Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Cd4e transmission in 1998 Ford Contour gl (same complaint as the c4de in the Mazda 626). Transmission needed to be rebuilt due to the tss sensor breaking and falling inside the transmission - which stopped the pump and caused vehicle to become inoperable. The sensor is in the driver's side fenderwell, where it is exposed to road hazards and environmental conditions. Not a good design. Furthermore, the repair costs $3000 for a new transmission and all this happened because Ford put the sensor in a position where it can break and cause significant damage. It's a lousy design. The sensor should be somewhere under the hood - not in the fenderwell.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Contour. While attempting to shift gears, the gear indicator displayed an inaccurate reading. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 98V233000 (powertrain:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift). The vehicle has not been repaired. The powertrain was unknown. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 78,000. Updated 01/29/08 updated 01/29/08
Trasmission failure at 48000 miles and again at 101000 miles both requiring complete rebuild. Both failures were sudden onset and the second occured at highway speed witch nearly caused a serious accident (thank god for the quick thinking driver behind me) took to 5 different shops for diagnoses. All said that the cd4e transimission was a notoriously bad transmission on both fords and mazdas
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 …
Overdrive lights continually comes on and would not go off. Transmission will not engage, and allow consumer to drive vehicle. Took vehicle to dealership. Told consumer that transmission fluid was burned out, and transmission would need to be replaced. Also, gear shift had to be forced into place in order to operate vehicle. Consumer told vehicle was not part of any recall listed. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
There seemed to be no warning regarding this problem, other than a slight high pitched whining noise in the am., much like the sound of a serpentine belt.the transmission fluid level was appropriate when checked. The computer reading has stated several problems, including a bad clutch.it will cost $2000.00 for a rebuilt transmission.
Recall 98 v 233 000/shift level damage: reporting difficulty with shifting out of gear from park position and/or indicator not correctly indicatd actual gear position. Manufacturer was notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not cover under that recall. Provide any further information on this matter.
In cold weather it is impossible to shift from park to reverse. Consumer has to resort to a srew driver to help shift, vehicle at dealer since decembmber 28, 2000 to remedy problem. Automatic transmission shifts but knob rotates and shift binds still.
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.
Bought car 4months ago, and transmission went out already. Requested test reports from dealer and they have not returned my phone call. Transmission can not be save and it died without warning, well cost 2600.00 to get new one.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The floor shift automatic transmission control can be damaged if subjected to certain interior cleaning products. The gear position indicator can deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.
NHTSA investigations
Incorrect gear indication
There is no summary currently available
Transmission complaints in other Contour years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Ford Contour?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Ford Contour, 14% of the model year's 218 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Contour transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-233 (floor shift, Sep 18, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Contour transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 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.