Acceleration complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Contour. The contact stated while driving at approximate speeds of 25 MPH, the vehicle abnormally accelerated without driver intent. The contact applied the emergency brake and shifted into neutral until the vehicle coasted to a stop. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where the contact was advised there was a recall on his year, make and model (NHTSA campaign id number: 99V194000: vehicle speed control). The manufacturer advised the contact that his VIN was not included with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000. Updated 10/27/10.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Ford Contour. The contact stated that the engine is not returning to idle. The accelerator pedal sticks and, when it is released, the engine continues to idle at high rpms. The throttle also sticks while driving between 10-80 MPH. The failure occurs each day under normal weather conditions. The current mileage was 139,653 and failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 09/12/07.
The consumer is experiencing problems with the accelerator cable. When the consumer takes his foot off the pedal the engine does not return to it's lower idling speed. The consumer is also experiencing electrical problems. The air bag light stays flashing. Owner has contacted the dealer and because of the VIN, this vehicle is not included in any recalls relating to the defects of this vehicle.
The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle didn't stop until it impacted a building. Prior to the incident, the vehicle was at idle in the park gear for 5 minutes. The passenger sustained injuries. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle was continually being taken to the service dealer for the problem. When the incident occurred, there was no warning. The service dealer suggested that the throttle sensor ,somehow, became stuck and the engine overrode the brakes.
Several times during the past 3 months the gas pedal/accelerator seemed to "stick" or race and I could not get the car to idle to back down until I put it in gear. July 3, while driving in busy traffic, the accelerator/gas pedal went to the floor and fortunately I was able to steer the car around a corner to the side of the road. The police were able to push the car into a car repair place where the mechanic suggested I call Ford about a recall. The speed control cable had just snapped right off! I called from the repair place and Ford said there was no recall on my VIN vehicle. I had the car towed to my home as I was leaving town the next day. I have returned now and after searching your site have found what seems to be the recall for the very problem I have with my 1996 Ford Contour. I called a Ford dealership and was told my VIN did not have the recall problem. …
Dt*: the contact stated while driving away from a stop sign, the gas pedal became stuck, the engine raced and the vehicle accelerated. The contact turned the ignition off and pulled off of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealership where they determined the problem was with vehicle speed control: cables. There is an NHTSA recall, # 97V225000, regarding the vehicle speed control: cables. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 1/17/2007 -
Took off from intersection and the vehicle continued to accelerate at high speed pulling to the right. The vehicle went off road. Pulling hard consumer managed to go to left, then still at high acceleration speed. Vehicle pulled back to the right, tipping over on the driver's side, and vehicle had completely turned around, facing the other direction. Consumer had to be cut out of vehicle and treated at local hospital.
Related recalls (2)
Vehicle speed control
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The accelerator cable May have been manufactured with a burr on or near the end of the cable sleeve interior. This burr could fray the core wire resulting in the accelerator not returning to idle when the accelerator is released.
Remedy: Dealers will install a revised accelerator cable that has a flared conduit sleeve end and molded on end fitting.
Vehicle speed control › Cables
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the traction control option. The throttle cables were damaged during vehicle assembly leading to fraying or separation of the throttle cable.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the throttle cable with a revised design that is less susceptible to bending or kinking during installation.
NHTSA investigations
Fuel gauge does not read below 1/4
Ford's service bulletin dated December 8, 1997, points out that the fuel gauge will not read above 3/4 tank or below 1/4 tank of fuel.the erroneous fuel gauge reading will indicate significantly more fuel reserve than actually present in the fuel tank.odi has one complaint where the driver alleged that his vehicle ran out of gas due to a false fuel gauge reading.this investigation wasto ascertain facts concerning…
Fuel expulsion during refueling
There is no summary currently available
Fuel expulsion during refueling
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Contour years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (42), 1998 (34), 1996 (31) and 1999 (13) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Ford Contour acceleration problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 99V-194 (vehicle speed control, Jul 20, 1999); 97V-225 (cables, Dec 8, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Contour acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (16 mentions), followed by the cables (15).
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.