Consumer request help to fix a 1996 Contour. The consumer took the vehicle to be inspected and it failed. The consumer was told by the dept of motor vehicle that the vehicle had been subject to an emission recall as reported by the epa the dealer informed the consumer that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The original owner received a recall notice in 1997 but the consumer never received a recall notice.

- Valley Stream, NY, USA

Vehicles shuts off frequently. Vehicle won't pass emissions test. It won't start, and has to be towed to the dealer.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

The wiring harness of my 1996 Ford Contour caught fire. I had prior problems with the vehicle in the past such as tail light going out constantly and also headlights, as well as problems with the O2 sensor. I have put more that$2000 dollars alone on this car just getting it repaired.

- Newport News, VA, USA

Check engine light stays on, replaced O2 sensor with light returning on.

- Savannah, GA, USA

Ever since buying our 1996 2.5L Contour in Aug. Of 1999 we have had nothing but problems out of it. Our first problem we experienced was a loud howling coming from the engine compartment, later to discover the factory installed mass air flow intake hose kit had been revised thus leaving us to have to purchase the new at a total price of $97 dollars to fix the problem. Shortly after getting this one problem fixed another arose. This time both the check engine light and cooling system lights are on continuosly despite having proper fluid levels. Along with the other problems every time the car is started in the morning or any time the engine is cold it idles roughly for about 20 seconds and then quits and no one can explain this weird phenomena but is sure seems to happen to the majority of these cars. Needless to say with Ford's lack of attention to these matters not just mine but all of them this will be my last auto bearing the Ford name.

- Huntersville, NC, USA

Air flow sensors failed.

- Dickson, TN, USA

My car was in the shop 5 times in one month - all electrical problems. Alternator, battery, starter, wiring harness, speed sensor and oxygen sensor were all changed. The Ford dealership does not understand why I am having all these problems. It was also in a garage fire at the dealership in this time and I had smoke damage to my car on top of the engine problems. Needless to say, I loss money on the trade in. This is the worse car I have ever owned and will never own another Ford car or truck again.

- Lake Charles, LA, USA

Flexible vent hose is deteriorated and cracked. It leaks gasoline when the tank is filled and when the car is driven.it appears to me, that the wrong type of hose is being used in this assembly. If this is happening so prematurely, it must be happening to alot of other Contour owners.

- Newburgh, NY, USA

Oxygen sensor failed 4 times.

- Hempstead, NY, USA