1998 Ford Contour Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 132about this part
- Share
- 16%of 846 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 132 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Ford Contour, 16% of the 846 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Dealer told me electrical system had a short. O2 sensor & computer in car. The car has had to have the o2 sensor replaced 3 times ($1200.00 charged by to me by dealer each time) and the computer reset. My complaint is that I should not have to pay to have the electrical fixed and the o2 censor replaced again (4 time!!)... The turn signals work and than do not .. I have been told a short is in the car but Ford will not find for free.. I am tired of fixing this car please please help”
NHTSA complaint #10118008, filed 2005-04, 32,000 miles“Check engine light illuminated 9/04 and I took my 98 Ford Contour to my mechanic who diagnosed it as needing a new catalytic converter. I took it to Ford in 3/05 (because my mechanic said it could wait awhile) and they diagnosed a different code and replaced the manifold. After paying $600.00 to Ford, the light came on again after 45 miles. Took the car to autozone and they diagnosed a catalytic code. I had told Ford that was the problem before I brought it in and now they want me to re-diagnosed with them out of pocket.”
NHTSA complaint #10112470, filed 2005-03, 72,000 miles“- the contact called regarding the 1998 Ford Contour. The contact stated that the engine seized when the temperature was extremely cold. The failure mileage was 50,000. The dealer diagnosed the failure as needing a new processor. The engine light stayed on.”
NHTSA complaint #10183929, filed 2007-03, 50,000 miles“Consumer stated that while driving and with no warning the vehicle stalled, which made it difficult to control. Dealer notified. The failure was intermittent. Several attempts were made to repair the problem. It occurred a lot at idle or while coasting, especially when turning corners. Dealer confused.”
NHTSA complaint #10024672, filed 2003-08, 70,000 milesEngine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Contour
130 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 27, 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