Head-to-head reliability
FORD Contour vs FORD F 150
How the FORD Contour and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
FORD Contour vs FORD F 150: The Contour has 252 complaints in 1 year, while the F-150 has 11,621 over 10 years. The Contour's top issues are structure and fuel system; the F-150's are power train and electrical. Both have recalls and injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Contour or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Contour
The Ford Contour is a mid-size sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with. In just one year, it racked up 252 complaints, with structure and fuel system issues dominating. Owners report serious problems like stalling in traffic and fuel leaks, which can be both dangerous and costly. With only 7 recalls, the volume of complaints suggests many issues may not be covered by recalls.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that, while popular, has a high number of owner complaints—over 11,000 in ten years. The most common issues involve the power train and electrical system, with reports of transmissions going into limp mode and lead frame failures. These problems can leave drivers stranded or worse. With 151 recalls, it's clear that many defects have been addressed, but the sheer number of complaints indicates ongoing reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Contour | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 252 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 12 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 252.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
FORD Contour
- 01STRUCTURE82
- 02FUEL SYSTEM38
- 03GASOLINE34
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29
- 05VISIBILITY29
Owners report dashboard warping that can interfere with defrost vents and visibility, and in some cases, loose instrument panel parts become projectiles during sudden stops. This matters because it can impair your ability to see clearly and pose injury risks.
Complaints include stalling or hesitation around a quarter tank of gas, and fuel tank leaks after refueling, leading to strong odors. These issues can cause breakdowns and fire hazards, making the car unreliable and potentially dangerous.
Instrument panel warping is also reported here, with concerns that it may affect air bag performance and create loose components. This could compromise safety systems in a crash.
Dashboard curling can block defrost vent flow, impairing windshield defogging and visibility. This is a safety concern, especially in cold or humid conditions.
“I HAD JUST GOT ON INTERSTATE WHEN MY CAR STARTED CUTTING OUT. I IMMEDIATELY PUT MY FLASHERS ON & TRIED TO GET IN THE LEFT LANE SO I COULD GET ON SHOULDER OF INTERSTATE BUT CARS WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO GET OVER. MY CAR DIED IN MIDDLE OF INTERSTATE. I CALLED ASAP…”
“2000 FORD CONTOUR SVT, 71K MILES THE DASHBOARD HAS BEEN CURLING, FROM WHERE THE WINDSHIELD MEETS THE DASHBOARD, FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW. THE PROCESS HAS BEEN VERY SLOW, BUT HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE IT NOW SEVERELY INTERFERES WITH DEFROST VENT FLOW AND VISI…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe transmissions going into limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can leave you stranded or cause accidents, and repairs can be expensive.
The lead frame issue also appears here, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. These electrical gremlins can disable the truck unexpectedly, requiring dealer visits and costly fixes.
While not detailed in the sample, this is a top complaint area, suggesting frequent bulb or assembly failures. Poor lighting can reduce visibility and increase accident risk.
Engine-related complaints are common, though specifics aren't in the sample. Buyers should be aware that engine problems can be severe and expensive, affecting overall reliability.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
FORD Contour — 7 recalls
The defect: 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…
The risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE B…
The 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.
The defect: 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 M…
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
The defect: 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.
The risk: THE OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE MAY BELIEVE THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCK WAS ACTIVATED WHEN IT WAS NOT, POTENTIALLY ALLOWING THE DOOR TO BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REPLACEMENT LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
The defect: 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 W…
The risk: IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
FORD Contour or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Ford Contour has far fewer complaints per year (252) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,162 per year), but the Contour's issues are concentrated in critical areas like structure and fuel system. The F-150's higher volume means more reported problems overall, but many are addressed by recalls. In practice, the Contour may have fewer total issues, but the F-150's issues are more widespread and potentially more severe.
Key differences
- The Contour has 252 complaints in 1 year, while the F-150 has 11,621 over 10 years, indicating a much higher annual complaint rate for the F-150.
- Contour's top issues are structure (dashboard warping) and fuel system (stalling, leaks), whereas F-150's top issues are power train (transmission limp mode) and electrical system (lead frame failures).
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 7 for the Contour, suggesting more defects have been officially addressed in the F-150.
- Both have crash-related complaints and injuries, but the F-150 has 1 death reported, highlighting potential severity.
- Check the dashboard for warping or curling, especially near the windshield, as this can affect defrost and visibility.
- Test drive at various fuel levels, particularly around a quarter tank, to see if the car stutters or stalls, and inspect for fuel odors or leaks after refueling.
- During test drive, pay attention to transmission behavior—any hesitation, limp mode, or stuck gears could indicate lead frame or sensor issues.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting or damage, as reports mention windows shattering, and check for any electrical gremlins.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website, ensuring all recall work is completed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the specific problem areas for each model.
- For the Contour, test the fuel system and dashboard integrity; for the F-150, test the transmission and electrical components thoroughly.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any related to transmission, fuel system, or electrical repairs.
- Consider a extended warranty or set aside a repair fund, as both vehicles have known costly issues.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific FORD Contour or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Contour vs FORD F 150
- FORD Contour total complaints
- 252
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- FORD Contour total recalls
- 7
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- FORD Contour avg complaints/year
- 252.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- FORD Contour
- FORD Contour top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN