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 and 7 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,311 complaints over 10 years and 145 recalls. The Contour's issues include stalling and fuel leaks; the F-150's include transmission and electrical problems. 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 compact sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with due to frequent structural and fuel system issues. With 252 complaints in just one year, the rate is high for a single model year, suggesting persistent problems. Owners report stalling, fuel leaks, and dashboard warping that can obstruct visibility. These are not just minor annoyances; they can leave you stranded or require costly repairs.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume—over 11,000 in ten years—but that's partly because it's one of the best-selling vehicles in America. The most common issues involve the transmission and electrical system, with reports of hard shifts, sudden power loss, and camera malfunctions. While many trucks may run fine, the sheer number of complaints means you should be vigilant when shopping. Recalls are frequent, so checking for completed recall work is essential.
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 | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 12 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 252.0 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 Better | 287 |
| 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 the dashboard curling up where it meets the windshield, which can block defrost vents and impair visibility. There are also complaints of the car cutting out and dying in traffic, a serious safety concern.
A common complaint is the car acting like it's out of gas at around a quarter tank, leading to stuttering, hesitation, and stalling. Another owner reported a strong fuel odor after refueling due to a leaking fuel tank.
Instrument panel warping is a known issue, and it can cause loose components like the defrost bezel to become projectiles during sudden stops. This warping may also affect airbag performance, according to owner reports.
Similar to fuel system complaints, owners describe stalling and hesitation at low fuel levels, often requiring fuel filter replacement but sometimes not solving the problem. Fuel leaks after refueling are also reported.
“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 TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Many owners report hard or delayed shifts, especially between gears like 7th and 8th, and sometimes a complete loss of power while driving. The 10-speed automatic transmission is frequently mentioned in these complaints.
Owners often see warnings like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' on startup. There are also reports of loud bangs from the transmission and popping sounds from the rear suspension.
While specific complaint text isn't provided, this is a top component with over 1,100 complaints, suggesting issues with headlights or other exterior lights that could affect visibility and safety.
With 847 complaints, engine problems are notable, though sample texts focus on transmission and electrical issues. Buyers should be aware of potential engine-related recalls and complaints.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
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 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
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 (1,131 per year), but the Contour's issues are concentrated in a single year and include serious safety defects like stalling and fuel leaks. The F-150's higher volume is partly due to its popularity, but the transmission and electrical problems are widespread. In practice, the Contour may be more problematic per vehicle, while the F-150's issues are more numerous but spread across many trucks.
Key differences
- The Contour has 252 complaints in one year, while the F-150 has 11,311 over ten years, but the Contour's rate per year is lower.
- Contour complaints often involve stalling, fuel leaks, and dashboard warping; F-150 complaints frequently mention transmission hard shifts and electrical warnings.
- The F-150 has 145 recalls versus 7 for the Contour, meaning more potential safety fixes but also more opportunities for unresolved issues.
- Crash-related complaints: Contour has 12, F-150 has 328, but the F-150's higher number reflects its larger population.
- Check the dashboard for any curling or warping, especially near the windshield, as this can block defrost vents and affect airbag operation.
- Test drive at various fuel levels, particularly around a quarter tank, to see if the car hesitates or stalls, and inspect for fuel odors or leaks after refueling.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission shifts, especially between 4th-5th and 7th-8th gears, for jerks or delays, and listen for loud bangs.
- Start the truck and check for warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' on the dashboard.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, as the F-150 has many recalls and the Contour has a few.
- For the Contour, inspect the dashboard and fuel system thoroughly, and test drive at low fuel levels.
- For the F-150, test the transmission at various speeds and check all electrical features, including cameras and sensors.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned in complaints.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed by checking with a Ford dealer using the VIN.
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
- 11,311
- FORD Contour total recalls
- 7
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- FORD Contour avg complaints/year
- 252.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- FORD Contour
- FORD Contour top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN