1995 FORD Contour Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
1073
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
201 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, A BURNING ODOR BEGAN TO EMIT FROM THE VENTS. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS, WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT, RADIATOR, OXYGEN SENSOR, FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FILTER. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V367000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 2/23/12 *CN
Aug 16, 2011
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 1995 FORD CONTOUR AND I NOTICED ITS BEEN SMOKING THE MECHANIC KEEPS SAYING THERE IS NOTHING WRONG OR THEY CANT DETECT A PROBLEM. I NOTICED THIS MODEL CAR HAS HAD SEVERAL RECALLS. COULD THIS USED CAR BE AFFECTED BY A FAULTY PART AND CAN I QUALIFY FOR A RECALL PART REPAIR IF THIS CAR HAS A DEFECTIVE PART? *TR
May 24, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V367000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) IN 2004. FIVE YEARS LATER, THE FAN MOTORS HAVE OVERHEATED AND CAUSED THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS TO MELT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 58,109. UPDATED 07/28/09 *BF UPDATED 07/30/09.*JB
Jun 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, BUT MAINTAINED THE SAME SPEED THE ENTIRE TIME. ALL POWER WAS LOST, INCLUDING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE TOOK APPROXIMATELY TWO HOURS TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FORD MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL, IN WHICH THE PREVIOUS OWNER DID NOT HAVE REPAIRED. THE RECALL DATE HAS CURRENTLY EXPIRED AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Jan 02, 2009
MY CAR HAS CONTINUALLY TO RUN HOT, THE PART THAT SENDS THE INFORMATION THE ENGINE FOR THE FAN TO COME ON WAS DEFECTIVE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO TRY TO PURCHASE THE PART AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THIS PART WAS A RECALL PART. BY THIS PART BEING DEFECTIVE IT HAS DAMAGED MY ENGINE AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS OVER THE MILES AND THE RECALL DATE WAS OVER AND THEY WAS NOT GOING TO HONOR THE RECALL. THEY TOLD ME THAT I CAN PURCHASE THE PART, BUT THEY WAS NOT GOING TO REPLACE MY ENGINE. THIS PART HAS DAMAGED MY ENGINE AND THEY SHOULD NOT ONLY REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE PART WITH NOT CHARGE, BUT THEY SHOULD ALSO REPLACE MY ENGINE DUE THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER STATED THAT THEY WERE ONLY FOLLOWING FORD MOTOR COMPANY GUIDELINES.
Apr 14, 2007
+ 196 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
142 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON WHILE IN PARK WHEN A FUSE BLEW AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A PRIVATE MECHANIC THEN CONFIRMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 97,000.
Jul 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING UNDER THE HOOD WAS FRACTURING FROM THE PLASTIC COVERING AND THE WIRES WERE TOUCHING WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE POTENTIAL OF THE WIRES SHORTENING OR CAUSING A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE OF THE WIRING WAS SO SEVERE THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Mar 24, 2011
I HAVE A 1995 FORD CONTOUR AND JUST FOUND OUT ALL ALONG THERE WAS A CAMPAIGN ON THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT . THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND IS CAUSING THE CAR TO ACT ERRATICALLY IT IS A FIRE HAZARD DUE TO THE FACT THE WIRING HARNESS IS FRAYED IF I TOUCH ANY OF THE WIRES THE INSULATION JUST FALLS OFF WHAT HASN'T ALREADY FELL OFF. ENGINE DIES AND STALLS ALL THE TIME AND CAR IS UN DRIVABLE CALLED FORD AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A CAMPAIGN AND RECALL ON WIRING HARNESS . BUT IS UNAVAILABLE NOW BUT I COULD BUY ONE FOR $1300.00 IT HAS CAUGHT SMALL FIRE DUE TO THIS. *TR
Aug 19, 2010
THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS DEFECTIVE. THE PLASTIC COVERING THE WIRES IS CRACKED AND PEELING OFF IN THE ENTIRE SYSTEM CAUSING THE CAR TO OCCASIONALLY BRAKE FOR NO REASON AND TO KICK AND SPUTTER WHEN DRIVING ESPECIALLY WHEN IT HAS BEEN RAINING. THE FORD DEALER ADMITS IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM CAUSED BY AN EXPERIMENTAL PLASTIC THAT WAS USED THAT YEAR BUT THE COMPLAINT IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALLS SO WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE MINOR REPAIRS DONE TO THE WIRING EVERY TIME THE CAR DIES DUE TO A SHORT IN THE SYSTEM. THE CAR IS IN PERFECT SHAPE MECHANICALLY AND THE BODY IS IN GREAT SHAPE ALSO. I AM WONDERING WHY NO ONE HAS ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE BECAUSE I HATE TO THINK OF HOW MANY OTHERS THERE ARE JUST LIKE ME WHO MAY HAVE TO JUNK A PERFECTLY GOOD CAR BECAUSE THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP PAYING FOR WIRING PROBLEMS. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANOTHER CAR THAT THE WIRING WAS THE FIRST TO GO. ESPECIALLY ONE THAT IS AS WELL MAINTAINED AS THIS ONE IS. IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS OR SOLUTIONS PLEASE LET ME KNOW. IT WOULD BE NICE TO KNOW THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS LOOKING IN AT THE PROBLEM TRYING TO HELP THE CONSUMERS AS I HAVE NOT SEEN IT MENTIONED ANYWHERE ELSE YET. *TR
Jul 23, 2010
I HAVE A 1995 FORD CONTOUR WHICH HAS A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS THAT LED TO VEHICLE PROBLEMS. AFTER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I FOUND THAT A RECALL (99M03) WAS ISSUED FOR FAULTY WIRES. MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. WHY WERE NOT ALL OF THE CARS WITH THIS DEFECT RECALLED? *TR
Nov 24, 2009
+ 137 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
99 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER FIFTEEN MINUTES AND DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT A NEW TRANSMISSION SENSOR WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000. MA 10/2 UPDATED 11/28/2017*CN
Jul 20, 2015
MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION INDICATOR MOUNTED ON MY FLOOR CONSOLE HAS DISINTEGRATED OVER TIME, AND NO LONGER EXISTS. THIS FAILURE HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED PREVIOUSLY, AND IS DUE TO DEFECTIVE, POOR QUALITY, PLASTIC MATERIAL THAT THE SHIFT INDICATOR IS MADE OF. THE CONSEQUENCE OF THIS FAILURE IS THAT ONE CANNOT DETERMINE WHICH GEAR THE TRANSMISSION IS OPERATING IN, AND CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING OF THE TRANSMISSION AND/OR ENGINE, AND POSSIBLY CAUSE AN AUTO ACCIDENT, OR FIRE. THIS HAS BEEN A RECOGNIZED DEFECT FAILURE AND WAS REPORTED AS A SAFETY RECALL AS EARLY AS 1998. HOWEVER UPON CONTACT WITH THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND ALSO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES, THEY DENY THAT MY 1995 CONTOUR IS INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL. THERE ARE NUMEROUS 1995 CONTOUR VEHICLE OWNER COMPLAINTS FILED WITH THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON THIS DENIAL OF SAFETY RECALL APPLICATION BY OTHER 1995 FORD CONTOUR OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THAT SAME LACK OF SUPPORT THROUGH THE FORD MOTOR CO REPRESENTATIVES. THIS MATERIAL DEFECT IS A GENERIC PROBLEM THAT AFFECTS ALL 1995 CONTOURS, HOWEVER THE FORD REPRESENTATIVES DENY THAT MY VIN IS INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL. *TR
Sep 08, 2008
I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL INCIDENTS WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN MY VEHICLE. AFTER YOU DRIVE THE VEHICLE LONG ENOUGH FOR IT TO WARM UP GOOD, THE TRANSMISSION WILL QUIT PULLING. YOU CAN BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT ACTS AS IF IT JUST KICKS INTO NEUTRAL. YOU CAN PULL OVER AND PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AND THEN INTO DRIVE AGAIN AND IT WILL GO A LITTLE FARTHER BEFORE IT WILL DO IT AGAIN. THE CAR HAS ONLY A LITTLE OVER 70,000 MILES ON IT AND IS NOW BASICALLY JUNK. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS THAT THESE CARS ALL HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND THAT REBUILDING THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T USUALLY WORK FOR VERY LONG. *TR
Aug 17, 2007
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 1995 FORD CONTOUR LOCKED UP SUDDENLY ONE EVENING RECENTLY. TRANS SHOP REBUILT THE TRANS FOR ME. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THEM WITH BAD NEWS. THE BAD NEWS WAS THAT THE MECHANIC REALIZED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS BEING DAMAGED. IT WAS DAMAGED IN A WAY THAT THE OWNER OF THE SHOP SAID IT COULD VERY WELL HAVE CAUGHT THE VEHICLE ON FIRE, AND APPARENTLY LED TO THE FAILURE OF THE TRANS (I AM NOT MECAHNIC, SO I CAN ONLY GO WITH WHAT I GATHERED FROM THEM). FORD HAD ISSUED PROGRAM 99M03 WHICH COVERED ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS FAILURES. THIS PROGRAM WAS FOR 10 YEARS/100K MILES. FORD REFUSES TO TAKE ANY ACTION TOWARDS PAYING FOR THIS REPAIR BECAUSE THE VEHICLE (ALTHOUGH 10 YEARS OLD), HAS EXCEEDED THE MILEAGE (IT HAS 130K MILES). HOWEVER, I DO NOT FEEL THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE MILES DRIVEN, BUT RATHER A POORLY ROUTED WIRING HARNESS. THE HARNESS WAS RUN UNDER THE BATTERY, AND THE SHOP SAYS IT APPEARS AS THOUGH IT WAS EATEN AWAY BY ACID OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. CAN YOU HELP ME GET THROUGH THE ENDLESS RED TAPE AT FORD? THS IS A QUALITY AND SAFETY ISSUE THAT I FEEL REQUIRES BETTER "INVOLVEMENT" FROM FORD. *AK
Apr 11, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE JERKED AND CHANGED GEARS ON ITS OWN. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
May 24, 2004
+ 94 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
81 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE, WHICH WAS ALSO PUNCTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Jan 14, 2013
I HAD BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ON MY 1995 FORD CONTOUR FAIL (LEFT SPRING BROKE INTO TWO PIECES, THE RIGHT INTO THREE). RESULTED IN CAR DRIFTING BACK AND FORTH. NO RESPONSE FROM DEALERSHIP. *TR
May 20, 2008
1995 FORD CONTOUR HAD FRONT COIL SPRING FAILURE. *MR DURING AN INSPECTION THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS HAD FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT HE VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF ANY RECALLS. THE CONSUMER HAD RECENTLY RECEIVED A RECALL FOR HIS 2001 FORD TAURUS FOR FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND BELIEVES THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *BF *NM
Apr 26, 2005
FOUND ALL 4 SPRINGS BROKEN, THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRENTY ON FRONT BUT NOT ON THE REAR. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN. *AK
Oct 15, 2004
ALL 4 SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND CONCERN. *AK
Oct 15, 2004
+ 76 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
72 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE ALSO OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL SPILLING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FILLER PIPE IN THE FUEL TANK SYSTEM. THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 94V203000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP) FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Nov 13, 2008
MY 95 CONTOUR STARTED FOR TWO SECONDS, THEN DIED. IT WOULD NOT START AFTER THAT. MY MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP QUIT. I ONLY HAD THE CAR TWO DAYS FROM PURCHASE, SO I CHECKED ONLINE FOR SERVICE ISSUES, RECALLS, ETC., AND FOUND OUT ALL THE VARIOUS FUEL, ELECTRICAL, EMISSION AND OTHER PROBLEMS THIS VEHICLE HAS, MY BIGGEST CONCERN BEING THAT IT COULD CATCH FIRE(I DO HAVE A FAMILY TO DRIVE AROUND), I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED ABOUT THE UNCOOPERATIVE COMING FROM THE DEALERSHIPS CONCERNING ALL THIS, I AM VERY LOW-INCOME, I SPENT $1000.00 FOR THIS CAR THINKING IT WAS A GOOD DEPENDABLE CAR, AND NOW FIND MYSELF WONDERING HOW I WILL BE ABLE TO AFFORD ALL THE REPAIRS ON MY SINGLE INCOME, FORD, SHAME ON YOU!! *JB
Feb 20, 2007
GASOLINE LEAK WHERE FILLER PIPE MEETS GAS TANK . EXCESSIVE LEAKING OF GASOLINE WHICH CAN LEAD TO A FIRE. *NM
Apr 12, 2006
CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 95V232000 CONCERNING FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY:PIPE:FILLER:NECK. AFTER HAVING THE FUEL TANK REPLACED CONSUMER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED DETERMINED THAT FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *SC
Nov 15, 2004
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THE DEFECT WITH ITS FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY AS STATED IN RECALL 94 V 203 000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
Jul 08, 2003
+ 67 more complaints for this component
STEERING
66 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN OVER HEATING CONTINUOUSLY. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE BURNING SMELL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. AT TIMES, THE KEY WAS TOO HOT TO REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 83000 WHEN THE FIRE OCCURRED.
