MYRModel Year Report

1997 Ford Contour

▲ Better than typical
1997 Ford Contour
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
218
Recalls
8

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

21% of complaints

Complaints per year

1993: 3 complaints 1993 1994: 12 complaints 1995: 893 complaints 1995 1996: 563 complaints 1997: 218 complaints 1997 218 1998: 846 complaints 1999: 419 complaints 1999 2000: 199 complaints 2001: 4 complaints 2001
1993: 3 complaints 1993 1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 893 complaints 1995 1996: 563 complaints 1996 1997: 218 complaints 1997 218 1998: 846 complaints 1998 1999: 419 complaints 1999 2000: 199 complaints 2000 2001: 4 complaints 2001
1993: 3 complaints 1993 1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 893 complaints 1995 1996: 563 complaints 1996 1997: 218 complaints 1997 218 1998: 846 complaints 1998 1999: 419 complaints 1999 2000: 199 complaints 2000 2001: 4 complaints 2001

1997: 218 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19933
199412
1995893
1996563
1997218
1998846
1999419
2000199
20014

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

21% · 45 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Electrical fire inside car about 2 years ago. Electrical system down a/c does not work, back window switches do not work, killed battery and alternator.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-30

The wiring harness has deteriorated to where the engine runs lean and dies. The check engine light came on while driving. Once home I checked everything I could until the engine compartment cooled then noticed the wiring on the number 1 cylinder.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-06

Also filed under Engine

Engine and engine cooling

19% · 42 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Power train

14% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.

Service brakes

14% · 30 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Suspension

11% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing wheel bearing and coil springs.

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1998-02-09Fuel system, other97V203000 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…

    Remedy: Ford has requested owners of these vehicles to have the cng fuel system disabled under a previous recall campaign and to only use gasoline fuel until a permanent corrective action is developed.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1998-11-20Power train98V233000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1999-07-16Exterior lighting99V103000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and an inspection, and replacement if necessary, of the headlamp switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1999-09-15Recall queryClosed 2001-03-07 Various intermittent electrical issues
  5. I
    2000-06-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2001-01-05 Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
  6. R
    2000-10-11Service brakes, hydraulic00V075000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    2001-01-05Engineering analysisClosed 2001-07-31 Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
  8. R
    2001-08-29Visibility01I009000 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…

    Remedy: Ford will provide additional warranty coverage for the heater blower switch for 10 years from original date of sale of the vehicle or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Dealers will install a…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2001-08-29Electrical system01V230000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. I
    2002-02-26Recall queryClosed 2002-09-12 Incorrect gear indication
  11. R
    2006-03-20Service brakes, hydraulic06E022000 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…

    Remedy: Affinia (Brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2008-05-22Suspension08E033000 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…

    Remedy: Federal mogul will notify owners and replace the parts free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2008. Owners can contact federal mogul at 877-489-6659.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Ford Contour — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 45 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 42 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 31 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V203000 · Fuel system, other
  • Recall 98V233000 · Power train
  • Recall 99V103000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 00V075000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 01I009000 · Visibility
  • Recall 01V230000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 06E022000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 08E033000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Ford Contour reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Ford Contour is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Contour?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Contour have?
8 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.