1998 Ford Contour Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 130about this part
- Share
- 15%of 846 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,465miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 130 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Ford Contour, 15% of the 846 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,465 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 13 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I just traded and got this car, it seems to sway in the back going over wet roads or bumpy roads not sure what it is, but I fear my safety as the previous owner did not tell me about this. I also have noticed that the temperature gauge does not work and the heater blower only works on high. I cannot afford to get things fixed if there is recalls on them.”
NHTSA complaint #10553556, filed 2013-11, 163,000 miles“Was driving down route 322 on day and had to hit the break and all of a sudden they went to the floor. I pulled over and checked my break fluid resivour and it was empty. I think the passenger side drum break is leaking fluid.”
NHTSA complaint #11153195, filed 2018-11, 147,000 miles“The wiring insulation on my 1998 Ford Contour is literally falling off the wires. I am afraid to touch any wire because the insulation just flakes off leaving bare wire. This has been occurring for quite some time and apparently is fairly common in this model.”
NHTSA complaint #10325248, filed 2010-04, 80,000 miles“Vehicle was purhased in jan of 1998. Vehicle currently has 70,000 miles. Vehicle was taken to a goodyear for tune up. When picking up the vehicle goodyear informed me of a fautly wire harness. They also included that the wire harness was flaking off almost as if it was rotten. The vehicle was never in a fire or an accident. I took the vehicle to another ase certified mechanic for a second oppinion. …”
NHTSA complaint #10127246, filed 2005-07, 70,000 miles“Constant problems with the vehicle. Alternator, fuel tank, gear shift indicator, computer sensor's (variable cam timing over retarded), automatic shift labored and fails, cooling fan motor, etc. This vehicle is in some form of repair shop on a regular basis. Have I driven a Ford lately? Yes, and sorry I chose to do so.”
NHTSA complaint #10037076, filed 2003-09, 18,000 milesRelated recalls
- 01V230000Jul 9, 2001On certain my 1996-1998 passenger vehicles built at the kansas city, cuautitlan assembly plants or on my 1999 passenger vehcles built at the automotive…Covers: Ford Contour 1996–1998, Mercury Mystique 1996–1998, Cougar 1999
Related service bulletins
- 10011161Aug 9, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with diagnostic trouble code(s) p0420 and/or p0430.
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Contour
132 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
128 complaintsSuspension
102 complaintsAir bags
99 complaintsBrakes
91 complaintsFuel system
72 complaintsExterior lighting
43 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
43 complaintsSeats
35 complaintsOther or unknown
34 complaintsVehicle speed control
34 complaintsSteering
33 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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