1998 Ford Contour Problems: 3 Known Issues
1998 model year · 370+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 370+ owner reports, the 1998 Ford Contour has 3 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. The most commonly reported issue is Power Window Regulator Gear Stripping with 200 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $80 to $500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
1998 · All trims · All engines
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All 3 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls21 recalls
SUSPENSION
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Contour problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 370+ owner reports, the 1998 Ford Contour has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: IMRC Intake Manifold Runner Control Failure, Alternator Premature Failure, Power Window Regulator Gear Stripping. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
Is the Ford Contour reliable?
The 1998 Ford Contour has 3 known issues documented across 370+ owner reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Contour problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Contour issues range from $80 to $500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1995-2000 Ford Contour IMRC Intake Manifold Runner Control Failure?
The 2.5L Duratec V6 in the Contour (base V6 and SVT) uses intake manifold runner control (IMRC) butterflies that seize or break due to carbon buildup. This causes a noticeable loss of mid-range power and a check engine light. Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 1995-2000 Ford Contour Alternator Premature Failure?
The alternator on both 2.0L and 2.5L V6 engines fails prematurely, often before 80,000 miles. The voltage regulator or diode pack burns out, causing battery drain and electrical issues. The 2.5L V6 alternator is particularly difficult to access. Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 1995-2000 Ford Contour Power Window Regulator Gear Stripping?
The Contour's power window regulators use plastic gears that strip over time, causing the window to drop into the door or become inoperable. Repairs typically run $80-$250. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.