1996 FORD Contour Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
640
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
99 complaints
FIRST MY ENGINE SEEMED TO OVERHEAT A BIT THEN EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE IT WOULD SOUND LIKE THE ENGINE WAS GRINDING ON SOMETHING AND WOULDN'T STOP.. SOUNDED LIKE A BUNCH OF CHAINS IN MY HOOD. BUT THEN ON OCCASIONS THE STUPID THING WOULDN'T SHUT OFF WHEN IT WAS MAKING THE CHAIN SOUND, EVEN WITH MY KEY OUT. IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN AND NOW THE THING SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING AND I HAVE NO POWER WHAT SO EVER IN MY VEHICLE. BEFORE WHEN IT FINALLY SHUT OFF IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO SPARK. THEN IT WAS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE THAT WASN'T COOL. *TR
Oct 10, 2008
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, BUT RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED 50000 MILES LATER, BUT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Aug 03, 2006
CONSUMER REQUEST HELP TO FIX A 1996 CONTOUR. *TS THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED AND IT FAILED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEPT OF MOTOR VEHICLE THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SUBJECT TO AN EMISSION RECALL AS REPORTED BY THE EPA THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE ORIGINAL OWNER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN 1997 BUT THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. *NM
Jun 22, 2006
ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2005 WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY I EXPIRED A SUDDEN SPIKE IN TEMPERATURE ON MY 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT MY "PLASTIC" INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE CURRENT INVESTIGATION AND HAD NEVER RECEIVED ANY SORT OF CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION FROM FORD. I HEARD ABOUT THE MANIFOLD ISSUE FROM A FELLOW EMPLOYEE. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS FOR THIS FAULTY MANIFOLD WAS $978.00. I FEEL IF THEY KNEW THEY NEEDED TO UPDATE IT WITH AN ALUMINUM MANIFOLD THAN THEY KNEW THE PLASTIC ONES WERE FAULTY.*JB
Dec 14, 2005
I BOUGHT IT ON 07/01/04. ON 07/02/04 MY ON WAS DRIVING IT, AND COUPLE OF TIMES, WHEM HE STOPPED ON STOP SIGNED, THE CAR WOULDN'T START. EVENTUALLY, IN THE EVENING, THERE WAS WHITE THICK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND CAR WAS STOPPED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOWED IT TO THE MECHANIC SHOP. IT HAPPENED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL AND COOLANT AND ENDINE HAS GONE BAD. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PAY COMPLETELY FOR THE REPAIR, AND WE SPLIT IT 20/80% WHERE I'M TO PAY 80%. IT'S BEEN 2 WEEKS AND CAR IS STILL IN SHOP. I DIDN'T BUY IT TO SIT IN SHOP. IS THERE A WAY TO CORRECT THE SITUATION SOMEHOW?*AK
Jul 16, 2004
+ 94 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
74 complaints
THE WIRE HARNESS MOTOR, TRANSMISSION AND FUEL INJECTION ARE BAD ,AND WAS STATIONARY 5 YEAR AGO LIKE MANY MANY MANY CONTOURS AND MISTYQUES IN MY COUNTRY , I NEED A SOLUTION PLEASE, COUSE RESPONSABILITY IS FROM FORD COMPANY IN ALL THE WORLD. THANK YOU. I AM IN MEXICO.
May 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD FAIL TO START DUE TO A MELTED WIRE IN THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOMETER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE ACCURATE READING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
May 10, 2016
CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM A USED CAR DEALER ON 8/11/15. THE CAR HAS 58606 MILES ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES CAUSED BY A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS. WIRING HARNESS WAS UNDER THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND NOT REPAIRED. FORD HAS NOT OFFERED ANY TYPE OF ASSISTANCE AND MECHANIC SAYS THE CAR IS A FIRE HAZARD AND HARNESS HAS TO BE REPLACED. CONTACTED FORD WHO SAID THE CAR WAS NOT UNDER ANY TYPE OF RECALL AND THEY NO LONGER MAKE THE PART.
Oct 17, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE TAILLIGHT AND FRONT PANEL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.
