1996 Ford Contour Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 41about this part
- Share
- 7%of 563 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 41 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Ford Contour, 7% of the 563 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This car has less than 70000 miles on it. We had trouble with the fuel door, front wheel bearings, brakes, door handles, transmission, electric windows, and now as a special treat the engine failed. This car has been the worst investment that my wife and I have ever made. I have have owned several cars and trucks with 200000 plus miles on them and none of them have ever been as problematic as this automobile.”
NHTSA complaint #10069333, filed 2004-01, 49,000 miles“Had the drivers side power window repaired today, as well as passenger front side window repaired in july 2002. Both window regulators had to be replaced at a cost of approximately $700 for both. The mechanics informed me this is a very common problem with this vehicle, which would seem to show a major manufacturer defect. Please pursue a recall repair on this vehicle so customers can be properly compensated.”
NHTSA complaint #10016247, filed 2003-04, 141,998 miles“Blower motor failure. The blower controls the defroster and heater. The failure results in fog, frost etc so visibility is greatly limited. If one can see well an accident is possible.”
NHTSA complaint #10279197, filed 2009-08, 130,000 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“I can tell by the marks on the passanger side door that the window assembly was replaced prior to my buying the car. Since I bought the car the drivers side window got stuck down and seeing the cost of the part and labor I couldn't afford to get it fixed so the guy just put the window in the up possision for me. The back drivers side window is so loose that I can't roll it down because it rattles too much. The gas pedel sticks all the time. …”
NHTSA complaint #735025, filed 2000-10Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): 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 complaintsSuspension
38 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 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