1996 Ford Contour problems
Owners have filed 858 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Ford Contour. Electrical system is the most reported problem area, at 17% of complaints. After that come engine (13%) and lighting (11%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 858 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Electrical system 17% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 42 and 31
- Injuries and deaths
- 44 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 90,000 miles 82 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 3 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 12 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 15 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 15 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 15 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 11 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 6 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 82 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 90,000 miles. For electrical system specifically, the median reported mileage is about 102,000 miles (24 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 42 complaints mention a crash; 31 complaints mention a fire; 44 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1996 ranks 3rd most-complained-about out of 6 model years of the Ford Contour with enough data (495 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 8 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Upon slightly wet surface or possible oil driver applied brakes slightly, he lost control, hitting curb w/cause unknown, resultin gin an accident/injury.
Was traveling 60MPH & driver lost control of vehicle. Had swerved first left & went off road & then swerved to the right into 30ft ditch. Vehicle towed to mechanic & was informed the left ball joint had broken which caused loss of vehicle control. The vehicle was totaled. Driver/passengers suffered injuries.
Corrosion under the car (police inceptor ). Car was purchase from a local dealer in bamberg, sc that sell many crown victorias. He indicated my car came from up north, pennsylvania.
My car was recalled in 2001. The past 6 mo my electrical system smells like its burning or something melting. Almost like its going to catch on fire