Oct 07, 2015
MY CAR HAD BEEN HAVING MANY ISSUES .FIXING WHAT WE THOUGHT WERE THE PROBLEM WE FOUND THAT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTED TO THE COOLING FAN WAS MELTED AS WELL AS MANY PROBLEMS IN WIRE HARNESSES IN FRONT OF ENGINE.. IT IS VERY APPARENT THE WIRING IS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED MELTING N BURN WIRES THROUGHOUT THE WIRING SYSTEM. I HAVE HAD 4 MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND WAS TOLD BY ALL THAT THIS MAKE N MODEL IS VERY WELL KNOWN FOR THIS ELECTRICAL ISSUE. *TR
Oct 31, 2012
+ 69 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
59 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THE GEARS ON THE FLOOR SHIFT, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THEY DID NOT REPAIR VEHICLES AFTER TEN YEARS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V233000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT); THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 86,000.
Jul 28, 2008
I JUST GOT THE CAR FROM USED CAR DEALER ON 02/07/08 DROVE FINE WENT HOME AND IN THE MORNING I WENT OUT GOT KIDS IN CAR AND WENT TO BACK UP AND HAD NO REVERSE..THE SHOP I TOOK IT TO SAID THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT. THE CAR ONLY HAS 81000 MILES ON IT....AND THERE HAS BEEN ALOT OF COMPLAINTS MADE ABOUT THIS TRANSMISSION IN 1996 FORD CONTOURS... I THINK SOME THING NEEDS TO BE DONE ... *TR
Feb 10, 2008
AT FIRST VEHICLE WOULD INDICATE WRONG GEAR AND THEN IT BINDED UP THE GEAR SHIFT SO EVENTUALLY HAD TO REMOVE SOME PLASTIC FROM GEAR SHIFT JUST TO SHIFT THE GEAR THEN THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT INDICATION WILL NOT INDICATE WHAT GEAR THE CAR IS IN AT ALL. POSSIBLY CAUSING WRONG GEAR SELECTION COULD CAUSE COLLISION IN PARKING LOT.*JB
Apr 03, 2006
PRNDL INDICATOR IS BROKEN, SIMILAR COMPLAINT TO NHTSA # 98V233000, FOUND FORD RECALL # 98S26, DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WILL NOT COVER VEHICLE UNDER THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN.
Jul 19, 2005
I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME. I HAVE A COMPLAINT I'D LIKE TO REGISTER WITH YOU ABOUT THE SAFETY OF A CAR MADE BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE VIN (VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER) IS [XXX]. I AM THE OWNER OF A 1996 FORD CONTOUR LX AND RECENTLY I BECAME AWARE (ON MY OWN ACCORD) THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS THE FOLLOWING TWO SAFETY RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE 1. RECALL 99S14 - HEAD LIGHT SWITCH AND WIRE ASSEMBLY 2. RECALL 98S26 - AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SHIFT INDICATOR (PRNDL) BEZEL. UPON ACQUIRING THIS INFORMATION I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S LOCAL DEALER KINGSTON INDUSTRIAL GARAGE IN ORDER TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER MY VEHICLE QUALIFIES FOR THESE RECALLS. I WAS SUBSEQUENTLY ADVISED BY THEM THAT WHILE MY VEHICLE QUALIFIED FOR RECALL 99S14-HEAD LAMP SWITCH AND WIRE ASSEMBLY, HOWEVER IT DOES QUALIFY FOR RECALL 98S26 - AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SHIFT INDICATOR (PRNDL) BEZEL. THIS IS OCCURRING DESPITE THE FACT THAT MY VEHICLE MEETS ONE OF THE REQUIREMENTS AS STATED IN A LETTER ISSUED TO DEALERS AND CUSTOMERS BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S MR. A. R. KADUK-MANAGER OF VEHICLE SERVICE AND PROGRAMS DATED OCTOBER, 1998 WHICH READS "CERTAIN 1995-1998 MODEL YEAR CONTOUR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1994 THROUGH JANUARY 8, 1998 AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT, USA" AND IT IS THIS STATEMENT THAT MAKES MY VEHICLE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS RECALL, AND HOW CAN THEY JUSTIFY HONORING ONE SAFETY RECALL AND NOT ANOTHER. AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THEIR REFUSAL TO HONOR THIS SAFETY RECALL I AM PRESENTLY FORCED TO DRIVE AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FACT THAT I AM UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE SELECTION OF GEARS AS A RESULT OF THE DEFECTIVE AUTOMATIC SHIFT INDICATOR (PRNDL) BEZEL WHICH IF NOT ADDRESSED WITH DISPATCH WILL SOONER OR LATER RESULT IN SEVERE DAMAGE TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU SOON. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
