Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
I purchased a used 1996 Ford Contour for my granddaughter and after a few days the check engine light came on. My mechanic diagnosed the problem and fixed it. A few miles down the road it came back on. After further diagnostics it was found that the engine wiring harness was bad. The insulation on the wires was flaking off and in one spot the wire bundle covering had melted. Research on line showed that Ford had a recall on this problem (99m03) and extended the recall for 10 years. In an attempt to repair the problem with a different wiring harness has proved to be a loosing battle I contacted Ford and they said that they no longer build this part and that they had no parts in stock throughout the USA. I tried salvage yards and there are no good parts out there. How can a used car lot sell cars without looking into safety recalls on the vehicles. …
Car stalls when parallel parking, especially in reverse, or when parking slopes. Car stalled when starting up from red light in center city philadelphia intersections. Headlamps out of alignment (don't shine down onto road, beams not centered). Air bag light on control panels blinks sporadically, frequently; anxiety that air bag will deploy while driving. Dealer comment on stalling: "probably something stupid" and wasn't able to fix problem, mentioned something about a vacuum tube. Dealer charged $95 to tell me that the memory in the vehicle didn't give any codes for the stalling or air bag problems, then added that the memory is wiped clean every time the car is turned off. Question: if they know that about the car in the first place, why charge the customer for a pointless diagnostic? Headlights still out of alignment after having been "adjusted" by dealer in January 2005.
I bought it on 07/01/04. On 07/02/04 my on was driving it, and couple of times, whem he stopped on stop signed, the car wouldn't start. Eventually, in the evening, there was white thick smoke coming from under the hood and car was stopped. I called the dealership and they towed it to the mechanic shop. It happened that there was no oil and coolant and endine has gone bad. The dealer refused to pay completely for the repair, and we split it 20/80% where I'm to pay 80%. It's been 2 weeks and car is still in shop. I didn't buy it to sit in shop. Is there a way to correct the situation somehow?
The car overheated severly while on the freeway, I had it towed and spent 2 weeks at 2 different automotive companies (including the Ford dealership in burien, wa) trying to get it fix before discovering it had cracked the block of the engine. I spent about $1,300 and had to salvage the car. Is there a possible way to get some compensation back from Ford? I have all my paper work since I bought the car. Thank you for any help. Gail bowman
This car has less than 70000 miles on it. We had trouble with the fuel door, front wheel bearings, brakes, door handles, transmission, electric windows, and now as a special treat the engine failed. This car has been the worst investment that my wife and I have ever made. I have have owned several cars and trucks with 200000 plus miles on them and none of them have ever been as problematic as this automobile.
Dt*: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled without warning, but restarted immediately. The dealership replaced the catalytic converter. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled 50000 miles later, but would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, who determined the catalytic converter needed to be replaced.
The consumer stated that while driving the cooling fan seized. This caused the electrical components to melt and result in a fire. The consumer saw the recall on the internet but later found out the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The consumer fells the scope of the recall should be expanded.
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.
Consume r was traveling about 65mph on highway and heard a clunking noise. There was no prior warning light at all. Vehicle had to be towed. Mechanic told consumer that engine head gasket had blown out.
While driving, vehicle overheated, consumer stopped to add anti-freeze, a little while later vehicle began to make noises and came to a complete stop, vehicle had caught on fire. Ohio traffic crash report.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
Vehicle description: 1995 passenger vehicles equipped with the 2.0l and 2.5l engines, and 1996 vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines. Tightening of the engine cooling fan motor bearings, up to and including motor stall, can result in increased motor torque and higher than normal motor current and accompanying high motor…
Remedy: Dealers will install a positive temperature coefficient device in-line with each fan motor. Ford will also extend the warranty on the engine cooling fan assembly to a total of 8 years of service or 100,000 miles from…
Engine complaints in other Contour years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1996 Ford Contour?
NHTSA has 124 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1996 Ford Contour, 22% of the model year's 563 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (52 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Contour engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-367 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Contour engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 6 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.