general problems of the 1996 Ford Contour

28 problems related to equipment have been reported for the 1996 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/05/2005

Shift indicator does not move when car is shifted, driver has to count the clicks to be able to tell if they're in what drive they're in. Saw it in a recall, took it to the dealer and was told that my model isn't covered in the recall. After getting off the highway, car made load moaning noises, engine reved, rpms jumped around and car stalled in the middle of traffic. Started up right after. Did not take to get looked at. If the temperature outside is under 40 degrees, the car will moan loudly, the engine will rev, the steering will go out, and then the car stalls, happens mostly when breaking. Sometimes instead of stalling, the car will lurch forward. Almost caused atleast 3 accidents. Took to a repair shop, they couldn't find anything wrong. When first purchased the car, the engine light would come on all the time. Took it for repair, they said it was a sensor. Had to get the sensor replaced 6 times before the problem stopped, at conumers expense.

2 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2002

This car has less than 70000 miles on it. We had trouble with the fuel door, front wheel bearings, brakes, door handles, transmission, electric windows, and now as a special treat the engine failed. This car has been the worst investment that my wife and I have ever made. I have have owned several cars and trucks with 200000 plus miles on them and none of them have ever been as problematic as this automobile.

3 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/10/2002

Engine check light has come on. Vehicle has not been examined by dealer.

4 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2002

Check engine light stays on, replaced O2 sensor with light returning on.

5 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2001

Stalls out if you take your foot off the gas, surges between 1-4 rmps, engine light is on, all started after I had the heater blower switch replaced.

6 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/23/2000

Engine check light keeps coming on every month for the last 6 months, had it on computer every time, no codes found. Car running with no power. Car is missing.

7 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/18/2000

Consumer took car in for 4th recall repairs. This one was for the engine wires. Dealer fixed problem. Consumer picked up car, and on that same evening engine check light came on. Took in vehicle for service, and speedometer stopped working. Couldn't tell how fast car was going. Also overdrive light started to blink on/off.

8 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2000

When fillling gas tank up gasoline come out underneath vehicle. Dealership is aware of problem.

9 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/23/1999

Was driving one day and overdrive light comes on and cars starts to shift real hard no exact speed matters all the time and engine check light is on all the time.

10 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/11/1999

Consumer has defective parts , such as. Headlight switch is ticking noise inside of the vehicle, and all dashboard lights are out.

11 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/01/1999

Engine check light is on and there is a burning smell within the vehicle. Also, all the lights on the dashboard aren't working, and the water pump had to be replaced.

12 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/01/1998

I have had multiple problems w/ my 96 Ford Contour since I bought it 2/23/96. I have had it in for service multiple times, and I get told it's covered under warranty why worry about it. The srv. Mngr. At my dealer supposedly talked to a "tony" at Ford & told him to tell me as long as it's covered under warranty I shouldn't complain it is no money out of my pocket. That is unsatisfactory -I believe my car to be a defect in that years line of Contours & I would like something done about these problems. My car runs worse than any used car I have ever owned! all I ever wanted done was to rectify the situation,they could have easily replaced my car with one similiar to that year & model & I would have been happy. I really would like a response to this matter. I am to the point where I will contact a lawyer to seek help dealing with Ford & kennedy Ford , if I can not get a fair & aggreeable outcome to this situation. Thank you.

13 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/01/1998

The left front axle broke while I was driving the car and it punctured my tire and damaged the rim of it. The mechanic says it was just worn out even though the car is only 3 years old. The check engine light stays on all the time, and there is nothing wrong. The engine rumbles when it idles. The brakes grind all the time, and I have replaced the left rotor 3 times in less than a year. The carpet comes out from under the rear seats an the passenger's side.

14 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/06/1998

No summary provided by consumer.

15 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/01/1996

The inside release for fuel compartment filler door failed.

16 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/01/1901

The consumer was sold a vehicle that did not have a title.

17 Equipment problem

Recall repair (99v-103) completed, however harness connector assembly replaced and not the switch, panel lights feel hot to the touch and illumination is dim after repair work completed. Mjs.

18 Equipment problem

No summary listed for this vehicle.

19 Equipment problem

Problems with the engine light coming on and the servicing dept at the Ford dealer and other auto servicing center could not figure out why to this day it is on. At one time the entire interior lights and rear brakes lights went out. It currently shut its self off ( stalls) and get hot. The engine sounds revved up and shortly after the ac unit went out. Everything has been checked out/ the alternator was replaced the crankshaft was replaced some wiring had to be replaced all the fluids are where they should be and it still stalls and overheats for no reason. Both front windows electrical motors have gone out.

20 Equipment problem

Pop up cup holders are very flimsy. The cup holders may cause beverage to tip over while driving. This results in driver's attention momentarily taken away from the road, which could result in an accident. Consumer feels the cup holders should be more stationary.

21 Equipment problem

Engine check light stays on while the vehicle is in motion. Dealer has been notified.

22 Equipment problem

Without warning engine check light came on causing vehicle to start to knock and make alot of noise. Prior to this incident, vehicle was taken to dealer to be checked for excessive use of oil.

23 Equipment problem

After the recall for the heat blower 010i 009 000 was completed. The defect re-occurred eight times.

24 Equipment problem

Vehicle stalls and dies ant various speeds without warning. Also, engine check light stays on. Vehicle is able to be started immediately after it dies. Dealer has inspected vehicle , and was not able to duplicate problem. Manufacturer has been notified.

25 Equipment problem

We would like to find out any information on hidden warranties and hidden insurance.

26 Equipment problem

Unknown if wiring recall is a problem in my car,will dealership check that for free? no safety defect (s) listed.

27 Equipment problem

Engine check light and battery light illuminates. Took vehicle to dealer, and had electrical problem; repaired but problem still exists.

28 Equipment problem

Paint on the vehicle looks as if there are spidar webs everywhere in the paint - clearcoat. It is getting worse and has spread all over the car. No safety defect.



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