May 18, 2005
+ 54 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
47 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLUG ON THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE WIRE IN THE PLUG. HE HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY EVERY TIME HE GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT CAUSED A FAILURE WITHIN THE PARKING LIGHTS. THE PLUG AND HEADLIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE FOUND RECALL 99V103000 ONLINE AND WAS TOLD BY BOTH THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED TO-DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 183,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
Jan 05, 2010
HEADLIGHTS ARE INOPERTIVE, CAUSING IMPAIRED VISION. DEALER STATES HEADLIGHT SWITCH HAS MELTED, CAUSING ALL LIGHTS TO FAIL.*AK
Aug 26, 2003
HEADLIGHT LENSES ARE SO CLOUDY THAT IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SEE ON LOW BEAMS.HAS BEEN EVIDENT SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN '1999.*AK
Aug 04, 2003
THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE TAIL LIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT TO GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RECALL ONCE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM HAS REOCURRED. MANUFACTURER STATED SINCE THE RECALL WAS REPAIRED ONCE, THEY WILL NOT REPAIR IT AGAIN FREE OF CHARGE. *PH *NLM
Jan 21, 2003
HEADLIGHT SWITCH TERMINALS AND WIRING HARNESS TERMINALS EXPERIENCED HEAT DAMAGE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, TAIL LIGHTS AND PARKING LIGHTS FAILED. ROBIN FORD DEALER, 100 N. MCDADE BLVD, GLENOLDEN, PA INDICATED THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON THE 96 FORD CONTOUR BUT MY VIN DOES NOT APPLY TO THE RECALL. MY VIN IS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Dec 17, 2002
+ 42 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
29 complaints
LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT ABS STATORS HAVE CRACKS WHICH ARE CLEARLY VISIBLE. THIS CAUSES THE ABS SYSTEM TO ACTIVATE ON A LOW SPEED STOP. AT ABOUT 40 MPH THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND THE SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK.THE BRAKES WORK IN REGULAR MODE.THIS WAS DISCOVERED ON 6/21/05 BUT HAD BEEN HAPPENING . MECHANIC CHANGED AN ABS SENSOR WIRE WITH A CUT IN IT . HAD TO LOOK FURTHER TO FIND CRACKED STATORS.MECHANIC SAID THAT THE FORD DEALERSHIP HE CALLED ADMITTED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH SOME MODELS,CRACKED STATORS ON WINDSTARS,OFFERED NO SOLUTION. I CALLED MY FORD DEALER AND WAS NOT HELPED .A PART LIKE THIS BEARS NO WEIGHT AND SHOULD NOT BE FAILING.THE CRACKS MAKE THE COMPUTER THINK THERE IS A REASON TO ACTIVATE AND THEN AT 40MPH TO SHUT DOWN.THE REAR STATORS WERE NOT CHECKED FOR CRACKS YET. THANK YOU
Jun 22, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME, AND THEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP. *AK
Jan 26, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Dec 06, 2004
WHILE DRIVING THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES ENGAGED PREMATURELY. THE ABS WOULD THEN DISENGAGE AND THE BRAKES WOULD LOCK UP. *AK *TS *NLM
Oct 12, 2003
THE CALIPERS ON THE FRONT DISK BRAKE SYSTEM TEND TO WANT TO ROLL INWARD OFF OF THE ROTORS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE TO DATE. VEHICLE: 1996 FORD CONTOUR
Jan 03, 2003
+ 24 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
27 complaints
I PRINTED OUT ALL OF THE RECALLS ON 1996, FORD CONTOUR BUT WHEN I WENT TO THE FORD PLACE THEY SAID THE RECALLS ARE NOT ON MY PARTICULAR CAR. SO IS THAT SO? THAT CARS ARE MADE IN BATCHES AND ONLY CERTAIN BATCHES ARE RECALLED. I HAVE A 1996 FORD CONTOUR, 4 CYLINDER MOTOR. THAT DOES HAVE ALL OF THE PROBLEMS ON THE RECALL LIST FOR MY CAR. *TR
Aug 17, 2010
