1996 Ford Contour: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Ford Contour: 8 recalls, 563 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
8 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #97V203000 · 1997 · 1,800 vehicles
What's wrong: The natural gas fuel tanks have a solenoid shut-off valve that stops fuel flow from the fuel tank in the event of certain moderate to severe collisions. If the vehicle is in a collision and the natural gas fuel line is damaged, the system could leak natural gas.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: Ford has requested owners of these vehicles to have the cng fuel system disabled under a previous recall campaign and to only use gasoline fuel until a permanent corrective action is developed. Owners are being alerted to this solenoid valve concern at this time. The timing of corrective actions is…
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #97V225000 · 1997 · 38,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The throttle cables were damaged during vehicle assembly leading to fraying or separation of the throttle cable.
Why it matters: This condition could prevent the engine from returning to idle.
The fix: Dealers will replace the throttle cable with a revised design that is less susceptible to bending or kinking during installation.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #98V233000 · 1998 · 175,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The floor shift automatic transmission control can be damaged if subjected to certain interior cleaning products. The gear position indicator can deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position.
Why it matters: This condition can result in incorrect gear selection.
The fix: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #99V103000 · 1999 · 605,581 vehicles
What's wrong: The terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating.
Why it matters: The damage could result in distortion of the terminal causing an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, parking lamp, and tail lamp circuits.
The fix: Dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and an inspection, and replacement if necessary, of the headlamp switch.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #99V247000 · 1999 · 22,324 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel filler pipe vent hose May have less than the intended level of ozone resistance, which could result in the hose becoming brittle and cracking.
Why it matters: A cracked hose could result in fuel leakage when the vehicle is being fueled.
The fix: Dealers will install a fuel filler vent hose contacting the appropriate blend of pvc and nitrile rubber.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #00V075000 · 2000 · 436,200 vehicles
What's wrong: A pressure conscious reducing valve (pcrv) in the rear brakes May be subject to corrosion and result in malfunction, when operated in areas that use salt compounds on the roadway for de-icing or dust control.
Why it matters: If both pcrv's malfunction, vehicle handling could be adversely affected during braking as a result of the rear wheels locking, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install improved pcrv's in the rear brake system. This recall was expanded in September 2000 to include 1999 and 2000 Ford contour, Mercury mystique and cougar vehicles.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #00V367000 · 2000 · 262,559 vehicles
What's wrong: 0l and 2.5l engines, and 1996 vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines. Tightening of the engine cooling fan motor bearings, up to and including motor stall, can result in increased motor torque and higher than normal motor current and accompanying high motor temperatures.
Why it matters: Overheating of the cooling fan motor due to excessive current can result in smoke and odors from bearing grease, insulation and other internal motor components. If electrical current continues to be applied to the motor, internal motor components could ignite possibly igniting other engine…
The fix: Dealers will install a positive temperature coefficient device in-line with each fan motor. Ford will also extend the warranty on the engine cooling fan assembly to a total of 8 years of service or 100,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. If the vehicle already has more…
Electrical Vehicle recall #01V230000 · 2001 · 342,962 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain my 1996-1998 passenger vehicles built at the kansas city, cuautitlan assembly plants or on my 1999 passenger vehcles built at the automotive alliance international assembly plants, the rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades can damage the copper surface of the wiring harness connector. The damage could, over time, cause increased resistance in the connector and, due to…
Why it matters: The open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness. Owner notification began August 29, 2001.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Visibility (wipers, glass) Recall #01I009000 · 2001 · 566,979 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1995-1997 Ford contour and Mercury mystique vehicles. The heater blower resistor could overheat causing the attached electrical connector to melt.
Why it matters: This could create the potential for a fire.
The fix: Ford will provide additional warranty coverage for the heater blower switch for 10 years from original date of sale of the vehicle or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness free of charge.
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #06E022000 · 2006 · 7,440 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain Ford, daimlerchrysler, and Jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. Only products that were manufactured from July 27, 2005 through January 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When…
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Affinia (brake parts, Inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
Suspension Equipment recall #08E033000 · 2008 · 6,903 vehicles
What's wrong: The part numbers packaged with incorrect nuts are: k7147, k7329, k8683, and 104353. These parts were made for use on the various vehicles listed above.
Why it matters: The nuts included in the packaging for these ball joint assemblies are missing the intended prevailing torque (self-locking) feature. If the incorrect nut was to become loose, the joining members May loosen leading to a separation of the ball joint. This May result in loss of vehicle control,…
The fix: Federal mogul will notify owners and replace the parts free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2008. Owners can contact federal mogul at 877-489-6659.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 24 mention a fire, 39 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (123): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (24), overheating (18), fire / smoke (14).
- Electrical (119): the most common themes are electrical failure (67), fire / smoke (23), stalls / loses power (18).
- Transmission & drivetrain (76): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (29), stalls / loses power (6), noise or vibration (5).
- Exterior lights (64): the most common themes are electrical failure (17), fire / smoke (4), warning light on (4).
The 1996 Ford Contour has 563 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 9 Contour model years for complaints (1.6× the average Contour year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (132 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 91,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (891 complaints, 8 recalls), 1997 (218 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
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 1996 Ford Contour.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Ford Contour have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Ford Contour, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Ford Contour problems?
Owners have filed 563 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (123), electrical (119), transmission & drivetrain (76).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Ford Contour get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Ford Contour repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.