The 1995 Ford Contour, Ford's entry into the compact sedan market sharing the CDW27 platform with the Mercury Mystique, suffers primarily from automatic transmission failures and V6 head gasket issues. The 2.0L I4 is more reliable but underpowered; the 2.5L Duratec V6 offers better performance but significantly higher repair costs.
CD4E Automatic Transmission Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: harsh or delayed 2-3 upshift, slipping in third or fourth gear, no movement in drive or reverse, transmission overheating, burnt fluid smell
Fix: The CD4E automatic is notorious for servo bore wear, forward clutch failure, and inadequate cooling. Requires full rebuild (12-16 hours) or replacement with updated valve body and external cooler upgrade. Many shops won't touch rebuilds due to high comeback rate—recommend remanufactured unit with warranty.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
2.5L V6 Head Gasket Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: coolant loss with no visible leak, white exhaust smoke on startup, overheating, milky oil on dipstick or cap, rough idle when warm
Fix: The Duratec 2.5L develops head gasket leaks between cylinders or into coolant passages. Transverse V6 layout makes this a 14-18 hour job requiring intake manifold removal, timing cover work, and both heads off. Heads often need resurfacing. Must replace timing components and water pump while in there.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Motor Mount Failure (Especially Right Side)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: heavy clunk when shifting from park to drive, excessive engine movement visible under hood, vibration at idle in gear, banging noise over bumps
Fix: The hydraulic engine mounts, particularly passenger-side, fail from fluid leakage and rubber deterioration. Right mount replacement is 2-3 hours due to tight access. Plan to replace all three mounts (right, left, rear) if one fails—they all age together. Torque specs are critical.
Estimated cost: $400-750
Fuel Tank Filler Neck Corrosion
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: fuel smell in cabin or around fuel door, difficulty filling tank (pump clicks off repeatedly), check engine light with EVAP codes, visible rust or holes at filler neck behind door
Fix: The steel filler neck rusts through where it meets the tank, especially in salt-belt states. Subject to multiple recalls but corrosion continues beyond recall scope. Requires dropping tank (2-3 hours) and replacing filler neck assembly. Sometimes the tank itself is corroded and needs replacement too.
Estimated cost: $350-900
Harmonic Balancer Deterioration (V6)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: vibration at specific RPM ranges (1500-2000), serpentine belt wear or tracking off, visible wobble of crank pulley, squealing from belt area
Fix: The rubber ring in the harmonic balancer separates from the hub, causing imbalance and potential timing issues. 2.5L V6 requires removal of passenger-side mount and careful extraction without damaging crank nose. 3-4 hours labor. Use OEM or quality aftermarket—cheap ones fail quickly.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Lower Ball Joint and Control Arm Bushing Wear
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking over bumps, steering wander or looseness, inside tire wear, steering wheel off-center, failed state inspection
Fix: Front lower control arms develop ball joint wear and bushing separation. Ball joints are not serviceable separately—requires complete control arm replacement both sides. 3-4 hours including alignment. Subject to recall but many vehicles exceed recall eligibility. Always do alignment after replacement.
Estimated cost: $500-850
Ignition Coil Pack Failure (2.0L)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: misfire codes on specific cylinders, hesitation or stumble under load, rough idle, decreased fuel economy, check engine light flashing
Fix: The 2.0L Zetec uses a coil pack mounted on valve cover. Develops internal shorts causing cylinder-specific misfires. Easy diagnosis with scan tool showing consistent cylinder misfire. Simple replacement, 0.5-1.0 hour. Replace spark plug wires at same time—they crack and cause similar symptoms.
Estimated cost: $200-400
Owner tips
Change automatic transmission fluid every 30,000 miles with Mercon V—extends CD4E life significantly and install auxiliary cooler if towing or hot climate
Use only Motorcraft gold coolant in the V6—mixing coolants accelerates head gasket failure
Inspect motor mounts annually after 60,000 miles—catching early prevents expensive secondary damage to exhaust and axles
Rust-proof filler neck area annually in salt states and check for recall eligibility even on older vehicles
The 2.0L manual transmission combo is the most reliable configuration but painfully slow
Only consider with manual transmission and 2.0L engine, or budget $3,000 for inevitable transmission/head gasket work on V6 automatics—there are more reliable compact sedans from this era.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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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 FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · 06E022000
2006-03-13
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 PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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 1-800-323-0354.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT · 01I009000
2001-07-09 · EA01001
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 ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TO MELT.
Consequence: THIS COULD CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
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 NEW HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND A NEW WIRE JUMPER HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · 00V367000
2000-11-06 · EA00005
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 MOTOR CURRENT AND ACCOMPANYING HIGH MOTOR TEMPERATURES.
Consequence: OVERHEATING OF THE COOLING FAN MOTOR DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT CAN RESULT IN SMOKE AND ODORS FROM BEARING GREASE, INSULATION AND OTHER INTERNAL MOTOR COMPONENTS. IF ELECTRICAL CURRENT CONTINUES TO BE APPLIED TO THE MOTOR, INTERNAL MOTOR COMPONENTS COULD IGNITE POSSIBLY IGNITING OTHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A POSITIVE TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT DEVICE IN-LINE WITH EACH FAN MOTOR. FORD WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY TO A TOTAL OF 8 YEARS OF SERVICE OR 100,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF THE VEHICLE ALREADY HAS MORE THAN 100,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL JULY 31, 2001.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT · 98V233000
1998-09-18 · RQ02006
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES · 97V225000
1997-12-08
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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT IS LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BENDING OR KINKING DURING INSTALLATION.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP · 95V232000
1995-12-05
THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE OPENING REINFORCEMENT, CONSTRUCTED FROM TWO SEPARATELY MOLDED PIECES, CAN LEAK AT THE WELD.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES WITH UNITS CONTAINING ONE-PIECE MOLDED REINFORCEMENTS.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE · 95V228000
1995-12-04
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 ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: A FRACTURE OR SEPARATION IN THIS AREA WOULD REDUCE THE LOAD THAT THE ANCHOR AND THE FRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES COULD SUSTAIN, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY IN A VEHICLE COLLISOIN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL AN ANCHOR TAB REINFORCEMENT OR REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPLETE FRONT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY IF AN ANCHOR TAB IS FOUND TO HAVE FRACTURED.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 95E006002
1995-02-24
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.
Consequence: THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT INFLATE PROPERLY RESULTING IN REDUCED OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. IF THE IGNITER END CAP SEPARATES IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, HOT GASES CAN BE RELEASED AND IGNITE FLAMMABLE MATERIAL OR CAUSE BURN INJURIES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD · 95V009000
1995-01-24
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."
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: IF THE WINDOW BREAKS, THE GLASS FRAGMENTS OF THE REAR WINDOWS EXCEED THE SIZE SPECIFICATIONS OF FMVSS NO. 205.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT REAR DOOR GLASS.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP · 94V203000
1994-10-18
THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE OPENING REINFORCEMENT CAN LEAK AT THE WELD.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, AS APPROPRIATE, REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP · 94V184000
1994-09-29
A METAL SHIELD ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PLASTIC FUEL FILLER PIPE CAN DEVELOP A STATIC ELECTRICAL CHARGE DURING REFUELING OF THE VEHICLE.
Consequence: A STATIC CHARGE CAN DISCHARGE AND SERVE AS AN IGNITION SOURCE FOR FUEL VAPORS IN THE AREA OF THE FILLER PIPE, RESULTING IN A FLASH VAPOR IGNITION AND A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, MODIFY THE VEHICLES BY ADDING A GROUND STRAP BETWEEN THE FILLER PIPE SHIELD AND THE BODY.
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