Nine problems related to transmission failure have been reported for the 1998 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1998 Ford Contour se 4cyl VIN [xxx] - 4speed transmission. My wife was driving home from work when the transmission made sudden, erratic, jerky shifts on its own causing the car to pull from side to side and losing control and leaving the road and finally stopping in a field. I had to tow her out. The car now does not move forward, but does has reverse. Further research on the net has revealed other Ford/Mazda owners have experienced the same transmission failures. I am surprised the NHTSA has not done anything about these transmissions. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
The vehicle experienced premature transmission failure.
Automatic transmission failed without warning or symptoms while merging onto a busy freeway. Vehicle could have been hit by passing traffic because of a narrow shoulder at point of failure.
Transmission failed without warning, the consumer requested reimbursement but was denied because the vehicle was beyond warranty. Nlm.
There was no notification of recall concerning transmission failure.
Transmission failed, rolled when in park position. Mjs.
Console transmission cover failed. Yh.
Transmission failed on three occasions.
I was in transit to replace my braking system for the second time in 6 months when my transmission failed. My 'check engine' light stays on and the car now stalls when in a stopped position at a traffic light. These issues, amongst a list of other major failures has occurred in the last 2. 5 years of ownership of this lemon ( complete a/c system has been replaced, complete fuel system has been replaced, window motor has been replaced, etc. ). Neither the Ford manufacturer or dealerships have responded, agreed or offered any investigation, correction, compensation or assistance in response to these previously written and verbal matters, and legal action will commence. The issues listed in this table are only the recent (last 3 months), and do not include the montage of problems in the last 2 years, some of which are mentioned in the comments section.