1999 FORD CONTOUR — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

616

Owner Complaints

39 Crashes 19 Fires

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

26

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 1999 FORD CONTOUR

The 1999 FORD CONTOUR has received a total of 616 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY. 26 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Structure (82 complaints), Unknown Or Other (47 complaints), and Tires (24 complaints).

Recalls for the 1999 FORD CONTOUR

NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 1999 FORD CONTOUR, potentially affecting up to 458,862 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.

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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.

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Recall 00V350000 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

| 3,750 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE BI-FUEL SYSTEM. IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.

Consequence: IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.

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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.

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Recall 99V060000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

| 4,569 vehicles affected

Defect: 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."

Consequence: 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.

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Owner Complaints for the 1999 FORD CONTOUR

616 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1999 FORD CONTOUR. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Structure
Complaints: 82 3 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 47 2 Crashes 5 Injuries
Tires
Complaints: 24 1 Crash 7 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 22 1 Fire
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 15 11 Crashes 10 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 15 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 13
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 13
Air Bags
Complaints: 12 6 Crashes 1 Fire 7 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 11
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 11
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 11
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 10 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 10 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 2 Fires
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 9 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 9 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 9 1 Crash
Equipment
Complaints: 8
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 8
Structurebody
Complaints: 8
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 7 1 Fire
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 7
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 7 1 Injury
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 7 1 Fire
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 7
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 7
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 7 1 Fire
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 6 1 Injury
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 6 5 Fires
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspension
Complaints: 6 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 6
Visibility
Complaints: 6
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 5
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 4
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 4
Seat Belts
Complaints: 4
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 5 Injuries
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 4
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 3
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 3
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 3
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Otherdelivery
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 2
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seats
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Air
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 2
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsconcealment Devices
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systemfuel Rail
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblymounting
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherdeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstorage
Complaints: 1
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Power Train
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontwebbing
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumdrum
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuumhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringsair Suspension System
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearsprings
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 1
Tiresmarkings
Complaints: 1
Traction Control System
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11520293 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | | N/A miles
The dash is curling up
#10954971 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | 120,000 miles
REAR FRAME, SUSPENSION RUSTED COMPLETELY INTO AN WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND THREW ME INTO DITCH. THIS IS COMPLETELY NOT ACCEPTABLE. I HAVE 1960'S CARS %100 BETTER THAN THIS . I KNOW THIS IS A 1999 BUT THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. CAN ANYTHING BE DONE.
#10851796 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | 96,000 miles
THE BRAKE LINES UNDER THE CAR HAVE RUSTED TO THE POINT OF BREAKING APART. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 100K MILES AND WAS NOT SUBJECT TO ANY EXTREME CONDITIONS. THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKS OUT OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE ALMOST AS QUICKLY AS IT IS POURED IN AND HAS LEFT THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE WITHOUT EXPENSIVE REPAIRS.
#10748430 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | 110,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO WOBBLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
#10559782 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | | 100,000 miles
THE FUEL TANK STRAP IS COMPLETELY CORRODED AWAY, AND THE FUEL TANK IS READY TO FALL OFF. THE PROTECTIVE COATING IS DEFECTIVE AND HAS COMPLETELY FALLEN OFF, CAUSING THE FUEL STRAP TO BE EATEN AWAY BY RUST AND CORROSION. THE FUEL TANK IS GOING TO FALL OFF EVENTUALLY. THE FUEL FILLER NECK AND EMISSION FITTINGS AT THE TANK, ARE CORRODING BADLY TOO. *TR

View all Structure complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1999 FORD CONTOUR

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1999 FORD CONTOUR in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1999 FORD CONTOUR

Ford Motor Company has issued 26 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1999 FORD CONTOUR. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

03102 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). ROUGH IDLE OR NO START WHEN COLD. VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CNG BI-FUEL ENGINE ONLY. *TT

0346 — STRUCTURE

INSTRUMENT PANEL WARPAGE REPAIR. *TT *JB

022001 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

REPLACEMENT SPEAKER INSTALLATION TIPS. *TT

0037 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE THE MALFUNCTION INCIATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). *MJS

0015 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS

13830 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE AND BUILT AFTER MAY 5, 1999 MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT HARD/NO START, ROUGH IDLE OR HESITATION AFTER A HOT SOAK OF APPROXINATELY 30 MINUTES. *MJS

99237 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

OBJECTIONABLE EXHAUST, SULFUR, OR ROTTEN EGG ODOR AGGRESSIVE DRIVING ON VEHICLES WITH 2.5L ENGINE AND CD4E TRANSAXLE. *TT

13386 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

INFORMATION ON INVESTIGATING HARD START / NO START CONDITIONS ACCOMPANIED BY OVERFUELING IN AMBIENTS BELOW 32F/0C, ON VEHICLES WITH VCT EQUIPPED 2.0L ZETEC ENGINES. *TT

6907 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

EXHIBITING A BUZZ OR RATTLE TYPE NOISE FROM THE RIGHT SIDE AREA OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *TT

13209 — SUSPENSION:REAR

INFORMATION REGARDING REAR SPRING CREAK/SQUEAK. *MJS

Showing 10 of 26 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1999 FORD CONTOUR

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1999 FORD CONTOUR.

Investigation DP06004 — STRUCTURE Closed

Opened:

INSTRUMENT PANEL COVER WARPAGE

Other Model Years of the FORD CONTOUR

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Other FORD Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report