1999 Ford Contour

The 1999 Ford Contour

The 1999 Ford Contour is a mid-size sedan that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.0-liter Zetec inline-4 that produced 125 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. The other engine option was a 2.5-liter Duratec V6 that produced 170 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The Ford Contour was praised by automotive critics for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and responsive handling. However, the Contour was also criticized for its lack of power, especially with the base 2.0-liter engine.

Engine

2.0-liter Zetec I-4 with 5-speed Manual Transmission

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold gasket, causing a loss of coolant or oil and engine overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0-liter Zetec I-4 with 4-speed Automatic Transmission

• No Issues Found

2.5-liter Duratec V6 with 5-speed Manual Transmission

• No Issues Found

2.5-liter Duratec V6 with 4-speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The TCM controls the shifting of the transmission. When it fails, it can cause the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all.
  • Solution: Replace the TCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-speed Manual Transmission

• Shift Linkage Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: The shift linkage bushings wear out over time, causing the shifter to become loose and difficult to shift.
  • Solution: Replace the shift linkage bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

4-speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission solenoids control the flow of fluid within the transmission. When they fail, it can cause the transmission to slip or shift erratically.
  • Solution: Replace the failed solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The front strut mounts wear out over time, causing a clunking noise when driving over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the front strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator is responsible for charging the battery. When it fails, the battery will eventually die and the car will not start.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The starter is responsible for starting the engine. When it fails, the car will not start.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The door handles can become loose or break over time, making it difficult to open the door.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Taillight Lens Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The taillight lenses can crack or break over time, allowing moisture to enter the taillights.
  • Solution: Replace the cracked or broken taillight lens.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The window regulators can fail over time, causing the windows to become stuck or inoperable.
  • Solution: Replace the failed window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can crack due to heat exposure and old age.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The door lock actuators can fail over time, causing the doors to become difficult to lock or unlock.
  • Solution: Replace the failed door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1999 Ford Contour is a reliable and affordable mid-size sedan with a comfortable ride and spacious interior. However, it is not without its problems, such as intake manifold gasket failure, transmission control module failure, and window regulator failure. The severity of these issues can vary depending on the specific model and year. The cost to fix these issues can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Overall, the Contour is a good car for those looking for a comfortable and reliable sedan, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues before purchasing one.