The 1998 Ford Contour has 5 recalls, the most serious being corroded front coil springs that can fracture and puncture a tire, potentially causing a sudden deflation while driving.
A separate recall covers the airbag system: wiring near the radiator can absorb moisture and degrade over time, causing the insulation to crack. When that happens, the airbag warning light may come on and the front airbags can be disabled, leaving occupants without that protection in a crash. The coil spring and airbag issues each appear in multiple filings covering overlapping groups of vehicles, but the underlying problems are the same in each case. There is also a compliance recall involving the windshield, which was produced without a required safety glazing mark. Ford states the glass itself meets all applicable standards, so this is a documentation issue rather than a structural one.
At a glance
What can fail
The front coil springs may fracture due to corrosion.
What the fix does
Ford extends warranty coverage for front coil spring replacement to 10 years from original sale date or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Front coil springs can corrode and fracture in high-corrosion environments. If a spring breaks, it may move past its seat and contact the front tire.
What the fix does
Dealers will install spring catcher brackets to prevent a broken spring from contacting the tire.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag sensor wiring can become brittle and crack from water in the protective covering and heat near the radiator, causing the air bag warning light to turn on and disabling the air bag.
What the fix does
Air bag sensors with improved insulation will be installed. If needed, a new air bag diagnostic monitor will also be installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag sensor wiring insulation can become brittle and crack over time due to water accumulation in the protective covering combined with high engine temperatures from the wiring's proximity to the radiator.
What the fix does
Dealers will install air bag sensors with improved wiring insulation and replace the air bag diagnostic monitor if the warning light is illuminated.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some windshields lack the required 'AS1' marking from ANSI Z26.1 standards, though they meet all safety requirements.
What the fix does
No repair needed. The missing mark poses no injury risk and windshields fully comply with safety standards.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
