general problems of the 1996 Ford Contour

Eight problems related to air bag have been reported for the 1996 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 12/27/2007

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.

2 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 10/21/2002

No summary. Dt.

3 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 11/20/1998

My son was involved in a traffic accident where the car rolled over and hit numerous trees. Both air bags did not open and the seat belt broke away. . . Miracously my son ended up in the back seat with only a modest bump on his head. . . . . Witnessess as well as the towing/wrecking yard could not believe there were no serious injuries, especially considering the condition of the vehicle. . . When purchasing the auto I recall that safety reports were generally favorable. . . Given the impact of this accident it is incredible that the airbags did not open and that the seat belt broke away. . .

4 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 08/13/1998

While traveling down interstate 295,new jersey, I slowed down to get off at exit 4, suddenly I heard a loud explosion (which I thought was my car exploding) and the next thing I knew both air bags exploded (passenger & drivers side). The force and power of the explosion caused my windshield to crack on the passenger. I did not hit any other car or object,I was traveling no more than about 35,because I was preparing to get off at exit,and the road surface was smooth. Car was towed to the dealer,murphy Ford,chester,PA, who offered little or no assistance in determining the exact cause of why two air bags would explode other than to tell me I had too much air in one tire. Ford motor company was contacted and I have yet to hear from them.

5 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 10/08/1997

Air bag did not inflate in accident.

6 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 09/18/1996

Violent deployment of airbags, causing injury to head, neck and face.

7 Air Bag problem

While driving a noise is heard. There is a problem with the clock spring. Crown Ford dealership in nashville tennessee stated no problem could be found.

8 Air Bag problem

Short driver wants airbag disconnected.


Other Air Bag related problems of the 1996 Ford Contour



Fuel Economy of Contour Vehicles
Contour Service Bulletins
Contour Safety Recalls
Contour Defect Investigations