Jan 08, 2010
MY '95 FORD CONTOUR HAS BEEN OVERHEATING, SMELLING HOT, WITH THE STEERING COLUMN HEATING UP TO THE POINT OF THE CAR KEY, IN THE IGNITION, GETTING TOO HOTTO HANDLE--FOR SOME TIME, NOW. FEARING THAT THERE MIGHT BE A FIRE HAZARD, I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER. HE SAID MY CAR, PER IT'S VIN NO., HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED; SO HE DID NOTHING ABOUT MY CONCERNS. NOW, A WEEK AGO TODAY (12/3/09), AND A WEEK OR SO AFTER BRINGING MY CAR IN FOR THE FIRST TIME, I WAS DRIVING 20-30 MPH, DOWN A CITY STREET IN MY SMALL TOWN, WHEN, SUDDENLY, I HEARD A POPPING SOUND; AND THE ELECTRICITY IN THE CAR TURNED OFF. THE CAR STOPPED DEAD IN IT'S TRACKS, AS I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT! I TRIED TO PUT THE HAZARD LIGHT ON; BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN ON. THE STEERING WHEEL & STEERING COLUMN WERE VERY HOT. I TURNED THE KEY, IN THE IGNITION, IN AN ATTEMPT TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON. INSTEAD, IT MADE ANOTHER POPPING SOUND; AND DIED COMPLETELY! SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD, THE BATTERY WATER WAS BOILING OVER, SIZZLING, AND SMOKING. WHEN I CALLED MY INS. ROADSIDE ASSIST, AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED, THEY TOLD ME TO CALL THE FIRE DEPT. SO, I CALLED THE FIRE DEPT. THEY CAME AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY; AND NOTED THAT THE BATTERY WAS SMOKING. THEY PUSHED MY CAR TO A PARKING SPOT, FROM WHERE I HAD IT TOWED IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE FORD DEALER MAN SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT; AND I LEFT IT THERE, IN THEIR PARKING LOT. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR, FOR FEAR IT MIGHT START ON FIRE, SINCE I HAVE SEEN, ON THE INTERNET, THAT THE '95 FORD CONTOUR HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR IGNITION FIRES!!! BEING CAUGHT IN A BURNING FIRE, WITH MY SEAT BELT ON, IS VERY SCARY TO ME! THE QUESTIONS, AT THE BOTTOM, RIGHT, OF MY SCREEN, ARE CUT OFF, SO I CAN ONLY SEE HALF OF THE QUESTIONS, STARTING WITH: "WAS THERE...." "PROPERTY DA...." "WAS THERE A..." "REPORTED TO...." I'M SORRY,I HAVE NO WAY OF ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS, HERE. *TR
Dec 11, 2009
ABRUPT LOSS OF STEERING POWER WHEN DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLES, RECURRING ISSUE. FOUND DESCRIPTION AFTER INTERNET SEARCH (TSB 97-11-2). DATE CITED IS MOST RECENT EVENT. DEALER AND FORD ACKNOWLEDGE ISSUE BUT WILL NOT INSTALL KIT TO PREVENT RECURRENCE AT THEIR EXPENSE.
Jan 17, 2003
STEERING COLUMN IS HITTING ARM OF THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN MAKING SLOW TURNS. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY DEALER .*AK CONSUMER STATES THIS IS NOTICEABLE UNDER 20MPH. *YD
Apr 22, 2002
TIE RODS NEEDED REPLACED. *SLC
Oct 10, 2001
+ 61 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
59 complaints
THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED SIMULTANEOUSLY.*JB
Feb 25, 2003
CONSUMER SIMULTANEOUSLY PRESSED ON THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDAL.*JB
Feb 24, 2003
WITH 3 TO 4 CAR LENGTHS IN OPTIMAL DRY DAYLIGHT WEATHER CONDITIONS THE CAR FAILED TO STOP AT A CRUISING SPEED OF 35MPH, THE CONDITION OF THE BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION. *AK
May 22, 2001
WHEN IT RAINS IT IS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE CAR, FEELS LIKE VEHICLE IS LOCKING UP, IN ORDER TO DRIVE CONSUMER HAS TO PUT IN TRACKING CONTROL WHEN IT IS ON THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON, VEHICLE HAD 6 CODES IN SYSTEM ALL HAD TO BE CLEARED TO VERIFY PROBLEM, RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *JB
Apr 09, 2001
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 34MPH WHEN BRAKES DIDN'T HOLD. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES PEDAL WENT UP AND DOWN. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Feb 28, 2001
+ 54 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
38 complaints
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 1995 FORD CONTOUR WITH 36000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 55 MPH THE FRONT FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE FORD ENGINEER CHECKED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, BUT HE DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. THE DRIVER RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES.*AK
Feb 08, 2007
THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON AND OFF. *JG
Aug 02, 2002
THE VEHICLE HAS AIR BAG PROBLEM. *YH
Apr 27, 2002
AIR BAG LIGHTS ILLUMINATE ALL THE TIME WHILE VEHICLE IS RUNNING. DEALER CONTACTED.*AK
Apr 10, 2002
CONSUMER COMPLAINS ABOUT AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATING. *JG
Mar 15, 2002
+ 33 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
32 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN, THE GAS PEDAL BECAME STUCK, THE ENGINE RACED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES. THERE IS AN NHTSA RECALL, # 97V225000, REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 1/17/2007 - *NM
Aug 23, 2006
VEHICLE'S ACCELERATOR CABLES NEED TO BE REPLACED.*MR THIS IS A SECOND REQUEST FOR AN EXPLANATION REGARDING THGE MATTER REFERRED TO IN THE EARLIER LETTER.*CB
Nov 03, 2003
VEHICLE'S ACCELERATOR CABLES NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.*MR DEALER NOTIFIED. *CB
Aug 27, 2003
THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *YH
Jan 17, 2002
RECALL 97V225000/ MANFACTURER'S RECALL 97S95. CONSUMER CALLED DEALER ABOUT RECALL NOTICE, BUT DEALER STATED THERE WAS NO NOTICE. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND THEY ALSO STATED THERE WAS NO SUCH RECALL. MANFACTURED TOLD CONSUMER TO CALL NHTSA TO GET RECALL CORRECTED. *AK
Aug 20, 2001
+ 27 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
31 complaints
CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO USE THE POWER CONTROL TO ROLL UP THE WINDOWS. CONSUMER HAD TO MANUALLY PUSH THE WINDOW UP TO CLOSE. IT. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Apr 27, 2004
CONTOURS HAVE A HISTORY OF HEATER RESISTOR DEFECTS AND I BELIEVE IN MY CAR THIS IS RELATED DAMAGE TO THAT DEFECT. DT
Oct 20, 2002
RECALL 01F127000 REPAIRS ON HEATER BLOWER SWITCH WERE DONE, YET VEHICLE IS STILL OVERHEATING ON A REGULAR BASIS.*AK
Jul 05, 2002
THE CORE ALWAYS RUNNING HOT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DAMAGED. *YH
Apr 27, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Apr 15, 2002
+ 26 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
29 complaints
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE DID NOT LOCK. *AK
May 17, 2004
FRONT SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. CONSUMER MADE CONTACT WITH THE DEALER ABOUT THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER, DEALER REFUSED TO ASSIST CONSUMER. *AK
Apr 19, 2004
SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT. ESPECIALLY THE ONES IN THE BACK SEAT. *NLM
Apr 10, 2003
WELL MY REAR SEATBELTS DON'T WORK ANYMORE THEY COMPLETELY FELL APART. THE ONLY THING THATS LEFT IS THE CABLE. *AK
Aug 06, 2002
DRIVER'S SEATBELT IS LOOSE WHERE IT ATTACHES TO SIDE OF VEHICLE.*AK
Jun 18, 2002
+ 24 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
21 complaints
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE CLOUDED FROM THE INSIDE. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE DUE TO HEADLIGHT CLOUDING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEADLIGHT LENSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LENSES WERE REPLACED. *AK *NM
May 11, 2004
I HAVE A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. MY HEADLIGHT LENSES ARE GETTING SO CLOUDY I CAN HARDLY SEE WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. I THINK THIS IS A SAFTY ISSUE. REPLACEMENTS COST $98.00 FOR EACH SIDE. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE OR ANY RECALL ON THE LENS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. *AK
Dec 29, 2003
THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS NOT PERFORMING. SIGNIFICANT HAZE ON THE LENSES HAS REDUCED LIGHT OUTPUT TO DANGEROUSLY LOW LEVELS. PARTS ARE INTEGRAL TO THE AUTOMOBILE [NOT CUSTOMER REPLACEABLE].*AK
Jul 25, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS COVER GETS FOGGED UP,RESULTING IN A DIM REFLECTION FROM THE LIGHTS. CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY.CONTACTED DEALER, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. NLM
Oct 03, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING HEADLIGHT LENS WILL FOG UP, DISTRACTING CONSUMER'S VIEW, MAKING IT HARD FOR CONSUMER TO SEE DURING NIGHT HOURS. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER STATES BOTH HEADLIGHT LENSES ARE CLOUDED NOT FOGGED AND THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT SHINE AS BRIGHT, THE HEADLIGHT IS MADE OF PLASTIC NOT GLASS.*JB
Sep 19, 2002
+ 16 more complaints for this component
SEATS
12 complaints
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK FLOORBOARD BEHIND THE DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER MANAGED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Apr 08, 2004
THE MOUNTS FOR THE DRIVER'S SEAT ARE ABOUT TO BREAK OFF. I HEARD A LOUD "POP" WHILE IN MID CORNER, THEN THE SEAT BEAN TO LEAN HARD. WHEN THESE MOUNTS COMPLETELY BREAK, I BELIEVE IT MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I KNOW THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN FORD CONTOURS, PLEASE DO SOMETHING AS THESE SEATS ARE NOT SAFE. HOW CAN FORD EXPECT SOMEONE TO REMAIN IN CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLE IF THE SEAT BREAKS OFF WHILE THEY ARE DRIVING?*AK
Jan 21, 2002
SEATBACK BROKEN SIX INCHES UP FROM BOTTOM ON OUTSIDE POST.*AK
Aug 19, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
May 07, 2001
INADEQUATE LUBE CAUSED THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR SEAT BUTTON TO NOT RELEASE THE SEAT. NLM
Jan 11, 2001
+ 7 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
12 complaints
VEHICLE IS EMMITTING NOISES AS IF THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE IS FALLING APART. *JG
Aug 02, 2002
DOOR LATCH FAILED TO LOCK; INVESTIGATION SHOWS LATCH SPRING FAILED HAVE PART IN HAND. *AK
Mar 11, 2002
FAULTY HOOD CABLE CAUSED THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE HOOD TO BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT. NLM
Jan 11, 2001
LOSS STERRING WHEN SUBFRAME WELD SEPERATED
Sep 07, 2000
LOSS STERRING WHEN SUBFRAME WELD SEPERATED
Sep 07, 2000
+ 7 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
12 complaints
COMSUMER NOTICED THAT CIGARETTE LIGHTER MALFUNCTIONED, AND AIR CONDITIONER FAN SWITCH DID NOT WORK.*AK
May 16, 2001
FAULTY A/C SYSTEM CAUSED WATER IN THE FLOOR BOARD, THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED FOR A WHILE BUT RETURNED. NLM
Mar 30, 2001
BLOWER MOTOR DOES NOT WORK; A WHILE BACK, SMELLED LIKE A SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURED
Aug 15, 2000
CONSUMER HAD A/C ON & WENT TO TURN IT DOWN, AND KNOB WOULDN'T TURN. KNOB HAD STARTED TO BURN & MELTED DOWN TO THE SWITCH. DEALER BASICALLY SAID IT WAS NOT THEIR FAULT.*AK
Jul 24, 2000
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WIRING MELTED AND BURNED, CAUSING A SMELL COMING FROM THE VENTS WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Aug 09, 1999
+ 7 more complaints for this component
PARKING BRAKE
11 complaints
THE PARKING BRAKE STICK AND CAUSES THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS TO FAIL WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS ARE RESET BY RE-STARTING THE VEHICLE, ON TWO OCCASIONS THE TRACTION CONTROL HAS ACTIVATED, CAUSING SHARP APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES DURING ACCELERATION FOR NO REASON. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURED AT 45 MPH ON THE FREEWAY DRUING A SNOW STORM AND THE SECOND OCCURED AT 25 MPH ON A SIDE ROAD DURING A SNOW STORM. PARKING BRAKE ONLY APPEARS TO STICK IN CASES WHERE THE CAR IS WARM AND SITS FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME IN BELOW FREEZING TEMPS. WITH THE PARKING BRAKE APPLIED. THERE SEEMS TO BE A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN THE PARKING BRAKE STICKING AND THE FAILURE OF THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL. THE FAILURE OF THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL HAS HAPPENED ON BETTER THAN THAN FIVE OCCASIONS, THE SLAMMING ON OF THE BRAKES CAUSED BY THE BRAKES STICKING HAS HAPPENED TWICE.
