VIN Vehicle Report

1997 Ford Contour

1FALP653XVK139360

Vehicle record for the 1997 Ford Contour (VIN 1FALP653XVK139360). White, sedan, gasoline. Registered in Kyiv Oblast. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.

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Stock photo of a 1997 Ford Contour, White, Sedan — not the actual vehicle with VIN 1FALP653XVK139360
1997 Ford Contour, as sold new. Not this exact car. · Photo via Wikimedia Commons
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Full vehicle history report

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Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1FALP653XVK139360, 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 8 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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History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.

At a glance

LocationKyiv Oblast, UKRAINE
ColorWhite
Recall campaigns8

Vehicle identity & specifications

Make
Ford
Model
Contour
Year
1997
Body style
Sedan
Vehicle type
Passenger car
Displacement
2 L
Fuel type
Gasoline
Country of origin
United States

🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1997 Ford Contour data →

📋 All factory specifications on file7 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)

🏭 Manufacturing & other

sourceua_mvs
Registration regionkyiv-oblast
Last operation date2025-06-25
Last operation314 - ПЕРЕРЕЄСТРАЦІЯ ТЗ ІЗ УКЛАДАННЯМ ДОГОВОРУ КУПІВЛІ-ПРОДАЖУ ЧЕРЕЗ ЕЛЕКТРОННІ СЕРВІСИ ТА ЗОВНІШНІ РЕСУРСИ
PurposeZahalnyy
Engine cc2000
Total weight kg1850

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 1997 Ford Contour.

Combined21–24 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,988
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$2,938 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; 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 1997 Ford Contour.

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side barrier test — 1997 Ford Contour 4-DR.Side barrier test

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1997 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 1997 Ford Contour costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,940
Fuel only$14,940
Per mile$0.20

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 in
Width
69.3 in
Height
54.3 in
Wheelbase
106.7 in
Curb weight
2,769–3,020 lb
Front track
59.1 in
Rear track
58.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 Ford Contour — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 4

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

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

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

Manufacturer service bulletins 238

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 238.

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

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

Bulletin 03181 · Electrical System · Sep 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

VEHICLES WITHOUT THE COOLANT LOCK-OFF MAY EXHIBIT A NO START CONDITION. *TT

Bulletin 03103 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2003

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT

Bulletin 0398 · Fuel System, Other · May 2003

CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH

Bulletin 02208 · Equipment · Oct 2002

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

Canadian recalls 5

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 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

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

Powertrain

On certain vehicles, the floor shift automatic transmission control may be damaged if subjected to certain vehicle interior cleaning products. If exposed to these products, the transmission gear position indicator may deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position. If this occurs, the shifter will continue to operate normally, but there is the potential for inc…

Transport Canada #1998208 · Oct 1998

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 8

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

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT

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: 1995-1997 FORD CONTOUR AND MERCURY MYSTIQUE VEHICLES. THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR COULD OVERHEAT CAUSING THE ATTACHED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TO MELT.

Remedy: FORD WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE HEATER BLOWER SWITCH FOR 10 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF SALE OF THE VEHICLE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND A NEW WIRE JUMPER HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE.

NHTSA Campaign #01I009000 · manufacturer #01M07 · 09/07/2001

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

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

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

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES MODIFIED TO RUN ON EITHER GASOLINE OR COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). THE NATURAL GAS FUEL TANKS HAVE A SOLENOID SHUT-OFF VALVE THAT STOPS FUEL FLOW FROM THE FUEL TANK IN THE EVENT OF CERTAIN MODERATE TO SEVERE COLLISIONS. IF THE VEHICLE IS IN A COLLISION AND THE NATURAL GAS FUEL LINE IS DAMAGED, THE SYSTEM COULD LEAK NATURAL GAS.

Remedy: FORD HAS REQUESTED OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES TO HAVE THE CNG FUEL SYSTEM DISABLED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN AND TO ONLY USE GASOLINE FUEL UNTIL A PERMANENT CORRECTIVE ACTION IS DEVELOPED. OWNERS ARE BEING ALERTED TO THIS SOLENOID VALVE CONCERN AT THIS TIME. THE TIMING OF CORRECTIVE ACTIONS IS

NHTSA Campaign #97V203000 · 17/11/1997

Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.

These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 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 252 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Ford Contour, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.

💥 11 involved a crash 🔥 12 involved a fire 🚑 12 reported injuries

Electrical System 45 reports

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

Engine And Engine Cooling 40 reports

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

Power Train 32 reports

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

Hydraulic 31 reports

🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Service Brakes 31 reports

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

Visibility 23 reports

🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

Pre-purchase checklist

🖨️ Print this checklist for your mechanic

Owner complaints 252

Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 Ford Contour.

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT PERSONALLY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, SERPENTINE BELT, WATER PUMP, FUEL INJECTOR, AND PULLEYS. THE FAILURE CONTINUED …

NHTSA ODI #10496621

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

THE WIRING HARNESS HAS DETERIORATED TO WHERE THE ENGINE RUNS LEAN AND DIES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. ONCE HOME I CHECKED EVERYTHING I COULD UNTIL THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COOLED THEN NOTICED THE WIRING ON THE NUMBER 1 CYLINDER. THE MORE I LOOKED I COULD SEE ALL THE INJECTOR PLUGS WERE DETERIORATED BADLY WITH NUMBER 4 BEING WORSE. JUST TOUC…

NHTSA ODI #10469368

EQUIPMENT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE REPEATEDLY DECELERATES AND ACCELERATES WITHOUT WARRANT. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS BEING OPERATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. IT WOULD ALSO TAKE AN UNUSUALLY LONG TIME FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER TO ENGAGE AND WOULD BLOW ONLY HOT AIR. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTUR…

NHTSA ODI #10332136

PARKING BRAKE,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

COULD NOT GET AN INSPECTION STICKER - NO MECHANIC COULD FIND OUT WHY THE CHECK ENGINE WILL NOT GO OFF -VERY COSTLY. IT STALLS WHEN RAINING, THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT WORK, IT HAS TO WARM UP FOR 5 MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL MOVE, THE TAIL LIGHTS CAME LOOSE, CAUSING MELTING OF HOUSING, EVERY VALVE IMAGINABLE HAS BEEN REPLACED, BELT SQUEALS WHEN AIR OR DE…

NHTSA ODI #10260956

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BAD GROUND IN THE MAIN LINE HARNESS, WHICH CAUSED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

NHTSA ODI #10247601

POWER TRAIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS, THE GEAR INDICATOR DISPLAYED AN INACCURATE READING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V233000 (POWERTRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE M…

NHTSA ODI #10213063

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

BOUGHT A 1997 FORD CONTOUR AND 4 DAYS LATER THE HEAD GASKET BLEW. AFTER BEING IN SHOP OVER A MONTH AND MANY OTHER PROBLEMS REPAIRED I FINALLY GOT CAR BACK AND THE VERY NEXT DAY THE HEAD GASKET BLEW AGAIN WITHIN 2 MILES FROM MY HOUSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10208704

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE DROVE UPHILL AND INTO A PARKING LOT AND STOPPED BY EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 141,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE HYDRAULIC VACUUM LINE WAS …

NHTSA ODI #10197454

+ 244 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 1FALP653XVK139360 valid?

1FALP653XVK139360 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 1997 Ford Contour.

Are there safety recalls on the 1997 Ford Contour?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 1997 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 1997 Ford Contour safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1997 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 1997 Ford Contour get?

The 1997 Ford Contour has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Recall data checked 14 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.