Tl* the contact owns a 1995 ford contour. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted after fifteen minutes and driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that a new transmission sensor was needed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000. Ma 10/2 updated 11/28/2017
The worst 1995 Ford Contour problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine225
- Electrical180
- Transmission126
- Brakes85
- Fuel system85
- Suspension83
- Steering76
- Airbags45
- Seat belts44
- Visibility43
- Acceleration42
- Lights27
- Body14
- Seats14
- Locks13
- Tires10
- Wheels7
Specific symptoms reported on the 1995 Ford Contour
Overheating 66Fire or smoke 44Stalling 42Coil spring 36Headlights 21ABS 20Loss of power 20Power steering loss 20Engine failure 19Check engine light 18Won't start 18Brake failure 15Jerking 15Fuel leak 13Seat belt 13No deployment 11Grinding brakes 10Door locks 10Transmission failure 10Airbag light 8Fuel smell 8Tire blowout 8Fuel pump 6Adaptive cruise 5Slipping 5
Recalls 8
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: 1995 passenger vehicles equipped with the 2.0l 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.
- Risk
- 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 compartment components.
- Remedy
- 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 than 100,000 miles, this coverage will last until july 31, 2001.
Recall number 00V367000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. 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.
- Risk
- This condition can result in incorrect gear selection.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.
Recall number 98V233000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control: cables
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the traction control option. The throttle cables were damaged during vehicle assembly leading to fraying or separation of the throttle cable.
- Risk
- This condition could prevent the engine from returning to idle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the throttle cable with a revised design that is less susceptible to bending or kinking during installation.
Recall number 97V225000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
- What is wrong
- The fuel tank filler pipe opening reinforcement, constructed from two separately molded pieces, can leak at the weld.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage can result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel tank assemblies with units containing one-piece molded reinforcements.
Recall number 95V232000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- What is wrong
- Cracks have been found in the front safety belt outboard anchor tabs due to a combination of hydrogen embrittlement of the tab and stress introduced during attachment of the anchor tab to the seat frame. This does not conform with the requirements of fmvss no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
- Risk
- Consequence of non-compliance: a fracture or separation in this area would reduce the load that the anchor and the front safety belt anchorages could sustain, increasing the risk of injury in a vehicle collisoin.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and install an anchor tab reinforcement or replacement of the complete front seat belt assembly if an anchor tab is found to have fractured.
Recall number 95V228000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield
- What is wrong
- The glass tempering process on the right hand rear door windows was not correctly performed. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 205, "glazing materials."
- Risk
- Consequence of non-compliance: if the window breaks, the glass fragments of the rear windows exceed the size specifications of fmvss no. 205.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the right rear door glass.
Recall number 95V009000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
- What is wrong
- The fuel tank filler pipe opening reinforcement can leak at the weld.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage can result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, as appropriate, replace the fuel tanks.
Recall number 94V203000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
- What is wrong
- A metal shield on the outside of the plastic fuel filler pipe can develop a static electrical charge during refueling of the vehicle.
- Risk
- A static charge can discharge and serve as an ignition source for fuel vapors in the area of the filler pipe, resulting in a flash vapor ignition and a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, modify the vehicles by adding a ground strap between the filler pipe shield and the body.
Recall number 94V184000 · Recall details
See all 8 recalls for the 1995 Ford Contour
Defect investigations
Incorrect gear indication
There is no summary currently available
RQ02006
Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
There is no summary currently available
EA01001
Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
There is no summary currently available
PE00023
Engine cooling fan fires
There is no summary currently available
EA00005
Various intermittent electrical issues
There is no summary currently available
RQ99019
Engine cooling fan fires
Odi opened this investigation on august 18, 1999, based on four reports of fire involving the engine cooling fan.the reports allege the electronic cooling fan caught fire with resultant damage to the fan and wire harness and/or the harness connector.in its pe response, ford provided information relevant to 46 additional alleged fire incidents and 47 alleged failures of the cooling fan involving thermal damage to the fan.this investigation has been upgraded to further study the issue.
PE99052
Front suspension coil spring failure
There is no summary currently available
PE98050
Technical service bulletins for the 1995 Ford Contour 223
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips. tt
- New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. tt
- Inoperative shift interlock solenoid or repeat instrument interface module failure. tt
- Climate control a/c service tech tips. eh
- Replacement speaker installation tips. tt
- Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. mj
- Subject regarding automatic shifter assembly or the indicator housing replacement. tt
- Some vehicles equipped with the CD4E transaxle may exhibit harsh and delayed 1-2/2-3 upshifts after...
