1996 Ford Contour Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 7%of 563 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Ford Contour, 7% of the 563 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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“I was informed both rear springs had cracked and it was a potential saftey hazzard. Tires plus said it is possiable for the spring ends to puncture the tires.”
NHTSA complaint #10162463, filed 2006-07, 65,000 miles“I printed out all of the recalls on 1996, Ford Contour but when I went to the Ford place they said the recalls are not on my particular car. So is that so? That cars are made in batches and only certain batches are recalled. I have a 1996 Ford Contour, 4 cylinder motor. That does have all of the problems on the recall list for my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10349954, filed 2010-08“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.”
NHTSA complaint #750846, filed 2001-08“Was traveling 60mph & driver lost control of vehicle. Had swerved first left & went off road & then swerved to the right into 30ft ditch. Vehicle towed to mechanic & was informed the left ball joint had broken which caused loss of vehicle control. The vehicle was totaled. Driver/passengers suffered injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #843817, filed 1999-07Suspension: 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 complaintsOther or unknown
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsFuel system
30 complaintsSteering
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 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