One problem related to engine clicking and tapping noises has been reported for the 1999 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The consumer owns a 1999 Ford Contour that had cracks in the flywheel along the rear area of the motor. There was a ticking noise in the engine. The consumer took the vehicle to an independent transmission shop, who confirmed there was a crack in the flywheel. There was no explanation as to why this failure occurred. Apparently, it was cracking it is near the bolts that hold the flywheel onto the motor. This happened from hole to hole as if it was at a fatigued point. Was replaced at 40,000 kilometers, and the second flywheel now needs to be replaced at 126,000 kilometers. There were no other apparent problems with the vehicle other then the same issue occurring on both the original flywheels and the replacement.