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.
Ford Contour power windows problems
12 of the 3,151 owner complaints about the Ford Contour describe power window failure, most of them for the 1996 model year.
- owner complaints
- 12
- worst model year
- 1996
By model year
- 20001
- 19993
- 19982
- 19966
Often reported together
Stalling 2Won't start 1Wipers 1Whining noise 1Transmission failure 1Seat belt 1Screen failure 1Fuel pump 1
What owners say
Dash has curled up so badly that my window will not defrost. This condition has also caused my winshield to crack from on side of the car to the other. It is so bad that at times I need to wipe the windshield with one hand while driving with the other just so I can see while driving. I also have a problem with the windshield linkage that keeps coming apart during operation of the wipers causing the wipers to stop working.
Had the drivers side power window repaired today, as well as passenger front side window repaired in july 2002. Both window regulators had to be replaced at a cost of approximately $700 for both. The mechanics informed me this is a very common problem with this vehicle, which would seem to show a major manufacturer defect. Please pursue a recall repair on this vehicle so customers can be properly compensated.
Our car has had problems since day one we have 2 different emblams on the fenders, window fell out, speakers busted, carpet ruined by leaks, fan switch only works on high setting, instrument panel smoked up as if burning, hood doesn't meet up with cowl, trunk stays soaked, and there are numerous other problems all happened within six months of original purchase.
Said car had defects almost as soon as we purchased it, we noticed it had 2 different emblams on the fenders and they had to run the VIN# so they could find out which it was. The car started leaking within 6 months of purchase, they worked on it 3 times to no prevail(still leaks) the dash has bowed up at the windshield and at the panel behind the steering wheel, instrument panel has smoked up, heater switch only works on high setting, pass. Side front window fell out of door track while going down the highway, speaker busted, carpet ruined because of leaks. Blancetts had all of these parts ordered for over 6 months and they still did not get all of them in, an d ford motor company has closed them down. I don't know the specifics of the reasons for closing them, but they had trouble once or twice with getting cars and trucks with mileage rollback problems.
The window regulators on the ford contour are defective. The materials used are bend, crack, and break causing the windows to either fall into the door, or to become stuck when being rolled up or down. I have replaced the driver side door regulator 16 months ago thinking this was a one time occurrence but now find the passenger side one has the same problem. The dealer has admitted this is a fairly common problem with this vehicle. I have the original parts for the driver side door in my position and on inspection it is clear to see that the manufacturing of the material is faulty, under extreme stress which could lead to the collapse of the assembly. This of course would be a major concern if the window would collapse into the door frame while the vehicle was in motion.
While driving the rear window fell out of the housing onto the roadway, the consumer had replaced the window in july 2000, the officer inspected the window and found that the window seal appeared old and rusty. (ohio traffic crash report)
The blower fan was replaced by the dealer because of a recall. It lasted about 3 months and proceeded to break again. This time the dealer stated that I had to replace the fuse panel in the car. I took the car to a local mechanic and he reaffirm the defect. They also stated that they rarely had to replace a fuse panel. In addition to this repair, both power window regulators went out on the driver and passenger front sides of the car. The company that did the repair said this is very common in ford vehicles. I contacted the regional office of ford and they would not give me any restitution on these repairs.
I was in transit to replace my braking system for the second time in 6 months when my transmission failed. My 'check engine' light stays on and the car now stalls when in a stopped position at a traffic light. These issues, amongst a list of other major failures has occurred in the last 2.5 years of ownership of this lemon ( complete A/C system has been replaced, complete fuel system has been replaced, window motor has been replaced, etc.). Neither the ford manufacturer or dealerships have responded, agreed or offered any investigation, correction, compensation or assistance in response to these previously written and verbal matters, and legal action will commence. The issues listed in this table are only the recent (last 3 months), and do not include the montage of problems in the last 2 years, some of which are mentioned in the comments section.
Passenger's side power window fell off track, causing window to fail to operate, leaving window open for bad weather conditions. Dealer / manufactyrer notified and refused to repair unless cost goes to consumer.
Related recalls
Electrical system
- What is 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 subsequent terminal relaxation, result in an open circuit condition.
- Risk
- The open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness. Owner notification began august 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 01V230000 · Recall details
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 Ford Contour power windows
Which Ford Contour years have power window failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1996 (6 complaints), 1999 (3 complaints) and 1998 (2 complaints).
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