Mar 09, 1999
EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT RELEASE, CAUSING THE REAR BRAKES TO PREMATURELY WEAR.*AK *JB
Nov 23, 1998
EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE FAILED.
Apr 07, 1998
THE BOOT AROUND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS.
Aug 26, 1997
IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS THE PAKRING BRAKE WILL STAY ENGAGED, CAUSING THE TAIL LIGHTS TO STAY ILLUMINATED. *AK
Nov 18, 1996
+ 6 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10 complaints
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY / MOMENTARILY COME ON AND REMAIN ON WHILE DRIVING. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jul 10, 2002
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WILL COME ON DASHBOARD.*AK
May 16, 2001
THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS (TSB) CONTAIN CODES (*TC, *TT ECT.) AT THE END OF EACH SUMMARY WITHOUT EXPLANATIONS. IS THERE A STANDARD FORMAT FOR THESE CODES, AND IF SO WHERE IS IT LOCATED? AND IS IT ACCESSABLE VIA THE INTERNET? I HAVE FOUND TWO TSB'S WHICH MATCH MY EXACT PROBLEM: NHTSA ITEM NUMBERS SB51042 & SB051396, BOTH WITH THE CODE OF *JD AT THE END OF THE SUMMARY. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU.
Mar 12, 1999
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON/OFF.
Sep 11, 1998
NO FAILURE IDENTIFIED.
Feb 13, 1998
+ 5 more complaints for this component
TIRES
9 complaints
I PURCHASED 4 BRAND NEW TIRES FOR MY FORD WINDSTAR VAN BACK AT THE END OF JULY 2004. I HAD ONE REAR TIRE TOTALLY SEPARATE FROM THE RIM AND SHRED. I WAS CHARGED MY ROAD HAZARD FEE TO REPLACE THE TIRE. AGAIN THIS PAST SUNDAY MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE RIM AND TOTALLY SHREDDED. I WAS GIVEN A NEW TIRE A NO CHARGE THIS TIME, HOWEVER THE SEPARATION WAS SO BAD THAT BY THE TIME I GOT THE VAN STOPPED MY RIM IS NOW CRACKED IN THREE DIFFERENT PLACES. *JB
Dec 22, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH RIGHT PASSENGER FRONT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY. THERE WAS A LOT OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR. *AK
Mar 09, 2004
MY FORD 95 SE 4-DOOR CONTOUR, CAME WITH P205/60RX15T BSW TIRES. I REPLACE THE ORIGINAL FRONT TIRES, WHICH WERE (FIRESTONE F-HAWK GTA BW-WTH SAME, AFTER 35 THOUSAND MILES. AFTER AN ADDITIONAL 15 THOUSNAND, I REPLACED THE ORIGINAL REAR TIRES WITH ANOTHER BRAND NAME-ROTATING THE NEWER FIRESTONES TO THE REAR OF THE CAR. AT 56 THOUSAND MILES THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLOWS OUT, AND THE TIRE SHOP SAID THAT BUBBLES ON THE INNER SIDEWALL PREVENTED THE TIRE FROM BEING REPAIRED. TWO DAYS LATER THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLOWS, AND I AM LEFT WITH-OUT A SPARE TIRE, WHICH IS WHEN I REPLACE THE TIRES THAT WERE 30.5 THOUSAND MILES PREVIOUSLY: HOGAN TIRE & AUTO SERVICE CENTERS, WALTHAM MASSUACHUSETTS, AND AUTHORIZED FIRESTONE DEALER. I NOW HAVE MISSMATCHED TIRES, ON MY CAR AS A RESULT OF PRELIMINARY TIRE WEAR AND BREAKDOWN. I WOULD LIKE A FIRESTONE DEALER TO PROVIDE ME WITH FOUR NEW TIRES, WHICH TO RESOLVE THE MY TIRE DIFFICULTIES. CORDIALLY GLENN CHESNUT. *AK
Aug 17, 2003
THREE OF THESE TIRES FAILED WITH TREAD SEPARATION AND WERE REPLACED. I JUST NOTED THAT THESE TIRES WERE MADE AT FIRESTONE'S DECATUR PLANT WHICH PRODUCED THE RECALLED WILDERNESS TIRES. IT SEEMS THEIR PROBLEMS MAY BE WIDER THAN JUST THE EXPLORER ISSUE.*AK
Jul 20, 2001
ONE OF THE FRONT FIRESTONE TIRES (NO SIZE) HAD A BULGE ON IT, DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE REPLACED, LATER THE CONSUMER REPLACED BOTH REAR TIRES AS WELL. *SLC
Jan 22, 2001
+ 4 more complaints for this component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
9 complaints
THE DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE. FORD REFUSES TO HELP N ANY WAY. THIS CAN CAUSE UNTOLD PROBLEMS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. *AK
Jan 11, 2002
CANNOT RELEASE LOCKS.DANGEROUS IN COLLISION /FIRE WE NO LONGER LOCK OUR CAR DOORS. *AK
Sep 03, 2001
ALL FOUR MAUAL DOOR LOCKS WHEN LOCKED WILL NOT UNLOCK, PREVENTING ALL/ ANY OCCUPANTS FROM EXITING VEHICLE. CONSUMER EXITED VEHICLE FROM WINDOW OR AFTER KICKING ON DOOR LOCKS WOULD UNLATCH. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER NOTED THERE WAS A DEFECT IN DOOR LATCHES. DOOR LATCHES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Feb 12, 2001
BOTH FRONT DOORS ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WILL NOT UNLOCK/OPEN FROM INSIDE. THIS POSES A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ALL OCCUPANTS IF INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE COLLISION. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Dec 23, 1999
REAR DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE.
Jun 03, 1998
+ 4 more complaints for this component
WHEELS
6 complaints
FRONT WHEELS ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF CRACKING AND CORROSION. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY, AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. *AK
Mar 23, 2001
RIGHT REAR RIM DEVELOPED A CRACK APPROX. 4 " LONG. CAUSED A VBRATION WHILE BRAKING. DEALER SAID THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WITH FORD CONTOURS ONLY.
Apr 27, 1999
WHILE DRIVING THE STUDS IN THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL BROKE, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO COME OFF. PLEASE DESCRIBE.*AK
Aug 29, 1996
FRONT WHEELS CROOKED. *SD
Jun 04, 1996
WHILE MAKING LEFT HAND TURN, LEFT REAR WHEEL CAVED IN AND RIGHT WHEEL ROTATED OUTWARD. *AK
Mar 27, 1996
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
5 complaints
FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS, I HAVE MADE EXCUSES, STUCK BY MY CHOICE IN BUYING THE 1995 FORD CONTOUR, BUT IN THE PAST TWO YEARS I HAVE SPENT OVER 6,000 DOLLARS ON REPAIRS, MOST OF WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THE WIRING HARNESS HAD BEEN REPLACED AT THE TIME OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL (OCT.99) OR THE MOTOR MOUNTS HAD NOT FAILED. I BELIEVE THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS ARE DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE MOTOR MOVING AROUND WHEN HITTING POTHOLES OR STOPPING SUDDENLY. THE CAR HAS A PATTERN OF SHUTTING DOWN WITHOUT A PROBLEM SHOWING ON THE COMPUTER ANALYSIS. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH SENSORS, EVEN BEFORE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I THINK THAT FORD SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS OF REPAIR BILLS.*AK
Jun 12, 2002
CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE ENGINE DUE TO ENGINE COOLING FAN MALFUNCTIONING, CAUSING ENGINETO MELT. AND WAS REPLACED. PRESENTLY, CONSUMER HAD RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 00S44 FOR ENGINE COOLING FAN.*AK RECEIVED RECALL REGARDING WIRING HARNESS AND HAD REPAIRS, HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. DEALER REPLACED ENGIN DUE TO OVERHEATING VEHICLE SOON EXPERIENCED A BAD MISS AND POOR MILEAGE, DEALER THEN FOUND DEFECTIVE HEADS, HOWEVER MISS IN ENGINE WAS STILL PRESENT. DEALER STATED CAUSE WAS A CRACKED FLYWHEEL WITH BROKEN SENSORS. CONSUMER FEELS DEALER BROKE FLYWHEEL DURING ENGINE INSTALLATION. MISS IN ENGINE STILL NOT CORRECTED. DEALER FINALLY FOUND CAUSE TO BE TORQUE CONVERTER NOT SEALING CAUSING DAMAGE TO ADJUSTING SENSOR. *YH
Mar 07, 2001
I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH VIBRATION IN MY CAR FROM WHEN I PICKED IT UP. I HAVE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL WHILE STOPPED IN ORDER TO KEEP THE STEERING WHEEL FROM SHAKING TERRIBLY. AFTER HAVING IT IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SEVERAL TIMES, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH CONTOURS AND DID NOT PURSUE IT ANY FURTHER. I HAVE NOW BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET ALONG WITH A REBUILT ENGINE. I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER IF ALL THE VIBRATION IN THE CAR WEAKENED THE SEAL CAUSING LEAKING FROM THE HEAD GASKET. THIS CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD AND HAS 65,000 MILES, IS MAINTAINED PROPERLY AND HAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I'VE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, FORD MOTORS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE FOR AUTO COMPLAINTS, WBZ CALL FOR ACTION, AND THE CENTER FOR AUTO SAFETY IN WASHINGTON, DC ON THIS MATTER. THE ONLY RECOURSE I HAVE SHORT OF HIRING AN ATTORNEY, IS TO FILE COMPLAINT FORMS, WHICH I HAVE DONE. I'M BEGINNING TO SEE A PATTERN BY FORD TO MAKE AN INFERIOR PRODUCT AND THEN NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR DEFECTS. I DON'T FEEL THIS IS FAIR TO THE CUSTOMER. THIS LITTLE REPAIR IS GOING TO COST ME $3000 (OF WHICH I DON'T HAVE) TO GET MY CAR BACK IN WORKING ORDER. IS THERE ANY HELP OUT THERE FOR CUSTOMERS LIKE ME OR IS IT "TOO BAD. YOU'RE STUCK WITH IT"?
Mar 19, 1999
SENSOR HAS GONE OUT TWICE AND CAR STILL DOES NOT RUN PROPERLY, WAS INFORMED BY SOME MECHANICS THAT THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH EXHAUST, OR MAYBE TRANSMISSION, BECAUSE THERE'S A DELAY IN CHANGING SPEED IF I ACCELERATE OR DECREASE SPEED
Dec 01, 1998
CV RETAINING BRACKET BROKE. CAUSE: CV BOUNCES UP/DOWN AND VEHICLE VIBRATES AND OIL LEAKAGE DEVELOPED. END RESULT: POTENTIAL FIRE. ALSO, RENDERED ENGINE INOPERATIVE.
