1996 FORD Contour Recalls

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Recalls Found

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All Recalls

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.

NHTSA 08E033000

Report Date

14/04/2008

Component

SUSPENSION

Manufacturer

FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS

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 / Corrective Action

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.

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.

NHTSA 06E022000

Report Date

13/03/2006

Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Manufacturer

BRAKE PARTS, INC.

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 / Corrective Action

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.

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.

NHTSA 00V367000

Report Date

06/11/2000

Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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 / Corrective Action

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.

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.

NHTSA 00V075000

Report Date

09/03/2000

Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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 / Corrective Action

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.

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.

NHTSA 01I009000

Report Date

09/07/2001

Component

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Consequence: THIS COULD CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.

Remedy / Corrective Action

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.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL FILLER PIPE VENT HOSE MAY HAVE LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF OZONE RESISTANCE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE HOSE BECOMING BRITTLE AND CRACKING.

NHTSA 99V247000

Report Date

13/09/1999

Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Consequence: A CRACKED HOSE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING FUELED.

Remedy / Corrective Action

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL FILLER VENT HOSE CONTACTING THE APPROPRIATE BLEND OF PVC AND NITRILE RUBBER.

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.

NHTSA 01V230000

Report Date

09/07/2001

Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Consequence: THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.

Remedy / Corrective Action

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 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 FUEL TANK IN THE EVENT OF CERTAIN MODERATE TO SEVERE COLLISIONS. IF THE VEHICLE IS IN A COLLISION AND THE NATURAL GAS FUEL LINE IS DAMAGED, THE SYSTEM COULD LEAK NATURAL GAS.

NHTSA 97V203000

Report Date

17/11/1997

Component

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy / Corrective Action

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. OWNERS ARE BEING ALERTED TO THIS SOLENOID VALVE CONCERN AT THIS TIME. THE TIMING OF CORRECTIVE ACTIONS IS BEING DELAYED TO ALLOW BOTH CONDITIONS TO BE REMEDIED AT ONE TIME. IN THE MEANTIME, THERE IS NOT RISK AS LONG AS THE NATURAL GAS SYSTEM HAS BEEN DISABLED AND THE VHEICLE IS ONLY OPERATED ON GASOLINE.

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.

NHTSA 97V225000

Report Date

08/12/1997

Component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.

Remedy / Corrective Action

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE WITH A REVISED DESIGN THAT IS LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BENDING OR KINKING DURING INSTALLATION.

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.

NHTSA 98V233000

Report Date

18/09/1998

Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.

Remedy / Corrective Action

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.

NHTSA 99V103000

Report Date

05/05/1999

Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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 / Corrective Action

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLAMP SWITCH WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAINING BRONZE TERMINALS AND AN INSPECTION, AND REPLACEMENT IF NECESSARY, OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.

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Where to Find VIN for Recall Check

To check for recalls on your 1996 FORD Contour, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 1996 FORD Contour for Recall Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Recall Verification

Each character in your 1996 FORD Contour 17-digit VIN helps identify specific recalls affecting your vehicle. Learn how the VIN structure works for accurate recall lookup.

1996 FORD Contour VIN Structure for Recall Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 1996 FORD Contour Recalls in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 1996 FORD Contour dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Enter VIN in Checker

Input your VIN into our free recall checker tool above to search NHTSA database for safety recalls, TSBs, and service campaigns specific to your vehicle.

Review & Schedule Repair

Check the recall details including affected components, consequences, and remedy. Contact your FORD dealer to schedule free recall repair appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many recalls does the 1996 FORD Contour have?

The 1996 FORD Contour currently has 11 recalls according to NHTSA records. All recall information is sourced directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database.

Are 1996 FORD Contour recalls free to fix?

Yes! All safety recalls for 1996 FORD Contour vehicles must be repaired free of charge by authorized dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. Contact your local FORD dealer to schedule a recall repair.

How do I check if my 1996 FORD Contour has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in our VIN decoder tool. The 17-character VIN can be found on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or on the driver's side dashboard visible through the windshield.

Where can I find my 1996 FORD Contour VIN number?

Your 1996 FORD Contour VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

What should I do if my 1996 FORD Contour has a recall?

Contact your nearest FORD dealership immediately to schedule a free recall repair. Bring your vehicle registration or VIN number. All safety recalls must be fixed free of charge by the manufacturer, regardless of vehicle age or mileage.

Are NHTSA recalls mandatory to fix on 1996 FORD Contour?

While not legally required for vehicle owners to fix recalls, it's strongly recommended for safety. However, dealerships and manufacturers must offer free repairs for all official NHTSA recalls on 1996 FORD Contour vehicles.