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 1998 Ford Contour owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford Contour. While driving 20 MPH, the contact noticed smoke and flames rising from under the hood. The fire destroyed the vehicle. A police report was filed. As of September 18, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle to determine the cause of the fire. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 75,237.
Smoke then flames came from the engine compartment and within 5 minutes of parking in the garage. The fire department extinguished the fire, and indicated that the fire occurred because of an electrical system failure.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford Contour. The vehicle was taken to the repair shop for regularly scheduled maintenance. The mechanic stated that the front passenger side coil spring failed. In 2001, the contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 01V255000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs). The dealer inspected the vehicle at that time and stated that no repair was needed. However, now that the failure has occurred, the manufacturer stated that the recall was no longer valid. The failure mileage was 73,000 and current mileage was 81,000. Updated 01/09/08. The consumer stated the coils springs have been replaced twice in this vehicle. The dealer stated replaced headlight switch and cable in engine. Updated 12/12/07 updated 06/04/08.
Takata recall I and other consumers have contacted Ford regarding the 1998 Ford Contour and it's defective parts including the engine wire harness yet they are refusing to acknowledge nor accept responsibility for or correct the problem stating it's not under recall t*jbreating each person who has contacted them as if they are an island and this is a isolated event my water pump,flashers,brake lights,have been all affected by this also my check engine light is on making me unable to register my car and get updated tags please contact t me regarding this matter as I and other consumers need help with this .[redacted] via email also [redacted]. VIN invalid
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled several times immediately after being started and the check engine light illuminated constantly. Therefore the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the battery, on-board computer, and alternator were replaced. A rebuilt transmission was also installed. After the work was performed, the problems continued. There is a NHTSA recall campaign # 98V233000, regarding the power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift related to the make and model of the vehicle, however the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The water pump and thermostat was replaced. Updated 05/03/06.
Intermittently when the gas pedal was applied, the vehicle failed to accelerate. This occurred because of an obstruction in the flow of fuel to the engine. The dealership has serviced the vehicle 5 times. They have replaced the fuel pump, the filter and the oxygen sensor. The problem still exist. The dealership refused to service the vehicle anymore because they indicated they have done all they could do to correct this problem. The vehicle leaked oil over the entire engine, the fuel pressure dropped when the vehicle was driven on mountainous areas, a short was found, and wires were found chaffed.
Driving on intersate 66 from manassas va into washington dc at 65mph when noticed cold air blowing out of heater vents. Car is severely overheated before safe exit from highway. Water pump's plastic impeller had shattered with 53K miles on the car. Ford replaced water pump for $527. After overheating the car also begins to leak oil from several locations. The oil pan gasket is replaced for $407 at 63K miles. The replacement water pump's gasket is discovered to be leaking at 66K miles while trying to locate the source of additional oil leaks - this time the oil pressure sending unit.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford Contour. The contact stated that the engine wiring harness insulation failed and caused the wires to touch, which could possibly result in a fire. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not covered under warranty any longer. The contact discovered a recall for the 1995-1997 models for the exact same defect. As a result, the vehicle stalled and had to be towed to his residence. The vehicle jerked and made a beeping noise prior to the failure. The purchase date was unknown. The failure mileage was 94,600 and current mileage was 94,782.
Suffered a water pump failure. The plastic/bakelite impeller shattered catastrophically, resulting in parts strewn throughout coolant system. Total repair cost: $470. Since part was replaced at an independent garage, Ford will not report the faulty part. Perhaps propylene glycol, the principle chemical found in coolant, causes the plastic part to become brittle and shatter, but no one at Ford will listen to that. Numerous complaints found on web regarding this same issue. Time for a recall - the toronto field office told me that there is no recall on this problem.
Check engine light illuminated 9/04 and I took my 98 Ford Contour to my mechanic who diagnosed it as needing a new catalytic converter. I took it to Ford in 3/05 (because my mechanic said it could wait awhile) and they diagnosed a different code and replaced the manifold. After paying $600.00 to Ford, the light came on again after 45 miles. Took the car to autozone and they diagnosed a catalytic code. I had told Ford that was the problem before I brought it in and now they want me to re-diagnosed with them out of pocket.
Engine complaints in other Contour years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Ford Contour?
NHTSA has 135 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Ford Contour, 16% of the model year's 846 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (42 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Contour engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1998 Ford Contour, though it has 9 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 1998 Ford Contour engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 1 injury and 1 death 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.