1997 Ford Contour Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 218 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Ford Contour, 4% of the 218 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Smells like raw gas all the time. Had the vehicle at the dealer was not able to find the problem. Two weeks ago vehicle went to the shop for a fuel pump. On highway while trying to pull over to the shoulder, something had popped out and started smoking under the hood, hit the concrete and both airbags came out.”
NHTSA complaint #849264, filed 1999-09“Airbag light was flashing while driving, consumer had vehicle towed to dealer. Dealer could not find a problem with the airbag. Consumer states airbag light illuminated and stayed on for approximately 5 miles, consumer shut engine off and restarted vehicle to find the airbag light flashing, dealer drove vehicle over 100 miles and airbag light would not illuminate, consumer is concerned because she has to sit close to the steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #899392, filed 2001-11“While driving at approximately 35-40 MPH hit an enbankment and went up railroad track , tearing bumper., and made a hole in oil pan. Also ,about $3,000 worth of damage to front end. Upon impact, dual airbags did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #884135, filed 2001-03“Driver was in an front end accident that was caused by application of the brakes which failed. Consumer lost control and hit a gaurdrail head-on. Upon impact, passenger's side air bag deployed, but driver's side air bag failed to deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #850180, filed 1999-10“Passenger's side air bag is visible due to a half in crack with the interior of the vehicle. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has yet to replace parts. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #846310, filed 1999-09Air bags: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Contour
41 complaintsEngine cooling
35 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsEquipment
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsTires
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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