The 1998 Ford Contour (badge-engineered Mondeo) is a competent handler plagued by transmission fragility, front suspension failures, and V6 head gasket issues that make it a money pit past 100k miles.
CD4E Automatic Transmission Failure (4-cylinder)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 shifts, flare on upshift, Slipping in third or fourth gear under load, No reverse or delayed engagement, Burnt transmission fluid smell
Fix: The CD4E is a notorious weak link—servo bore wear and forward clutch failure are endemic. Rebuilds rarely last; most shops recommend replacement with a remanufactured unit. 8-12 hours labor for R&R, plus fluid and cooler flush.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
2.5L V6 Head Gasket Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating or erratic temperature gauge, Milky oil or coolant in overflow tank
Fix: The Duratec V6 blows head gaskets between cylinders or into coolant passages. Both heads must come off; warpage is common so resurfacing is mandatory. Timing covers, water pump, and all coolant hoses should be done while apart. 14-18 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Front Coil Spring Fracture
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Clunking or popping from front suspension over bumps, Vehicle sits lower on one side, Tire rubbing on fender liner, Visible crack or broken coil (often bottom coil)
Fix: Recall 00V246 addressed this but many weren't fixed. Springs corrode and snap, usually at the bottom coil. When one breaks, replace both fronts—the other is next. Requires spring compressor; 3-4 hours labor for the pair. Alignment mandatory after.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping near radiator or subframe, Low fluid level on dipstick, Pink or red fluid pooling under car, Transmission slipping after leak develops
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through where they pass the subframe or connect to the radiator. Often discovered too late—low fluid kills the already-weak CD4E. Replace both lines and flush the cooler; 2-3 hours labor. Do this proactively if you see surface rust.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Harmonic Balancer Separation (2.5L V6)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Violent vibration at idle or acceleration, Serpentine belt walking off or shredding, Visible wobble of crank pulley, Squealing or chirping from accessory belt area
Fix: The rubber isolator in the balancer degrades and the outer ring separates or wobbles. If it comes apart fully, the crank sensor loses signal and the engine dies. Replacement requires special puller and installer; 2-3 hours labor. Inspect closely at every belt service.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Fuel Tank Strap Corrosion
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Clunking from rear of car over bumps, Fuel tank hanging lower than normal, Rust staining visible on tank straps, Rattle when tank is less than half full
Fix: Recall 00V177 covered this for corrosion in salt-belt states. Straps rust and break, dropping the tank onto the exhaust or road. Replacement is straightforward—drop the tank, swap straps, reinstall. 2-3 hours labor if the fasteners cooperate.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Throttle Position Sensor / Idle Air Control Valve Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Erratic or surging idle (500-1200 RPM hunting), Stalling at stop signs or when cold, Check engine light with P0122 or P0505 codes, Hesitation on initial throttle tip-in
Fix: TPS and IAC valves fail from carbon buildup and wear. TPS is 30 minutes; IAC is 45 minutes with throttle body removal for proper cleaning. Often both are replaced together since labor overlaps. Throttle body gasket needed.
Estimated cost: $300-550
Owner tips
Change the automatic transmission fluid every 30k miles with Mercon V—the CD4E cannot tolerate neglect
Inspect transmission cooler lines and front coil springs annually, especially in rust-belt states
On the 2.5L V6, watch coolant level religiously; head gasket failure is when, not if, past 100k
Replace the harmonic balancer preemptively at 100k on the V6—far cheaper than the tow and valve damage if it grenades
Budget $500/year for 'Contour tax' repairs after 80k miles; these nickel-and-dime you to death
Only buy one if free or under $1,500, with fresh transmission service records and recent head gasket work on the V6—otherwise it's a guaranteed money pit.
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS · 01I013000
2001-08-08
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 POTENTIALLY FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION.
Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Remedy: FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY FOR FRONT COIL SPRING REPLACEMENT FOR THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FOR 10 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF SALE OF A VEHICLE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS · 01V255000
2001-08-08
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 JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN HIGH CORROSION ENVIRONMENTS. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CATCHER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · 01V230000
2001-07-09 · EA01001
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 THE COPPER SURFACE OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR. THE DAMAGE COULD, OVER TIME, CAUSE INCREASED RESISTANCE IN THE CONNECTOR AND, DUE TO SUBSEQUENT TERMINAL RELAXATION, RESULT IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION.
Consequence: THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
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 SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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 RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
Consequence: IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS · 00V075000
2000-03-09
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 DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.
Consequence: IF BOTH PCRV'S MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING BRAKING AS A RESULT OF THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · 99V243000
1999-09-08 · RQ99019
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 PIGTAIL NEAR THE RADIATOR. THIS CAN RESULT IN ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACKING OF THE INSULATION.
Consequence: IN SOME CASES, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISABLED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AIR BAG SENSORS WITH REVISED WIRING INSULATION. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WHICH HAVE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WILL HAVE A NEW AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR INSTALLED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · 99V194000
1999-07-20
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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH · 99V103000
1999-05-05 · PE98063
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.
Consequence: THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN DISTORTION OF THE TERMINAL CAUSING AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, PARKING LAMP, AND TAIL LAMP CIRCUITS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLAMP SWITCH WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAINING BRONZE TERMINALS AND AN INSPECTION, AND REPLACEMENT IF NECESSARY, OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 98V028000
1998-02-10
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."
Consequence: IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.
Remedy: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.
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