such as the defrost bezel) that was a projectile during a quick stop at a red light - for those reading - I do include personal info - my…
Instrument panel warping, loose bezel - the warping may adversely affect performance of the air bag system and does create loose instrument panel components (such as the defrost bezel) that was a projectile during a quick stop at a red light - for those reading - I do include personal info - my name IS [xxx] if you could help with info re this complaint. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Structure
2000 ford contour svt, 71K miles the dashboard has been curling, from where the windshield meets the dashboard, for several years now. the process has been very slow, but has gotten to the point where it now severely interferes with defrost vent flow and vision. the defrost vent popped out a…
2000 ford contour svt, 71K miles the dashboard has been curling, from where the windshield meets the dashboard, for several years now. the process has been very slow, but has gotten to the point where it now severely interferes with defrost vent flow and vision. the defrost vent popped out a year ago and now does not fit. the curling of the dashboard does not provide for decent defrost and venting, which in addition to the 6 inches of dashboard that has curled up, interferes with adequate sight, especially for shorter drivers. I've had several others (strangers) stop me out-of-the-blue and inquire about my problem that they also have. based on the many complaints that have been filed for this defect, a recall should be initiated by ford! *Tr
- Structure · Visibility
In my wifes car the dashboard near the windshield IS starting to come up its right near the vent in the car it makes drive the car more difficult due to the dash IS now block part of the windshield I was told this has happened to some one before and I would like to have this looked into. *Tr
- Visibility
Visors fall out of roof when touched, has been occurring since shortly after car was purchased about 4 years ago. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Car acceleration was sluggish when brake was applied,a week later engine would kill when driving. Changed air filter,oil,and fuel line was cleared. A month later same thing IS happening. Mechanic says may need new fuel pump,but not sure that will correct problem. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
My rear brakes will not stay on my car and keep falling off into the drums. *Tr
- Structure · Visibility
Dashboard began slowly warping over a year. It got to the point where visibility ahead was compromised, and the defroster vents were no longer functioning. Dealer would not cover a replacement, so I had the work done at a local body shop at my full cost. So far, the replacement dash IS ok. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Vehicle was taken to dealer in 2002 in response to ford customer satisfaction program 01b78 to address potential instrument panel warping. There was no visible warping at the time. The dealer advised there was no issue and no service was required. throughout the last year, the warping started…
Vehicle was taken to dealer in 2002 in response to ford customer satisfaction program 01b78 to address potential instrument panel warping. There was no visible warping at the time. The dealer advised there was no issue and no service was required. throughout the last year, the warping started to become visible. Earlier in the month, the warping applied so much stress on the vent cover that the cover snapped out and landed in the front seats. The warping increased greatly and visibility IS reduced on objects close to the front of the car. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
My 2000 ford contour SE starting acting like there was no gas at around 1/4 tank. this continued every time my car got to 1/4 tank. mechanic replaced fuel filter $54.90 for filter and diagnostic on 3/13/07. it still stuttering, hesitated and now was stalling. mechanic replaced fuel pump $297.22…
My 2000 ford contour SE starting acting like there was no gas at around 1/4 tank. this continued every time my car got to 1/4 tank. mechanic replaced fuel filter $54.90 for filter and diagnostic on 3/13/07. it still stuttering, hesitated and now was stalling. mechanic replaced fuel pump $297.22 on 3/28/07. the problem persisted and now it was happening at 1/2 tank. once summer hit, it was worse with the a/c. between march and june 2007, mechanic replaced pump once and filter twice. on 6/27/07, car stalled and would not restart, tank was at 1/2. mechanic replaced intake manifold runner control unit and the problem remained. the problem continued with hesitating and stalling especially uphill. on 8/21/07 replaced all the spark plugs and wires $234.90. the problem continued. my mechanic IS at his wits end. the code on the check engine light IS always the same. on 10/26/07, took the car back to my mechanic who had to replace the intake manifold runner control unit again. decided to take my car to a different mechanic due to my current one not finding the problem. replaced 2 oxygen sensors this week (11/7 and 11/9) one upstream and one downstream. the check engine light has come back on once again. if this IS an intake manifold runner control unit problem then everyone that has had fuel pumps replaced will have to have them replaced again. this IS not enjoyable since I drive 40 miles a day to work and halfway there I have to pull over and wait for the car to idle down before I can drive again or it will stall. this IS not safe as this happens while people are driving and for no reason the car stalls in mid drive. someone will get hurt and then there will be a recall. there were no events leading up to the failure except for taking my car for inspection which it passed. two days later my car starts stalling and losing power. in 9 months I have spent close to $1000 to try and fix a problem that still IS not fixed. *tr
- Unknown or other
The vinyl dashboard on my 200 ford contour svt IS warping causing the vinyl to rise into the driver fov. *jb
- Electrical system › Starter assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford contour. while driving 65 mph the starter of the vehicle engaged and the vehicle shut down. a fire was started in the engine compartment. the vehicle was towed to the repair shop; they were unable to determine what caused the vehicle to malfunction. the current and failure mileages were 186,887. updated 09/19/07 *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford contour. the current mileage was 134,112. the failure mileage was 114,112. while driving 70mph the vehicle hesitated a few times and then the engine died. the vehicle was restarted after 15 minutes. the dealer stated the fuel tank had failed. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number 00v350000 (fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly).