Dec 15, 1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaints
CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR RECALL 00 V 367 000/ ENGINE COOLING FAN REPAIRS. AFTER CONSUMER TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER, THEY FOUND OUT A BARE WIRE WICH WAS CAUSING PROBLEM. A GENERAL MANAGER SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAD HAPPENED, THEREFORE NOTHING COULD BE DONE.*AK CONSUMER STATES AFTER VEHICLE WAS RETURNED IT BEGAN TO OVERHEAT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME AND FUSES WERE BLOWN, CONSUMER WAS INFOMRED THAT THE REASON THE FUSES WERE BLOWING WAS BECAUSE THE RECALL THAT WAS PERFORMED ON THE ENGINE COOLING FAN WAS DONE WRONG AND THAT WAS WHY VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING, DELAER THEN STATED THAT ADDITIONAL REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED DUE TO THE MILEAGE.*JB
Aug 03, 2001
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE OVERHEATS. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE BURNED WIRING UNDER WARRANTY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Jun 27, 2001
CONSUMER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN ENGINE COOLING FAN RECALL 00V367000. CONSUMER MADE THREE APPOINTMENTS TO HAVE VEHICLE SERVICED; HOWEVER, DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT APPOINTMENTS WERE NEVER PUT INTO COMPUTER AND SERVICE WAS DENIED. ON MAY 19TH, 2001 THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN UNDERHOOD WIRING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK
May 24, 2001
HEAD GASKET BLEWOUT, CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT AND SMOKE. THERE WERE NO SIGNS OR WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR. VEHICLE HAD REQUIRED LARGE AMOUNTS OF ANTIFREEZE AND OIL. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL ON COOLING FAN. QUESTIONED DEALER IF RECALL HAD ANYTHNG TO DO WITH GASKET BLOWING. DEALER SAID THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ANY RELATIONSHIP. *AK THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START DUE TO SPARK PLUG ASSEMBLY FAILURE AND ENGINE HEAD GASKETS FAILURE. *YH
Feb 09, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE WILL OVERHEAT. TEMPERATURE GAUGE WILL GO ALL WAY TO RED PART, AND A DARK SMOKE WILL COME FROM DASHBOARD WITH A PLASTIC SMELL. COOLING SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK. *AK
Jan 18, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
4 complaints
MY ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN ON CONTINUOUSLY FOR MANY YEARS. A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET ALLOWED ME TO FIND MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE FORD CONTOUR. IT APPEARS TO NOT BE SPECIFIC TO ANY ONE MODEL YEAR. MY VEHICLE IS A 1995, BUT I HAVE SEEN INTERNET QUERIES FOR MANY OTHER NEWER VEHICLES. WHAT IS IN COMMON IS THAT THE ABS SYSTEM ON THE FORD CONTOUR IS FAULTY CAUSING ONE TO HAVE TO SPEND $4,000 TO GET IT REPAIRED, OR DRIVE WITH LESS AFFECTIVE BRAKES. HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY OTHER QUERIES ABOUT THE FORD CONTOUR ABS FAILURE?*AK
Apr 16, 2004
CONSUMER STATES THAT ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRE ARE BURNED IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING DASHBOARD DAMAGE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Nov 21, 2002
BRAKE FAILURE.
Mar 05, 1998
BRAKE ROTORS WARPED.
Feb 22, 1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaints
WAS DRIVING 60MPH ON HIGHWAY WHEN ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. 30 SECONDS LATER, I HEARD NOISE WHICH SOUNDED LIKE BICYCLE CHAIN SWITCHING GEARS. 90 SECONDS AFTER THAT, THE OIL LIGHT LIT , TEMPERATURE GAUGE REGISTERED HOT SUDDENLY AND SIMULTANEOUSLY ENGINE DIED. FORD DEALER SERVICE DEPT. DIAGNOSED "WATER PUMP FAILURE". REMOVED WATER PUMP. THE PLASTIC IMPELLER HAS MULTIPLE CRACKS AND NO LONGER SPINS WITH SHAFT. FORD DEALER HAS SERVICE BULLETIN ACKNOWLEDGING PROBLEMS WITH WATER PUMPS ON MY TYPE VEHICLE, AND EXTENDS WARRANTY TO 6 YEARS/75,000 MILES. MY CAR IS "TOO OLD" TO QUALIFY FOR COVERAGE, ALTHOUGH IT IS UNDER THE MILEAGE LIMIT, AND I THINK IT IS UNFAIR. ONE OF THE MAJOR REASONS I PURCHASED THIS CAR WAS THE 2.5L ENGINE THAT DOESN'T REQUIRE A TUNE-UP UNTIL IT REACHES 100,000 MILES. THIS ENGINE BLEW AT 70,381 MILES BECAUSE OF A LITTLE PIECE OF PLASTIC THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO KEEP IT FROM OVERHEATING. IN MY OPINION, IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE OF THE MANUFACTURER TO USE PLASTIC IN SUCH AN ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT FAIL-SAFE WARNING SYSTEMS THAT ALLOWS VEHICLE OPERATOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SLOW DOWN, GET OFF THE ROAD AND PREVENT TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF A VERY EXPENSIVE MOTOR. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COSTS OF $6,700.00 EXCEED THE VALUE OF THE CAR WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN $6,435 (KELLY BLUE BOOK DEALER RETAIL) BEFORE THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT AND CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE. THE CURRENT VALUE OF THE CAR ACCORDING TO REGIONAL SALVAGE YARDS, WHOLESALERS AND THE LOCAL FORD DEALER IS A GENEROUS $250.00. THANK YOU FOR REGISTERING MY COMPLAINT. ANY INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE YOU COULD PROVIDE ME REGARDING THIS MATTER IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.*AK
Jun 14, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON .VEHICLE WAS SERVICED. TECHNICIAN STATED VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND NEEDED VALVE JOB .*AK CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT THE COMPONENT IN RECALL 00V367 MAY HAVE BEEN THE PROBLEM ALL ALONG AND YET HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS WITH THE VALVE AND GASKET, THE RECALL COMPONENT HAS FAILED 2 TIMES. *SLC
Mar 06, 2001
A HOSE BROKE ON THE RADIATOR DRAINING VEHICLE OF ALL FLUID AND RUINING THE ENGINE, NONE OF THE GAUGES INDICATED ANY INTERNAL FAILURE, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT.
Oct 17, 2000
ORIGINAL OXYGEN GAS SENSOR CAUSING CHECK ENGINE CHECK LIGHT TO COME ON. COST TO FIX $400. LOW COOLANT SENSOR WARNING LIGHT COMES ON. COST TO FIX $70. THESE SHOULD NOT BE MY RESPONSIBILITY. THERE IS NOTHING THAT I CAN DO TO CAUSE THESE ITEMS TO MALFUNCTION. THESE ARE MANUFACTURERS' PARTS PROBLEMS. *AK
Dec 28, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaints
CONSUMER WAS SMELLING SMOKE INSIDE OF VEHICLE , STARTER/ BRAKES AND OTHER PARTS WERE REPLACED. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Apr 09, 2001
AFTER THE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE ABS, MY CAR IS NOW FULL OF ELECTRICAL BUGS THAT THEY WILL NOT WARRANTY. ENGINE STALLS, ETC.
May 31, 1999
THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH, AND ABS LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. ALSO, DEALER HAD TO REPLACE WIRING HARNESS. IT IS COMMON PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
May 25, 1999
DURING WET WEATHER POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAIL WHILE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON. IN ADDITION, REPLACED WARPED FRONT/REAR BRAKE ROTORS. *AK
Oct 21, 1997
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. THE SPEEDOMETER WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. SHE STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS CONTATANTLY SKIPPING GEARS, AND DOWNSHIFTS WHEN IT SHOULD CHANGE GEARS. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL ON BOTH OF THE COMPONENTS THAT ARE FAILING ON HER VEHICLE. POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRASMISSION: LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT-98V233000, AND VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CABLES-97V225000. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW THE CURRENT OR FAILURE MILEAGE BECAUSE THE ODOMETER IS BROKEN.
Aug 07, 2007
EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION ISSUES, WITH INTERMITTENT ROUGH SHIFTING AND INTERMITTENT FAILURES TO ENGAGE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT MYSTERIOUSLY STARTED TO RUN FINE FOR SEVERAL DAYS. ONE MORNING I DROVE A SHORT DISTANCE FOR AN APPOINTMENT. UPON RETURNING AND STARTING THE CAR I NOTICED SMOKE EXITING THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I TURNED OF THE VEHICLE AND INSPECTED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND I COULD STILL SEE SOME SMOKE COMING FROM THE LEFT-REAR PART OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, SEVERAL OF THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS FAILED, INCLUDING PARK/BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK, HEATER FAN, BACKUP LIGHTS, DIRECTIONAL FLASHERS. FOLLOWING THE INCIDENT, THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES HAVE RESUMED. UPON INSPECTION, I NOTICED SEVERAL WIRES HAD CRACKING INSULATION, AND SOME EVEN HAD BARE WIRE EXPOSED. *TR
Jul 06, 2007
BECAUSE THE AXLE WAS PUT IN WRONG, MANY PROBLEMS OCCURED, INCLUDING TRANSMISSION AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I DO NOT KNOW ALL THE DETAILED PROBLEMS, BUT I HAVE A RECEIPT FROM MY MECHANIC WITH EVERYTHING LISTED. HE SAID THAT BECAUSE THE AXLE WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED THROUGH IT AT AN ODD ANGLE. I ALSO HAVE A FAX FROM FORD THAT WAS SENT TO MY MECHANIC REGARDING WARNINGS OF THE AXLE BEING INCORRECTLY INSTALLED ON MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE. YOU MAY CONTACT MY MECHANIC FOR ANY INFORMATION YOU MAY NEED. HIS NAME IS KEN FOWLER, THE OWNER OF A-1 TRANSMISSIONS IN LUBBOCK, TX. HIS PHONE NUMBER IS 806-792-4319.
