Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Contour. The contact stated that the defroster stopped working. The vehicle was serviced for NHTSA recall # 01i009000 (visibility:defroster/defogger system:windshield:controls/wiring) in 2001. The instrument panel and tail lights also do not work. The vehicle was serviced for NHTSA recall # 99V103000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch) in 1999. The current mileage is 92,794 and failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 02-01-08 updated 02/01/08
Dt: the consumer stated that 1997 Ford Contour was having a problem with the interior lights and the tail lights. The consumer bought the vehicle used, and Ford told her that the taillights were on recall 99V133000 and was already fixed. The dealership will not fix the vehicle again. The consumer did not want to pay for the repairs, and she wanted some one to fix it. The consumer has only owned the vehicle for one month. The car is at the dealership right now being checked.
Could not get an inspection sticker - no mechanic could find out why the check engine will not go off -very costly. It stalls when raining, the passenger door handle does not work, it has to warm up for 5 minutes before it will move, the tail lights came loose, causing melting of housing, every valve imaginable has been replaced, belt squeals when air or defrost turned on.
Car had a problem with lights which I feel should have been cover under recall 99v-103 (Ford campain number 99s14). But was told my VIN # 1fal653xvk143361 was not covered. The problem is ecactlly as stated in the recall. I feel the problem is more wide spread than Ford is saying.
Headlights overheated, causing the electrical harness to melt. The consumer noticed that the vehicle lights were not working. NHTSA campaign id number : 99V103000. The problem has not been corrected as of yet.
I carried my car to the dealership for recall service. The dealership never completed the recall work, but did bill Ford for it. The dealership later offered to fix the symptoms that the faulty parts were causing for a fee or $279. I did not have $279 at the time to pay for the service so I purchased the parts for $101. After I had installed the parts, I saw a note in the package that described what the dealer sold to me. The dealership actually sold me the recall repair kit . I have the documentation and original part to prove this is the case. …
Since this car was new I have replaced the rear signal bulbs 3 times myself before bringing the car in for service. Since then I have had this car at the dealer no less than 5 times in the last 3 years for signal lights. They have replcaced the bulbs 5 times mostly drivers side. Replaced defective bulb sockets and poor wiring(loose connections).I was told that the bulbs on both rear signals were replaced the last time at the dealer.I also noticed heat damage on some of the sockets.I really don't think everything is OK.
I only have 2 speeds on my heater blower,lo and 2. I also have had smoke comming from under the dash or from a heater vent when the heater has been on. When I go over a bump regardless of how small there is a thump sound that comes from the trunk area. The suspension system seems to hit really hard with any kind of bump in the road. I also had to have the headlight switch assy fixed according the recall because of taillight and panel failure.
Received recall notice #99V103000. Contacted dealer. Took vehicle for repairs, which was done. The remedy had failed. Took vehicle back to dealer at least 6 times afterwards. Each time the remedy failed. Mechanic is ordering a different light switch after putting in relay switch.
Transmission floor shift lever button would stick making it very hard to get out of park into gear repair done by Ford replaced shift actuator & solenoid. Turn signal makes clicking noise when signal not is use. Signals do work.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating.
Remedy: Dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and an inspection, and replacement if necessary, of the headlamp switch.
Headlight complaints in other Contour years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1997 Ford Contour?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the lights of the 1997 Ford Contour, 10% of the model year's 218 complaints. The component named most often is headlights › switch (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Contour headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-103 (switch, May 5, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Contour headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 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.