Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Tl contact owns a 1995 Ford Contour. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle and the steering column began over heating continuously. On several occasions, the dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the burning smell; however, the vehicle caught fire. At times, the key was too hot to remove from the ignition. The current and failure mileages were 83000 when the fire occurred.
Abrupt loss of steering power when driving through puddles, recurring issue. Found description after internet search (TSB 97-11-2). Date cited is most recent event. Dealer and Ford acknowledge issue but will not install kit to prevent recurrence at their expense.
My '95 Ford Contour has been overheating, smelling hot, with the steering column heating up to the point of the car key, in the ignition, getting too hotto handle--for some time, now. Fearing that there might be a fire hazard, I took it to my local Ford dealer. He said my car, per it's VIN no., has not been recalled; so he did nothing about my concerns. Now, a week ago today (12/3/09), and a week or so after bringing my car in for the first time, I was driving 20-30 MPH, down a city street in my small town, when, suddenly, I heard a popping sound; and the electricity in the car turned off. The car stopped dead in it's tracks, as I was turning into a parking lot! I tried to put the hazard light on; but it would not turn on. The steering wheel & steering column were very hot. I turned the key, in the ignition, in an attempt to turn the car back on. …
I have had an ongoing problem with my steering wheel becoming loose. The nut that holds the steering wheel on loosens every 5 to 6 months.I have called Ford motor company recall dept. And they dont really care about my problem.I feel this is a very big safety issue.I am very fortunate to have a mechanic in the family,so it doesnt cost me $300-$400 dallars every time this occurs.but it is still a waste of my time and my mechanics time every time this problem arises. I would appreciate if someone would get back to me on whether or not this problem is going to looked into or not.....thanks dawm m ban.
Driving through small puddles can throw water on the drive belt for the power steering pump. A gap in the front wheel well liner allows the water to be thrown on the belt. The problem is more common when turning right. The belt slips and all power steering is lost. If the driver is not aware of the problem soon enough, the car will not be able to turn fast enough to avoid an accident. Other Contour owners have experienced this problem. It is especially dangerous for women and older people that May not have the arm strength to turn the car after a sudden loss of power steering.
I heard a thumping noise that I thought was a tire or brake caliper.drove car for a week.went to dealer and when I pulled in fluid was leaking from the car. Power steering line was replaced ($600), car released to me. Drove home. Heard metallic sound and returned car the next day. Dealer said problem was sheared bolts on the rear mount. They speculated that corrosion started because the transmission housing is aluminum and the bolt are steel.this will cost me another $600 to repair. About a moth ago the serpentine belt was replace. Don't know if any connection to the later problems.
When driving through water there is a loss of steering for a short time.has been this way since new.we are older now & it is much more difficult to control the vehicle.I read where you had had the same complaint several times.when you look under lright front of car you can see why this happens.the belt drive pulley is exposed so that water is splashed on it.wonder how many fatal accidents this has caused.
Had to replaced brakes. Headlights dim when brake is pressed,interior lights stay on when left tail light goes out (replaced 4 times since 1996) steering wheel bounces up and down when sitting with car running and in gear must put car in neutral at stop lights or sitting in gear, so as to not get vibrated to death, mech-not able to fix problem, just the way car is built.
When going through a puddle of water all power steering is lost. A kit was created for this problem. Dealer stated to consumer that kit will resolve only 80% of problem. Consumer states the kit has been installed and vehicle has repsonded fairly well, consumer avoids puddles and drive very little during rain.
Whenever vehicle is driven in wet conditions ,water would get onto power steering belt, causing the belt to slip on the pulley, resulting in power steering failure. Dealer notified, and mfr is awear of defect and has a corrective kit. Dealer refuses to do repairs unless cost goes to consumer.
Steering complaints in other Contour years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1995 Ford Contour?
NHTSA has 76 complaints about the steering of the 1995 Ford Contour, 9% of the model year's 891 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (35 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Contour steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1995 Ford Contour, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Ford Contour steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to steering 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.