Jan 28, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
3 complaints
I OWN A 1995 FORD CONTOUR THAT QUITS WITH NO WARNING, MY SON HAS HAD IT STALL ON THE EXPRESSWAY 8 TO 10 TIMES AND THE FORD DEALERS KEEP REPLACING THINGS, BUT THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE A CAR THAT WILL JUST STALL OUT AT ANY TIME. WHAT CAN I DO. *NLM
Apr 14, 2003
AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT PRODUCING COLD AIR . ALSO, VEHICLE WAS STALLING, AND ENGINE WAS CRACKED. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEMS. *AK
Aug 17, 2001
A/C STOPPED COOLING, TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT TO HOT AND I PULLED OVER. THERE WAS NO SIGN THAT THE CAR HAD GOTTEN HOT. NO STEAM, ETC. REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON CAR DONE. *AK
May 28, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
3 complaints
ENGINE OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE POSITIVE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR DEVICE. FAN MOTOR BEARINGS WERE TOO TIGHT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION.*AK
Jul 17, 2002
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY, AND VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT. PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDERS, AND VEHICLE COOLED DOWN. ABOUT 25 MINUTES LATER, THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL INSIDE OF VEHICLE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. ALSO, ENGINE WAS REPLACED. *AK THE MANUFACTURER HAD ISSUED RECALL NOTICE AND THE VEHICLE WAS FIXED. RECALL # 00V-367. *YH
Jan 16, 2001
AT 37,000 MILES THE HEAD GASKETS ARE BLOWN, CAUSING THE WATER PUMP TO LEAK/ENGINE NOT COOL. HEATER ALSO FAILED TO WORK, HEATER MOTOR REPLACED AT 3,000 MILES. *AK *ML
Dec 23, 1998
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
3 complaints
I HAD THE HEATER BLOWER FIXED UNDER WARRANTY ON FEB1,2000. ON NOV 17 2000, I HAD IT REPLACED AGAIN AT MY OWN COST. ON JAN 24, 2001 I HAD IT FIXED AGAIN. THIS TIME I HAD TO REPLACE THE FUSE BOX JUNCTION PANEL AS WELL. THIS HAS BEEN FIXED THREE TIME IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS. EVERYONE I KNOW WHO OWNS A CONTOUR HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A KNOWN DEFECT LIKE THIS. THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT UNDER THE RECALL THE LAST TWO TIMES BECAUSE I HAD OVER 72000 MILES ON IT AND I SPENT OVER 300.00 OF MY MONEY ON IT THE LAST TWO TIMES. THANK YOU FOR YOU TIME
Mar 03, 2001
WHILE DRIVING SMELLED AN AWFULL SMELL LIKE WIRES BURNING. BLOWER/ HEATER, AND AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED WORKING. CONSUMER SPOKE TO A MECHANIC WHO SAID THAT IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. *AK
Feb 01, 2000
HEATER SWITCH AND WIRING MELTED. *AK
Feb 20, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
HESTITATES WHEN YOU PUT ON THE GAS,SEAT BELT LIGHT FLASHES,SPITS AN SPUDERS
Jun 06, 2005
AIR CONDITIONER HAD QUIT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC. DURING THIS REPAIR MECHANIC FOUND WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALL PLASTIC COATING WAS FALLING APART WHEN BEING TOUCHED. WIRES WERE EXPOSED, AND ONE CIRCUIT HAD SHORTED OUT. *AK
Jun 08, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
DT: CONTACT STATES THE WIRING HARNESS IS CRACKING , CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING, GASOLINE FUMES FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR IS COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. WHEN IT RAINS OR WHEN WASHING THE VEHICLE IT GETS WATER INTO THE COMPUTER OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THIS WAS A DEFECT WITHIN THE VEHICLE.*AK
May 26, 2005
BEGINNING A MONTH AGO, MY CAR WILL NOT START ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. I HAVE HAD IT TOWED INTO 2 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT SHOPS, REPLACED FUEL FILTER, AND FUEL PUMP. CAR STILL WON'T START EARLY MORNINGS. HAD CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP, THE RETAINED CAR 48 HOURS, COULD NOT IDENTIFY PROBLEM. FRIENDS SUGGESTS IT MAY BE EMI CAUSING PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IN DEARBORN, MI DOES NOT RESPOND TO MY QUESTIONS REGARDING EMI (ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE WITH MY CAR'S "COMPUTER". NEIGHBORS WITH FORD AUTOMOBILES HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. WE LIVE IN A SENIOR MOBILE HOME PARK AND HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANSWERS FROM OUR LANDLORD.*AK
Feb 19, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
ENGINE COOLING FAN CAUGHT FIRE IN 1999 - CAR UNDER WARRANTY AND REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP. 2 MORE ENGINE COOLING PROBLEMS IN 1999 THE MOST SERIOUS PROBLEM WAS WHEN THE WATER PUMP FAILED. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. IN 2002 THE ENGINE BEGAN OVERHEATING AND WE HAD TO REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT, OTHER PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED WERE REPLACEMENT OF OXYGEN SENSOR AND FUEL PUMP DUE TO LEAKAGE. IN JUNE 2003 CAR OVERHEATING, THE COOLING FAN CONNECTION HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED. IN JULY 2003 CAR OVERHEATING, CHECKED BY MECHANIC WHO NOTED THAT THERE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING, RECOMMENDED DEALERSHIP REPAIR DUE TO COST. ON DAY ONE DEALERSHIP ESTIMATED COST OF WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT $380.00. DAY TWO DEALERSHIP CALLS - HEAD GASKET BLOWN AND FAN BELT WORN BILL NOW $1100.00. DAY THREE DEALERSHIP CALLS - ONE OF THE OXYGEN SENSORS AND ANOTHER PART NEEDS REPLACING AN ADDITIONAL $300-400.00. TOTAL BILL $1600.00. *JB
Jul 18, 2003
FUEL PUMP AND WATER PUMP LEAKAGE CAUSED VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT, AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Jul 21, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
2 complaints
GAS TANK LEVER INSIDE THE CAR DOES NOT OPERATE. *NLM
Apr 10, 2003
THE FUEL RELEASE SWITCH WAS INOPERABLE. NLM
Jan 11, 2001
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE FLUCTUATED WILDLY, THEN IT REGISTERED ZERO. TEN SECONDS LATER THE CAR'S DRIVEABLITY WENT DOWN DUE TO THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER RECEIVING ZERO SPEED INPUT: LIMITED ACCELLERATION, NO CRUISE CONTROL, ETC. END RESULT: BOTH SPEED CABLE AND SPEED CONTROL SENSOR BROKEN; CONNECTION PIN FROM TRANSMISSION TO SENSOR STUCK OR SNAPPED --> WILL NEED TO DROP TRANSMISSION AND TEAR IT OPEN JUST TO GET AT A $25 PART!*AK
Sep 06, 2001
THIS VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT OF RECALL FOR THROTTLE LINK CABLE. IGNITION/PLUG CABLES ALSO FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER CABLE THAT FAILED FAILED BECAUSE OF A LINK. THIS LEADS TO A QUESTION ABOUT THE OVERALL FITNESS OF CABLES THAT FORD IS USING ON THIS VEHICLE. I'VE NEVER BEFORE HEARD OF A NON-TRAUMATIC FAILURE OF A SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER CABLE AT UNDER 100,000 MILES. I AM NOT SURE OF DATES OR MILEAGE AS SUBMITTED. THIS HAPPENED A WHILE AGO, AND I ONLY SAW NOTIFICATION OF YOUR WEBSITE ON A PUBLIC BUS THIS EVENING (8 FEB). PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND LET ME KNOW IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I'VE LONG SINCE REPLACED THE SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER CABLE AND HAVE LEARNED MY LESSON. NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY A FORD MOTOR COMPANY PRODUCT. *AK
Feb 08, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE FOR MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 99MO3. VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING POOR TRACTION CONTROL, AND ABS LIGHTS WERE ON CONSTANTLY. DEALER SAID WIRING HARNESS COULD CAUSE IT NOT TO WORK. DEALER WON'T DO RECALL BECAUSE TITLE WAS BRANDED. DEALER WAS WOOD HOUSE FORD IN BLAIR NE. PHONE NO. 402-926-4126. *AK *SLC
Apr 17, 2001
TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO DEALER. THEY SAID CONSUMER NEEDED A NEW COMPUTER , TOTALLING $1200. CONSUMER PAID TO HAVE IT FIXED, AND THERE IS STILL NO TRACTION CONTROL OR ABS BRAKES. CURRENTLY, DEALER INDICATED THAT CONSUMER NEEDED WIRING HARNESS THAT CONNECTS TO COMPUTER. A MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THESE PARTICULAR CARS THAT WATER GETS IN THE WIRING HARNESS AND SHORTS OUT THE COMPUTER. ALSO,CONSUMER SAID IF BRAKING IN SKID CAR WOULD KEEP GOING. *AK
Mar 30, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
2 complaints
EMERGENCY BRAKES FAILED TO RELEASE WHILE VEHICLE WAS COLD. AFTER VEHICLE HAD WARMED UP, WOULD RELEASE EMERGENCY BRAKES. REAR DISC BRAKES WOULD STICK AFTER BEING RELEASED. WATER WAS GETTING INTO CABLES. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP,AND WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC A NEW CALIPER, WHICH WAS REDESIGNED, WOULD BE NEEDED ALONG WITH BRAKE CABLES. *AK
Mar 23, 2001
1: IN COLD WEATHER, PARKING BRAKE WILLN'T RELEASE THUS DRAGS TIRES. 2: CALIPERS DON'T FULLY DISENGAGE; NOTICABLE DRAGGING (WEATHER NOT FACTOR) 3: DEALER RELUCTANT TO ASSIST.
Dec 23, 1998
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
WOULD BE DRIVING VEHICLE OR MAKING A TURN WHEN VEHICLE WOULD STALL. WOULD HAVE NO PRIOR WARNING. ALSO, STEERING WOULD LOCK UP. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP.*AK
Mar 23, 2001
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO CONTROL STEERING , DURING RAINING WEATHER . TT CONSUMER STATES THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE PULLEY-CRANKSHAFT. *SLC
Nov 01, 1995
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH VEHICLE STALLED, NOT ABLE TO START VEHICLE AGAIN. IN FOR REPAIRS AT THIS TIME. 2 CABLES UNDER HOOD HAD MELTED. ALSO SEAT BELT CASING ON REAR MIDDLE SEAT FELL APART. *AK
Jan 30, 2001
RECALL 95S31 NHTSA 95V228; WAS NOT TOLD PARTS WEREN'T ON SCENE BUT HAD VEHICLE THERE FOR APPOINTMENT, SERVICED SOMETHING ALLOWED OWNER TO LEAVE. TT THE REAR LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE) TALE LAMP SEEMED TO HAVE A SHORT IN IT, WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IT WOULD GO OUT THEN COME BACK ON AT ANOTHER BUMP.*JB
Jan 18, 1996
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING MY 1995 FORD CONTOUR WHEN I LOST MY POWER STEERING. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY TO CHECK MY POWER STEERING FLUID. THE FLUID CONTAINER WAS EMPTY. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO FIRESTONE SERVICE TO CHECK THE PROBLEM. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE MECHANIC ASKING IF I HAD TRANSMISSION WORK DONE ON THE CAR. I INDICATED I DID IN 9/97 WHEN THE FORD DEALER, RITTENHOUSE-KERR, REPLACED THE ORIGINAL TRANS UNDER FORD WARRANTY. I ASKED HIM WHY HE WAS ASKING ABOUT THE TRANS WHEN IT WAS THE POWER STEERING THAT WAS INOPERATIVE. HE INFORMED ME THREE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE TRANS TO THE MOTOR MOUNT WHERE MISSING AND THAT CAUSED THE TRANS TO DAMAGE THE AXLE WHICH CAUSED THE POWER STEERING LINE TO BE CUT RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. HE SUGGESTED I BRING THE CAR BACK TO THE FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR. RITTENHOUSE-KERR ACKNOWLEDGED THE BOLTS WHERE MISSING BUT COULD NOT GIVE A REASONABLE EXPLANATION WHY. I SUGGESTED THEY WERE DEFECTIVE OR NOT PUT IN PROPERLY. THE DEALER WOULD NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILTY FOR THE FAILURE OF THE BOLTS. I THEN CALLED FORD ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS AND THOUGH COURTEOUS, THEY ESSENTIALLY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT UP WITH THE DEALER. I THEN BROUGHT THE CAR TO ANOTHER MECHANIC TO GET REPAIRED. I HAD THE POWER STEERING LINE AND AXLE REPLACED BUT COULD NOT GET THE TRANS ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE MOUNT. THE MECHANIC EXPLAINED THERE ARE THREE BOLTS (FORD PART NUMBER W500034-S303) THAT HOLD THE TRANS TO THE ENGINE MOUNT. IN TWO OF THE THREE OPENINGS WHERE THE BOLTS THREAD INTO THE TRANS, THERE WERE PARTS OF BROKEN BOLTS IN THEM AND THE THIRD HAD STRIPPED THREADS PREVENTING THE BOLT FROM HOLDING. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND FORD AGAIN. NEITHER WOULD ACKNOWLEGDE RESPONSIBILITY. IF USEFUL, I HAVE PICTURES I CAN PROVIDE. YOUR ASSISTANCE IN LOOKING INTO THIS UNSAFE SITUATION IS APPRECIATED. ALSO, DID FORD HAVE A RECALL ON TRANS BOLTS FOR THE 1993 TAURUS MODEL?
Aug 27, 1999
TRANSMISSION SLIPPING/FAILING TO ENGAGE IN OVERDRIVE. ALSO, LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHEN IT RAINS.
Nov 02, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHIFT REALLY HARD, AND I NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LOW. I ADDED FLUID AND THE PROBLEM LESSENED, BUT WAS STILL THERE. ALSO THERE WAS A STRANGE HIGH PITCHED SOUND COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. AS IT TURNED OUT, WE HAD A BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE AS WELL. SO I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER FIXING THE BRAKES (APX $600) THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. I WANTED A SECOND OPINION, SO I PAID FOR THE BRAKES AND LEFT. A FEW DAYS LATER WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED AND DESTROYED ITSELF. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE CLOSEST PLACE WHICH WAS AAMCO RESULTING IN A $2,500 BILL AND A CAR THAT IS STILL IN THE SHOP. *AK
Jul 19, 1999
ABS BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED.
Sep 04, 1998
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
EXPERIENCED LOSS OF STEERING, BRAKES, & ELECTRICAL WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IN WET CONDITIONS. *AK
May 26, 1999
CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH STEERING AND BRAKES. DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER POWER STEERING GOES OUT AND THE POWER BRAKES FAIL. ALSO, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *ML
Feb 18, 1999
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE, AND HORN WOULD BLOW WHENEVER CONSUMER MAKES A RIGHT TURN. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Oct 19, 1998
CRUISE CONTROL IS FAILING TO OPERATE, AND WHENEVER CONSUMER MAKES A RIGHT TURN THE HORN WOULD BLOW OUT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Oct 19, 1998
ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED A BURNING ODOR WAS EMITTED FROM THE AIR VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V367000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,140.
