8.4

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
3,846 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1998 Ford Contour:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #13

Jun 252005

Contour 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
Vehicle started making loud noises and the brakes failed. Caller was driving on a highway and had to pull off the road. Caller said brakes did not work very well when she tried to get the car home. Dealer said the front left rotor broke, and rear wheel bearing wore out. Manufacturer will not offer any help.

- Denville, NJ, USA

problem #12

Jan 012002

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Rotors have warped, and consumer had them replaced several thousand miles later. New rotors also warped. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything. The origional rotors warped due to excessive heat build up and was replaced, but the problem occurred again.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #11

Apr 262001

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving at about 5mph and making a right turn right front wheel came off due to loose lugs: Nuts. Dealer has seen vehicle. Consumer states the vehicle has experienced problems with the following: Fuel filter, spark plugs, transmission, cv boot, brakes, air filter, wire, rotors need turning, timing gear, timing belt, and vehicle will not start.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #10

Jul 101999

Contour

  • miles
Front rotors failed. Nlm

- Oceanside, CA, USA

problem #9

Jul 101999

Contour

  • miles
Front rotors failed. Nlm

- Oceanside, CA, USA

problem #8

Mar 171999

Contour

  • miles
Consumer heard a squeaking and grinding noise coming from brakes. Took vehicle to dealer, and they said rotors needed to be changed, and 60% braking power was left on rear. Consumer had brakes changed at 26,212 miles, and at another 25,00 miles they need to be changed again.

- Poway, CA, USA

problem #7

Jul 101999

Contour

  • miles
Front rotors failed. Nlm

- Oceanside, CA, USA

problem #6

Jul 252000

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles
Have had 5 recalls since buying the car. Also, have had to have the water pump changed. The problem is trying to get the recalls done. I had taken the car in previously only to be told they didn't have the parts and had to reschedule. The last two recalls I stressed the importance of getting these done when schedule. The air bag and the brakes were the last two. I scheduled them finally in April this year. On Saturday afternoon I went to pick up my car only to be told they did not have the parts. I expressed again how hard it was for me to come in because I work 5-6 days a week. Again I rescheduled for July. I called and made an appointment verified the parts were there. I brought the car in. Again late Saturday afternoon went to pick up the car only to be told again they did not have parts. It seems to be these recalls are not that important. I also asked why my brakes scrubbed when I stopped, they comment was we couldn't get it too. My point is it I do not believe the Ford place cares one way or the other what happens to me or my car.

- Watkinsville, GA, USA

problem #5

Jun 151998

Contour

  • miles
Ongoing problem with brake rotors continuing to warp. Needed replacement every 5000-10000 miles. This problem causes vehicle to virbrate when brakes are applied. Dealer notified.

- Pine Grove, CA, USA

problem #4

Nov 151999

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles
When applying brakes a heavy vibration will occur. Also brakes will squeak.3 set of brakes rotors have been replaced.

- Cucamonga, GA, USA

problem #3

Sep 211999

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles
When the brakes are applied they grind, causing the vehicle to vibrate. The dealer has replaced the brake rotors.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #2

Mar 261999

Contour

  • miles
This is the third time since I bought the car that the rotors had warped, it causes the sterring wheel to vibrate voilently on the freeway. I have freind that have the same problem with the same car.

- Long Beach, CA, USA

problem #1

Mar 251999

Contour

  • miles
Front brake rotors had to be replaced. Not covered by warranty. Problem siince purchase.

- Marietta, GA, USA