MotorDeets

Ford Contour problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Contour from 1993 to 2001: 3,155 owner complaints and 38 recalls across 9 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1995 (891), 1998 (846), 1996 (563). Best fuel economy: 25 mpg combined (2000).

Ford Contour
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine & cooling583
Electrical555
Transmission & drivetrain393
Brakes (hydraulic)278
Suspension276
Fuel system244
Body & structure227
Airbags215

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199303–
1994012–
1995889125
1996856325
1997521824
1998984625
1999341925
2000519925
200104–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Ford Contour.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Ford Contour?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1995 (891), 1998 (846), 1996 (563).

How many recalls has the Ford Contour had?

Across 1993–2001, NHTSA lists 38 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).