1999 Ford Contour Fuel System Problems

Which parts fail

• Delivery › Fuel pump
  8
• Storage › Tank assembly
  5
• Delivery
  3
• Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
  2
• Fuel injection system
  1
• Storage
  1

Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  00%
• 25k–50k
  00%
• 50k–75k
  857%
• 75k–100k
  17%
• 100k–150k
  214%
• 150k+
  321%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Ford Contour owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Contour. While adding fuel to the fuel tank, gasoline began leaking. A technician concluded that the fuel tank seal caused the exhaust system hose to melt. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired . The failure and current mileages were 150,000.

As soon as I exited the freeway (almost a full circle exit), my car started choking and finally stopped. No fuel seemed to be reaching the engine. I had aaa tow it home since I was close to home. The engine cranked but wouldn't start. This choking happened once before when I entered the freeway on a similar full-circle ramp, and then stepped on the gas to pickup speed. It coughed a bit but then ran fine. Seems like the spin causes something to choke. Other Contour owners have experienced this before. It supposedly happens when the fuel is less than a quarter of the tank. Ford had recalled the Ford focus for fuel delivery system problems and my car exhibits the exact same symptoms. …

The fuel pump failed frequently while driving, usually uphill. Car would stall and sometimes restart, creating a hazard when on the freeway. Eventually the fuel pump failed completely. My mechanic replaced it, having to retrofit the gas tank in order for the pump to be installed, removing certain fittings. The filler grommet was defective, and after the fuel pump was fixed and refueling was taking place, gasoline poured out of the tank and the car had to be returned to the mechanic. The replacement fuel pump failed about 10 months later, in sept. 2011. At that time, the car had been working fine the night before and wouldn't start in the morning. Ford will only guarantee the original replacement, so if the replacement had failed after more than two months, Ford wouldn't have replaced the part. The driver's side window motor has broken three times. …

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Contour. The contact was refueling the vehicle when he noticed large amounts of fuel spilling from the vehicle and onto the ground abnormally. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where the mechanic advised him that the fuel tank filler pipe grommet was leaking. The contact referenced the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 00V350000 (fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was able to secure an appointment to have the vehicle repaired at his expense but was awaiting the required parts needed for repairs, which were on backorder. The failure mileage was 73,556.

1999 Ford Contour se sport dashboard peeling. My dashboard started to peel away at approx 60,000 miles. I now have 80,000 miles on my car. I did not receive notice of a recall on this matter, which was apparently a secret. I have owned 3 fords and will never buy another due to the lax customer service and failure to take responsibility for product failure. I have also had all the head gaskets replaced (I am 60 and hardly hot rodding), rear struts and something related to a loud humming sound under the hood that was essential for the car to remain in working order and problems with the key sticking in the ignition and also a fuel pump.

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.

There was a strong fuel odor in the cabin of the vehicle after fueling. Also, there was a fuel system tank assembly advisory on this issue. Manufacturer was contacted, but provided no assistance.....strong fuel odors continue whenever consumer attempts to fill fuel tank. Took vehicle to repair station on 12/31/2004, and the mechanic indicated that fuel tank filler pipe grommet was damaged rusted.

The fuel tank strap is completely corroded away, and the fuel tank is ready to fall off. The protective coating is defective and has completely fallen off, causing the fuel strap to be eaten away by rust and corrosion. The fuel tank is going to fall off eventually. The fuel filler neck and emission fittings at the tank, are corroding badly too.

My car sporadic stalled in traffic because the new fuel pump would shut off. The cause was faulty wiring that shorted out and in turn destroyed the cars computer. No parts are available so dealer was using parts from different make/model parts for repairs. I was told that this is a recurring problem.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Contour. While the contact inspected the vehicle, he noticed that the fuel tank straps were rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000. Updated 06/16/11 updated 07/11/11

Related recalls

Fuel System complaints in other Contour years