Oct 08, 2013
SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
1995 FORD CONTOUR REAR DOORS DO NOT HAVE CHILD LOCKS. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE REAR DOORS DO NOT HAVE CHILD LOCKS AND HER CHILD CAN OPEN THE BACK DOOR WHEN IT IS LOCKED. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT HOLD TIGHT ENOUGH. *JB UPDATED 01-16-08. *KB THE DRIVER'S DOOR DIDN'T OPEN WHEN THE MASTER LOCK IS ON.
Sep 04, 2007
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I HAVE A 1995 FORD CONTOUR AND I PAID OVER $16,000.00 FOR IT. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE SINCE I GOT THIS CAR. I HAVE 50,888 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES AND WORKED ON 4 TIMES. WATER PUMP WENT OUT, AIR WENT OUT ALL WIRING COVERS HAS CRUMBLED OFF LEAVING EXPOSED WIRES TO START A FIRE AND MUCH MORE. I HAVE BEEN TREATED LIKE I WAS A CHILD AND DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I NOW HAVE A CAR THAT I CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE IT IS A FIRE HAZARD. I WANT SOMETHING DONE TO MY SATISFACTION. I KNOW THEY QUIT MAKING THE 1995 FORD CONTOUR BECAUSE THERE WERE SO MANY MANUFACTURER PROBLEMS. I AM NOW TOLD THEY CAN'T GET PARTS TO FIX THE CAR AND I CAN'T TRADE IT IN ON ANOTHER ONE. I AM A FEMALE AND I AM TIRED OF THE TREATMENT I'M RECEIVING FROM FORD. MY CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. I HAVE CONTACTED SEVERAL AGENCYS CONCERNING MY PROBLEMS. *JB
Apr 17, 2007
POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT GROANING AND CRUNCHING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HUB WAS PUNCHING OUT THE SEALED BEARINGS. THE BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE HAD ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE AXLE SHAFT. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP WAS ABLE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM COMPLETELY.
Sep 01, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
HVAC FAN UNDER DASH ON PASSENGERS SIDE HAS A SHORTAGE IN THE WIRING TO THE FUSE BOX UNDER DASH ON DRIVERS SIDE. COULD OPEN AND CLOSE FUSE BOX TO GET FAN TO WORK THEN STOPPED WORKING AT ALL. REAR SEAT BELT LOCKS ALL FELL APART. PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN. *AK
Mar 14, 2004
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
THE CAR HAS ALWAYS RUN HOT AND I HAVE HAD THE COMPRESSOR FIXED AND A MONTH LATER I KNOW HAVE A BURNT OUT BLOWER MOTOR THAT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. I NEVER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE RECALL AND THAN WAS TOLD I MISSED THE CUT OFF DATE TO FILE FOR A REPAIR, BOTTOM LINE I WASNT COVERED. I ALSO BROUGHT MY CAR IN A DAY BEFORE MY WARRANTY WAS UP AND THEY DIDNT HONOR IT, I WAS TOLD IT WAS TOO LATE.
Jan 15, 2004
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I'M A HEARING IMPAIRED DRIVER/OWNER OF FORD '95 CONTOUR GL (LOW-INCOMER, AVERAGE $21,000 A YEAR). I'VE BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 1997 FROM A MINNEAPOLIS-AREA FORD DEALERSHIP (QUALITY AUTO DEALERSHIP IN BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA). AT THE TIME, I HAD LESS THAN $10,000 TO PAY FOR A RECENT USED CAR(ONE THAT IS WITHIN 2-3 YEARS AFTER IT CAME ON THE MARKET). I TRIED OUT FEW CARS AND THE WHITE 1995 FORD CONTOUR GL. THE DEALER INSISTED THAT '95 FORD CONTOUR GL WAS A GOOD BUY AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE. I WAS WILLING TO TRADE UP MY OLD CAR TO REDUCE THE PRICE BUT IT WAS STILL TOO HIGH FOR ME SINCE IT DIDN'T INCLUDED OTHER FEES LIKE THE TITLE AND REGISTRATION LICENSE. AFTER A SHORT, PERSUASIVE NEGOTIATION, I GOT THE DEALER TO AGREE TO MARK DOWN TO $9995 AND I ACCEPTED THAT. SO I BOUGHT THE CAR. AFTER A FEW DAYS, I WAS EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH IT, SO I HAD IT TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND LATER TOLD ME THAT THE WHOLE ENGINE WAS BAD AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS STUNNED BUT THEY WERE WILLING TO DO THE REPAIR FOR FREE. IT TOOK ME A WEEK TO GET MY CAR BACK. EVERYTHING WENT FAIRLY FINE FOR THE NEXT COUPLE YEARS. IN 1999, THE AIR-CONDITIONER IN MY CAR STOPPED WORKING AND IT WAS TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR AT THE TIME. I MOVED TO COLUMBUS, OH IN JAN. 2000. FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS, THAT CAR HAS BECOME A TROUBLE FOR ME. ONE REPAIR AFTER THE NEXT. THE BIGGEST REPAIR COST I'VE PAID OUT WAS $2060.43 TO REPLACE A FLYWHEEL. I HAVE TRIED TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY CAR BY TAKING IT TO JIFFY LUBE FOR OIL/CHECK-UPS EVERY 3-6 MONTHS FAITHFULLY AND I'M STILL HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY CAR. RIGHT NOW, IT IS AT ANOTHER FORD SERVICE BECAUSE THERE MAY BE DEFECTED WIRING COILS IN MY CAR (A DEALER RECALL THAT I'M NOT AWARE OF). I HAVE KEPT ALL THE SERVICE MAINTENANCE PAPERS IN FILE FOR ALL THE REPAIRS AND SERVICES ON MY CAR. I WANTED A NEW CAR AND I'M NOT VERY HAPPY. I'M TIRED OF PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jan 15, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I WAS REAR-ENDED EARLIER THIS YEAR AND TOOK MY CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR BUMPER REPLACEMENT. DEALERSHIP DID NOT INFORM ME THAT FORD DISCONTINUED MY BUMPER MODEL, SO THEY REPAIRED IT INSTEAD OF REPLACING IT -- WITHOUT MY PERMISSION! SILVER PLASTIC STRIP THAT RUNS THROUGH CENTER OF BUMPER WAS RE-INSTALLED AS-IS - CRACKED - SINCE BUMPER WAS NOT BEING MADE ANYMORE AND NEW PART WASN'T AVAILABLE. BOTH HORNS WERE REPLACED, IN SPITE OF RARELY BEING USED. RUBBER WINDOW STRIPS LOOSEN, POP UP EASILY. ONE POWER WINDOW IN REAR CAN ONLY GO DOWN ABOUT 6 INCHES, SQUEAKING TERRIBLY AS IT MOVES DOWN; TOO EXPENSIVE TO FIX. OUTER GAS DOOR RELEASE STICKS. BOTH METHODS OF OPENING THE DOOR (FLOOR LEVER AND TRUNK STRAP) STOPPED WORKING THIS YEAR. PAID FOR REPAIR AT DEALERSHIP, BUT BOTH METHODS STOPPED WORKING AGAIN AFTER A FEW DAYS. I NOW HAVE TO OPEN UP MY TRUNK EVERY TIME I GO TO THE GAS STATION, PULL THE RELEASE STRAP AND RAP LIGHTLY ON THE OUTER DOOR IN ORDER FOR IT TO POP OPEN. I AM SCHEDULED FOR A NEW REPAIR IN A FEW DAYS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR ROUGH IDLE AND STALLING. PROBLEM INVOLVES MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND/OR PCM, AND IS DETAILED IN TSB ARTICLE NO. 98-20-7. HAD CONTACTS CLEANED ON RADIATOR TANK AND DRIVER'S DOOR PANEL (BEEPING SIGNAL FOR WHEN DOOR OPENS AND KEY IS LEFT IN IGNITION STOPPED WORKING). HAD COMPLETE TUNE-UP AT DEALERSHIP THIS SUMMER, WITH MILEAGE AT ONLY 40,000. DRIVER'S SIDE SPEAKER WIRE HAS LOOSENED, WITH SOUND DRIFTING IN AND OUT DEPENDING ON BUMPS HIT ON THE ROAD. DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK COLLAPSED INSIDE KEYHOLE. LOCK CYLINDERS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE IN SETS OF FIVE, SO ALL FIVE OF MY LOCK CYLINDERS HAD TO BE REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP. REPLACEMENT CYLINDER ON MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT VIBRATES TOO MUCH WHILE DRIVING. REVERSE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. WIRING HAD TO BE REPAIRED. PAINT IS THIN AND SCRATCHES EASILY, EVEN FROM NON-ABRASIVE CONTACT. DRIVER'S WINDOW OPENS ALL THE WAY, SLIDING DOWN AT A QUICK SPEED. VERY INDIFFERENT TREATMENT BY DEALERSHIP.
Jan 15, 2004
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THIS PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED. THE TRANSMISSION GOES OUT OF GEAR AT ABOUT 60 MILES AN HOUR (OD TRANSMISSION) AND THE VEHICLE "BANGS AND SPUDDERS". ADDITIONAL, THE TEMPERTURE GAUGE HAS ALWAYS RUN HOT AND YET THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE FIND- MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO KNOW IF THE VEHICLE IS OVERHEATING. THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IS GOING TO BECOME MORE COSTLY. CONCERNING THE TRANSMISSION- I DO LIVE IN MARYLAND AND AM REQUIRED TO HAVE A VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION THAT HAS THE VEHICLE PUT ON A DEVICE THAT TAKES THE VEHICLE TO HIGH SPEEDS!
Jan 15, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE DOORS DO NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUT. REAR SEATBELTS HAVE FALLEN APART. HVAC FAN MOTOR DOESN'T WORK. ALSO, FAN MOTOR RELAY FAILS.
Sep 29, 2003
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
I HAVE A FORD CONTOUR 1995 MANUFACTURED IN 12/94 I HAVE SOME COMPLAINTS ABOUT MY CAR. THERE ARE SOME RECALLS OUT ON THIS VEHICLE. BUT THERE ARE NOT LIST FOR MY CONTOUR VIN # BUT I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE ROBINS FORD DELERSHIP IN GLENOLDEN,PA FOR NOT STARTING. AFTER THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT I HAVE A WIRING HARNESS DEFECT THAT CAUSED IT TO SHORT CIRCUIT MY SPARK PLUGS. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE WIRES FOR THIS VEHICLE IS OUT DATED AND FOR HAVE BEEN REPLACING THEM WITH UPDATED WIRES. BUT THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR MY VIN# BUT IT IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH THIS CAR. I ALSO HAVE SOME PROBLEMS THAT HAVE JUST STARTED THAT FORD HAVE RECALLS ON BUT AGAIN NOT MY SO CALLED VIN#. MY SEAT BELTS ON THIS CAR HAVE BEEN BREAKING OFF AT THE CONNECTION TAB AS WELL AS MY DEFROSTER NOT WORKING. BOTH HAVE RECALLS ON THEM. I ALSO HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT OTHER RECALLS THEY HAVE OPEN ON THIS CAR THAT ARE SAFTY HASZERDS ONE FOR WHICH IS A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY FILLER THAT CAN CAUSE A FLASH FIRE AND A FUEL TANK LEAKAGE THAT CAN CAUSE A FIRE THEY ALSO HAVE A RECALL FOR THEIR AIR BAGS. I HAVE CHILDREN THAT MAKES ME VERY CONCERED ABOUT THEIR SAFTY IN THIS CAR. AND THE LACK OF CONCERN BY THEIR FORD MANUFACTURER. HOW CAN I GET THIS THINGS FIX SO THEIR WILL BE NO ACCIDENTS.
