VIN Vehicle Report

1998 Ford contour LX/SE

1FAFP6639WK204485

Vehicle history report for the 1998 Ford contour LX/SE (VIN 1FAFP6639WK204485). Blue, sedan/saloon, 2.0L 4-cyl 130 hp, gasoline. Title: Clean. 166,682 mi reported. Registered in Co. 12 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.

Clean 12 recall campaigns → Gasoline
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Stock photo of a 1998 Ford contour LX/SE, Blue, Sedan/Saloon — not the actual vehicle with VIN 1FAFP6639WK204485
1998 Ford contour, as sold new. Not this exact car. · Photo via Wikimedia Commons
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Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.

Full vehicle history report

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Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1FAFP6639WK204485, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 12 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.

Title & Salvage Check · $4.99 Full report · $13.95 (everything)

📜 Title & ownership

  • Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)
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  • Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means
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  • Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace
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  • Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign
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🛞 Odometer

  • Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline
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  • Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards
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  • Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average
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💥 Damage, loss & theft

  • Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date
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  • Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags
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  • Theft screenActive and recovered theft records
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  • Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)
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  • Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane
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💰 Liens & value

  • Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records
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  • Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition
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  • DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection
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  • Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid
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🧰 Factory warranty & equipment

  • Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer
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  • Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in
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🚨 Recalls on this VIN

  • Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time
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At a glance

Title statusClean
Reported mileage166,682 mi
LocationCo, USA
ColorBlue
Last listed price$700
Recall campaigns12

Vehicle identity & specifications

Make
Ford
Model
contour
Year
1998
Trim
LX/SE
Body style
Sedan/Saloon
Vehicle type
PASSENGER CAR
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl 130 hp
Displacement
2 L
Horsepower
130 hp
Cylinders
4
Fuel type
Gasoline
Doors
4
Assembly plant
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, UNITED STATES (USA)
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY

🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1998 Ford contour data →

📋 All factory specifications on file5 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)

⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery

Engine manufacturerFord
Other engine infoEFI

📐 Body, chassis & dimensions

Gvwr (upper range)Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)

🛡️ Safety & driver assistance

Air bag location front1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Seat belts allManual

Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.

MPG & running costs

U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1998 Ford contour with this engine.

Combined24–25 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,750
FuelRegular
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume89 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions with this engine; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.

Crash-test safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Ford contour.

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1998 Ford Contour 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Ford contour costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,750
Fuel only$13,750
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
183.9–184.6 in
Width
69.3 in
Height
54.3 in
Wheelbase
106.7 in
Curb weight
2,780–3,071 lb
Front track
57.5 in
Rear track
58.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Ford contour — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 7

INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION Closed

NHTSA #RQ02006 · Power Train · opened Feb 2002 · closed Sep 2002

BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS Closed

NHTSA #EA01001 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2001 · closed Jul 2001

FUEL EXPULSION DURING REFUELING Closed

NHTSA #EA00025 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Oct 2000 · closed Jan 2001

FUEL EXPULSION DURING REFUELING Closed

NHTSA #PE00027 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Jul 2000 · closed Oct 2000

BLOWER SWITCH/RESISTOR OR WIRING HARNESS Closed

NHTSA #PE00023 · Electrical System · opened Jun 2000 · closed Jan 2001

VARIOUS INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL ISSUES Closed

NHTSA #RQ99019 · opened Sep 1999 · closed Mar 2001

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT READ BELOW 1/4 Closed

FORD'S SERVICE BULLETIN DATED DECEMBER 8, 1997, POINTS OUT THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WILL NOT READ ABOVE 3/4 TANK OR BELOW 1/4 TANK OF FUEL. THE ERRONEOUS FUEL GAUGE READING WILL INDICATE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE FUEL RESERVE THAN ACTUALLY PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK. ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT WHERE THE DRIVER ALLEGED THAT HIS VEHICLE RAN OUT OF GAS DUE TO A FALSE FUEL GAUGE READING. THIS INVESTIGATION WAS TO ASCERTAIN FACTS CONCERNING…

NHTSA #SQ98002 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Jan 1998 · closed Jul 1998

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 286

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 286.

