What are the worst Ford Contour years?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints per year on the road, the worst Ford Contour year is 1995 - complaint rates far above this model's median. The years with the fewest problems relative to time on the road: 1997, 2000.

Ford Contour: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 1995

Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.

Held up best: 1997, 2000

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

2000solid year199 complaints · 7 recalls 1999419 complaints · 5 recalls 1998846 complaints · 12 recalls 1997solid year218 complaints · 8 recalls 1996563 complaints · 11 recalls 1995worst year891 complaints · 12 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.