Jan 29, 2003
VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE OF VEHICLE. ALSO, DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW FAILS TO ROLL UP OR DOWN. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CAN ONLY BE OPENED FROM INSIDE. CONSUMER AFRAID IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION DRIVER'S SIDE OCCUPANT WOULD BECOME TRAPPED IN VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Sep 17, 2002
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
CONSUMERS DAUGHTER WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFICE LIGHT, WHEN SHE WAS HIT HEAD ON BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS, HOWEVER THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN THEM AND BOTH DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER WERE THROWN FOWARD, ALSO THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUFFERED INJURIES.*MJ
Jul 29, 2002
INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH COURTESY LIGHTS ON FRONT PASSENGER'S DOOR AND BOTH REAR DOORS ONLY COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jul 10, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE EGR VALVE, EGR GAS REGULATOR VALVE WENT BAD. THE SHIFTING SENSOR WENT BAD CAUSING IT TO FEEL LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE MOUNT BROKE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO VIBRATE VERY BADLY. THE A/C COMPRESSOR LOCKED UP CAUSING THE BELT TO BRAKE AND STRANDING MY WIFE AND 8 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER.
May 28, 2002
SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
Feb 05, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH ON HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A SMOKE SMELL COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. HE PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK PRIOR TO RECALL 00V367, ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING AND BURNING EXCESS OIL FROM OVERHEATED PISTON RINGS, AFTER RECALL REPAIRS, THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ANTIFREEZE LEAK THAT WAS GOING INTO MOTOR OIL, ENGINE COOLING FANS WERE OPERATING INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ENGINE WAS HOT, DEALER FOUND UPPER RADIATOR HOSE AT WATER PUMP HAD A PINHOLE LEAK, ENGINE COOLING FAN WIRING OVERHEATED AND BURNED OUT AT FAN RELAY AND FAN CONNECTORS, THEN CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 01I009 AND HAD THESE REPAIRS COMPLETED ON VEHICLE, AFTER RECALL REPAIRS, ENGINE AND IN-DASH WIRING OVERHEATED AND BURNED, DEALER INSTALLED RECALL PARTS FOR BLOWER MOTOR AGAIN, CONSUMER LATER INFORMED A NEW MOTOR WAS NEEDED DUE TO NO COMPRESSION DUE TO OVERHEATING DAMAGE. THIS TOOK PLACE PRIOR TO VEHICLE FIRE. HEADLIGHT AND TAILLIGHT LENSES REPLACED. OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE, SHIFT LEVER INTERNAL SLIDING BEZEL HAD A STRESS CRACK, AT TIMES IT WAS HARD TO GET OUT OF PARK WHEN TEMPERATURE WAS COLD. A/C DID NOT BLOW COLD AIR AND WAS NOISY. FUEL DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AT TIMES. SPEEDOMETER CABLE WAS REPLACED DUE TO A TICKING NOISE. *JB
Jan 24, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
ENGINE/ BRAKES/ STARTER /CATALYTIC CONVERTER/ FUEL PUMP AND FUSE FAILED. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM VEHICLE WOULDN'T START, AND RADIATOR WENT OUT ALSO. *AK
Aug 14, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
FIRST THE A/C STARTED FLOODING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. RESULT THE CONDENSER WAS REPLACED BY PLANTATION FORD, WHO TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. THEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED LURCHING IN REVERSE. RESULT $2000, AND AGAIN FORD TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CONTOUR. FINALLY THE ENGINE QUIT ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. MUCH LATER FORD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE COOLING FAN FUSE, AAND THE WIRING HARNESS. BOTH OF WHICH I WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT, BUT HAD TO LEARN FROM A MECHANIC. AND WHEN I DID TAKE THE CAR TO PLANTATION FORN THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT TELL IF THE HEAD GAASKET WAS BLOWN BECAUSE OF THE COOLING FAN FUSE, AND THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS RECALL HAD EXPIRED AT 100,000 MAKING MY VEHICLE INELIGIBLE SINCE IT HAD 106,000. I HAVE E:MAILED YOU PICTURES OF THE HARNESS, WHICH ARE SO BRITTLE, AND CORRODED I WOULD BE SCARED TO START ANY MOTOR WITH IT FOR FEAR OF A FIRE.
May 25, 2001
POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
INDICATOR ON TRANSMISSION IS MISSING BECAUSE OF A DEFECT, AND CONSUMER CAN NOT TELL WHICH GEAR VEHICLE IS IN. THERE IS RECALL 98V23300. *AK FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKS AS SOON A PASSENGER MOVES, CONSUMER HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET IT FIXED, HOWEVER DEALER STATES THAT THER IS NO PROBLEM. *SLC
May 14, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DESIGN FLAW IN ENGINE IS CAUSING A VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL ,GEAR SHIFT AND DOWN IN BRAKE PEDAL. IT HAS BECOME WORSE. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE JERKS FORWARD. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE JERKS AND PULSATES WHILE BRAKING. *SLC
Mar 30, 2001
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
EA O1 007/AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING: AIR BAG LIGHT STAYING ON. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK THE ENGINE WAS OKAY BUT THE LIGHT ON DASH BOARD CAMES AND STAYS ON. *YH
Mar 23, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
1 complaint
FUEL PUMP FAILED, LOST COMPLETE POWER WHILE DRIVING 50 TO 60 MPH. ENGINE DIES WHEN OUTSIDE TEMP IS HOT AND A/C IN USE, REPLACE FUEL PUMP AND SENDER. RIGHT REAR WHEEL SEAL LEAKS, DUE TO RIGHT REAR INNER OIL SEAL FAULTY, REMOVE WHEEL, REPLACED RIGHT REAR INNER GREASE SEAL, CLEANED BRAKE AND WHEELS, CHECK REAR END GREASE AND FILLED TO PROPER LEVEL. TRANSMISSION DISENGES FROM ENGINE AND CHARGED UP, ALMOST LOST CONTROL.
Mar 21, 2001
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
1.) REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH ON TWO OCCASIONS; 2.) FRONTAL TORSION BAR HAD TO BE REPLACED; 3.) AIR BAG IN STEERING WHEEL HAS A RATTLE NOISE WHEN TURNING WHEEL, AND 4.) AIR BAG SENOR LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON. DEALER NOTIFIED AND MADE ALL REPAIRS EXCEPT RATTLE IN AIR BAG ON STEERING WHEEL, AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT THAT COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
Feb 09, 2001
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THIS VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD TO REPLACE WITH A NEW VEHICLE IN JUNE 2000. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
Feb 04, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ENGINE HEAD GASKET BLEWOUT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND VEHICLE OVERHEATED. ALSO, CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A SCREECHING NOISE, AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT, AND HEATER MOTOR BURNED OUT, THERE WAS NO HEAT. SHE HAS CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. *AK
Jan 03, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE, AIRCONDITIONER WENT OUT, SMELLED SOMETHING MELTING, SMOKE FROM UNDER HOOD WHEN OPENED, TOLD IT WAS AIR, COULD DRIVE, BLEW 2 HEAD GASKETS DUE TO COOLING SYSTEM NOT WORKING, COST OVER 600$. FAN ONLY RUNS ON HIGH AND LOW. HEATER MOTOR GOING OUT. MANUAL TRANSMISSION SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING. BACK DOORS SQUEAK REALLY LOUD, AND OIL DON'T WORK. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON ALWAYS. AIRBAG LIGHTS ON ALWAYS. BACK SEAT BELT BROKE. ALTONATOR GOING OUT. RADIATOR LEAKS THEN STOPS, LEAKS THEN STOPS. FAN MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN RUNNING.
Jan 03, 2001
SUSPENSION,PARKING BRAKE,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
GAS SENSOR FAILED EARLY ON, HAD IT FIXED. SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED, HAD THAT FIXED. NOW BOTH REAR SPRINGS HAVE BROKEN, ONE FRONT BEARING HAS BEEN REPLACED AND THERE MIGHT BE A PROBLEM WITH FRONT STABILISER BAR. CONTACTED FORD THIS MORNING AND WAS INFORMED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER FOR "VERIFICATION PURPOSES" UNFORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE POSES A DANGER DUE TO A LOOSE SPRING IN THE BACK. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY "GROSSE POINTE AUTOWORKS" LOCATED 1/2 BLOCK OFF MY HOUSE SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. DEALERSHIPS ARE CA 9+ MILES AWAY AND HAVE NEVER BEEN CONSUMER FRIENDLY WHEN I HAVE CONTACTED THEM. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO RECOURSE REGARDING THE IRRESPONSIVE FORD MOTOR CO.
Oct 07, 2000
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THERMOSTAT GOES UP TO THE RED. THEN, POWER STEERING WENT OUT. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND LET CAR SIT FOR A WHILE. GAS TANK HAS BEEN REPLACED, WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM. *AK
Oct 04, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AIR CONDITIONER HOSE IS ROUTED AGAINST THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM HOSE, CAUSING IT TO GET HOT AND BURN A HOLE THROUGH THE BRAKE HOSE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKES. *AK
Aug 17, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I HVAE HAD PROBLEMS EVER SINCE I FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR 8 MONTHS AGO, STARTING WITH ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A MISSING VACUUM CAP. NEXT, I ENCOUNTERED A DRIVE BELT THAT WAS ON THE VERGE OF BREAKING, IT WAS SEVERLY CRACKED. THE BRAKE CALIPERS WERE STICKING CAUSING MAJOR VEERING WHEN STOPPING AT SPEEDS OVER 40, AND THIS ALSO RESULTED IN WARPING MY ROTORS. ALSO, FOR THE FIRST 7 MONTHS, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON PERIODICALLY, BUT AFTER A COUPLE OF FUEL INJECTOR CLEANERS, IT WAS MUCH BETTER. THEN, ON A CROSS COUNTRY TRIP, THE CAR'S IDLE WORSENED, ITS POWER DECREASED,AT A STOP, THE CAR WOULD START HAVING A CONVULSION LIKE FEEL AND SOUND, FROM A STOP, IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE UNTIL A CLICK IN THE ENGINE COULD BE HEARD. THEN THE ACCELERATION WAS VERY LURCHING AND SPUTTERY. AFTER A DIAGNOSTIC, I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL ENGINE. THE MECHANICS SENT ME TO THE DEALER WHO FOUND THE SUPPOSED CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. $400 LATER, MY AIR MASS SENSOR WAS REPLACED AND THE CAR SEEMED TO DO MUCH BETTER. HOWEVER, IN THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON THE ENTIRE DURATION OF DRIVING, AND THE CAR HAS CONTINUED ITS LURCHING ACCELERATION AND CONVULSION LIKE PROBLEM. THE UNPREDICTABLENESS IN MY CAR HAS MADE ME SOMEWHAT FEARFUL TO DRIVE BECAUSE I'M NOT SURE WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT, AND IF I CAN AFFORD TO FIX IT. I'D LIKE TO KNOW MY BUYER'S RIGHTS AND SEE IF THERE'S ANY RESOLUTION TO BE HAD..
Aug 13, 2000
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I HEARD A THUMPING NOISE THAT I THOUGHT WAS A TIRE OR BRAKE CALIPER.DROVE CAR FOR A WEEK.WENT TO DEALER AND WHEN I PULLED IN FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE CAR. POWER STEERING LINE WAS REPLACED ($600), CAR RELEASED TO ME. DROVE HOME. HEARD METALLIC SOUND AND RETURNED CAR THE NEXT DAY. DEALER SAID PROBLEM WAS SHEARED BOLTS ON THE REAR MOUNT. THEY SPECULATED THAT CORROSION STARTED BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING IS ALUMINUM AND THE BOLT ARE STEEL.THIS WILL COST ME ANOTHER $600 TO REPAIR. ABOUT A MOTH AGO THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACE. DON'T KNOW IF ANY CONNECTION TO THE LATER PROBLEMS.
Jun 15, 2000
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
HAD TO REPLACED BRAKES. HEADLIGHTS DIM WHEN BRAKE IS PRESSED,INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN LEFT TAIL LIGHT GOES OUT (REPLACED 4 TIMES SINCE 1996) STEERING WHEEL BOUNCES UP AND DOWN WHEN SITTING WITH CAR RUNNING AND IN GEAR MUST PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AT STOP LIGHTS OR SITTING IN GEAR, SO AS TO NOT GET VIBRATED TO DEATH, MECH-NOT ABLE TO FIX PROBLEM, JUST THE WAY CAR IS BUILT.