- Concern with headlamps and/or instrument panel lamps dimming slightly at idle. tt
- Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant...
1995 Ford Contour fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21 | 29-31 | 24-25 |
| 2.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18-19 | 26-28 | 21-22 |
What 1995 Ford Contour owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 ford contour. The contact stated a burning odor was emitted from the air vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis, where the mechanic stated that the insulation on the wiring harness had melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 00v367000 (engine and engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 158,140.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 ford contour. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the contact noticed that the front passenger side tire was flat. The tire was replaced with a spare, which was also punctured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the front driver and passenger side coil spring would have to be replaced as well as the spare tire. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 ford contour. The contact stated that while parked, a burning odor began to emit from the vents. In addition, the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics, where the mechanic stated that the insulation on the wiring harness melted. The mechanic replaced the thermostat, radiator, oxygen sensor, fuel pump and fuel filter. The failure continued. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number 00v367000 (engine and engine cooling) that may be related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired a second time. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 2/23/12
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 ford contour. The contact stated that the vehicle was on while in park when a fuse blew and the vehicle stalled. The dealer informed the contact that the wiring harness failed and needed to be replaced. A private mechanic then confirmed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. No repairs were performed. The failure and current mileages were 97,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 ford contour. The contact stated that the engine wiring under the hood was fracturing from the plastic covering and the wires were touching which made the vehicle inoperable. In addition, the contact was concerned about the potential of the wires shortening or causing a fire. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop who advised that the failure of the wiring was so severe that they were unable to successfully run a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was contacted who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.
I have a 1995 ford contour and just found out all along there was a campaign on the wiring harness in the engine compartment . This is very unsafe and is causing the car to act erratically it is a fire hazard due to the fact the wiring harness is frayed if I touch any of the wires the insulation just falls off what hasn't already fell off. Engine dies and stalls all the time and car is un drivable called ford and they said there was a campaign and recall on wiring harness . But is unavailable now but I could buy one for $1300.00 it has caught small fire due to this.
The entire wiring harness in the engine compartment is defective. The plastic covering the wires is cracked and peeling off in the entire system causing the car to occasionally brake for no reason and to kick and sputter when driving especially when it has been raining. The ford dealer admits it is a common problem caused by an experimental plastic that was used that year but the complaint is not covered under any recalls so we have had to have minor repairs done to the wiring every time the car dies due to a short in the system. The car is in perfect shape mechanically and the body is in great shape also. I am wondering why no one has addressed this problem before because I hate to think of how many others there are just like me who may have to junk a perfectly good car because they cannot afford to keep paying for wiring problems. I have never had another car that the wiring was the first to go. Especially one that is as well maintained as this one is. If you have any suggestions or solutions please let me know. It would be nice to know that the government was looking in at the problem trying to help the consumers as I have not seen it mentioned anywhere else yet.
I recently purchased a 1995 ford contour and I noticed its been smoking the mechanic keeps saying there is nothing wrong or they cant detect a problem. I noticed this model car has had several recalls. Could this used car be affected by a faulty part and can I qualify for a recall part repair if this car has a defective part?
Tl*the contact owns a 1995 ford contour. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle and the steering column began over heating continuously. On several occasions, the dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the burning smell; however, the vehicle caught fire. At times, the key was too hot to remove from the ignition. The current and failure mileages were 83000 when the fire occurred.
Compare the 1995 Ford Contour
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Questions about the 1995 Ford Contour
Is the 1995 Ford Contour reliable?
Owners have filed 891 complaints about the 1995 Ford Contour, 222.8 times a typical Contour model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1995 Ford Contour?
Engine and cooling, with 225 complaints, typically around 95,000 miles. Next is electrical (180).
How many recalls does the 1995 Ford Contour have?
8 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, power train and vehicle speed control.
Was there a recall on the 1995 Ford Contour engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 00V367000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Contour have bad engine?
The Ford Contour model years with the most engine complaints are 1995 (225 complaints), 1998 (134 complaints) and 1996 (124 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1995 Ford Contour get?
Official estimates for the 1995 Ford Contour range from 21 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 29-31 highway.
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