Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Ford Contour owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle didn't stop until it impacted a building. Prior to the incident, the vehicle was at idle in the park gear for 5 minutes. The passenger sustained injuries. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle was continually being taken to the service dealer for the problem. When the incident occurred, there was no warning. The service dealer suggested that the throttle sensor ,somehow, became stuck and the engine overrode the brakes.
Several times during the past 3 months the gas pedal/accelerator seemed to "stick" or race and I could not get the car to idle to back down until I put it in gear. July 3, while driving in busy traffic, the accelerator/gas pedal went to the floor and fortunately I was able to steer the car around a corner to the side of the road. The police were able to push the car into a car repair place where the mechanic suggested I call Ford about a recall. The speed control cable had just snapped right off! I called from the repair place and Ford said there was no recall on my VIN vehicle. I had the car towed to my home as I was leaving town the next day. I have returned now and after searching your site have found what seems to be the recall for the very problem I have with my 1996 Ford Contour. I called a Ford dealership and was told my VIN did not have the recall problem. …
While backing out of a parking area the vehicles engine began to accelerate until the rear bumper struck a light pole. Driver then placed the transmission into drive and the car surged forward at an uncontrollably high speed, jumping the curb and striking a concrete pillar, resulting in considerable damage to the front area of the vechicle and bruising the drivers left arm. Pressing hard on the brakes seemed to have little or no effect. It appears that the throttle linkage/cruise control or some related mechanism malfunctioned.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Ford Contour. The contact stated that the vehicle would independently accelerate when driving with the cruise control activated at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure started intermittently but progressively became worse over time. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 91,000.
While driving vehicle would not go into reverse. Tried to go forward, hit accelerator lightly and didn't move, second time, took off and went into garage. Passenger's mirror came off. Dealer contacted, and was aware of the problem. But, couldn't remedy the problem. Problem still exists. Provide further information.
While driving down the road and attempting to stop, vehicle would not stop, but accelerated. Ran off the road. Driver managed to pull the emergency brakes up, and she jumped out of the vehicle. Vehicle kept digging into the dirt.the rear was in the air .
After the vehicle came to a complete stop the engine continued to rev at high rmps. This was due to the defect described in the accelerator cable recall 00V425000, but the VIN was not included in the recall. N
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.
While traveling at approximatley 60 MPH engine started running and rpms went to 8000. Consumer put transmission in neutral and turned vehicle off. Upon start up after the engine had been shut off, the engine began revving again. Dealership has not examined vehicle yet. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Throttle cable sticks, can prevent from returning to idle. Owner states that there is a recall on the vehicles that have traction control . This vehicle does not have traction control, and is experiencing the same problem. Owner will be notifying Ford. (97v-205).
Related recalls
Vehicle speed control › Cables
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the traction control option. The throttle cables were damaged during vehicle assembly leading to fraying or separation of the throttle cable.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the throttle cable with a revised design that is less susceptible to bending or kinking during installation.
Acceleration complaints in other Contour years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1996 Ford Contour?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1996 Ford Contour, 6% of the model year's 563 complaints. The component named most often is linkages (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Contour acceleration problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 97V-225 (cables, Dec 8, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Contour acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to speed control & acceleration 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.