1999 Ford Contour SE 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Mechanics dream, Owners nightmare

Faults:

The heater controls stopped working. After being repaired at the dealer the controls stopped working on the way home. Now the blower only works on high.

The dash warped and began rolling back from the windshield.

General Comments:

This car handles well and has a stiff body which gives it a sporty feel.

However the cabin is cheaply finished with a lot of plastic and uncomfortable seats.

It is very difficult to get this vehicle repaired properly. Numerous defects repaired by the dealer end up failing soon after being repaired.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th November, 2002

16th Sep 2004, 14:47

My wifes car is nice and has 56000 miles on it, but the dash is rolling up on front. This is the second dash. The defrost vents came off, the struts are out. The car runs great and looks good, but the dash is very poor built.

3rd May 2005, 14:24

You should know that there was a recall on the dashboard of this model. It's apparently a manufacturing defect. The "customer satisfaction" recall is now over, but you might be able to persuade your local dealer to fix it anyway.

I had it fixed twice. Th e first time, they simply put a grille on top of the warped dash. It looked horrible and I was able to beg the dealership to completely replace the dash. They did a mediocre job, with loose edges, but it's seemed to hold up.Ä

21st Jan 2008, 09:40

To make the fan work at all speeds, just replace a $16 module from your dealer. It's just above the front passenger's feet to the left. It's an easy DIY (called a 'resistor'?).

11th Mar 2008, 18:40

Had mine for over a year; a 1999 SE. Recently, the engine has been choking and cutting off while the tank is almost full. Any advice on that problem?

1999 Ford Contour SE 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Contour: Not worth the headache

Faults:

On our 1999 Ford Contour the "check engine light" is always on. We purchased this car new from a dealer, and the check engine light came on with only a few miles on the vehicle. I can't find anyone whom knows how to fix it. I have taken it to the dealer, and other mechanics also.

The air conditioner stopped working totally, soon after we purchased the Contour. Our mechanic can find no leak or reason.

The Contour was recalled for dash warping, I wonder if that is related to our other problems, it seems like the dash gets too hot.

The speakers have shorts in them now.

We're down to just one speaker working.

General Comments:

It is not the cost of repairs that bothers me, it is the inability to get these things fixed at any expense that bothers me. That along with the loss of use of a vehicle while it is in the shop, and the loss of our time.

We have a 96 Ford Ranger pickup that we bought new with 300,000 miles on it, and an 4 door Escort 4 dr, neither gave us any trouble to mention.

Consumers Report said "Ford Contours not recommended". I'm probably hurting myself with this review as I will be looking to unload this Contour.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd October, 2002

9th Mar 2003, 08:25

I too, own a 99 contour. I have been pleased with it until now. My check engine light came on last year and the car was making a loud noise. If that was not bad enough it also wanted to stall when I was driving. What happened was an hose fell off somewhere. A friend was able to "make" me a hose that has worked really well. To reset my check engine light I left my battery cable off for a while, at least ten minutes, and then replaced it. This worked. Now however at 86,000 miles I seem to be having problems again with the check engine light, I tried the battery cable and it did not work so I think I really may have engine problems this time. I will be taking it to a local shop here in the next few days as this happened on the weekend.

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