Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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 tail lights became inoperable after four replacements. Also, the windshield wipers did not work in low gear, and the running lights malfunctioned. The electrical connector splice from the headlight switch opened. (the right side tail light was inoperative) the tail lights, front running lamps were out again, a fuse was bad and found some more wires in the trunk wired incorrectly, the dashboard lights and the license plate tail lights worked intermittently, there was a wiring short in the harness in the cowl area, there was a blown fuse in the exterior lighting, on another occasion, the #33 fuse was found open, the sunroof was inoperative due to a shorted motor, bad drive gear and two cables.
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.
Dashboard has delaminated at the windshield. It is blocking the view and redirected the defroster so that it will take much longer to clear windshield, but not completely. It has peeled back so far that it is now in the area of the passenger side airbag, which I felt it's a safety issue. Dealer has consistently blown me off. Finally, has answered about this after nearly a year, that I will have to pay for repair myself, minus 10% Ford safety warranty. I felt it should be paid in full by Ford. I know that I would not get full trade in value from them due to this issue.
Happened around oct 15, 2008 at night, between marshall and olivet mi. Failure was windshield wiper linkage, causing wipers to blow off the vehicle. Part is hard to find, looking to get it fixed for safety obviously. Was not able to see well, since next exit was still miles away. No easy way to fix this in an emergency, like this. This type of linkage is unsafe, and I believe any vehicles with it should be recalled.
There was a recall on the 1999 Ford Contour lx , for the dashboard peels back. I never recieved a notice we had moved from pennsylvania to georgia. I contacted Ford and they said they could not honor their recall notice. I would have to come up with 700.00 -850.00 dollars to get it fixed. I would also have to incur payments for a rental, while my car is being worked on. Please help.
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.
99' Ford Contour se the dashboard has been replaced once before. It becomes unglued and obstructs view, and also prevents the defroster from working properly. This is clearly a defect by the manufacturer, as like I said it has been previously repaired in a Ford service department. Unfortunately, it has became unglued again.
Vehicle hesitates and jerks violently on acceleration, feels like it wants to stall.dashboard curled up in front by windshield, obstructing view and popped out vent trim. Dealer wouln't fix it because they said the recall on it had expired. Had to try to glue it down ourself.
Windshield wipers will come on intermittently, and air bag light illuminates while driving, causing vehicle to stall and die. Dealer has been notified. Car was on fire which burned up fuse box.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Contour years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1999 Ford Contour?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1999 Ford Contour, 6% of the model year's 419 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Contour window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.