Ford Contour Fuel System, Gasoline Problems
Owners have filed 243 complaints with NHTSA about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Ford Contour across 6 model years. The 1995 model year has the most (83). The words owners use most often: “fuel tank” (22% of reports).
- 243fuel system, gasoline complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- $920typical repair cost reported by owners
- 42%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Fuel tank: mentioned in 53 of 243 complaints (22%)
- Filler neck: mentioned in 20 of 243 complaints (8%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical fuel system, gasoline repair on the Ford Contour at $920, and half of them between $550 and $1,250.
Based on 8 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (1999–2008), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do fuel system, gasoline problems happen?
Based on 50 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 243 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 2 an injury.
Ford Contour fuel system, gasoline complaints by model year
| Model year | Fuel System, Gasoline complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Contour | 34 | 17% | 52,000 |
| 1999 Contour | 26 | 6% | 73,556 |
| 1998 Contour | 62 | 7% | 55,000 |
| 1997 Contour | 9 | 4% | 56,000 |
| 1996 Contour | 29 | 5% | 127,000 |
| 1995 Contour | 83 | 9% | 67,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap
Model years: 1996
Problem: 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.
Risk: A cracked hose could result in fuel leakage when the vehicle is being fueled.
Fix: Dealers will install a fuel filler vent hose contacting the appropriate blend of pvc and nitrile rubber.
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap
Model years: 1995
Problem: The fuel tank filler pipe opening reinforcement, constructed from two separately molded pieces, can leak at the weld.
Risk: Fuel leakage can result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank assemblies with units containing one-piece molded reinforcements.
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap
Model years: 1995
Problem: The fuel tank filler pipe opening reinforcement can leak at the weld.
Risk: Fuel leakage can result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, as appropriate, replace the fuel tanks.
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap
Model years: 1995
Problem: A metal shield on the outside of the plastic fuel filler pipe can develop a static electrical charge during refueling of the vehicle.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, modify the vehicles by adding a ground strap between the filler pipe shield and the body.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
1998 ford contour. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle brake line corrosion. *smd the consumer stated the brakes the failed. The repair shop, stated there was no brake fluid in the reservoir. The consumer also stated the gas line leading to the tank had to be replaced, due to corrosion. *jb
The fuel tank strap is completely corroded away, and the fuel tank is ready to fall off. The protective coating is defective and has completely fallen off, causing the fuel strap to be eaten away by rust and corrosion. The fuel tank is going to fall off eventually. The fuel filler neck and emission…
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford contour. The contact stated that after refueling, a strong odor of fuel was emitted from the vehicle. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed that the fuel tank was leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the…
THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WHICH CONNECTS TO THE VEHICLE'S MAIN POWER SUPPLY BOX HAS WIRING FOR WHICH THE INSULATION COMES OFF EXPOSING LIVE, BARE WIRES. THIS LEADS TO SHORTS IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH AFFECTS DRIVABILITY (ENGINE RUNS ERRATICALLY AND AFFECTS THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS OPERATION)…
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. While the contact inspected the vehicle, he noticed that the fuel tank straps were rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000. Updated 06/16/11*lj updated 07/11/11
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Contours have fuel system, gasoline problems?
No. NHTSA has 243 owner complaints about fuel system, gasoline for the Ford Contour. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford Contour fuel system, gasoline?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list fuel system, gasoline. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix fuel system, gasoline problems on the Ford Contour?
Owners report a typical cost of $920 (half paid between $550 and $1,250), from 8 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Ford Contour?
The most frequent phrase is “fuel tank”, in 53 of 243 complaints, followed by “filler neck” (20).
Other Ford Contour problems
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (581)
- Electrical System problems (551)
- Power Train problems (391)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (276)
- Suspension problems (276)
- Structure problems (226)
- Air Bags problems (215)
- Visibility problems (207)
See all Ford Contour problems.