RecallRepo

1998 Ford Contour Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 1998 Ford Contour has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 2,683,339 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 1,189 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the power train. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

SUSPENSION 01V255000 2001-08-08 108,000 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE…

Consequence

SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CATCHER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 01V230000 2001-07-09 342,962 affected
Defect

ON CERTAIN MY 1996-1998 PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY, CUAUTITLAN ASSEMBLY PLANTS OR ON MY 1999 PASSENGER VEHCLES BUILT AT THE AUTOMOTIVE ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY PLANTS, THE ROUGH SURFACE OF THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR'S STAINLESS STEEL BLADES CAN DAMAGE THE COPPER SURFACE OF THE WIRING HARNESS…

Consequence

THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND A NEW WIRE JUMPER HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER 00V350000 2000-10-30 3,750 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE BI-FUEL SYSTEM. IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALERS WILL REPLACE…

Consequence

IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 00V075000 2000-03-09 436,200 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.

Consequence

IF BOTH PCRV'S MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING BRAKING AS A RESULT OF THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL IMPROVED PCRV'S IN THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED IN SEPTEMBER 2000 TO INCLUDE 1999 AND 2000 FORD CONTOUR, MERCURY MYSTIQUE AND COUGAR VEHICLES.

AIR BAGS 99V243000 1999-09-08 280,481 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG SENSOR WIRING PIGTAIL INSULATION CAN BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACK OVER TIME DUE TO ACCUMULATION OF WATER IN THE PIGTAIL PROTECTIVE CONVOLUTE IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES RELATED TO THE ROUTING OF THE WIRING PIGTAIL NEAR THE RADIATOR. THIS CAN…

Consequence

IN SOME CASES, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISABLED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AIR BAG SENSORS WITH REVISED WIRING INSULATION. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WHICH HAVE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WILL HAVE A NEW AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR INSTALLED.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 99V194000 1999-07-20 159,565 affected
Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 99V103000 1999-05-05 605,581 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.

Consequence

THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN DISTORTION OF THE TERMINAL CAUSING AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, PARKING LAMP, AND TAIL LAMP CIRCUITS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLAMP SWITCH WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAINING BRONZE TERMINALS AND AN INSPECTION, AND REPLACEMENT IF NECESSARY, OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.

POWER TRAIN 98V233000 1998-09-18 175,000 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FLOOR SHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL CAN BE DAMAGED IF SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN INTERIOR CLEANING PRODUCTS. THE GEAR POSITION INDICATOR CAN DETERIORATE AND NOT CORRECTLY INDICATE THE ACTUAL GEAR POSITION.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 98V028000 1998-02-10 571,800 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.

Remedy

OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.

Complaints by component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
74
2crashes
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
73
AIR BAGS
50
4crashes5injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
45
5fires1injuries
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
42
1crashes1fires
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
34
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
34
2fires
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
31
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
31
2crashes1injuries
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
28
2crashes2injuries
Total complaints1,189

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“"takara recall" my heater motor in my 98 ford contour se just stopped working.”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2018-11-21

“Was driving down route 322 on day and had to hit the break and all of a sudden they went to the floor. I pulled over and checked my break fluid resivour and it was empty. I think the passenger side drum break is leaking fluid.”

SERVICE BRAKES · reported 2018-06-20

“Was driving down route 322 on day and had to hit the break and all of a sudden they went to the floor. I pulled over and checked my break fluid resivour and it was empty. I think the passenger side drum break is leaking fluid.”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2018-06-20

“Was driving down route 322 on day and had to hit the break and all of a sudden they went to the floor. I pulled over and checked my break fluid resivour and it was empty. I think the passenger side drum break is leaking fluid.”

POWER TRAIN · reported 2018-06-20

“Vehicle won't pass inspection due to a broken or cracked coil spring front passenger side. It was in a recall that we never received notification. And I don't feel like we should be out over $200 to get it licensed.”

SUSPENSION · reported 2016-02-02

“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. While driving approximately 40 mph on a wet road, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coil springs were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…”

STEERING · reported 2015-09-14

“1998 ford contour. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle brake line corrosion. *smd the consumer stated the brakes the failed. The repair shop, stated there was no brake fluid in the reservoir. The consumer also stated the gas line leading to the tank had to be replaced, due to corrosion. *jb”

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · reported 2014-09-01

“1998 ford contour. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle brake line corrosion. *smd the consumer stated the brakes the failed. The repair shop, stated there was no brake fluid in the reservoir. The consumer also stated the gas line leading to the tank had to be replaced, due to corrosion. *jb”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · reported 2014-09-01

Defect investigations

Investigation EA00025 Opened 2000-10-04 · closed 2001-01-25

FUEL EXPULSION DURING REFUELING

There is no summary currently available

Investigation EA01001 Opened 2001-01-05 · closed 2001-07-31

BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS

There is no summary currently available

Investigation EA01001 Opened 2001-01-05 · closed 2001-07-31

BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS

There is no summary currently available

Investigation PE00023 Opened 2000-06-14 · closed 2001-01-05

BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS

There is no summary currently available

Investigation PE00027 Opened 2000-07-10 · closed 2000-10-04

FUEL EXPULSION DURING REFUELING

There is no summary currently available

Investigation RQ02006 Opened 2002-02-26 · closed 2002-09-12

INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION

There is no summary currently available

Investigation RQ99019 Opened 1999-09-15 · closed 2001-03-07

VARIOUS INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL ISSUES

There is no summary currently available

Investigation SQ98002 Opened 1998-01-27 · closed 1998-07-31

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…

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1998 Ford Contour as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.