1996 Ford Contour Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 5%of 563 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Ford Contour, 5% of the 563 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Corrosion under the car (police inceptor ). Car was purchase from a local dealer in bamberg, sc that sell many crown victorias. He indicated my car came from up north, pennsylvania.”
NHTSA complaint #10542933, filed 2013-09, 20,000 miles“The rear power window on the passenger side does not work. The moulding on the outside of the rear windows has been loose ever since the I bought the car. The carpeting in the rear of the car has been loose/ hasn't fit ever since I bought the car. The blower no longer blows through the panel vents--only through the defroster/defogger vents.”
NHTSA complaint #707580, filed 1999-06“Steering wheel, column, dash board, and now I can feel it in the drivers seat ,vibrate when car is at a complete stop. Vibration lessens slightly when the car is placed in park. The Ford service dealer in warner robins, ga diagnosed the problem as correction diag and needs air bag, radiator support and steering wheel damper I was also advised none of the repairs were covered under my esp plan as these were external probalms and the warranty only covers internal. My warranty runs at at either 72000 or on nov 10, 2000. I am concerned about the air bag specifically. …”
NHTSA complaint #729485, filed 2000-08“I have had multiple problems w/ my 96 Ford Contour since I bought it 2/23/96. I have had it in for service multiple times, and I get told it's covered under warranty why worry about it. The srv.mngr.at my dealer supposedly talked to a tony at Ford & told him to tell me as long as it's covered under warranty I shouldn't complain it is no money out of my pocket. That is unsatisfactory -I believe my car to be a defect in that years line of contours & I would like something done about these problems. My car runs worse than any used car I have ever owned! …”
NHTSA complaint #708828, filed 1999-07“Excessive power steering fluid leak. The original rack and pinion assemply was replaced, due to leakage, with Ford parts. The replaced parts also leaked. After second replacement, the power steering hose leaked. At least two power steering hoses have been installed, both have leaked. All repairs attempts have been made by authorized Ford dealers under the manufacturers warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #541522, filed 1998-09Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Contour
123 complaintsElectrical system
119 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
77 complaintsExterior lighting
64 complaintsBrakes
49 complaintsEquipment
41 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
41 complaintsSuspension
38 complaintsOther or unknown
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsFuel system
30 complaintsAir bags
25 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Contour
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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