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 1997 Ford Contour owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In October 2001 (at 67000 miles), coolant was leaking from the water pump on my 1997 2.5-liter v6 Ford Contour. Water pump was replaced. On June 2002 (at 73000 miles), the water pump started leaking again. Water pump was replaced again. On December 2002 (at 80000 miles), the same thing happened again, I.e. The pump was leaking. Water pump was replaced. On April 2003 (at 85000 miles), the water pump again began to leak from around the same spot (per the service technician). Water pump was replaced. With this latest occurrence the Ford dealership technician (@ century Ford in rockville, md) called Ford hotline with the history of the problems. …
The wiring harness has deteriorated to where the engine runs lean and dies. The check engine light came on while driving. Once home I checked everything I could until the engine compartment cooled then noticed the wiring on the number 1 cylinder. The more I looked I could see all the injector plugs were deteriorated badly with number 4 being worse. Just touching the harness causes the insulation to flake off and bare wires to be exposed. I purchased a code reader to allow proper indications of what codes were indicated when the check engine light illuminated. Now Ford wants me to take the vehicle to a dealer so they can charge me and tell me what I already know and can plainly see!
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Contour. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact personally performed a diagnostic. The contact replaced the timing belt, serpentine belt, water pump, fuel injector, and pulleys. The failure continued after the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000. Updated 2/21/13 status update 03/19/13
Nar 06/19/2003. The consumers water pump had broken and to his surprise the mechanic discovered that the pump was made of plastic, in which they are usually made of metal. The consumer believed that Ford should recall all cars made with plastic pumps and replace them with metal ones.
I responded to a service advisory about a faulty blower fan switch. The switch was replaced but it was apparently replaced with another faulty switch which failed. I had the fan replaced at a local service station to the tune of $192.64. Ford would not replace the faulty fan switch.
Bought a 1997 Ford Contour and 4 days later the head gasket blew. After being in shop over a month and many other problems repaired I finally got car back and the very next day the head gasket blew again within 2 miles from my house.
I believe all 1997 Ford contours should be recalled, over the past 3 years I have replaced the clutch, waterpump, blower motor, both lower control arms, bushings, sway bars, wheel bearings, front & rear brakes and rotors(both twice!!!!), axle, 2 oxygen sensors, catalytic converter, EGR valve, coil springs, battery, balljoints, door latch, almost all of the full front suspension!!!! There are more parts that I had replaced but I can't remember all the names of the parts there are too many!! My check engine light will not turn off, seat belt light will not turn off, short in the drivers side power window, the engine will (rev) up by itself when it's in gear and when it's not, short in the drivers side power seats, water leakage in the trunk, A/C leaks onto the passenger side floor, all doors squeak no matter what you do, carpet is falling out, horn will not work most of the time, same for …
I have 1997 Ford Contour se. I have had several problems with it, check engine light comes on constantly, radiator light comes on constantly, runs poorly. I had all checked when they happen on multilple occasions. After doing some research on the internet, I found that there May be a problem with the wiring harness in the engine compartment. I was told by a freind that he had heard of a problem like this and Ford was fixing them, and I should call the dealer. I called the dealer and they confirmed there was a recall but based on my VIN I was not included due to the age of my car. This was done at brandon Ford around the July/August time frame. Thinking that I had to do the repair myself, due to the cost at the dealership (over $3000.00), I started looking for parts myself on the internet. There I found the recall/ext. Warranty info. 99m03 and in this it states 10 years or 100,000 mile. …
I requested for the auto to be returned due to defact of the engine part and not have negative report. My dauhghter, la tosha d. Wright is handling my affairs due to me having congested heart failure. She was driving the auto when incident occurred. I also have other complaints of individuals who have been having problems with Ford's auto. Because the car was not under warranty, Ford proclaim that there are not responbile for their parts after warranty. This is a problem because it is saying that Ford does not stand behind the parts and products for the autos. To my understanding the contours are no longer being made. Why? Is due to the number of recalls and defacts of their auto parts. Please send me a list of compliants also against Ford regarding their contours. This was not my fault and consumers should not have to pay for Ford's careless of production. …
Took my car in for rattling when driving and steering. They ordered tack shield and bolts. Took it back in, they installed parts and said it didn't fix the problem. Had to order rack and pinion. Kept the car until that came in and installed it. A few days later it started squealing and smoking. Took it back in and they said it was leaking power steering fluid but they didn't know why. They kept it for a week, decided it was a defective part and installed another rack and pinion. Got it back and it was still rattling and now it has a low growl sound at an idle. Took it back. They had to replace the idler pulley and the right swade bar link. The growl is still there but they're saying that is now normal. It is not normal. It was not there until they started screwing around in there. This car is a piece of junk!
Engine complaints in other Contour years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Ford Contour?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Ford Contour, 17% of the model year's 218 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Contour engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Ford Contour, though it has 5 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 1997 Ford Contour engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles.
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.