Model year guide

2000 Ford Contour

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2000 Ford Contour is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

2000 Ford Contour — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2000 Ford Contour at a glance

Safety recalls7
Owner complaints252
Combined21–25 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2000 Ford Contour recalls 7

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #08E033000 · 14/04/2008

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.

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic NHTSA Campaign #06E022000 · 13/03/2006

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 THIS RECALL. WHEN …

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder NHTSA Campaign #01V045000 · manufacturer #01S04 · 14/02/2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT POWER BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE CORRECT CONTOUR BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER IN EACH OF THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 28, 2002. 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 C…

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #00V350000 · manufacturer #00S38 · 30/10/2000

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.

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

Seat Belts NHTSA Campaign #00V228001 · manufacturer #00S21 · 18/08/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components NHTSA Campaign #00V075000 · manufacturer #00S03 · 09/03/2000

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.

Fix: 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.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #99V361000 · manufacturer #99L02 · 29/12/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN INCORRECT LABEL WAS INSTALLED ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR. THIS LABEL CONTAINS INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ACTIVATION OF THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCKS.

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REPLACEMENT LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2000 Ford Contour common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 252 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

2000 Ford Contour safety ratings

Side crash★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2000 Ford Contour 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2000 Ford Contour MPG & running costs

Combined21–25 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,000
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
Passenger volume90 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$3,000 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.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2000 Ford Contour costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,000
Fuel only$15,000
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.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

INSTRUMENT PANEL COVER WARPAGE Closed

THE AGENCY HAS DENIED A PETITION REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF INSTRUMENT PANEL WARPAGE FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THE NOTICE OF DENIAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER, VOLUME 72, NUMBER 67, ON MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2007, PAGES 17605 AND 17606. SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH FOR DETAILS.

NHTSA #DP06004 · Structure, Visibility · opened Oct 2006 · closed Apr 2007

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

Manufacturer service bulletins 111

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 111.

FORD: CERTAIN 1999-2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN NEW YORK AND CERTAIN 2001 VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF MAINE, CERTIFIED FOR SALE IN CALIFORNIA-FEDERAL EMISSION WARRANTY REFUND. *PE

Bulletin CSP-08B01 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2008

FORD SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. CSC LETTER WAS RECEIVED FOR MODEL YEAR 1999-2001 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN NEW YORK IS SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA EMISSION WARRANTY. MODEL IS UNKNOWN. *PE

Bulletin SP-08B01 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Power Train · May 2008

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

Bulletin 020503 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2005

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT

Bulletin 04189 · Visibility · Dec 2004

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

Bulletin 042107 · Power Train · Dec 2004

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT

Bulletin 04174 · Electrical System · Sep 2004

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT

Bulletin 041514 · Visibility · Aug 2004

INOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT

Bulletin 031501 · Visibility · Jul 2004

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0420 AND/OR P0430/ 2.5L ENGINE ONLY. *TT

Bulletin 04104 · Electrical System · May 2004

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

Bulletin 041814 · Steering · Jan 2004

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

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2000 Ford Contour. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

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

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.

2000 Ford Contour trims & engines on record

Trims
SE · SE Sport
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 130 hp · 2.5L 6-cyl 170 hp

2000 Ford Contour vehicles on record

Other Ford Contour model years

2000 Ford Contour — frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Ford Contour have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2000 Ford Contour. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Ford Contour?

Across all 252 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, fuel system, gasoline.

What is the 2000 Ford Contour safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2000 Ford Contour crash-test ratings of side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2000 Ford Contour get?

The 2000 Ford Contour has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.