TroubleAtlas Score
FORD CONTOUR (1995–2000) — Technical Guide, Fault Codes & Maintenance
Built 1995–2000 · all production years covered on this single page
2.5L V6 • Gasoline
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Ford Contour (1995–2000) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair cost9.1
Parts & repairability4.6
Maintenance & durability7.8
Documentation & support8.5
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Ford Contour (1995–2000) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Ford Contour (1995–2000) uses Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend engine oil. Its battery is group 96R (BCI), rated at 590A cold-cranking amps. It is powered by a 2.5L V6 engine. Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Scheduled maintenance
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Engine overheatingFREQUENT
Engine temperature over limits — check coolant level, thermostat and radiator.
Related codes: P0217
Oil pressure sensor: low signalFREQUENT
ECU detects insufficient oil pressure — check oil level and sensor.
Related codes: P0522
Insufficient oil pressureFREQUENT
Oil pressure below critical threshold — stop the engine and check immediately.
Related codes: P0524
Engine control module (PCM) faultFREQUENT
Faulty ECU processor — requires specialist workshop diagnosis.
Related codes: P0606
Throttle actuatorFREQUENT
Throttle actuator motor circuit open — loss of throttle response.
Related codes: P2100
COMMON REPAIRS
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.2h
€84 – €108
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.2h
€84 – €108
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.5h
€35 – €45
ABS Module
Difficulty: Medium
2.0h
€140 – €180
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)
Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.
Brakes8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| ABS Module | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Pump | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Tone Ring | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Brake Bleed - All Four | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Brake Booster | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
| Brake Booster Check Valve | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
Cooling8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Bypass Pipe | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Coolant Flush | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| Coolant Reservoir | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Cooling Fan Assembly | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cooling Fan Motor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cooling Fan Relay | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Engine Oil Cooler | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Electrical8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag - Driver | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag - Passenger | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag - Side | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag Module/Computer | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Alternator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Alternator Belt | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Amplifier | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Antenna | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
Engine8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Camshaft Position Sensor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Camshaft R&R | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Connecting Rod Bearings | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Crankshaft R&R | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cylinder Head R&R | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Cylinder Head Resurface | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Engine Mount - Front | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
Exhaust8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Injection Check Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Catalytic Converter - California | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Catalytic Converter - Universal | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Downpipe | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| EGR Cooler | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EGR Tube | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EGR Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Fuel system8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Canister | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EVAP Purge Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EVAP Vent Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Fuel Cap | 0.3h | € 13–€ 22 |
| Fuel Filler Neck | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
| Fuel Filter | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Fuel Filter - In-Tank | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Fuel Injector - Single | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
HVAC8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC Accumulator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Clutch Coil | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| AC Compressor | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Compressor Clutch | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Compressor Oil Add | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Condenser | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Evaporator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Expansion Valve (TXV) | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
Steering8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Center Link/Drag Link | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Electric Power Steering Module | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Idler Arm | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Pitman Arm | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Power Steering Fluid Flush | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Power Steering Gear Box | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Power Steering Hose - High Pressure | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Suspension8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Line | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Spring/Air Bag | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Compressor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Height Sensor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Valve Block | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Ball Joint - Lower | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joint - Upper | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joints - Upper and Lower | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
Transmission8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Cable | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Clutch Disc | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Clutch Kit | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Clutch Master Cylinder | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Clutch Slave Cylinder | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Flywheel Resurface | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Kickdown Cable | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Neutral Safety Switch | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
🔧 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Battery Inspection12 months
Inspect And Lubricate Door Hinges, Latches, Hood Latch6 months
Front And Rear Differential Fluid—
Engine Oil And Filter8,000 km / 6 months
Tire Rotation8,000 km / 6 months
Inspect Cooling System Hoses And Clamps8,000 km / 6 months
Inspect Brake System (Pads, Rotors, Hoses, Fluid Level)8,000 km / 6 months
Inspect Exhaust System8,000 km / 6 months
📋 RECALLS & TSB (27)
NHTSA 00V350000
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 30/10/2000
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 RES…
NHTSA 99V361000
Equipment › Other › Labels
Date: 29/12/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN INCORRECT LABEL WAS INSTALLED ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR. THIS LABEL CONTAINS INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ACTIVATION OF THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCKS.
