The contact owns a 1996 Ford Contour. While attempting to shift the gears on the floor shift, the contact experienced incorrect gear selection. He took the vehicle to the dealer and a technician stated that they did not repair vehicles after ten years. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included NHTSA campaign id number 98V233000 (power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift); therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The failure and current mileages were 86,000.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

I just got the car from used car dealer on 02/07/08 drove fine went home and in the morning I went out got kids in car and went to back up and had no reverse..the shop I took it to said the transmission is out. The car only has 81000 miles on it....and there has been alot of complaints made about this transmission in 1996 Ford Contour... I think some thing needs to be done...

- Clinton, IA, USA

At first vehicle would indicate wrong gear and then it binded up the gear shift so eventually had to remove some plastic from gear shift just to shift the gear then the automatic gear shift indication will not indicate what gear the car is in at all. Possibly causing wrong gear selection could cause collision in parking lot.

- Fairchild Afb, WA, USA

I bought a 1996 Ford Contour from and individual in July of this year. It ran well, for a few days, and then the od light kept coming on, and it felt like it was shifting into low. I kept mashing the button on the shift arm and the light would go out and then come back on this would go on for several days, then it would be ok for several days, just to start up all over again. Then I had the old changed in November and the would not stay cranked for me to get home. The wires under the hood are all flaking of there plastic covering. I assume this is why it will not stayed cranked. I can not drive it in this condition.

- Millbrook, AL, USA

Consumer has had numerous problems with the 1996 Ford Contour. There has been so many recalls on consumer's vehicle that she wasn't aware of because the manufacturer never sent notices. Since then consumer has been paying for entire full price and is asking for reimbursement. However, the biggest problem with the vehicle is the gas fumes which is leaking therefore leaving poisonous carbon monoxide fumes coming in through the heater vents. These harsh chemicals are damaging to the lungs, brain, respiratory system and its making consumer very tired among other symptoms.

- Groveland, MA, USA

While driving, the transmission would down shift on its own. The transmission would hesitate then shift. The driver was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. Please fill in additional information. The consumer stated that the transmission indicator deteriorated and fans out therefore can not indicate what gear the transmission is in.

- Fort Myers, FL, USA

The vehicle's automatic transmission failed (1996 Ford Contour).

- Sequim, WA, USA

Transmission has failed repeatedly even after complete rebuild. Have also had tread separation in tires on 5 separate occasions

- Barstow, CA, USA

The front part of the vehicle makes a dragging sound while driving. The dealer indicated there was an internal transmission problem. The serpentine belt was replaced. Updated

- Ridgefield, NJ, USA

Torque converter failed in January, 2001, causing damage to the automatic transmission which required replacement at a cost of $2,600. Five months later, the torque converter again required replacement. Replaced with Ford parts. Now in April, 2002, the transmission again caused problems with stalling in traffic, overdirve light flashing, very rough shifting. Diagnostics indicate the torque converter came apart and damaged the automatic transmission again. Replacement cost will be $2,400.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

I can't even remember how many time I have had to come to this site about this car. Without any warning the transmission went out and now still owing money on this car I am looking at $2000 for a new transmission.

- Port Huron, MI, USA

Stalling in traffic with high outside temperature, overdrive off light flashes, very rough shifting, diagnostics indicate torque converter clutch slipping, transmission being replaced.

- Pepperell, MA, USA

The vehicles overdrive failed resulting in transmission failure, the manufacturer has been contacted. Nlm

- Lakeville, MN, USA

My 1996 Contour has literally broken down. I have 99,000 miles and have completely replaced the transmission, the front suspension system, and the car still is not dependable, and the same problems re-occur. I hpay more in repairs than I do for my monthly payment.

- Ypsilanti, MI, USA

Asked dealership to perform recall 00V-367000 and they said Ford has no such recall.

- Big Bear City, CA, USA

Transmission shifted into reverse while shifter was still in drive. Overdrive light was blinking.

- Bradenton, FL, USA

While driving about 25 mph transmission felt like it was shifting into neutral. Vehicle had to be towed. Then, took vehicle to dealer, and found out that piston assambly was in transmission broke.

- Bell Air, MD, USA

Transmission went out, and pressing on gas vehicle felt like it was in neutral. Contacted dealer.

- Brighton, MI, USA

The cear is pealing, 2 transmisisons have failed and now the A/C int. Blower only runs on high.

- Pearl, MS, USA

Transmission failure - complete failure of 2-3 gear shift and also locking torque converter.

- Black Diamond, WA, USA