Eight problems related to emission control have been reported for the 1996 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer request help to fix a 1996 Contour. The consumer took the vehicle to be inspected and it failed. The consumer was told by the dept of motor vehicle that the vehicle had been subject to an emission recall as reported by the epa the dealer informed the consumer that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The original owner received a recall notice in 1997 but the consumer never received a recall notice.
Vehicles shuts off frequently. Vehicle won't pass emissions test. It won't start, and has to be towed to the dealer.
The wiring harness of my 1996 Ford Contour caught fire. I had prior problems with the vehicle in the past such as tail light going out constantly and also headlights, as well as problems with the O2 sensor. I have put more that$2000 dollars alone on this car just getting it repaired.
Check engine light stays on, replaced O2 sensor with light returning on.
Air flow sensors failed.
My car was in the shop 5 times in one month - all electrical problems. Alternator, battery, starter, wiring harness, speed sensor and oxygen sensor were all changed. The Ford dealership does not understand why I am having all these problems. It was also in a garage fire at the dealership in this time and I had smoke damage to my car on top of the engine problems. Needless to say, I loss money on the trade in. This is the worse car I have ever owned and will never own another Ford car or truck again.
Flexible vent hose is deteriorated and cracked. It leaks gasoline when the tank is filled and when the car is driven. It appears to me , that the wrong type of hose is being used in this assembly. If this is happening so prematurely, it must be happening to alot of other Contour owners.
Oxygen sensor failed 4 times.