Gasoline Engine problems of the 1996 Ford Contour

26 problems related to gasoline engine have been reported for the 1996 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 10/15/2002

Problem appears to be electrical, change alternator-and this is not problem. Dt.

2 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 07/14/2000

The battery light comes on, it will dim down while the consumer is driving and then the engine will quit,the dealer replaced a faulty cable from the alternator to the junction block, could possibly be an engine problem instead of electrical because now the engine light stays illuminated.

3 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2000

Vehicle got hot when it came to complete stop. If consumer shifted gear into reverse and applied gas pedal, vehicle would turn off. Vehicle turned on and off intermittently. Vehicle doesn't turn off if the vehicle is cold.

4 Gasoline Engine 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.

5 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 12/10/1999

This is a leased car. I take good care of it, bringing it to a mechanic every three months for a "check up" there were no warning signs. The car simply stopped. I had it towed to a shop and now it is costing me $ 3000. 00 to fix the transmission. I called Ford and besides being nasty and rude, was told that there was nothing they could "do". No warning lights, nothing. Just a dead car. My mechanic is having a very difficult time finding parts to replace the transmission. I am very angry!.

6 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 10/09/1999

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.

7 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 08/19/1999

While driving the car began to malfunction and then cut off , when vehicle cut off, driver lost control because the wheels locked up.

8 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 07/24/1999

I have previously had problems with this vehicle and have taken it more than eight different times to be service and problem still has not been resolved.

9 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 01/10/1999

No summary provided by consumer.

10 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 12/20/1998

No summary provided by consumer( dot number: ??? tire size: ??? ).

11 Gasoline Engine 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.

12 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 07/10/1998

Dealer unable to fix hesatation- then when supposedly repaired vibration occurred.

13 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 10/28/1997

When traveling at any speed the vehicle cuts off without prior warning, causing loss of all power. In addition, the steering wheel shakes when traveling over 60 mph, resulting in poor steering control. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer unable to determine the cause. Please provide any further details.

14 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 06/30/1996

Upon slightly wet surface or possible oil driver applied brakes slightly, he lost control, hitting curb w/cause unknown, resultin gin an accident/injury.

15 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 06/20/1996

No comment. No safety defect.

16 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 04/02/1996

Engine piston and valve fractured under normal drivin, causing vehicle to seize without any prior warning.

17 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 04/01/1996

Vehicle continually shuts down during operation, unable to determine failure. Mjs.

18 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 03/04/1996

Engine consistently overheating.

19 Gasoline Engine problem

Failure Date: 12/01/1995

Loss of power while traveling. Problem have occurred on several occasions, and been in / out of dealer's shop on several occasions, and still unable to find cause or duplicate the problem. Please provide any further details.

20 Gasoline Engine problem

No summary listed for above vehicle.

21 Gasoline Engine problem

Engine problems causing vehicle to stop while in process.

22 Gasoline Engine problem

Vehicle stopped abruptly while in middle of traffic, consumer sent copies of bills to dealer, but no response, consumer is requesting reimbursement.

23 Gasoline Engine problem

I have previously had problems with this vehicle and have taken it more than eight different times to be service and problem still has not been resolved even after having engine replaced I am having some of the same problems. Car has been serviced on a regular basis and still it has problems. E . .

24 Gasoline Engine problem

Vehicle engine omits fumes.

25 Gasoline Engine 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.

26 Gasoline Engine problem

Vehicle stopped abruptly while in middle of traffic, consumer sent copies of bills to dealer, but no response, consumer is requesting reimbursement.



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