Three problems related to transmission fluid leaking have been reported for the 1999 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The transmission on my Ford Contour went out after just 70,000 miles. Of course it was after the warranty had ended. I did some research and found that other Contours were experiencing the same problem. Ford did not recall and I paid 3000 dollars for Ford to replace it. Along with the starter. Also the battery for the car is an International battery which is for BMW's and "International" vehicles. Ford is american yet made a car that needed an International battery. So a year and a half after the transmission was replaced sears has informed me that the transmission is leaking fluid and recommends I not drive the vehicle any more. While that happened the alternator went out on it. This car is junk and Ford knows it!! yet they have done nothing about it!!!.
While shifting vehicle from park into reverse vehicle will shift itself into neutral, and not allow consumer to move. When coming to a sudden stop, the vehicle shifts itself into neutral. The vehicle vibrates when going at speeds between 50 and 65 miles per hour. A leak was found in the transmission that caused damage after driving around with low fluid.
While traveling on highway transmission locked up. Then had it repaired, but later found out that it was not completely repaired. Also, after about 2 weeks found out that it was a technical error that caused transmission to leak fluid.