Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Ford Contour owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Consumer was traveling about 50mph on highway and noticed a smoke smell coming through the vents. He pulled over to the shoulder and vehicle was on fire. Dealership was aware of problem. Prior to recall 00V367, engine was overheating and burning excess oil from overheated piston rings, after recall repairs, there was an internal antifreeze leak that was going into motor oil, engine cooling fans were operating intermittently when engine was hot, dealer found upper radiator hose at water pump had a pinhole leak, engine cooling fan wiring overheated and burned out at fan relay and fan connectors, then consumer received recall 01i009 and had these repairs completed on vehicle, after recall repairs, engine and in-dash wiring overheated and burned, dealer installed recall parts for blower motor again, consumer later informed a new motor was needed due to no compression due to overheating …
I have a Ford Contour 1995 manufactured in 12/94 I have some complaints about my car. There are some recalls out on this vehicle. But there are not list for my Contour VIN # but I have the same problems. My car was taken to the robins Ford delership in glenolden,pa for not starting. After they inspected the vehicle they called me and told me that I have a wiring harness defect that caused it to short circuit my spark plugs. They told me that the wires for this vehicle is out dated and for have been replacing them with updated wires. But they have not issued a recall for my VIN# but it is a known manufacturer defect with this car. I also have some problems that have just started that Ford have recalls on but again not my so called VIN#. My seat belts on this car have been breaking off at the connection tab as well as my defroster not working. Both have recalls on them. …
Engine cooling fan caught fire in 1999 - car under warranty and repaired by dealership. 2 more engine cooling problems in 1999 the most serious problem was when the water pump failed. The engine had to be replaced. In 2002 the engine began overheating and we had to replace the thermostat, other problems encountered were replacement of oxygen sensor and fuel pump due to leakage. In June 2003 car overheating, the cooling fan connection had become disconnected. In July 2003 car overheating, checked by mechanic who noted that there water pump was leaking, recommended dealership repair due to cost. On day one dealership estimated cost of water pump replacement $380.00. Day two dealership calls - head gasket blown and fan belt worn bill now $1100.00. Day three dealership calls - one of the oxygen sensors and another part needs replacing an additional $300-400.00. Total bill $1600.00.
My 95 Contour started for two seconds, then died. It would not start after that. My mechanic determined that the fuel pump quit. I only had the car two days from purchase, so I checked online for service issues, recalls, etc., and found out all the various fuel, electrical, emission and other problems this vehicle has, my biggest concern being that it could catch fire(I do have a family to drive around), I am very disappointed about the uncooperative coming from the dealerships concerning all this, I am very low-income, I spent $1000.00 for this car thinking it was a good dependable car, and now find myself wondering how I will be able to afford all the repairs on my single income, Ford, shame on you!!
Tl contact owns a 1995 Ford Contour. While driving approximately 20 MPH on normal road conditions, the contact smelled a strong odor of fuel coming from the vehicle. She also observed a small amount of fuel spilling from the fuel tank. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop and the mechanic stated that the failure was related to the filler pipe in the fuel tank system. The technician discovered NHTSA campaign id number 94V203000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap) for the identical failures; however, the VIN was excluded from the recall. The failure mileage was 37,000 and current mileage was 38,000.
I left the car running and in park while I went in the house to get something. I heard an explosion. I looked outside and my car was in flames. The hood was blown off and now there is nothing left of my car. The fire chief said there was a hole in the fuel injector line and also said something about the firewall area. I was ti shaken up to remember everything. Now I need to know how to find out if this was in fact a defect in the car or what. Can you help?
The vehicles gas tank was leaking fuel. The dealer diagnosed that the fuel was seeping from the weld at the filler pipe opening. Related recalls 94V203000, 95V228000 and 94V184000, consumer's v.I.n. Is not included.
Failure of defective manifold gasket caused power assist failure in accident avoidance situation. Had I not been able to swerve around stopped car, vehicle would not have stopped in time to avoid collision due to drastic reduction in braking. Dealer reports that this has occurred on a number of different model years recently. Gasket is unavailable for replacement for over 2 weeks because it is being redesigned. Customer service stated not to take in personal that they would not cover this safety defect. The problem with this defect is that it is sudden and without notice. Car ran rough for a few days, but gave no indication of potential brake failure until it was almost too late. Thank you for your consideration.
Gas sensor failed early on, had it fixed. Shortly thereafter the emergency brake failed, had that fixed. Now both rear springs have broken, one front bearing has been replaced and there might be a problem with front stabiliser bar. Contacted Ford this morning and was informed that I would have to take the vehicle to a Ford dealer for "verification purposes" unfortunately the vehicle poses a danger due to a loose spring in the back. The vehicle has been maintained by "grosse pointe autoworks" located 1/2 block off my house since the day I bought it. Dealerships are ca 9+ miles away and have never been consumer friendly when I have contacted them. Please advise as to recourse regarding the irresponsive Ford motor co.
Beginning a month ago, my car will not start on an intermittent basis. I have had it towed into 2 different independent shops, replaced fuel filter, and fuel pump. Car still won't start early mornings. Had car towed to Ford dealership, the retained car 48 hours, could not identify problem. Friends suggests it May be emi causing problem. Ford motor company in dearborn, mi does not respond to my questions regarding emi (electrical interference with my car's "computer". Neighbors with Ford automobiles have had similar problems. We live in a senior mobile home park and have not gotten answers from our landlord.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
The fuel tank filler pipe opening reinforcement, constructed from two separately molded pieces, can leak at the weld.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank assemblies with units containing one-piece molded reinforcements.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
The fuel tank filler pipe opening reinforcement can leak at the weld.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, as appropriate, replace the fuel tanks.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
A metal shield on the outside of the plastic fuel filler pipe can develop a static electrical charge during refueling of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, modify the vehicles by adding a ground strap between the filler pipe shield and the body.
Fuel System complaints in other Contour years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1995 Ford Contour?
NHTSA has 85 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1995 Ford Contour, 10% of the model year's 891 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly › filler pipe and cap (36 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Contour fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 95V-232 (filler pipe and cap, Dec 5, 1995); NHTSA recall 94V-203 (filler pipe and cap, Oct 18, 1994); NHTSA recall 94V-184 (filler pipe and cap, Sep 29, 1994). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Ford Contour fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.