Two problems related to front seat belt webbing have been reported for the 1996 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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. . .
Vehicle was hit on the passenger's front side and the shoulder belt did not restrain the driver. Also, the deployment of the driver's side air bag knocked driver out of seat and head hit the passenger side window.