1997 FORD CONTOUR — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
314
Owner Complaints
8
Recalls
24
Service Bulletins
1
Investigation
Overview of the 1997 FORD CONTOUR
The 1997 FORD CONTOUR has received a total of 314 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 8 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT. 24 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Trainautomatic Transmission (16 complaints), Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline (12 complaints), and Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip (12 complaints).
Recalls for the 1997 FORD CONTOUR
NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 1997 FORD CONTOUR, potentially affecting up to 2,142,865 vehicles.
Recall 08E033000 — SUSPENSION
| 6,903 vehicles affected
Defect: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
View full details →Recall 06E022000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
| 7,440 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS...
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
View full details →Recall 01I009000 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
| 566,979 vehicles affected
Defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995-1997 FORD CONTOUR AND MERCURY MYSTIQUE VEHICLES. THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR COULD OVERHEAT CAUSING THE ATTACHED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TO MELT.
Consequence: THIS COULD CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Remedy: FORD WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE HEATER BLOWER SWITCH FOR 10 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF SALE OF THE VEHICLE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND A NEW WIRE...
View full details →Recall 01V230000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
| 342,962 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 00V075000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
| 436,200 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.
Consequence: IF BOTH PCRV'S MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING BRAKING AS A RESULT OF THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL IMPROVED PCRV'S IN THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED IN SEPTEMBER 2000 TO INCLUDE 1999 AND 2000 FORD CONTOUR, MERCURY MYSTIQUE AND COUGAR VEHICLES.
View full details →Recall 99V103000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
| 605,581 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.
Consequence: THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN DISTORTION OF THE TERMINAL CAUSING AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, PARKING LAMP, AND TAIL LAMP CIRCUITS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLAMP SWITCH WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAINING BRONZE TERMINALS AND AN INSPECTION, AND REPLACEMENT IF NECESSARY, OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.
View full details →Recall 98V233000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
| 175,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.
View full details →Recall 97V203000 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE
| 1,800 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES MODIFIED TO RUN ON EITHER GASOLINE OR COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). THE NATURAL GAS FUEL TANKS HAVE A SOLENOID SHUT-OFF VALVE THAT STOPS FUEL FLOW FROM THE FUEL TANK IN THE EVENT OF CERTAIN MODERATE TO SEVERE COLLISIONS. IF THE VEHICLE IS IN A COLLISION AND THE NATURAL GAS FUEL LINE IS DAMAGED, THE SYSTEM COULD...
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: FORD HAS REQUESTED OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES TO HAVE THE CNG FUEL SYSTEM DISABLED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN AND TO ONLY USE GASOLINE FUEL UNTIL A PERMANENT CORRECTIVE ACTION IS DEVELOPED. OWNERS ARE BEING ALERTED TO THIS SOLENOID VALVE...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 1997 FORD CONTOUR
314 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 FORD CONTOUR. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT PERSONALLY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, SERPENTINE BELT, WATER PUMP, FUEL INJECTOR, AND PULLEYS. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000. UPDATED 2/21/13 *CN STATUS UPDATE 03/19/13
THE WIRING HARNESS HAS DETERIORATED TO WHERE THE ENGINE RUNS LEAN AND DIES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. ONCE HOME I CHECKED EVERYTHING I COULD UNTIL THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COOLED THEN NOTICED THE WIRING ON THE NUMBER 1 CYLINDER. THE MORE I LOOKED I COULD SEE ALL THE INJECTOR PLUGS WERE DETERIORATED BADLY WITH NUMBER 4 BEING WORSE. JUST TOUCHING THE HARNESS CAUSES THE INSULATION TO FLAKE OFF AND BARE WIRES TO BE EXPOSED. I PURCHASED A CODE READER TO ALLOW PROPER INDICATIONS OF WHAT CODES WERE INDICATED WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. NOW FORD WANTS ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER SO THEY CAN CHARGE ME AND TELL ME WHAT I ALREADY KNOW AND CAN PLAINLY SEE! *TR
