Recall 01V230000: 1996–1998 Ford Contour and 2 other models
- Report received
- Jul 9, 2001
- Manufacturer
- Ford motor company
- Potentially affected
- 342,962vehicles
- Model years
- 1996–1999
Check your own vehicle. A recall applies only to vehicles within the affected build range. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
What NHTSA recorded
On certain my 1996-1998 passenger vehicles built at the kansas city, cuautitlan assembly plants or on my 1999 passenger vehcles built at the automotive alliance international assembly plants, the rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades can damage the copper surface of the wiring harness connector. The damage could, over time, cause increased resistance in the connector and, due to subsequent terminal relaxation, result in an open circuit condition.
Possible consequence
The open circuit could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material creasing the potential for a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness. Owner notification began august 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Affected model years
Pages for each model year show complaints, parts, mileage and other recalls.
- 1996 Ford Contour563 complaints
- 1997 Ford Contour218 complaints
- 1998 Ford Contour846 complaints
- 1999 Mercury Cougar454 complaints
- 1996 Mercury Mystique185 complaints
- 1997 Mercury Mystique71 complaints
- 1998 Mercury Mystique231 complaints
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.