1996 Ford Contour problems
Owners have filed 858 complaints about the 1996 Ford Contour with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 17.2% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 16.7%.
Complaints858
Crashes42
Fires31
Injuries44
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 17.2% · 148
Engine and engine cooling 16.7% · 143
Power train 10.0% · 86
Exterior lighting 8.7% · 75
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.2% · 53
Visibility 5.4% · 46
Equipment 5.0% · 43
Suspension 4.8% · 41
Severity
Of those complaints, 42 describe a crash, 31 describe a fire and 44 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Ford Contour in this data, 1996 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 1995 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 7 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 90,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Consumer experienced a series of electrical problems which resulted in a fire. All lights inside and outside went out except the headlamps. Also, fuses blew out too often and smoke came from the turn signal. Mechanic replaced the turn signal and noticed that all other wires in the steering column were damaged. Dealership insisted that if there was no extnded warranty they would not repair. Electrical system
The contact owns a 1996 Ford Contour. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, it would fail to start due to a melted wire in the engine. In addition, the contact stated that the odometer failed to provide the accurate reading. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. Electrical system · reported at 100,000 miles
On-going / intermittent problem with vehicle shutting off due to loss of electrical powe; whenever vehicle ran over a water puddle it caused loss of power, which shut down everything. This condition could cause an accident. Dealer notifed and refused to repair unless cost goes to consumer. Seeking help or provoide additional information from nhtsa in this matter. Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…