NHTSA 94V184000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe And Cap
Date: 29/09/1994
A METAL SHIELD ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PLASTIC FUEL FILLER PIPE CAN DEVELOP A STATIC ELECTRICAL CHARGE DURING REFUELING OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA 95E006002
Air Bags › Frontal
Date: 24/02/1995
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAS AN INFLATOR BODY THAT CRACKED DURING FORMING OF THE CURL THAT RETAINS THE IGNITER PLUG IN THE END OF THE INFLATOR. ALSO THE IGNITER END CAP CAN SEPARATE FROM THE INFLATOR.
NHTSA 95V009000
Visibility › Windshield
Date: 24/01/1995
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."
NHTSA 99V194000
Vehicle Speed Control
Date: 20/07/1999
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.
NHTSA 94V203000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe And Cap
Date: 18/10/1994
THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE OPENING REINFORCEMENT CAN LEAK AT THE WELD.
NHTSA 98V233000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift
Date: 18/09/1998
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.
NHTSA 00V228001
Seat Belts
Date: 18/08/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT O…
NHTSA 97V203000
Fuel System, Other › Storage
Date: 17/11/1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES MODIFIED TO RUN ON EITHER GASOLINE OR COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). THE NATURAL GAS FUEL TANKS HAVE A SOLENOID SHUT-OFF VALVE THAT STOPS FUEL FLOW FROM THE FUEL TANK IN THE EVENT OF CERTAIN MODERATE TO SEVERE COLLISIONS. IF THE VEHICLE IS …
NHTSA 99V060000
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Date: 17/03/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WHICH UTILIZE A PARK/LOCK SOLENOID. IT IS POSSIBLE TO ROTATE THE IGNITION KEY TO THE LOCK POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT THE SHIFT LEVER AND TRANSMISSION BEING IN PARK. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMP…
NHTSA 08E033000
Suspension
Date: 14/04/2008
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FO…
NHTSA 01V045000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum
Date: 14/02/2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT POWER BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA 99V247000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe And Cap
Date: 13/09/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL FILLER PIPE VENT HOSE MAY HAVE LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF OZONE RESISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE HOSE BECOMING BRITTLE AND CRACKING.
NHTSA 06E022000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Date: 13/03/2006
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY…
NHTSA 98V028000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Date: 10/02/1998
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."
NHTSA 01I009000
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element
Date: 09/07/2001
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995-1997 FORD CONTOUR AND MERCURY MYSTIQUE VEHICLES. THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR COULD OVERHEAT CAUSING THE ATTACHED ELECTR…
NHTSA 01V230000
Electrical System
Date: 09/07/2001
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 TH…
NHTSA 00V075000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Date: 09/03/2000
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 D…
NHTSA 97V225000
Vehicle Speed Control › Cables
Date: 08/12/1997
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.
NHTSA 99V243000
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Date: 08/09/1999
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 PIG…
NHTSA 01I013000
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Date: 08/08/2001
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1998 FORD CONTOUR/MERCURY MYSTIQUE PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD …
NHTSA 01V255000
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Date: 08/08/2001
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 JERSE…
NHTSA 00V367000
Engine And Engine Cooling
Date: 06/11/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.0L AND 2.5L ENGINES, AND 1996 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. TIGHTENING OF THE ENGINE COOLING FAN MOTOR BEARINGS, UP TO AND INCLUDING MOTOR STALL, CAN RESULT IN INCREASED MOTOR TORQUE AND HIGHER THAN NORMAL …
NHTSA 95V232000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe And Cap
Date: 05/12/1995
THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE OPENING REINFORCEMENT, CONSTRUCTED FROM TWO SEPARATELY MOLDED PIECES, CAN LEAK AT THE WELD.
