1997 Ford Contour Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 7%of 218 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,326miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford Contour, 7% of the 218 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,326 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving 45 MPH with foot on the accelerator pedal steering wheel locked up, then the vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over, and had vehicle towed have taken to dealership, but the problem was not resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #10046326, filed 2003-11, 74,000 miles“Driving approximately 45mph and attempting to change lanes, got into right lane and touched brakes lightly to steer car straight, steering locked up, couldn't steer left or right, steering stuck in slant position. Pumping brakes and the brakes were not working. Car ran into guardrail and flipped three times. Air bag deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #820621, filed 1998-01“22 yr. Old son matt crashed his 1997 Ford Contour into utility pole-feels bearings caused him to lose control of steering. Inner windshield driver's side post at corner came apart, plastic on interior-which stopped at top of post and wasn't connected to anything on inside of roof-popped out and lacerated his left eyeball. The eyeball interior was protruding and surgery was necessary to stitch the eyeball back together. He will eventually need a cornea transplant to get decent vision from that eye. …”
NHTSA complaint #10108423, filed 2005-02“While driving, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering. This happened only while the road was wet. Dealer stated it wasn't their problem. In the past 6 years power steering froze twice during a severe rain storm.”
NHTSA complaint #10033731, filed 2003-09“After driving through puddle, power steering assist is lost, drive belt squeals, and it becomes impossible to turn steering wheel for several seconds which causes lack of control. Ford has issued a TSB on this problem, but will not pay for repair.”
NHTSA complaint #719725, filed 2000-03Steering: 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 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsAir bags
9 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 28, 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