1997 Ford Contour Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 218 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Ford Contour, 2% of the 218 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 miles.
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.
“Could not get an inspection sticker - no mechanic could find out why the check engine will not go off -very costly. It stalls when raining, the passenger door handle does not work, it has to warm up for 5 minutes before it will move, the tail lights came loose, causing melting of housing, every valve imaginable has been replaced, belt squeals when air or defrost turned on.”
NHTSA complaint #10260956, filed 2009-03, 87,000 miles“The driverside door on my 1997 Ford Contour latch was sticking. Now it does not stick but it will not latch. When it first started you had to apply alot of pressure to open the door and now it is easy but does not stay shut.”
NHTSA complaint #10000468, filed 2003-01“Rear door intermittently opens at will. Vehicle in/out of shop on three occasions, and no correction have been made.seeking help from NHTSA in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #838139, filed 1999-05Latches, locks and linkages: 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 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsEquipment
7 complaintsOther or unknown
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