Ford Contour Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
Owners have filed 276 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Ford Contour across 6 model years. The 1998 model year has the most (83). The words owners use most often: “applying brakes” (9% of reports).
- 276service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 30mention a crash
- 16mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 29%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.
- Applying brakes: mentioned in 26 of 276 complaints (9%)
- Please provide further: mentioned in 16 of 276 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?
Based on 24 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 276 complaints, 30 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 16 an injury.
Ford Contour service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Contour | 8 | 4% | 69,900 |
| 1999 Contour | 42 | 10% | 79,549 |
| 1998 Contour | 83 | 10% | 78,600 |
| 1997 Contour | 27 | 12% | 149,500 |
| 1996 Contour | 44 | 8% | 90,000 |
| 1995 Contour | 72 | 8% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder; service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
Model years: 2000
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles built with an incorrect power brake booster and master cylinder assembly.
Risk: If either the master cylinder or power brake booster is subsequently serviced with only one of the correct brake booster or master cylinder parts, brake performance would be reduced.
Fix: Dealers will install the correct contour brake booster and master cylinder in each of these vehicles. Owner notification began january 28, 2002. 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components
Model years: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford contour. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal noise. In addition, the vehicle traction control activated when the brakes were activated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
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
Rear brake failure on 99 ford contour se contacted dutro ford zanesvile ohio said there was no recall on this car. *tr
My rear brakes will not stay on my car and keep falling off into the drums. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. The contact purchased brakesafe front disc pads for the vehicle. Approximately 30 miles later, a grinding and rattling noise was heard and an outer lining on the padding fell off. The contact took the vehicle to the mechanic and was informed that the pads…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Contours have service brakes, hydraulic problems?
No. NHTSA has 276 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic 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 service brakes, hydraulic?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Ford Contour?
The most frequent phrase is “applying brakes”, in 26 of 276 complaints, followed by “please provide further” (16).
Other Ford Contour problems
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (581)
- Electrical System problems (551)
- Power Train problems (391)
- Suspension problems (276)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (243)
- Structure problems (226)
- Air Bags problems (215)
- Visibility problems (207)
See all Ford Contour problems.