Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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 contact's daughter's car had braking problems. The brakes lagged on reaction time in an emergency braking situation which resulted in the car being totaled. The air bags deployed, and no one was injured. The car was never taken to a mechanic to check the brakes.
Vibration when brakes applied. This problem started before I even pulled off the lot when I bought it used. The dealership had supposedly fixed it. Now, this was the second time that I needed to replace the rotors and brake pads. The first time I bought a set of tires, then got an alignment. Was told I needed different tires since the vibration did not stop. Bought more tires ,and was told that it had nothing to do with the alignment. Today, my car would not accelerate. The check engine light came on, and I immediately took it to a repair shop. It's going to cost $120 just to have diagnostics done. I also heard strange noises from the back of the car every time I brake. I'm shopping for a new car tomorrow. I have yet to meet someone who can tell me exactly what was wrong with my car and fix it!
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Contour. The vehicle stalls and makes a lot of noise during acceleration. The overhead lights and other interior lighting will not dim when the vehicle is turned off. The contact must remove the bulbs to dim the lights. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the ignition switch locks up. A mechanic stated that the front sway bar was leaking and the brakes, rotors, and struts were corroded and needed to be replaced. The purchase date and powertrain were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.
Ever since we bought this vehicle (1999 Ford Contour) last August from gsa it has squealed when the brakes are applied. It had only almost 9K on it at that time. Now with near 20K it squeals like metal and vibrates when the brakes are applied. Mostly at around less than 40 MPH that I have really noticed. The tires seem to be wearing unevenly, too after 2 alignments. Seems to be fine other than that now that the electrical problem that was recalled was fixed.
Airbags did not deploy when rear ended. My car was pushed into intersection. Damage to car was bumper, had to replace mud guards and attaching hardware. Contacted Ford about my concern they said that the force probably wasn't great enough. Everyone I spoke with asked about the airbags and were suprised when they didn't deploy as the force was greater than 20 miles an hour.
Recall 00 v 075 001brake /rear check valve: recall repairs was done in oct 2000. On above incident date vehicle experienced a rear wheel lock up while applying brakes at highway speed of 65 MPH,. This forced vehicle into an embankment. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that a representative will be sent out.
I have observed an ongoing problem with my 1999 Ford Contour where the ABS comes on whenever the brake pedal is pressed, especially at lower speeds (under 15 MPH). I do not know what failed to cause this condition and offered to bring the car to a Ford dealer for inspection, but they declined to have me do so.
Driver was traveling at 30 MPH when another driver crossed in front of consumer, consumer hit the brakes, and rear of vehicle hydroplaned and flipped ovedr 3 times. Took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that the pcv was defective. Please provide any further information.
I have normal use on my car and on July 26, 2004 my air bag light and the emergency brake light came on. I read my owner's guide to see what the problem could be and it stated that if theses problems was to occur that I need it to be service by a qualified technician. I brought my vehicle in on July 27, 2004 to get it serviced. I informed Ford that I smelled a wire burning, and that I saw a little puff of smoke on July 26, 2004 that came from under my dash board. I was informed my the Ford dealership that they did 3 diagnostic test on it and they still could not figure out what the problem is with the airbag system. This is a safety problem that could have ended up deadly if I was to get into an accident because of the malfunctions in the car. …
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!!! …
Related recalls
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.
Brake complaints in other Contour years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Ford Contour?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Ford Contour, 11% of the model year's 419 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Contour brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-075 (foundation components, Mar 9, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Ford Contour brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes 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.