6.2

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
12,375 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Ford Contour transmission problems

transmission problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Ford Contour:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

1997 Ford Contour Owner Comments

problem #16

Dec 152003

Contour 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Trasmission failure at 48000 miles and again at 101000 miles both requiring complete rebuild. Both failures were sudden onset and the second occured at highway speed witch nearly caused a serious accident (thank god for the quick thinking driver behind me) took to 5 different shops for diagnoses. All said that the cd4E transimission was a notoriously bad transmission on both Ford and Mazda

- East Rockaway, NY, USA

problem #15

Sep 152003

Contour 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles
Cd4E transmission in 1998 Ford Contour gl (same complaint as the C4de in the Mazda 626). Transmission needed to be rebuilt due to the tss sensor breaking and falling inside the transmission - which stopped the pump and caused vehicle to become inoperable. The sensor is in the driver's side fenderwell, where it is exposed to road hazards and environmental conditions. Not a good design. Furthermore, the repair costs $3000 for a new transmission and all this happened because Ford put the sensor in a position where it can break and cause significant damage. It's a lousy design. The sensor should be somewhere under the hood - not in the fenderwell.

- Saint Petersburg, FL, USA

problem #14

Sep 062002

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Suitland, MD, USA

problem #13

Sep 122002

(reported on)

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driver has problems shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. Transmission will pop out of gear, rendering vehicle's operation.

- Monroe, NY, USA

problem #12

Jan 202002

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Bought car 4months ago, and transmission went out already. Requested test reports from dealer and they have not returned my phone call. Transmission can not be save and it died without warning, well cost $2600 to get new one.

- Garden Grove, CA, USA

problem #11

Dec 062001

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
There seemed to be no warning regarding this problem, other than a slight high pitched whining noise in the am., much like the sound of a serpentine belt.the transmission fluid level was appropriate when checked. The computer reading has stated several problems, including a bad clutch.it will cost $2000 for a rebuilt transmission.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #10

Jul 032001

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Defroster will not work, will block the view and could cause an accident. Also the check engine light was on, coolant leaking, engine overheating, transmission was inoperative, and the water pump was leaking.

- Daily City, CA, USA

problem #9

Sep 012000

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Sturgis, SD, USA

problem #8

Oct 092001

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While pulling vehicle out of a stop transmission started to slip. Consumer has contacted dealer.

- Fitchburg, MA, USA

problem #7

Mar 152001

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
We had this vehicle for 3 yrs and during those years we have come across a number of problems with it.after the first few months of purchase the vehicle was unable to shift into the proper gear, it would get stuck on park and we were unable a drive it a number of times.we then problems with the tires in which one of the front tire split, we then replace all four. We then had problems with the heater and front lights. After seeing all the negative reports others have given on this particurlar vehicle online we feel this is a very unsafe vehicle to drive.we have major concerns as to whether we should even put this vehicle on the road without having an investigation done.we took the vehicle to the dealer and we couldn't believe their attitude, they showed no concern to our problem and proceeded to give us a quote for 2200. To get a new transmission. When we asked if there were any recalls on this vehicle they stated no. We then saw a recall on the transmission online, so we contacted Ford customer svc in which they then said that our VIN number wasn't included on this recall. We explained that we were having the same problems this recall stated. They in turn called the manager at crowell's who stated that he didn't offer any discount because of our attitudes.he then offer to charge 495.for a new transmission plus 200.for any service charge, also a 28. Per day rental. When we asked why he lowered his price so drastically they stated that if the work was over 2200. That was the amount of the discount(1500.) however, she also stated that if our vehicle was over 75,000 miles it did not apply to us. So we are left with no vehicle to drive no way of paying this amount of money and to our surprise a vehicle with so many recalls it shouldn't to be allow on the road.I feel we should get our money back being that this vehicle is too unsafe for my family to be in.

- South Boston, VA, USA

problem #6

Mar 152001

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Overdrive lights continually comes on and would not go off. Transmission will not engage, and allow consumer to drive vehicle. Took vehicle to dealership. Told consumer that transmission fluid was burned out, and transmission would need to be replaced. Also, gear shift had to be forced into place in order to operate vehicle. Consumer told vehicle was not part of any recall listed. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

- South Ballston, VA, USA

problem #5

Apr 132001

(reported on)

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving vehicle will jump out of gear. Also, when in park vehicle is hard to shift into gear.

- S. Boston, VA, USA

problem #4

May 012000

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission failed three times within four months. May 1st, June 26th and August 17th/2000. Each time transmission has been rebuilt.

- Mishawaka, IN, USA

problem #3

Dec 121999

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer states automobile would not come out of gear. Car was stuck in park.

- Rapid City, SD, USA

problem #2

Jun 151998

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Ongoing transmission failure. Vehicle has had its 3rd transmission replacement.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #1

Dec 051997

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles
Transmission design allows vehicle to roll backwards when foot is removed from brake pedal while in drive gear.

- Blasdell, NY, USA

Not what you are looking for?