NHTSA 99V103000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Date: 05/05/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.
NHTSA 95V228000
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Date: 04/12/1995
CRACKS HAVE BEEN FOUND IN THE FRONT SAFETY BELT OUTBOARD ANCHOR TABS DUE TO A COMBINATION OF HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT OF THE TAB AND STRESS INTRODUCED DURING ATTACHMENT OF THE ANCHOR TAB TO THE SEAT FRAME. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASS…
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0441
EVAP Incorrect Purge Flow
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0507
Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Powertrain
P0174
System Too Lean Bank 2
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P1233
powertrain
HIGHP1651
powertrain
LOWP1650
powertrain
LOWP1641
powertrain
HIGHP1579
powertrain
HIGHP1537
powertrain
LOWP1455
powertrain
MODERATEP1451
powertrain
LOWP1409
powertrain
MODERATEP1383
powertrain
MODERATEP1285
powertrain
HIGHP1270
powertrain
LOWP1237
powertrain
HIGHP1235
powertrain
HIGHP1152
powertrain
MODERATEP1117
powertrain
LOWP1116
powertrain
LOWP1103
powertrain
MODERATEP1783
powertrain
CRITICALP1746
powertrain
HIGH
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
57 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
Low Oil Pressure (Ford)Engine
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
AdvanceTrac Off (Ford)Chassis
SYNC System Fault (Ford)Electrical
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
MyKey Speed Limit (Ford)Electrical
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
3244 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Ford Contour across model years 1995–2000. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
178 crash reports 149 fires 196 injuries 15 deaths
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 1995893
Model year 1998860
Model year 1996563
Model year 1999444
Model year 2000251
Model year 1997233
Most reported components (all years)
Engine And Engine Cooling560
Electrical System545
Power Train370
Service Brakes273
Suspension270
Hydraulic254
Sample reports
POWER STERRING PUMP AND RACK AND PINION LEAKING. *AK (MY 1999)
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD.*MR *CB *JB (MY 1999)
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE 00S-440 ON ENGINE COOLING FAN ELECTRONIC FUSE AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AFTER REPAIR THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT WORSE THAN BEFORE. *YH (MY 1995)
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK (MY 1996)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1995–2000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ford Contour have any safety recalls?
Yes — 27 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Ford Contour?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Ford Contour?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Ford Contour?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are brakes problems common on the Ford Contour?
Yes — 334 of 2934 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the brakes. One owner reported: “THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS DEFECTIVE. THE PLASTIC COVERING THE WIRES IS CRACKED AND PEELING OFF IN THE ENTIRE SYSTEM CAUSING THE CAR TO OCCASIONALLY BRAKE FOR NO REASON AND…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Ford Contour?
Yes — 588 of 2934 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER FIFTEEN MINUTES AND DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Ford Contour?
Yes — 849 of 2934 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED A BURNING ODOR WAS EMITTED FROM THE AIR VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED TH…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What tyres does the Ford Contour (1995–2000) use?
The original OEM tyre size for the Ford Contour (1995–2000) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["205/60R15", "195/65R14", "245/45R19", "185/70R14"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.
What is the right battery for the Ford Contour (1995–2000)?
The battery specified for the Ford Contour (1995–2000) is group 65 (BCI), with a cold cranking rating of 650A. See the Battery section on this page for the main cross-references between brands.
What engine oil should I use on the Ford Contour (1995–2000)?
The engine oil specification for the Ford Contour (1995–2000) is Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend. Always use the viscosity grade approved by the manufacturer: a different oil can reduce engine protection and void the warranty. Check the change interval in the Maintenance section.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Ford Contour (1995–2000)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Ford Contour (1995–2000) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Ford Contour (1995–2000) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
This spec sheet is updated with data verified from OEM sources and shop databases. If you spot an inaccuracy or have additional data on the Ford Contour (1995–2000), let us know — every correction improves quality for all users.