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Interior lightingPart report

1996 Ford Contour Interior lighting Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
3%of 563 total for the year
Median mileage
82,950miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the interior lighting of the 1996 Ford Contour, 3% of the 563 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,950 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“When the light switch is turned to park lights, none of the park lights work--front or back, left or right. Additionally, the dash lights do not work. When the light switch is turned to head lights, only the headlights and bright lights work--there are not tail lights or dash lights. All other lights work, such as the brake lights and turn signals. This occured during the thanksgiving holiday at night while driving through kansas city. We could not see our speedometer, and cars approaching from the rear could not see us until they approached and their lights shown on our car--very dangerous.”

NHTSA complaint #755018, filed 2001-11

“Whenever starting vehicle or even driving electrical system would start acting up. Windshield wipers would go on by themselves, have not been turned on. Lights, interior & exterior, would go out. Ignition will not start vehicle sometimes.also, would hear a clicking noise. Did not have a battery problems. Heater blower failed to work. No recalls on vehicle for electrical problems.”

NHTSA complaint #878509, filed 2001-01

“Received a manufacturer's recall notice #99s-14 Ford/headlight switch /wiring harness; took vehicle to dealer shop for repairs; later on noticed instrument panel lights failed to operate. Notified dealer, and informed consumerthat it would c additional $48.00 to get the lights back on. Can NHTSA provide further detail on this matter.”

NHTSA complaint #845410, filed 1999-08

“While driving tail lights/odometer lights, and parking lights went out. Consumer took vehicleto dealer, and they replaced a switch. Consumer did not know which switch, on nov 1, 2000 same problem occurred. Took vehicle to another dealer, and they replaced headlight switch, and a f5rz14a411 , head lamp switch.”

NHTSA complaint #874649, filed 2000-11

“While driving headlights/ tail lights, and dash lights completely stopped working, there was no warning. Took vehicle to dealer. Also, vehicle has had three alternators within three months. Problem has not been remedied as of yet. Please provide any further information.”

NHTSA complaint #8007093, filed 2002-04

Interior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
199951%
1998101%
199731%
1996183%
199510%

Other parts of the 1996 Ford Contour

Engine cooling
123 complaints
Electrical system
119 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
77 complaints
Exterior lighting
64 complaints
Brakes
49 complaints
Equipment
41 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
41 complaints
Suspension
38 complaints
Other or unknown
31 complaints
Vehicle speed control
31 complaints
Fuel system
30 complaints
Steering
30 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Contour

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology