Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
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.
My wife and I own a 1999 Ford countour. In August 2004, I had a broken left-front coil spring replaced by a private mechanic with a used part from the identical make/model vehicle. In May 2005, the vehicle was rejected during a nys vehicle inspection for a broken left-front coil spring. After checking on internet and finding a pattern of similar coil spring breakage in recent Ford vehicles - including a warranty extension for the 1998 Contour - I called Ford customer service to request an adjustment, but was informed that the 1999 Contour was not covered by any extended warranty relating to this very common defect and that no adjustment would be made. Why has Ford continued to utilize this defect-prone coil spring design on numerous models, and why is there no extented warranty in place for the 1999 Contour as there is for the 1998 model?
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!
I purchased a used 1999 Ford Contour from a private party on 6/21/04. When I had the required state of vermont inspection done on 6/30/04 a broken right front coil spring was discovered. This is a historic problem, and severe safety hazzard on the Ford Contour series, as sudden tire failure is commmon with this breakage. Years 1995 through 1998 have been recalled for this issue. The problem for the 1998 model year was not discovered until 2001, and a recall was issued that same year. Therefore, I believe that Ford was still using the defective parts when my car was built in 9/98. This seems to be a prevalent problem as Ford is backordered on replacement parts for over a month. It is my feeling at this time that the 1999 model should be subject to a safety recall for this problem.
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.
The front coil springs broke while the vehicle was sitting in the driveway. The owner heard a loud noise and went to investigate, it was then discovered that the coil springs had broken tearing into the front tire and causing the front suspension to drop to the ground. The flat tire was on the passenger's side of the vehicle.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Contour. She stated that the mechanic noticed that there was a crack on the passenger side front coil spring. They stated that the road salt could be a possible cause of the crack. The mechanic made the replacement. The failure and current mileages was 85,000. The VIN and engine size was unavailable.
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.
On my 1999 Ford Contour with 95,000 km, both rear coil springs have broken, puncturing both rear tires. This car has been driven very nicely and given incredible tlc. The cost of these repairs totaled $1000, and should never have happened if the springs were manufactured properly.
The consumer stated the wheel bearings on both sides had gone out on the vehicle four times. The vehicle started to make a loud noise on the highway. After having the vehicle towed, the wheel bearings on both sides failed again. The manufacturer offered no help.
Suspension complaints in other Contour years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1999 Ford Contour?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 Ford Contour, 8% of the model year's 419 complaints. The component named most often is front (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Contour suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to suspension 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.