1998 Ford Contour Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 4%of 846 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,310miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1998 Ford Contour, 4% of the 846 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,310 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“The consumer is experiencing problems with the accelerator cable. When the consumer takes his foot off the pedal the engine does not return to it's lower idling speed. The consumer is also experiencing electrical problems. The air bag light stays flashing. Owner has contacted the dealer and because of the VIN, this vehicle is not included in any recalls relating to the defects of this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10111402, filed 2005-03, 35,000 miles“Whenever foot was released from brake pedal vehicle accelerated when slowing down. This problem happened when cruise control was engaged. Vehicle continued to move while trying to slow down for stop signs or lights. Consumer did not take vehicle to dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #10094566, filed 2004-09, 140,000 miles“On 7/25/99, the car accelerated mysteriosly while I was driving on I-75 causing loss of control and accident. Later, notification of throttle cable recall was recieved. Also, check engine light showed problem with oxygen sensor. There was major damage over $5,000 to the car. The air bags failed to deploy and passenger shoulder harness failed to lock.”
NHTSA complaint #713369, filed 1999-10“The contact owns a 1998 Ford Contour. The contact stated that the engine is not returning to idle. The accelerator pedal sticks and, when it is released, the engine continues to idle at high rpms. The throttle also sticks while driving between 10-80 MPH. The failure occurs each day under normal weather conditions. The current mileage was 139,653 and failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 09/12/07.”
NHTSA complaint #10201060, filed 2007-08, 130,000 miles“Consumer stated that while driving and taking foot slightly off the accelerator vehicle shut off. This caused consumer to lose control of the vehicle. However, consumer was able to regain power and restart vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, who was suppose to fix the problem, but the vehicle was still doing the same thing.”
NHTSA complaint #10064756, filed 2004-03Related recalls
- 99V194000Jul 20, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The accelerator cable may have been manufactured with a burr on or near the end of the cable sleeve interior. This…Covers: Ford Contour 1998, Mercury Mystique 1998, Cougar 1999
Vehicle speed control: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Contour
132 complaintsElectrical system
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 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 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