Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Ford Contour owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the consumer could hear the radiator coming on/over and over again. Previously it overheated in June 2004. When the consumer took vehicle to dealer for repairs they changed the thermostat, added more water to the radiator, and something else in the transmission area. When the consumer picked up the vehicle the problem recurred. Afterwards, there was a rattling noise coming from the dashboard. They told her that it was due to a bracket that broke.. Dealer replaced the radio. The consumer stated that the air conditioner was no longer working properly since they replaced the radio. Also, the dashboard was loosening and there were wires showing. The front driver's side window knob came off. These were the only known problems with the vehicle at this time. There had been no accidents concerning these issues.
The dash board on my 1999 Contour has curled back and the vent mechanism has come out. Now, the defroster is obstructed and does not defrost my windshield properly. My windshield has now cracked. The dealer said this was the subject of a recall, but the recall is now "expired".other problems with the car: the radio speakers have failed. The driver's side were replace under my warranty, but now that I am out of the warranty, the passenger side speakers are shot; the dome light does not turn on when I open the driver's door but it does when the other doors are opened; my blower motor stopped working and I had to have it replaced, and it now smells like it is burning when I use it.
The dashboard windshield air/defrosting vent cover below the windshield popped off and the dashboard padding has pealed up blocking windshield/forward visibility. This has caused the vehicle to fail the virginia safety inspection. All remedies we have tried have only seem to provide temporary relief. I have pictures. I have talked to several other Contour owners who have the same problems and I have seen contours in parking lots with similar conditions. Additionally, I was told this was identified in a past safety recall. This is a safety hazard resulting from defective materials and poor design.
Our car has had problems since day one we have 2 different emblams on the fenders, window fell out, speakers busted, carpet ruined by leaks, fan switch only works on high setting, instrument panel smoked up as if burning, hood doesn't meet up with cowl, trunk stays soaked, and there are numerous other problems all happened within six months of original purchase.
While driving the heater blowers failed. The smell of burning wire started to fill the vehicle. The defogger completely failed. Consumer could not see through the windows. However, there were burnt wires under the hood. Please provide any further information....replaced starter motor and damaged battery cables.
1999 Ford Contour se - heater blower working only on high mode. Burned out resistor. This was a recalled part for 96-98 contours. I suspect same problem in 1999 model. Only 22,000 miles. Part replaced by mechanic 8/4/04.
The dashboard of our 1999 Ford Contour has experienced a severe warpage and is now resting upward about 5 inches higher than its normal position. The defroster grill popped out earlier and in the winter the defrost function does not work properly on the windshield. The current position of the warped dashboard is obstructing our visibility of the roadway and a service technician at the local Ford dealership admitted that it was a hazardous. There was a Ford customer satisfaction program (#01b78) which was issued in August 2001 and effective until August 31, 2002 admitting to problems with dashboard (instrument panel) warpage on the 1999 & 2000 Ford Contour. I have contacted Ford customer service on at least 4 occasions over the past year plus without any satisfaction and the problem is getting worse. …
Within 6 months of the purchase of my vehicle, the car started having problems with vibrations, shaking, and severe noise while driving. The engine idled rough and got more severe when the heating or cooling system was used. All tires have been replaced, a major brake job with rotors turned was completed, and the struts were replaced. Regardless of this work, the shaking in the car has gotten progressively worse. I have taken my car to the dealership five times for the same problems. They have either said that it was "normal Contour" or that it was the tires. Finally, they indicate that there is a problem but they cannot determine what it is. My car makes a thumping noise and a squealing noise when I make slow right turns. On several occasions my foot has been on the brake pedal and my car surged forward. …
Purchased car in sept. 99; no dashboard warpage' received a printout of TSB# 01b78 for warpage on 8/24/01; no warpage yet. 01/07/04 received a printout from dealer of no active TSB#01b78. Dashboard warpage severe after winter of 2004. Brought into service the TSB. The dealer and Ford company failed to fix the problem. They quote the sent letters to consumers of the car. I never received a letter. The blame the us post office for the fault. Liability falls into the mfg., which is Ford not the usps. Dashboard is warped and defroster fails to defrost the windshield in the winter due to warpage. The defrost vanes no longer fits in the dash to direct flow to windshield which causes a visual hazard to driving in foggy, wintered environments. I would like the TSB serviced due to hazard. I am orig. Owner of the car. I found all the information on my own through the internet and printouts. …
Several items first the dash bowed in from both sides,a month after picking the car up the air conditioner went out the dealership said my problem, the tires were bad we replaced them they are bad all the time have to be replaced more then a normal tire should , the car broke down last year on the highway again my problem the rotors and other things were bad somthing I as a consumer would not have known about , cannot get car inspected because the horn does not work and cannot be fixed due to airbag again my problem o yes was in a finder binder airbag did not work minor injries , the drivers seat rocks the rear seat belt will not work more problems this car is worth nothing I on;y drive to and from work in it and the way it is falling apart youd think I travel across country in it ...this is not a good car to ever purchase will never buy from Ford again!!! …
AC & Heater complaints in other Contour years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 1999 Ford Contour?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 1999 Ford Contour, 6% of the model year's 419 complaints. The component named most often is defroster/defogger/hvac system (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Contour ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 1999 Ford Contour, though it has 3 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 1999 Ford Contour ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to a/c & heater 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.