Vehicles / Ford / Contour / 2000

2000 Ford Contour

199 federal complaints (248 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 91 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 9 model years of the Ford Contour →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
19 city / 28 hwy
Federal complaints
199
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Body & structure
79
Fuel system
40
Other
26
Glass & wipers
25
Electrical system
18
Engine & cooling
14
Brakes
9
Air bags
9
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 9 complaints01 years old: 18 complaints2 years old: 30 complaints3 years old: 37 complaints4 years old: 38 complaints5 years old: 20 complaints56 years old: 11 complaints7 years old: 4 complaints8 years old: 3 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 7 complaints1011 years old: 1 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 181 of 199 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 3 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 18 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 26 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 13 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 12 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 4 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 4 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 3 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 86 of 199 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Body & structure

79 complaint records1 crash report
"THE DASHBOARD PEELED BACK AND CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Fuel system

40 complaint records
"CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 49. GLAD MY KIDS WERE NOT WITH ME. CAR HAS ONLY 60000 MI. TURNED OUT TO BE A BAD FUEL PUMP. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →

Glass & wipers

25 complaint records
"THE DASHBOARD IS SEPARATING AFTER BEING REPAIRED ON A RECALL. WINDSHIELD IS VERY HARD TO DEFROST BECAUSE OF THIS CONDITION. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP06004
opened Oct 2006
closed Apr 2007VisibilityINSTRUMENT PANEL COVER WARPAGE
THE AGENCY HAS DENIED A PETITION REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF INSTRUMENT PANEL WARPAGE FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THE NOTICE OF DENIAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER, VOLUME 72, NUMBER 67, ON MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2007, PAGES 17605 AND 17606.SEE DOCUMENT...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
01V045000Service Brakes, HydraulicVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT POWER BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY.Normally free
00V350000Fuel System, OtherVEHICLE 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.Normally free
00V228001Seat BeltsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES.Normally free
00V075000Service Brakes, HydraulicVEHICLE 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...Normally free
99V361000EquipmentVEHICLE 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2000077
2000-03-21
Brakes43,458On certain vehicles, the pressure conscious reducing valve (PCRV) in each of the rear brakes may be subject to malfunction due to corrosion when operated in areas of high road salt use.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
CSP-08B01
May 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFORD: CERTAIN 1999-2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN NEW YORK AND CERTAIN 2001 VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF MAINE, CERTIFIED FOR SALE IN CALIFORNIA-FEDERAL EMISSION WARRANTY REFUND. *PE
020503
Mar 2005
Fuel SystemGUIDANCE FOR CNG TANK INSPECTION FOR VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER DECEMBER 2, 1996. *TT UPDATE. *TT
04189
Dec 2004
VisibilityREAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT
042107
Dec 2004
Power TrainGENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
04174
Sep 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
041514
Aug 2004
VisibilityREAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT
031501
Jul 2004
VisibilityINOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT
04104
May 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0420 AND/OR P0430/ 2.5L ENGINE ONLY. *TT
041814
Jan 2004
SteeringSTEERING COLUMN SHIPPED WITHOUT CRUSH PAD - REUSE ORIGINAL CRUSH PAD IF NOT DAMAGED. *TT
03181
Sep 2003
Electrical SystemREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
17174
Sep 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171/P0174 OR P1072/P0175 STORED IN MEMORY OR AS HARD FAULTS. HESITATION, LACK OF POWER OR RUNS ROUGH CONDITION. *TT
031514
Aug 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingTHE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) MAY BE ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P1380, P1381, P1383, AND/OR P0340 MAY BE STORED IN MEMORY. *TT
17009
Aug 2003
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH NO HARD FAULT. *TT
03148
Jul 2003
Power TrainNEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT
16880
Jun 2003
Electrical SystemINOPERATIVE SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID OR REPEAT INSTRUMENT INTERFACE MODULE FAILURE. *TT
03102
May 2003
Fuel SystemCOMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). ROUGH IDLE OR NO START WHEN COLD. VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CNG BI-FUEL ENGINE ONLY. *TT
03103
May 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLES WITHOUT THE COOLANT LOCK-OFF MAY EXHIBIT A NO START CONDITION. *TT
0398
May 2003
Fuel SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT
0346
Mar 2003
StructureINSTRUMENT PANEL WARPAGE REPAIR. *TT *JB
02208
Oct 2002
EquipmentCLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH
022001
Oct 2002
EquipmentREPLACEMENT SPEAKER INSTALLATION TIPS. *TT
02176
Sep 2002
Exterior LightingLAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ
16028
Jul 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT MULTIPLE MISFIRE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES WITH NO DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS NOTED. *TT
01B78
May 2002
Unknown Or OtherSUBJECT REGARDING INSTRUMENT PANEL COVER WARPAGE. *JG
15828
Apr 2002
Electrical SystemSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1213, B1342, B1601, B2431. *TT
