26 problems related to automatic transmission have been reported for the 1996 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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 . . .
I bought a 1996 Ford Contour from and individual in July of this year. It ran well, for a few days, and then the od light kept coming on, and it felt like it was shifting into low. I kept mashing the button on the shift arm and the light would go out and then come back on this would go on for several days, then it would be ok for several days, just to start up all over again. Then I had the old changed in November and the would not stay cranked for me to get home. The wires under the hood are all flaking of there plastic covering. I assume this is why it will not stayed cranked. I can not drive it in this condition.
The front part of the vehicle makes a dragging sound while driving. The dealer indicated there was an internal transmission problem. The serpentine belt was replaced. Updated.
I can't even remember how many time I have had to come to this site about this car. Without any warning the transmission went out and now still owing money on this car I am looking at $2000. 00 for a new transmission.
While driving about 25 mph transmission felt like it was shifting into neutral. Vehicle had to be towed. Then, took vehicle to dealer, and found out that piston assambly was in transmission broke.
Transmission went out, and pressing on gas vehicle felt like it was in neutral. Contacted dealer.
Asked dealership to perform recall 00v-367000 and they said Ford has no such recall.
My transmission went out on my 1996 Ford countour (66000+ miles). I was told that my transmission went to high line pressure and blew a piston drum in the transmission. The transmission in my car is a cd4e which is also found in madza cars. The cd4e transmission is known for it many problems releated to going to high line pressure and blowing the piston drums in its' earlier designs between (1994 - 1998). Why aren't these defective transmissions recalled for correction.
The cear is pealing, 2 transmisisons have failed and now the a/c int. Blower only runs on high.
Consumer has had numerous problems with the 1996 Ford Contour. There has been so many recalls on consumer's vehicle that she wasn't aware of because the manufacturer never sent notices. Since then consumer has been paying for entire full price and is asking for reimbursement. However, the biggest problem with the vehicle is the gas fumes which is leaking therefore leaving poisonous carbon monoxide fumes coming in through the heater vents. These harsh chemicals are damaging to the lungs, brain, respiratory system and its making consumer very tired among other symptoms.
At highway speeds transmission casing cracked, causing the vehicle to decelerate rapidly. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified.
When driving at 70 mph the vehicle is shifting very hard. It downshifts from overdrive to second gear, and all the components on the dashboard start going out. Vehicle has been into repair shop six times and the dealer can't determine the cause of the problem. Also, when applying the brakes, the child in the child seat goes forward, and the harness strap left a red spot on the child.
While driving at 70 mph without prior warning odometer dropped, and the vehicle went into overdrive and wouldn't come out of overdrive.
Car would not shift, entire transmission rebuilt $2600.
Tranamission failed. Yh.
Vehicle shuts off in gear at 25 mph. Overheated upon acceleration. Dealer contacted, and stated the alarm was the cause. Problems still exists.
Over drive light flashes and over drive system will be activated suddenly couldn't be turned off.
This is our second car with this model overdrive transmission (cd4e) that has failed at approximately the same mileage, the first was a 1995 Mazda 626 VIN# [xxx]. The majority of the driving miles on both vehicles were considered highway miles at a cruising seed of 55mph or greater, generally with the cruise control on. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Automatic transmission got stuck in park position. Please provide further information.
Transmission replaced due to grinding and scraping, was also replaced once by previous owner.
Transmission automatic transaxle failed at highway speed.
Car stalls in forward/reverse gears.
Vehicle has a crack in transmission housing. Consumer states while mechanic was performing routine maintenance he observed a crack in the bottome of the transmission housing, since no transmission work has ever been performed under consumer's ownership roughly since 41,000 miles in the mechanic's opinion that either the transmission housing was cracked when installed or another transmission was put in resulting in a cracked housing, he also observed what might be bad front coil springs, they are making a rubbing nosie on an uneven surface or in a sharp turn to the right,consumer has contacted manufacturer they have called her consumer back but they have turned the complaint into a feedback report consumer has also had rotors turned and serviced twice.
The vehicle will intermittently jump from first to second gear. Also, a lound popping noise occurs, cause unknown. Please give any further details.
While vehicle is being driven overdrive activates, and vehicle completely shuts down in heavy traffic, cause unknown. Please give any further details.
My 1996 Contour has literally broken down. I have 99,000 miles and have completely replaced the transmission, the front suspension system, and the car still is not dependable, and the same problems re-occur. I hpay more in repairs than I do for my monthly payment.