THE WIRING HARNESS HAS DETERIORATED TO WHERE THE ENGINE RUNS LEAN AND DIES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. ONCE HOME I CHECKED EVERYTHING I COULD UNTIL THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COOLED THEN NOTICED THE WIRING ON THE NUMBER 1 CYLINDER. THE MORE I LOOKED I COULD SEE ALL THE INJECTOR PLUGS WERE DETERIORATED BADLY WITH NUMBER 4 BEING WORSE. JUST TOUCHING THE HARNESS CAUSES THE INSULATION TO FLAKE OFF AND BARE WIRES TO BE EXPOSED. I PURCHASED A CODE READER TO ALLOW PROPER INDICATIONS OF WHAT CODES WERE INDICATED WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. NOW FORD WANTS ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER SO THEY CAN CHARGE ME AND TELL ME WHAT I ALREADY KNOW AND CAN PLAINLY SEE! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE REPEATEDLY DECELERATES AND ACCELERATES WITHOUT WARRANT. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS BEING OPERATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. IT WOULD ALSO TAKE AN UNUSUALLY LONG TIME FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER TO ENGAGE AND WOULD BLOW ONLY HOT AIR. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
COULD NOT GET AN INSPECTION STICKER - NO MECHANIC COULD FIND OUT WHY THE CHECK ENGINE WILL NOT GO OFF -VERY COSTLY. IT STALLS WHEN RAINING, THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT WORK, IT HAS TO WARM UP FOR 5 MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL MOVE, THE TAIL LIGHTS CAME LOOSE, CAUSING MELTING OF HOUSING, EVERY VALVE IMAGINABLE HAS BEEN REPLACED, BELT SQUEALS WHEN AIR OR DEFROST TURNED ON. *TR
Safety Rating for the 1997 FORD CONTOUR
NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 FORD CONTOUR in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 FORD CONTOUR
Ford Motor Company has issued 24 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 FORD CONTOUR. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
14490 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L DURATEC (24V) ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0420 AND / OR P0430. *TT
00S03 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
SAFETY RECALL PERTAINING TO BRAKE PRESSURE CONTROL REDUCING VALVE REPLACEMENT. *JB
00141 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A NO START CONDITION AND / OR THE 10 AMP GFI INJECTOR FUSE MAY OPEN. *JB
99M01 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM PROVIDING ADDITIONAL COVERAGE FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE BLOWER SWITCH, RESISTOR AND ATTACHED WIRE CONNECTORS. THIS ADDITIONAL COVERAGE IS PROVIDED IN CASE THE VEHICLE OWNER EXPERIENCES DURABILITY CONCERNS WITH THESE COMPONENTS. *TT
11725 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A KNOCKING OR CLUNKING SOUND DURING RAPID ACCELERATION / DECELERATION AS WHEN LETTING OFF AND PUTTING YOUR FOOT DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR QUICKLY. *TT
5844 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SOME VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN AUGUST 1997 AND FEBRUARY 1998 MAY EXHIBIT AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT ON AND THE BLOWER INOPERATIVE. *TT
5849 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LEFT AIR CONDITIONING PANEL REGISTER DISCHARGE TEMPERATURE THAT IS WARMER THAN THE CENTER AND / OR RIGHT VENTS. *TT
98S26S1 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
SAFETY RECALL INVOLVING CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SHIFT INDICATOR (PRNDL) BEZEL. *TT
9881 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
ISSUE WITH DOOR SPEAKER GRILLES MAY CRACK DURING NORMAL USAGE ON SOME VEHICLES. *YC
11499 — SUSPENSION
EXHIBITING A NOISE IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY CAUSED BY A FRONT STABILIZER BAR OR LINK NOISE. *TT
Showing 10 of 24 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 FORD CONTOUR
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1997 FORD CONTOUR.
Other Model Years of the FORD CONTOUR
- 1993 FORD CONTOUR — 5 complaints
- 1994 FORD CONTOUR — 13 complaints
- 1995 FORD CONTOUR — 1,323 complaints
- 1996 FORD CONTOUR — 858 complaints
- 1997 FORD CONTOUR (current)
- 1998 FORD CONTOUR — 1,189 complaints
- 1999 FORD CONTOUR — 616 complaints
- 2000 FORD CONTOUR — 248 complaints
- 2001 FORD CONTOUR — 4 complaints
Other FORD Models
- FORD F-150 — 45,660 total complaints
- FORD EXPLORER — 42,140 total complaints
- FORD ESCAPE — 34,654 total complaints
- FORD FOCUS — 29,539 total complaints
- FORD FUSION — 28,243 total complaints
- FORD TAURUS — 23,867 total complaints
- FORD WINDSTAR — 19,456 total complaints
- FORD EDGE — 17,247 total complaints