10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 7
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
43,945 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1996 Ford Contour electrical problems

electrical problem

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1996 Ford Contour Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #17

Feb 102004

Contour 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This is a complaint on a 1996 Ford Contour. Within 15-20 after my daughter drove to work on the interstate, the car burst into flames. She had already gotten inside her job. It occurred about 8:25.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #16

Nov 242003

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles
Problems with 1996 Ford Contour front brakes, transmission, fuse box, heater blower motor, electrical and steering and suspension. For the second time, the vehicle had problems with the brakes making a loud rubbing sound, the stabilizer bar was replaced and needs to be replaced again. The transmission was leaking, water was inside of the headlight seals, which made the lights very dim, the selector mode switch on the heater motor blower did not work properly, which made the heat not work at a 100%. the upper ball joints, rack and pinion and wheel bearing were all defective.

- Nashua, NH, USA

problem #15

May 262003

Contour

  • miles
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

problem #14

Jun 032003

Contour

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

NHTSA#99-V-103-000: Vehicle description: Passenger vehicles. The terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating. This recall failed.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #13

Mar 022003

Contour 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While normally driving at 35 mile's per hour, the car suddenly stalled. 10 minutes later started normally. Just in case I took the car to mechanic because 20 minutes later I started to noticed an odor, like burned plastic. This morning the mechanic called me and asked me to stop by the shop, he showed me the fuse box and the electrical cables (harness) that are connected to the box, 75% or more are without insulation (cracked or the insulation is gone). According to him I was just lucky, Ford do not offer a complete electrical harness as a part, and the only solution is to search for one in a junk yard, besides is a costly electrical job replacing the wires. I am going to contact Ford because as a consumer I think that there is a defect with the mentioned vehicle.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #12

Apr 172003

Contour

  • miles
The consumers vehicle experienced symptoms of recall 01-V-230-0000. Recall deescription: Passenger vehicles. The rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades can damage the copper surface of the wiring harness connector.

- Walkertown, NC, USA

problem #11

Mar 122002

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine check light and battery light illuminates.took vehicle to dealer, and had electrical problem; repaired but problem still exists.

- Pontiac, MI, USA

problem #10

Feb 272001

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles
Loss of electrical power while driving. 3 dealers have inspected, but could not duplicate defect or cause.

- Charles Ton, SC, USA

problem #9

Feb 012000

Contour

  • miles
While driving with headlights on tail lights and dashboard lights went out without a prior warning. Dealer had been contacted, and cause could not be found.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #8

Dec 142000

Contour

  • miles
Whenever starting vehicle or even driving electrical system would start acting up. Windshield wipers would go on by themselves, have not been turned on. Lights, interior & exterior, would go out. Ignition will not start vehicle sometimes.also, would hear a clicking noise. Did not have a battery problems. Heater blower failed to work. No recalls on vehicle for electrical problems.

- Spencer, NY, USA

problem #7

Jul 272000

Contour

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Smoke was coming from hazard switch, and consumer could hear noise at same time. There was no signal of warning on this problem.

- Middletown, NJ, USA

problem #6

Jan 272000

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles
The consumer stated that dealership had car over twenty two days, and vehicle still has electrical problems.

- Wehatley Hghts, NY, USA

problem #5

Jun 091998

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles
Dashboard has had several electrical shorts.

- Salinas, CA, USA

problem #4

Sep 201999

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles
Vehicle was experiencing electrical problem which caused the cigarette lighter to malfunction, radio and clock went blank and driver side front window will not roll down. Nlm

- Maynardvil, TN, USA

problem #3

Sep 201999

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles
Vehicle was experiencing electrical problem which caused the cigarette lighter to malfunction, radio and clock went blank and driver side front window will not roll down. Nlm

- Maynardvil, TN, USA

problem #2

Sep 201999

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles
Vehicle was experiencing electrical problem which caused the cigarette lighter to malfunction, radio and clock went blank and driver side front window will not roll down. Nlm

- Maynardvil, TN, USA

problem #1

Aug 171999

Contour

  • 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.

- Newark, NJ, USA

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