AC & Heater complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The vinyl covering on the dashboard is peeling away from the underlying structure. It has, over a period of about 5 months, peeled back far enough that it obstructs the view out of the windshield. The windshield defrost vent trim no longer fits into place. The defroster no longer works properly, as the vinyl now obstructs the air flow. The vinyl is also in such a position as to potentially impede the functon of the passenger-side airbag. Ford has issued a couple of 'campaigns', as they call it, but both have expired. My dash was not warped during the period of the campaign, and so was not replaced at that time. Since the extended warranty does not cover the dash, Ford will not cover the full cost of the replacement (~$1200). The dash on a 3.5 year car should not warp so badly it looks like a pringles chip. …
The leading edge of the dashboard (portion nearest the windshield) has "warped" upward severely (6+ inches!). It now presses against the windshield, preventing the defroster from functioning properly at all. This is a safety hazard especially during winter months. It is unknown if this dashboard warpage would interfere with airbag deployment. There was a customer satisfaction program by Ford to correct the issue, but this program terminated in 2002, and this warpage commonly does not/did not occur until well after the program ended.
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.
Recall campaign 01V230000 concerning heater blower resistor. On two separate occasions vehicle caught on fire while idling in the driveway. Both times consumer extinguished the fire, and vehicle was taken to a repair shop. The mechanic determined that the heater blower was the cause of both fires. Consumer contracted the dealer and the manufacturer. Both confirmed that this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to VIN.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford Contour. In March of 2006, the blower motor failed and caused the air conditioner not to work. The contact just found a safety recall for his vehicle and will call the dealer to determine if his VIN is included. The VIN, powertrain, NHTSA recall number, and purchase date were unknown. The current mileage was 80,207 and failure mileage was 67,300.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Contour. The contact stated that the defroster stopped working. The vehicle was serviced for NHTSA recall # 01i009000 (visibility:defroster/defogger system:windshield:controls/wiring) in 2001. The instrument panel and tail lights also do not work. The vehicle was serviced for NHTSA recall # 99V103000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch) in 1999. The current mileage is 92,794 and failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 02-01-08 updated 02/01/08
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Contour. The contact stated the vehicle repeatedly decelerates and accelerates without warrant. When the air conditioner was being operated, the vehicle would begin to shake violently. It would also take an unusually long time for the air conditioner to engage and would blow only hot air. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 91,000 and the current mileage was 92,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Contour years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (51), 1998 (47), 1995 (41), 1999 (26) and 1997 (21) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Ford Contour ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Ford Contour model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Contour ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 38% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the appliance › air conditioner (90 mentions), followed by the defroster/defogger/hvac system (60).
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.