Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle caught on fire while in gear. A pop noise was heard and smoke came out from under the hood. The front of the vehicle then caught fire. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss and it was never taken to a service dealer. A fire department report was processed.*ak updated 12/11/06.
1999 Ford Contour: fire, smoke or burning smell
6 of the 419 complaints about the 1999 Ford Contour describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 22 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
While driving the heater blowers failed. The smell of burning wire started to fill the vehicle. The defogger completely failed. Consumer could not see through the windows. However, there were burnt wires under the hood. Please provide any further information. *nm....replaced starter motor and damaged battery cables.
While traveling on the highway and without prior warning, a fog of mist leaked through the vents. The vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment. *ak per inspection; a short was found in the main wiring loom. The vehicle was totaled. *scc
Windshield wipers will come on intermittently, and air bag light illuminates while driving, causing vehicle to stall and die. Dealer has been notified. Car was on fire which burned up fuse box.
We were driving (one mile from home) when it sounded like we had a flat tire. I pulled over and checked. Tires were fine. Heard thumping again. Turned car around because of 87 year old father in vehicle. Smoke came through the vents. I pulled into the driveway. Smoke came out from under hood. Husband was doing yard work. My son adam yelled that there were flames. My husband ran to the garage and got a fire extinguisher. Put fire out. Had to cut two wires to stop the smoking and sizzling. Contacted state farm. A fire investigator said he believes that the way the wires were routed onto the fire wall, rubbed against a screw that was sticking out of the fire wall and over time wore the wire, causing a fire.
Vehicle was making spitting and sputtering noises, and then it stalled. While consumer went inside to call dealer, about a half hour later, went back out and found vehicle on fire consumer did not know why vehicle caught on fire.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code P0420 and/or P0430/ 2.5L engine only
- Remote keyless entry (RKE) - service tips
- Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illumination with no hard fault
- Inoperative shift interlock solenoid or repeat instrument interface module failure
- Some vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble code B1213, B1342, B1601, B2431
- Battery lamp on, however the charging system is functioning properly
- Information regarding discharged battery charging service tips and guidelines
- Vehicles equipped with passive anti-theft system (PATS) may not start or crank
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles built with automatic transmissions which utilize a park/lock solenoid. It is possible to rotate the ignition key to the lock position and remove the key without the shift lever and transmission being in park. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 114, "theft protection."
- Risk
- This could result in a crash and possible personal injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect these vehicles. Vehicles that have units with ignition keys removable in gear positions other than park, will have the steering column replaced.
Recall number 99V060000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1999 Ford Contour fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 1999 Ford Contour?
6 of 419 owner complaints about the 1999 Ford Contour (1%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1999 Ford Contour?
There is 1 recall and 22 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1999 Ford Contour
Stalling 27Fuel pump 14No deployment 13Check engine light 13Headlights 13Grinding brakes 10Coil spring 9Jerking 8Seat belt 8Wipers 6Won't start 6Airbag light 5Hesitation 5Overheating 5
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