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1996 Ford Contour acceleration problems

31 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). 7 crashes reported.

owner complaints
31
of this car's complaints
6%
crashes
7
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Linkages
    6
  • Cables
    4
  • Accelerator pedal
    2
  • Cruise control
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Contour acceleration problems in other years

199519961997199819992000

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Ford Contour acceleration

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Sudden acceleration 5

Related recalls

Vehicle speed control: cablesReported December 8, 1997 · 38,000 vehicles affected
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

What 1996 Ford Contour owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 26, 2010 · Acceleration · 91,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. The contact stated that the vehicle would independently accelerate when driving with the cruise control activated at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure started intermittently but progressively became worse over time. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 91,000.

Filed Aug 2, 2008 · Acceleration · 121,562 miles · WI

Several times during the past 3 months the gas pedal/accelerator seemed to "stick" or race and I could not get the car to idle to back down until I put it in gear. July 3, while driving in busy traffic, the accelerator/gas pedal went to the floor and fortunately I was able to steer the car around a corner to the side of the road. The police were able to push the car into a car repair place where the mechanic suggested I call ford about a recall. The speed control cable had just snapped right off! I called from the repair place and ford said there was no recall on my VIN vehicle. I had the car towed to my home as I was leaving town the next day. I have returned now and after searching your site have found what seems to be the recall for the very problem I have with my 1996 ford contour. I called a ford dealership and was told my VIN did not have the recall problem. What is my next step, please? Lucy hocking [email protected] 414‑541‑2326 414‑520‑8323 make : ford model : contour year : 1996 manufacturer : ford motor company mfr's report date : dec 03, 1997 the federal safety agency campaign id number : 97v225000 component: vehicle speed control:cables potential number of units affected : 38000 summary: 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. Consequence: this condition could prevent the engine from returning to idle.

Filed Jul 15, 2005 · Acceleration · 66,600 miles · CA

After the vehicle came to a complete stop the engine continued to rev at high rmps. This was due to the defect described in the accelerator cable recall 00v425000, but the VIN was not included in the recall.*ak n

Filed Dec 3, 2003 · Acceleration · 68,000 miles · TX · crash · 3 injuries

The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle didn't stop until it impacted a building. Prior to the incident, the vehicle was at idle in the park gear for 5 minutes. The passenger sustained injuries. *ak the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle was continually being taken to the service dealer for the problem. When the incident occurred, there was no warning. The service dealer suggested that the throttle sensor ,somehow, became stuck and the engine overrode the brakes. *scc

Filed Jan 2, 2002 · Acceleration, Engine · MI

Stalls out if you take your foot off the gas, surges between 1-4 rmps, engine light is on, all started after I had the heater blower switch replaced.

Filed Aug 13, 2001 · Acceleration · MI

While traveling at approximatley 60 MPH engine started running and rpms went to 8000. Consumer put transmission in neutral and turned vehicle off. Upon start up after the engine had been shut off, the engine began revving again. Dealership has not examined vehicle yet. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed Jun 18, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · OK

While traveling at 70 MPH,odometer gauge dropped to 10 MPH. Engine light and odometer light came on. Consumer states that vehicle was towed to mechanic. Mechanic stated it was the speed sensor. *ak

Filed Jun 4, 2001 · Acceleration · NC

Throttle body hose assembly : loud howling sound, engine surging. Engine: stalls when first started when engine is cold.

Filed Jan 23, 2001 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

My 1996 ford contour's (w/v6 2.5l duratec motor) engine check light came on around jan 2 of 2001. I scheduled an appointment to have it checked out at the closest ford dealership in modesto, ca. As soon as possible. The next available appointment was on friday jan 05, 2001, later on that week. Once I took it in, they had diagnosed the problem as being my (3) catalytic converters and my throttle body. The service advisor then told me that he had to check with ford because he believed that the work was covered under a ford recall 97e61. The next day he responded to me and told me that ford had said that it wasn't covered and that my bill would be $1,300.00. I then asked him why it wasn't covered and he told me because my VIN# doesn't show it. He then asked me to take it up with ford the actuall company. So I've been doing research on it myself and have come up with a little bit of info. Ford's customer service has told me that the reason my car is not covered is because it doesn't fall under the 97e61 criteria for recall. So I asked what actuall part does not fall undeer the criteria. They asked me to take it up with the federal safety agency and they can give me that info. What I have found is that cars that were built at 2 ford plants, cautlin, and kansas city plants are the ones that are affected. Well my car was built at the kansas city plant. The other criteria I know about is if the car was built within march of 95 thru march of 96. Well my car was first sold in feb. 96 and it's a 96 model so it would have to fall within that time frame. I am currently having my car fixed at a different ford dealership but my cost is still over $1,100.00. Plesae help me. Cesar garcia call me any time at 408‑674‑9315 to let me know you have received my letter. I would also like a copy e-mailed to me of what I have written so I have a record at [email protected].

Filed Nov 28, 2000 · Acceleration · PA

The accelerator cable broke causing vehicle to stall and leaving the consumer stranded, there is a recall (97v225), however the dealer states that the VIN is not included in the recall.

Questions about the 1996 Ford Contour acceleration

Does the 1996 Ford Contour have acceleration problems?

Owners have filed 31 complaints about the acceleration of the 1996 Ford Contour, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Ford Contour acceleration problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Ford Contour acceleration?

Yes, 1 recall: 97V225000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Contour have the most acceleration problems?

The Ford Contour model years with the most acceleration complaints are 1995 (42 complaints), 1998 (33 complaints) and 1996 (31 complaints).

Other 1996 Ford Contour problems

Engine 124Electrical 119Transmission 76Lights 72Brakes 49Visibility 41Suspension 38Fuel system 30Steering 30Airbags 25Body 15Seat belts 14Wheels 7Locks 5Seats 3Tires 3Driver assistance 1

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