Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
Fuel spit-back while refueling. Took to Ford dealership and since the extended coverage for the fuel pipe flapper valve expired 5 months ago they will not repair. Ford wants $300 to repair. My car only has approximately 88,800 miles and I do not have $300 to repair. I called Ford in michigan and they said the same thing and emphasized the importance of taking car to Ford dealership for repairs. I took car to Ford in mississippi in 2002 and no mention of recall was made. Ford, in my opinion, seems to be of the mind "do not fix it if it is not broke". Well it is broke now and if coverage expired 5 months ago that is not a long period of time and Ford should pay for the repair of the fuel pipe flapper valve as they know it is defective. When I get gas the fuel spills on the ground causing harm to my family, passengers in the car, the general public and myself.
The engine wiring harness which connects to the vehicle's main power supply box has wiring for which the insulation comes off exposing live, bare wires. This leads to shorts in the electrical system which affects drivability (engine runs erratically and affects the electric fuel pumps operation) and could lead to a vehicle fire if the wiring suffers catastrophic failure. It goes without saying that if the car's fuel supply or engine control systems fail, the driver May lose control and become involved in a crash or collision. Ford does not sale replacement parts nor are parts available on the secondary market. The part number for the wiring harness on my car is f8rz14289ca. Ford should be required to replace these defective harnesses.
After going through two fuel pumps, first pump went at 32000 miles and the second around 62000, I have had extreme problems with the fuel pump. Now, my car doesn't start on its own very often. I have to wiggle the fuel pump under the backseat in order to start the car. I have, on occasion, had the engine die while traveling down the freeway or in the middle of an intersection. Once the fuel pump was wiggled, the car started again and I was on my way. I took my car to a well trusted mechanic and he told me that Ford doesn't have any parts to fix the very loose pipe that runs into the fuel pump. I am very concerned about this issue and feel that my car May stall and cause myself and others great danger. Please help.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford Contour. The contact stated that when dispensing fuel into the fuel tank, the automatic fuel nozzle would shut off at any fuel capacity level. The failure was a continuous occurrence when dispensing fuel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they informed the contact that the fuel pipe flapper valve would need to be replaced. There was a manufacturers voluntary recall (manufacturer recall number: 01m04) yet the manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Ford Contour. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, there was a strong gasoline fuel smell. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated there was a fuel vapor leak in the fuel filler grommet. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 00V350000 (fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
Re: your #00V350000 I have experienced the problem with me Ford Contour for 2 years Ford refuses to fix because they only cover the problem up to 100,000 miles. It takes me up to 25 minutes to fill my gas tank because of this problem. I have had one gas station attendant ask me not to fuel at his station until I get it fixed. I don't have the extra money to fix. $300.00 plus. It is a faulty part why is it not fixed?
Vehicle operator noticed odor of natural gas in passenger compartment. Vehicle brought to framingham Ford via flat bed determination fuel tank leaking. Not under warranty. Has extended warranty, expires May 2003. Ford denies coverage. This constitutes a safety hazard.----- dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis-----------------769739.
When filling gas tank, the gasoline shuts off after only a few cents. It takes 10 minutes to get 3 gallons of fuel. I noticed an air line that exits to the right of the gas filler tube. I sprayed pressurized air and it worked enough to get me home, but after 3-4 fill ups later, it started again. The pressurized air does not help anymore.
For several years vehicle made a bang when going over a speed bump just assumed it was bumper on suspension. Today I looked under vehicle found that the gas tank strap has completely rusted away and from the looks of it has been gone for a long time. The bang might have been the tank. Vehicle has been garaged with 61K.
Related recalls
Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly
Vehicle description: bi-fuel vehicles. These vehicles May have a fuel tank filler pipe grommet that could have been damaged during the installation of the bi-fuel system. If the grommet is damaged, fuel could leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank filler pipe grommet.
Fuel System complaints in other Contour years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1998 Ford Contour?
NHTSA has 72 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1998 Ford Contour, 9% of the model year's 846 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Contour fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-350 (tank assembly, Oct 30, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Ford Contour fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion system 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.