Most common 1999 Ford Contour problems
Share of the 419 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Contour complaints by model year
Best Contour years: 2000, 1997, 1999. Years to avoid: 1995, 1998. Compare all years →
1999 Ford Contour recalls (3)
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles not equipped with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). A pressure conscious reducing valve (pcrv) in the rear brakes May be subject to corrosion and result in malfunction, when operated in areas that use salt compounds on the roadway for de-icing or dust control.
Remedy: Dealers will install improved pcrv's in the rear brake system. This recall was expanded in September 2000 to include 1999 and 2000 Ford contour, Mercury mystique and cougar vehicles.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles built with automatic transmissions which utilize a park/lock solenoid. It is possible to rotate the ignition key to the lock position and remove the key without the shift lever and transmission being in park. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles. Vehicles that have units with ignition keys removable in gear positions other than park, will have the steering column replaced.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1999 Ford Contour:
Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
There is no summary currently available
Instrument panel cover warpage
The agency has denied a petition requesting an investigation of instrument panel warpage for the subject vehicles. The notice of denial was published in the federal register, volume 72, number 67, on Monday, April 9, 2007, pages 17605 and 17606.see document search for details.
What 1999 Ford Contour owners say
Body & structure all 93 →
I was never notified of any recalls. I have had to pay out of pocket expenses lost control of vehicle replaced starter and brakes several times feels like suspension is falling apart and never notified I have small and older children shameful. These events starting taking place when I purchased the vehicle in 1999 arm control 3 times replaced I was lied to by Ford and said I must of hit a bump bump my bump 3 times almost dead.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Contour. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started to wobble. The contact noticed that the rear frame was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Electrical system all 65 →
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle caught on fire while in gear. A pop noise was heard and smoke came out from under the hood. The front of the vehicle then caught fire. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss and it was never taken to a service dealer. A fire department report was processed. Updated 12/11/06.
The consumer was able to rotate the ignition key to the lock position and remove the key without the shift lever and transmission being in park. On three separate occasions, the vehicle rolled while parked, because the key was removed from the ignition while the gear was still in drive.
Engine & cooling all 52 →
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle caught on fire while in gear. A pop noise was heard and smoke came out from under the hood. The front of the vehicle then caught fire. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss and it was never taken to a service dealer. A fire department report was processed. Updated 12/11/06.
Ford motor corp is aware of a defective valve in it's Ford contours with 6 cyl 2.5l engines that causes an oil out and over-pressurized condition. My vehicle experienced this and my mechanic contacted a Ford service manager and was told that they are having a silent recall, and each case will be handled on a case by case basis. When I took the car to Ford and after keeping it for a week they determined that they would not rectify the problem because I had not received my oil change from them. I had previously taken my vehicle to Ford and spent so much money for all problems and I have well documented service records on my vehicle. I also have a college son that I purchased the same vehicle for and am afraid that his will experience the same problem while he is out on the highway. I have had to replace the engine because of this. …
1999 Ford Contour engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 31 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Ford Contour a good car?
Based on 419 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Contour rates average: 24% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Contour at the same age. It is one of the best Contour years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Ford Contour?
The body & structure — 93 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the electrical system (65) and engine & cooling (52).
How many recalls does the 1999 Ford Contour have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1999 Ford Contour, the most recent from October 30, 2000 (tank assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Contour?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000, 1997 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995 and 1998. See the full Ford Contour years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Ford Contour problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 34% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.