GUIDANCE FOR CNG TANK INSPECTION FOR VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER DECEMBER 2, 1996. *TT UPDATE. *TT

Bulletin 020503 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2005

GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT

Bulletin 042107 · Power Train · Dec 2004

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE(S) P0420 AND/OR P0430. *TT

Bulletin 041516 · Electrical System · Aug 2004

STEERING COLUMN SHIPPED WITHOUT CRUSH PAD - REUSE ORIGINAL CRUSH PAD IF NOT DAMAGED. *TT

Bulletin 041814 · Steering · Jan 2004

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

Bulletin 03181 · Electrical System · Sep 2003

THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) MAY BE ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P1380, P1381, P1383, AND/OR P0340 MAY BE STORED IN MEMORY. *TT

Bulletin 031514 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2003

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH NO HARD FAULT. *TT

Bulletin 17009 · Electrical System · Aug 2003

NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT

Bulletin 03148 · Power Train · Jul 2003

INOPERATIVE SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID OR REPEAT INSTRUMENT INTERFACE MODULE FAILURE. *TT

Bulletin 16880 · Electrical System · Jun 2003

COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). ROUGH IDLE OR NO START WHEN COLD. VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CNG BI-FUEL ENGINE ONLY. *TT

Bulletin 03102 · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2003

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CONTOUR. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 9

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1998 Ford contour. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Other

Certain passenger vehicles sold in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec . The front coil springs may fracture as a result of corrosion in high corrosion environments. Depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire in some cases. Some tires have deflated due to cont…

Transport Canada #2001205 · Aug 2001

Powertrain

Certain passenger vehicles. 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. The heater blower resistor may overheat causing the attached e…

Transport Canada #2001195 · Jul 2001

Brakes

On certain vehicles, the pressure conscious reducing valve (PCRV) in each of the rear brakes may be subject to malfunction due to corrosion when operated in areas of high road salt use. If both PCRVs malfunction, vehicle handling may be adversely affected during braking as a result of the rear wheels locking, which could potentially result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealer…

Transport Canada #2000077 · Mar 2000

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles, the air bag sensor wiring pigtail insulation may become brittle and crack over time due to water accumulation in the protective convolute combined with high under hood temperatures and routing of the pigtail near the radiator. This could result in the air bag warning light illuminating and disabling of the air bag. Correction: Air bag sensors with revised w…

Transport Canada #1999164 · Sep 1999

Engine

On certain vehicles, the accelerator cable may have been manufactured with a burr on or near the end of the cable sleeve interior. This burr could fray the core wire which in turn could cause the accelerator not to return to idle when the accelerator pedal is released. This could result in a vehicle crash. Correction: Accelerator cable will be replaced with a revised version wh…

Transport Canada #1999139 · Jul 1999

Lights And Instruments

On certain vehicles, the terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector may experience heat damage as a result of overheating. This can cause distortion of the terminal and an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, parking lamp and tail lamp circuits. Correction: Dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and…

Transport Canada #1999094 · May 1999

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Ford contour

The Ford Mondeo I (first generation) is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Ford, beginning on 23 November 1992, with sales beginning on 22 March 1993. It is also known as the Mk I Mondeo; the 1996 facelift versions are usually designated Mk II. Available as a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback, and a five-door estate, all models for the European market were produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian city of Genk.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

Safety recall campaigns 12

SUSPENSION

FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

NHTSA Campaign #08E033000 · 14/04/2008

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO…

Remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

NHTSA Campaign #06E022000 · 13/03/2006

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1998 FORD CONTOUR/MERCURY MYSTIQUE PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD POTENTIALLY FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION.

Remedy: FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY FOR FRONT COIL SPRING REPLACEMENT FOR THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FOR 10 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF SALE OF A VEHICLE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.

NHTSA Campaign #01I013000 · 08/08/2001

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE F…

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CATCHER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 23, 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 1-866-436-7332.

NHTSA Campaign #01V255000 · manufacturer #01S23 · 08/08/2001

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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…

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 1-800-39

NHTSA Campaign #01V230000 · manufacturer #01S22 · 09/07/2001

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE BI-FUEL SYSTEM. IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.

NHTSA Campaign #00V350000 · manufacturer #00S38 · 30/10/2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL IMPROVED PCRV'S IN THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED IN SEPTEMBER 2000 TO INCLUDE 1999 AND 2000 FORD CONTOUR, MERCURY MYSTIQUE AND COUGAR VEHICLES.