15830
Apr 2002
Electrical SystemBATTERY LAMP ON, HOWEVER THE CHARGING SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. *TT
0253
Mar 2002
Fuel SystemSUBJECT REGARDING ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLE COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS TANK INSPECTION. *TT
0245
Mar 2002
Electrical SystemINFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT
0224
Feb 2002
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE CD4E TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT HARSH AND DELAYED 1-2/2-3 UPSHIFTS AFTER TRANSAXLE OR TURBINE SHAFT SPEED SENSOR REPLACEMENT, POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES 628, 642, 645, 646, 647, 648, P0731, P0732, P0734, P0741 AND P01744. *TT
15636
Feb 2002
Exterior LightingCONCERN WITH HEADLAMPS AND/OR INSTRUMENT PANEL LAMPS DIMMING SLIGHTLY AT IDLE. *TT
0214
Jan 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT
15241
Jan 2002
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NOISE THAT APPEARS TO COME FROM THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT
01246
Dec 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT
01B78
Dec 2001
Unknown Or OtherOWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 01B78 SUPPLEMENT #1 REGARDING INSTRUMENT PANEL COVER WARPAGE. *TT
01231
Nov 2001
Fuel SystemSOME COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ROUGH IDLE OR NO START WHEN COLD. *TT
15390
Nov 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND/OR EGR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES 332, P0401, P1407 (LACKOF EGR FLOW). *TT
01214
Oct 2001
Vehicle Speed ControlINFORMATION TO AID IN DIAGNOSIS FOR CLARIFICATION OF LOCK-OFF SOLENOID AND SOLENOID TANK VALVE COIL RSISTANCES FOR BI-FUEL VEHICLES. *TT
01205
Oct 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT
01195
Oct 2001
Vehicle Speed ControlSOME CNG BI-FUEL VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROMT HE STOPPED POSITION WHILE OPERATING INTHE NATURAL GAS MODE. *TT
01181
Sep 2001
Power TrainBRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB
15241
Sep 2001
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NOISE THAT APPEARS TO COME FROM THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT
01156
Aug 2001
VisibilitySOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
01157
Aug 2001
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
01B78
Aug 2001
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE WARPAGE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL COVER AT THE FRONT EDGE OF THE INSTUMENT PANEL COVER NEAR THE WINDSHIELD, ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND AROUND THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. *SLC
01136
Jul 2001
Fuel SystemSUBJECT REGARDING OVERVIEW OF BI-FUEL CNG VEHICLE PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION DATA (PID), INPUTS AND OUTPUTS AS A DIAGNOSTIC AID FOR BI-FUEL VEHICLES. *TT
15065
Jul 2001
VisibilitySOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A/C DISCHARGE AIR TEMPERATURES DIFFERENCES OF GREATER THAN 10 DEGREES F FROM REGISTERS ON LEFT SIDE OF DASH THAN ON RIGHT. *TT
15020
Jun 2001
Electrical SystemSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT MULTIPLE MISFIRE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES WITH NO DRIVEABILITY CONCERN NOTED. *TT
14877
May 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY ILLUMINATE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP OR RUN ROUGH AFTER THE CATALYST IS REMOVED AND / OR REPLACED. THIS MAY BE DUE TO VACUUM LEAKS AS A RESULT OF TOLERANCE STACKUP WITHIN THE EXHAUST / EGR / INTAKE SYSTEM. *TT
0162
Apr 2001
Electrical SystemVEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) MAY NOT START OR CRANK. *TT
14836
Apr 2001
SteeringSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CD4E TRANSAXLE, (DOES NOT APPLY TO MTX) MAY EXHIBIT A POWER STEERING GRUNT / MOAN TYPE NOISE WHEN RETURNING FROM A RIGHT TURN. *TT
14838
Apr 2001
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES WITH CD4E TRANSMISSIONS BUILT 7/1/2000 THRU 12/20/200 MAY EXHIBIT INTERMITTENT LOSS OF BOTH FIRST AND SECOND GEAR, (REPORTED AS A LOSS OF POWER) TCIL LAMP FLASH, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE, WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0758 (SHIFT SOLENOID) OR P0740...
0147
Mar 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE IN 2001 VEHICLES - SAE 5W-20 MOTOR OIL. *TT
14775
Mar 2001
Exterior LightingSOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (DRL) MAY EXHIBIT THE HIGH BEAM INDICATOR IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FLASHING WHEN THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS ARE ON. *TT
0114
Jan 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingEXPERIENCING A SPARK KNOCK OR PRE-IGNITION CONDITION ON VEHICLES WITH AN AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSION DURING STEADY CRUISE DRIVING OR UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION. *TT
00252
Dec 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingON SOME VEHICLES, AN OBJECTIONABLE EXHAUST, SULFUR, OR ROTTEN EGG ODOR FOLLOWING AGGRESSIVE DRIVING, SUCH AS FULL-THROTTLE ACCELERATION MAY OCCUR. *TT
00239
Nov 2000
Electrical SystemA CONDITION MAY EXIST WITH POSSIBLE ELECTRONC DAMAGE OCCURING TO THE COMPUVALVE FROM VOLTAGE SPIKES BETWEEN THE COMPUVALVE CONNECTIONS WHEN CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING THE MAIN COMPUVALVE HARNESS C4025. *TT
00186
Sep 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE NO START CONDITION WHEN THE WIPER SWITCH IS IN THE INTERMITTENT OR LOW-SPEED SETTING DURING VEHICLE START-UP. *JB
00S03
Sep 2000
Service BrakesSAFETY RECALL PERTAINING TO BRAKE PRESSURE CONTROL REDUCING VALVE REPLACEMENT. *JB
00182
Sep 2000
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT NO FORWARD GEAR RANGES DUE TO THE MISALIGNMENT OF THE FORWARD / COAST CLUTCH CYLINDER SNAP RING WITH RESPECT TO THE LEGS OF THE FORWARD CLUTCH PISTON. *JB
14355
Sep 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingINFORMATION PERTAINING TO DURATEC OIL PAN INVESTIGATION. *JB

Showing 60 of 91 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  2. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  3. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Ford Contour →