VehicleVerdict

1998 Ford Contour speed control problems

The 1998 Ford Contour has 34 speed control complaints filed with NHTSA — 3% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

34

Speed Control complaints

3%

Share of year

4

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Speed Control complaints by year

Contour speed control complaints by model year42 complaints1995: 42 complaints1996: 31 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 34 complaints1999: 14 complaints2000: 3 complaints
Contour speed control complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

99V194000Speed ControlJuly 20, 1999 · 159,565 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.

Remedy

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

Common questions

How many speed control complaints does the 1998 Ford Contour have?

NHTSA has 34 complaints about the 1998 Ford Contour speed control — 3% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 1998 Ford Contour speed control?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the speed control: 99V194000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.