Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dashboard began slowly warping over a year. It got to the point where visibility ahead was compromised, and the defroster vents were no longer functioning. Dealer would not cover a replacement, so I had the work done at a local body shop at my full cost. So far, the replacement dash is OK.
In my wifes car the dashboard near the windshield is starting to come up its right near the vent in the car it makes drive the car more difficult due to the dash is now block part of the windshield I was told this has happened to some one before and I would like to have this looked into.
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.
Drivers side door window crank shaft (manual window) snapped off clean inside regulator leaving window utterly inoperable. This happened during normal operation of window during normal operating conditions and warm weather. Dealer claimed "it happens a lot". Very dangerous if vehicle was in a fire, accident, submerged in water etc.
During the winter I turned on my heating unit and it would not blow unless it was on high. I would have to constantly turn my heat off and on because it would be too hot then too cold. I noticed on real cold days the heating system would malfunction on milder days the heating system would work correctly. My window would get off tract and I would have to constantly set the window in place while I raise the window. Took the car to the dealer and they could not find anything wrong with it.
I believe all 1997 Ford contours should be recalled, over the past 3 years I have replaced the clutch, waterpump, blower motor, both lower control arms, bushings, sway bars, wheel bearings, front & rear brakes and rotors(both twice!!!!), axle, 2 oxygen sensors, catalytic converter, EGR valve, coil springs, battery, balljoints, door latch, almost all of the full front suspension!!!! There are more parts that I had replaced but I can't remember all the names of the parts there are too many!! My check engine light will not turn off, seat belt light will not turn off, short in the drivers side power window, the engine will (rev) up by itself when it's in gear and when it's not, short in the drivers side power seats, water leakage in the trunk, A/C leaks onto the passenger side floor, all doors squeak no matter what you do, carpet is falling out, horn will not work most of the time, same for …
Discovered crack in windshield, with no obvious cause. Went to nearest Ford dealer (not selling dealer), and had them inspect it. Their body shop confirmed that it was cracked through both inner and outer glass layers, and that it was caused by
Related recalls (1)
Visibility › Windshield
The glass tempering process on the right hand rear door windows was not correctly performed. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no. 205, "glazing materials."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right rear door glass.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Contour years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (24), 1996 (23), 1995 (22), 1998 (14) and 2000 (9) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Ford Contour window & wiper problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 95V-009 (windshield, Jan 24, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Contour window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield (35 mentions), followed by the power window devices and controls (26).
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.