Mar 05, 2000
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
DRIVING THROUGH WET ROADS STEERING WILL LOCK UP, LASTING FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS, AND CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL. DEALER HAS REPLACED SWAY BAR AND SERPENTINE BELT, BUT DEFECT KEEPS OCCURRING. CAUSE IS STILL UNKNOWN. *AK
Feb 08, 2000
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
Feb 02, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
FAILURE OF DEFECTIVE MANIFOLD GASKET CAUSED POWER ASSIST FAILURE IN ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE SITUATION. HAD I NOT BEEN ABLE TO SWERVE AROUND STOPPED CAR, VEHICLE WOULD NOT HAVE STOPPED IN TIME TO AVOID COLLISION DUE TO DRASTIC REDUCTION IN BRAKING. DEALER REPORTS THAT THIS HAS OCCURRED ON A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT MODEL YEARS RECENTLY. GASKET IS UNAVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT FOR OVER 2 WEEKS BECAUSE IT IS BEING REDESIGNED. CUSTOMER SERVICE STATED NOT TO TAKE IN PERSONAL THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THIS SAFETY DEFECT. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS DEFECT IS THAT IT IS SUDDEN AND WITHOUT NOTICE. CAR RAN ROUGH FOR A FEW DAYS, BUT GAVE NO INDICATION OF POTENTIAL BRAKE FAILURE UNTIL IT WAS ALMOST TOO LATE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. *AK
Jan 27, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Jan 10, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
REAR DOORS CREAK VERY LOUDLY - HAVE TO APPLY OIL MONTHLY, ENGINE CONSTANTLY RUNS HOT - HAD THERMOSTAT REPLACED, OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED CAUSING VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS, ALTERNATOR HAS FAILED TWICE WITHIN A YEAR -VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS BOTH TIMES, WINDSHIELD MOLDING SHIFTING OUT OF PLACE, HAVE TO REPLACE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPEATEDLY, GAS SPILLS OUT OF NECK OF TANK WHEN REFUELING. SEATBELT COVER ON DOOR PANEL POPS OFF ON DRIVER SIDE AND BROKE OFF ON PASSENGER SIDE. OFF
Nov 03, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
1) THE ELECTRICAL SWITCH/ROLLER DIAL CAUSED A SHORT AT 45,000 MILES AND MY DASH BOARD LIGHTS IN TOTAL HAVE BEEN OUT EVER SINCE. 2) THE REAR/BACK SEAT RESTRAINT BELT ON THE RIGHT SIDE NO LONGER RETRACTS INTO THE HOUSING. 3) THE BACKSEAT RESTRAINT HOUSING IN THE SEAT HAS COME APART MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO FASTEN THE BELT 4) THE GAS CAP RELEASE LEVER ON THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR DOES NOT FUNCTION(DOES NOT OPEN GAS TANK)THE GAS CAP HAS TO BE OPENED BY OPENING THE TRUNK AND PULLING THE MANUAL CORD.
Nov 01, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Oct 21, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
ON APR 8 1999 I TOOK MY CAR TO AMHERST MOTORS INC BECAUSE I WAS HAVING A PROBLEM. I WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A RECALL ONT HE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHICH THE FORD COMPANY FAILED TO INFORM ME ABOUT. WHEN QUESTIONED, THEY RESPONDED THAT THEY COULD NOT LOCATE ME. NOW THEY ARE SAYING I NEED A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE THE DPFE(REVISED DELTA PRESSURE FEEDBACK)VOLTA FAILED. THEY DID NOT TELL ME THIS WHEN THEY RELEASED MY CAR APR 15 1999. I ASKED TO HAVE THE SEATBELT FIXED. THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD CHARGE ME OVER $100. THERE IS A RECALL #95S31 FOR THAT SEATBELT
Sep 16, 1999
PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
SPEEDOMETER CABLE BROKE, EMERGENCY BRAKE FROZE UP. MJS
Aug 20, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE WAS AT DEALERSHIP 5-17-99 NOT FIXED UNTIL 5-21-99. REPLACED MODULE. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN ON 6-11-99 AND PRESENTED CAR TO THE SARASOTA FORD DEALERSHIP. CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM THIS DEALERSHIP WITH AN EXTENDED WARRANTY CALLED PHOENIX AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP. DEALERSHIP STATES VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THEY WILL CONTACT PHOENIX AMERICAN FOR AUTHORIZATION. PHOENIX AMERICAN REQUESTED THE FORD COMPANY SHARE IN THIS EXPENSE. THE FORD COMPANY HAS DENIED THIS REQUEST. NEITHER THE FORD COMPANY NOR PHOENIX AMERICAN WILL NOW COVER THE TOTAL REWIRING OF THE VEHICLE. PHOENIX AMERICAN WILL ONLY COVER "ONE" WIRE TO BE REPLACED. SARASOTA FORD STATES ALL WIRING MUST BE REPLACED AS IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND THE COST IS $6,000. ALL REPAIRS TO THIS VEHICLE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COMPLETED BY SARASOTA. I FEEL THAT NO CAR WITH LESS THAN 37,000 MILES SHOULD HAVE TO HAVE TOTAL REWIRING. I PURCHASED AN INSURANCE POLICY TO COVER MY EXPENSES FOR REPAIRS THROUGH SARASOTA FORD. NEITHER COMPANY HAS RETURNED NUMEROUS CALLS AND I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY VEHICLE FOR OVER 40 DAYS AS IT IS STILL AT SARASOTA FORD FOR THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. PLEASE ASSIST AS THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM COULD CAUSE A FIRE AND PERSONAL HARM. *AK
Jul 21, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN NOVEMBER OF 1997 WITH 36000 MILES ON IT ALMOST 2 YEARS LATER I AM APPROACHING 60000 MILES AND IT SEEMS THE CAR IS BREAKING DOWN SURELY THE CAR WAS MADE TO LAST LONGER THAN THIS THE DRIVING THAT HAS BEEN DONE HAS BEEN EASY DRIVING MOSTLY INTERSTATE I AM ALSO WORRIED ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT MY CAR WILL LAST PAST THE YEAR 2000 I HAVENT RCVD ANY INFO FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON WHETHER I NEED A NEW COMPUTER FOR THE CAR THIS CAR WAS A BIG INVESTMENT FOR ME AND I STILL OWE 8000.00 DOLLARS ON IT DO I NEED TO LOOK INTO GETTING ANOTHER CAR WITH ALL THE RECALLS ON THE WEB AND THE ONES I HAVE RECVD IN THE MAIL NOT TO MENTION THE CONSTANT ROUGH IDLE ETC. I AM WORRIED ABOUT WHETHER THIS CAR IS WORTH FIXING. *AK
Jul 18, 1999
AIR BAGS,TIRES
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH HAD A TIRE BLOWOUT, AND LOST CONTROL. VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND HAD A FRONTAL IMPACT WITH A GROUP OF TREES. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Jul 13, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THEY DON'T KNOW WHY MY ENGINE CUTS OUT. I BELIEVE PROBLEM IS LEFT OVER FROM ALL THE WORK THEY DID ON ABS AND CAT. CONVERTER CHANGEOVER. THEY WILL NOT WARRANTY CAR NOW THAT FACTORY WARRANTY EXPIRED. REFUSED TO INSTALL "FLIGHT RECORDER" TO TROUBLESHOOT. DEALER REFUSED TO OFFER EXTENDED WARRANTY AT NO CHARGE SINCE THEY ARE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS. DEALER REPLACED ENTIRE LH WIRING HARNESS WHEN REPAIRING ABS, LEFT MANY "LOOSE ENDS" ALL OVER THE CAR. *AK
May 31, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
BRAKES: WHEN TURNING OR STOPPING & BRAKES ARE IN USE,THEY WOULD MAKE SCRUBBING NOISES. HAVE TAKEN TO MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WOULD JERK WHEN CHANGING GEARS. GEAR PLACEMENT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE WHEN IT HAPPENS. HAD REBUILT TRANSMISSION REPLACED. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. VEHICLE RUNS HOT. RADIATOR MAKES CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNED ON. *AK
May 06, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THERE IS A NOISE AND EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED BRAKES 5 TIMES. CAUSE UNKNOWN. ALSO PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION, AND THE PASSENGER REAR SEATBELT BUCKLE IS BROKEN WHICH WONT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. DAVID RANDOLPH CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS SISTER MARY HATZELL. PLEASE DIRECT ANY QUESTIONS TO HIM. *AK
Dec 08, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
GOING 40-45MPH TOWARDS A CURB. APPLIED BRAKES, VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. STEERED TO SIDE OF ROAD. STEERING HARD TO CONTROL. CROSSED MEDIAN & HIT METAL FENCE POLE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. *AK
Nov 12, 1998
STRUCTURE,TIRES
1 complaint
TIRE WENT FLAT, AND WHILE TRYING TO CHANGE THE TIRE THE PANEL IN WHICH THE JACK PAD IS LOCATED PULLED OUT OF THE BODY WHEN CAR WAS JACKED UP RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE FALLING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Nov 02, 1998
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
DRIVER WAS AT TRAFFIC TIE U WHEN A VEHICLE STRUCK THE DRIVER FROM BEHIND, THE TRUCK WAS MOVING AT A HIGHT RATE OF SPEED, PUSHED THE DRIVER INTO A VAN THAT WAS STOPPED IN FRONT AND INTO THE CENTER CEMENT DIVIDE. DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK FELL INTO A SEMI-RECLINE POSITION AND THE SEAT SLID BACK, AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, THE SEAT FALLING BACK CAUSED THE DRIVER'S LUMBAR SPINE TO BE INJURED.
Oct 14, 1998
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
REAR SWAY BAR SQUEAKING, FRONT LEFT SPRING BROKE AND AXLE BROKEN.
Apr 15, 1998
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
SPEED CONTROL SENSOR FAILED 3 TIMES. ALSO TRANSMISSION SLIPPED IMPROPERLY DUE TO SPEED SENSOR FAILURE. INADDITION, SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER FAILED. *AK
Feb 05, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
1 complaint
AT 20,000 MILES THE FRONT BRAKES AND THE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
Jan 27, 1998
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROX. 65 MPH WHEN THE HOOD FLEW OPEN . CONSUMER STOPPED PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND THE WINDSHEILD HAD SHATTERED. THE HOOD IS BENT, THE FRONT TOP OF ROOF HAS CAVED IN. *AK
Sep 09, 1997
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL WHEN WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE RAINY, WET, OR COLD. TIRES WEAR UNEVENLY DUE TO BENT SUSPENSION BAR.
Jul 24, 1997
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
AIR BAG DEPLOYED BUT DRIVER RECEIVED INJURIES FROM DEPLOYMENT DUE TO IGNITOR, THE INJURIES WERE BURN RELATED. THERE IS NO INSTRUCTIONS IN OWNER'S MANUAL TO POSITION HANDS.PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Oct 23, 1996
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
FAILURE ON THE BRAKES, THE CONSUMER NEEDED TO CHANGE THE BRAKES TOO OFTEN, ALSO FAILURE ON THE REAR WINDSHIELD, THE REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED, SENDING GLASS FRAGMENTS INTO THE VEHICLE.*AK
Oct 07, 1996
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
DURING VEHICLE OPERATION IN WET CONDITIONS ONLY, LOSS OF POWER STEERING IS EXPERIENCED AND THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON.*AK
Aug 26, 1996
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
1 complaint
RECALL RELATED, 95V228000 AND 95V232000 CONTACTED DEALERSHIP ON 3/11/95, WILL ORDER PARTS BY APR.20,1995, NO PARTS AVAILABLE AS 4/3/95. *AK CONSUMER WAS ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT TRACK, DRIVER;S SIDE AIR BAG, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW, AND WAS ALSO TOLD A NEW FILLER NECK WS NEEDED FOR GAS TANK, ALSO NEEDED NEW WIPER, STARTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED,SWITCH FOR WINDSHIELD WIPER ON STEERING WHEEL WAS COMING OFF AND WOULD NOT SNAP BACK INTO PLACE.*JB
May 03, 1996
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED THE AIR BAGS PREMATURELY DEPLOYED, WINDSHIELD SHATTERED, DAMAGED BOTH AIR BAG MODULES BOTH HAD TO BE REPLACED. TT ALOS SUNROOF WAS DAMAGED.*JB
Nov 21, 1995
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1995 FORD Contour have?
The 1995 FORD Contour currently has 1073 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1995 FORD Contour?
The most common problems reported for the 1995 FORD Contour are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1995 FORD Contour problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1995 FORD Contour comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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