- Structure
The dash board IS curled up. the problem started in 2002 and has slowly continued to get worse. we contacted ford and they said that there was a recall but that the time frame for making a claim had expired. we didn't proceed further because they told us it would cost us $1000 to fix. our…
The dash board IS curled up. the problem started in 2002 and has slowly continued to get worse. we contacted ford and they said that there was a recall but that the time frame for making a claim had expired. we didn't proceed further because they told us it would cost us $1000 to fix. our warranty said they wouldn't cover it because they considered it "upholstery." we have just left it. it IS a safety issue because it makes it very difficult to see over the curled dash board. plus, in the winter, the window doesn't defrost properly, again making it difficult to see. I just saw your website on line today, which IS why we didn't contact you earlier. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Foam padding on instrument panel curled back from dashboard/instrument panel so as to partially block line of vision along the lower windshield, to block and disrupt the air flow from the defroster. problem started approximately 10/2003 and has gotten progresively worse.*ak
- Unknown or other
Dashboard has warped to the point where the defroster plastic vent does not fit in its designated spot. defroster does not work as a result of the air not being directed to the windshield properly. *Jb
- Unknown or other
2000 ford contour top of dash warped severely. *Jb
- Structure · Unknown or other
I have a 2000 ford contour that I purchased in 2000 while I lived in nh. In early 2001, I moved out of nh and to ma. last year, I started to pay attention to a very noticeable warping in my dashboard. The dashboard has started to pull away from the windshield. the black venting piece IS no longer…
I have a 2000 ford contour that I purchased in 2000 while I lived in nh. In early 2001, I moved out of nh and to ma. last year, I started to pay attention to a very noticeable warping in my dashboard. The dashboard has started to pull away from the windshield. the black venting piece IS no longer connected and could become lose and serve as a projectile in an accident. My front windshield no long defrosts properly which can cause problems with seeing while driving. I just found out that there was a recall in 2001, and I can only assume that the notice was somehow sent to my old address. *jb
- Structure
TL*- the contact stated in an attemptto drive the 2000 ford contour she got in and saw that the dashboard was peeling. the contact stated that all types of weather made it peel more and more. her vehicle could not pass inspection. *ak
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.
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.
- 10013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 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.
- 6092160Information regarding a/c peanut o-ring color.
- 6090834Information on using peanut style a/c fittings.
- 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.
- 6090131Information on diagnosing a vehicle with malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes p0442 and p0455 stored in continuous memory.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6089655Service tip on clearing transaxle shift tables.
- 637575Battery lamp on, however the charging system IS functioning properly.
- 637571Some vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble code b1213, b1342, b1601, b2431.
- 636417Guidance for CNG tank inspection for vehicles produced after december 2, 1996. Update.
- 636219Some vehicles equipped with a 2.5L engine may exhibit multiple misfire diagnostic trouble codes with no driveability concerns noted.
- 636065Information regarding discharged battery charging service tips and guidelines.
- 636042Subject regarding alternative fuel vehicle compressed natural gas tank inspection.
- 633583Subject regarding instrument panel cover warpage.
- 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.
- 630542Owner notification program 01b78 supplement #1 regarding instrument panel cover warpage.
Every Ford Contour model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.