NHTSA Campaign #00V075000 · manufacturer #00S03 · 09/03/2000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG SENSOR WIRING PIGTAIL INSULATION CAN BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACK OVER TIME DUE TO ACCUMULATION OF WATER IN THE PIGTAIL PROTECTIVE CONVOLUTE IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES RELATED TO THE ROUTING OF THE WIRING PIGTAIL NEAR THE RADIATOR. THIS CAN RESULT IN ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACKING OF THE INSULATION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AIR BAG SENSORS WITH REVISED WIRING INSULATION. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WHICH HAVE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WILL HAVE A NEW AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR INSTALLED.

NHTSA Campaign #99V243000 · manufacturer #99S23 · 08/09/1999

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A BURR ON OR NEAR THE END OF THE CABLE SLEEVE INTERIOR. THIS BURR COULD FRAY THE CORE WIRE RESULTING IN THE ACCELERATOR NOT RETURNING TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.

NHTSA Campaign #99V194000 · manufacturer #99S19 · 20/07/1999

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLAMP SWITCH WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAINING BRONZE TERMINALS AND AN INSPECTION, AND REPLACEMENT IF NECESSARY, OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.

NHTSA Campaign #99V103000 · manufacturer #99S14 · 05/05/1999

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FLOOR SHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL CAN BE DAMAGED IF SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN INTERIOR CLEANING PRODUCTS. THE GEAR POSITION INDICATOR CAN DETERIORATE AND NOT CORRECTLY INDICATE THE ACTUAL GEAR POSITION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.

NHTSA Campaign #98V233000 · 18/09/1998

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Remedy: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.

NHTSA Campaign #98V028000 · 10/02/1998

These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 4 Nov 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

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Common problems & what to inspect

Based on all 968 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Ford contour, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.

💥 51 involved a crash 🔥 26 involved a fire 🚑 61 reported injuries

Engine And Engine Cooling 147 reports

🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

Power Train 136 reports

🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Electrical System 135 reports

🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Suspension 105 reports

🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

Air Bags 101 reports

🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

Service Brakes 94 reports

🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Pre-purchase checklist

🖨️ Print this checklist for your mechanic

Owner complaints 968

Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1998 Ford contour.

SUSPENSION

Vehicle won't pass inspection due to a Broken or cracked coil spring front passenger side. It was in a recall that we never received notification. And I don't feel like we should be out over $200 to get it licensed.

NHTSA ODI #11570697

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

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 ODI #11153195

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

"TAKARA RECALL" MY HEATER MOTOR IN MY 98 FORD CONTOUR SE JUST STOPPED WORKING.

NHTSA ODI #11153253

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE

TAKATA RECALL I AND OTHER CONSUMERS HAVE CONTACTED FORD REGARDING THE 1998 FORD CONTOUR AND IT'S DEFECTIVE PARTS INCLUDING THE ENGINE WIRE HARNESS YET THEY ARE REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE NOR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM STATING IT'S NOT UNDER RECALL T*JBREATING EACH PERSON WHO HAS CONTACTED THEM AS IF THEY ARE AN ISLAND AND THIS IS A ISOLAT…

NHTSA ODI #10808252

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON A WET ROAD, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS WERE DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED EVERY TIME T…

NHTSA ODI #10764644

POWER TRAIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REVERSE GEAR FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V233000 (POWER TRAIN). HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT LISTED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10679091

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1998 FORD CONTOUR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE LINE CORROSION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES THE FAILED. THE REPAIR SHOP, STATED THERE WAS NO BRAKE FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE GAS LINE LEADING TO THE TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED, DUE TO CORROSION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10637919

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

NHTSA ODI #10598058

+ 960 more complaints on record.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?

No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.

Is the VIN 1FAFP6639WK204485 valid?

1FAFP6639WK204485 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in United States. It decodes to the 1998 Ford contour.

Are there safety recalls on the 1998 Ford contour?

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 1998 Ford contour model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What is the 1998 Ford contour safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1998 Ford contour crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What fuel economy does the 1998 Ford contour get?

The 1998 Ford contour has U.S. EPA estimates of 24–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Recall data checked 4 Nov 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.