1999 Ford Contour: engine stalls while driving

Filed Apr 30, 2013 · Fuel system · 52,238 miles · CA

The fuel pump failed frequently while driving, usually uphill. Car would stall and sometimes restart, creating a hazard when on the freeway. Eventually the fuel pump failed completely. My mechanic replaced it, having to retrofit the gas tank in order for the pump to be installed, removing certain fittings. The filler grommet was defective, and after the fuel pump was fixed and refueling was taking place, gasoline poured out of the tank and the car had to be returned to the mechanic. The replacement fuel pump failed about 10 months later, in sept. 2011. At that time, the car had been working fine the night before and wouldn't start in the morning. Ford will only guarantee the original replacement, so if the replacement had failed after more than two months, ford wouldn't have replaced the part. The driver's side window motor has broken three times. I have also had trouble with the air intake system, which causes a whine whenever the car is started cold. This is irritating, but doesn't seem to cause any difficulty with the operation of the car. The dashboard was recalled, a cheap plastic piece placed over the vents, which ruined the look of the dashboard. I persuaded the dealer to replace the dashboard as originally promised in the recall notice. The replacement has now also developed a problem with the vent being separated from the dash. There are also vague electrical problems, including surging and dimming of lights. Can't use the radio for fear of stalling the car, or use the heating system along with the rear defrost simultaneously.

Filed Jan 14, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 99,279 miles · OH

I have a 1999 ford contour I bought it and 6 months later the timing belt went out this cost me $800.00 out of pocket after the warranty paid their part. Drove it another 3 months when it stalled out and started sputtering I replaced the plugs, wires, ignition control box, and fuel filter and found a hose that had a hole in it from being melted after replacing all of that found the transmission to be leaking and no way to get to it easily. Still ran crappy took it to a garage and was told they could not figure it out brought it home and it won't run anymore it still does not run not sure what else to do had to buy another vehicle to get to and from work while still paying on this one and can not use it anymore. This is my second ford and I will not ever get another one. And with all this going on when the mechanic shut the back passenger the glass shattered and it was shut normally. Also the radio has issues.

Filed Dec 28, 2007 · Brakes, Electrical · 100,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. The vehicle stalls and makes a lot of noise during acceleration. The overhead lights and other interior lighting will not dim when the vehicle is turned off. The contact must remove the bulbs to dim the lights. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the ignition switch locks up. A mechanic stated that the front sway bar was leaking and the brakes, rotors, and struts were corroded and needed to be replaced. The purchase date and powertrain were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.

Filed Jul 13, 2006 · Engine · 98,616 miles · FL

Dt*: the contact stated, while driving 45 MPH blue smoke issued from under the hood and from the exhaust pipe. There was also a rattling sound emitting from under the hood. The motor then bogged down and would not accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the service dealer where upon inspection, the service dealer's mechanic determined there was no problem found. On 7/13/06, the vehicle experienced the same events and stalled on the side of the road and was unable to be restarted.

Filed Apr 7, 2006 · Electrical, Fuel system · 81,600 miles · IL

My car sporadic stalled in traffic because the new fuel pump would shut off. The cause was faulty wiring that shorted out and in turn destroyed the cars computer. No parts are available so dealer was using parts from different make/model parts for repairs. I was told that this is a recurring problem.

Filed Apr 1, 2005 · Engine · FL

1999 ford contour, check engine" light came on, car jerking/stalling, took it to local mechanic who could not diagnose problem, then had to have car towed to local ford delaership (key scales ford, lessburg, florida), they kept car for 2 days, charged over $800 to replace the timing belt, attempted to charge an additional $165 to replece spark plugs (service declined, spark plugs replaced by local mechanic for $50), "check engine" light still on, car still jerking/stalling. Afraid to drive car out of immediate neighborhood. Local mechanic suggested possibly catalytic converter problem but said it could not even be tested because of the position of the converter is in the middle of the manifold and is inaccessible. Local ford dealership has not replied to email requesting additional investigation.

Filed Mar 30, 2005 · Engine · MI

Vehicle stalled while driving. Driver tried restarted the vehicle five minutes later. Took it to dealer, and mechanic determined that the problem could not be duplicated.

Filed Mar 8, 2005 · Engine · 95,000 miles · IA

While driving 30 MPH on gravel road vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Oct 29, 2004 · Electrical · GA

I bought a 1999 ford contour on 9-23-00 . I had the alternator replaced june of 2004 . Now , every time you let off the gas , the car stalls out. Due to this problem I have been stalled out in the middle of very heavy traffic , large intersections , railroad crossings , and making left turns with on comming traffic . I must drive this car , because it is my only means of transportation. I have put this car in the shop 3 times since last june . One of the shops was the local ford dealership. They kept my car for a month , said they did not know what is wrong with it , and for me to come get it. Also , I am still making payments on a car that I can not drive, and no one is able to repair!

Filed Jun 24, 2004 · Acceleration, Visibility · 68,000 miles · TX

Vehicle hesitates and jerks violently on acceleration, feels like it wants to stall.dashboard curled up in front by windshield, obstructing view and popped out vent trim. Dealer wouln't fix it because they said the recall on it had expired. Had to try to glue it down ourself.

Filed Apr 23, 2004 · Engine · GA

Vehicle was idling too high. When the vehicle idled too high it also shut off. Consumer took vehicle to several different dealers, and vehicle was diagnosed 2-3 times. Each dealer indicated that it was the cam sensor. Consumer had a new cam sensor installed on 04/19/2004, and it was still doing the same thing, vehicle continued to idle high and then stall.

Filed Mar 22, 2004 · Electrical · 75,000 miles · CO

Stalls and won't restart. I had the alternator changed and the fuse behind the head light switch by goodyear. They did a complete diagnostics test and said the only thing it could be was the alternator and maybe the fuse. I got the car back and it ran fine for about 3 hour's then stalled. I had to take it back 3 more times after the initial visit and still had the same problem. Good year could not figure out the problem and had my car towed to a ford dealer ship where I had to pay again for a diagnostic test which came back clean, so they suggested a new battery and fuse. The car was working fine until exactly one year later when the same exact thing happened, it stalled yet again. I can barely open the door's with my key and it takes about three times to do so. I went to walmart and bought some fuse's and for now is working. I have taken the car to 2 place's one a ford dealer ship and have the same problem as last year, if both place's could not find the problem then, then why should I waste my money again. There is a defect some where in the electrical system and I should not have to change the fuse so often.