I WAS INFORMED BOTH REAR SPRINGS HAD CRACKED AND IT WAS A POTENTIAL SAFTEY HAZZARD. TIRES PLUS SAID IT IS POSSIABLE FOR THE SPRING ENDS TO PUNCTURE THE TIRES. *JB
Jul 15, 2006
I HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR EVERYTIME I DROVE OVER ANY SURFACE THAT WAS NOT FLAT. WITHOUT TAKING THE CAR APART A MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS POSSIBLY THE STRUTS THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN AND I WAS TOLD THAT FORD WOULD HAVE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND THIS WAS NOT NORMAL. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE FORD REPAIR SHOP AND THEY REPLACED BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS FOR $632.00. I WAS LATER TOLD THAT THEIR WAS A PROGRAM TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE COIL SPRINGS FOR FREE BUT IT ENDED MONTHS BEFORE MY COIL SPRINGS HAD BROKEN
Feb 21, 2005
BROKEN REAR COIL SPRINGS. *AK
Dec 03, 2004
THE PARKING BRAKE WOULDN'T RELEASE. WE TOWED THE CAR TO MIDAS. THE INSPECTION IDENTIFIED NORMAL BRAKE WEAR, BUT ALSO SERIOUS FRONT END DEFICIENCIES. THE MANAGER TOLD US BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN AND HAD BEEN BROKEN FOR SOME TIME, CAUSING ONE STRUT TO BEND. HE SAID HAD THE SECOND STRUT BENT OR BROKE, THE CAR BODY WOULD HAVE DROPPED DOWN ONTO THE TIRES. HE SAID THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *NLM
Jun 21, 2003
+ 22 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
26 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CONTOUR. THE HEATER FAN MOTOR FOR THE DEFROSTER FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAN SWITCH FAILED AND WOULD COST $58 TO REPAIR. THE DEALER KEPT CHANGING THE DIAGNOSIS UNTIL THE CONTACT SPENT $271; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS STILL NOT REPAIRED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01I009000 (VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM: WINDSHIELD: CONTROLS/WIRING) WAS REFERENCED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PASSED THE TEN YEAR FREE PERIOD. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Nov 09, 2007
RUSTING WINDSHIELD FRAMING. *BF CONSUMER WORRIED ABOUT THE WINDOW BLOWING OUT. *TC
Sep 29, 2004
HAD THE DRIVERS SIDE POWER WINDOW REPAIRED TODAY, AS WELL AS PASSENGER FRONT SIDE WINDOW REPAIRED IN JULY 2002. BOTH WINDOW REGULATORS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $700 FOR BOTH. THE MECHANICS INFORMED ME THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, WHICH WOULD SEEM TO SHOW A MAJOR MANUFACTURER DEFECT. PLEASE PURSUE A RECALL REPAIR ON THIS VEHICLE SO CUSTOMERS CAN BE PROPERLY COMPENSATED.*JB
Apr 21, 2003
ALL POWER WINDOWS ARE OFF TRACK, CONSUMER UNABLE TO PUT WINDOWS DOWN. *AK THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASE. *JG
Aug 22, 2002
THE WINDOW REGULATORS ON THE FORD CONTOUR ARE DEFECTIVE. THE MATERIALS USED ARE BEND, CRACK, AND BREAK CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO EITHER FALL INTO THE DOOR, OR TO BECOME STUCK WHEN BEING ROLLED UP OR DOWN. I HAVE REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR REGULATOR 16 MONTHS AGO THINKING THIS WAS A ONE TIME OCCURRENCE BUT NOW FIND THE PASSENGER SIDE ONE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER HAS ADMITTED THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE THE ORIGINAL PARTS FOR THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IN MY POSITION AND ON INSPECTION IT IS CLEAR TO SEE THAT THE MANUFACTURING OF THE MATERIAL IS FAULTY, UNDER EXTREME STRESS WHICH COULD LEAD TO THE COLLAPSE OF THE ASSEMBLY. THIS OF COURSE WOULD BE A MAJOR CONCERN IF THE WINDOW WOULD COLLAPSE INTO THE DOOR FRAME WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.
Jan 09, 2002
+ 21 more complaints for this component
STEERING
24 complaints
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN. BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD. CONSUMER RESTARTED VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE WENT BACK TO NORMAL. CONSUMER FEELS IT IS DANGEROUS TO LOSE POWER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jul 29, 2002
TIE ROD BROKE JUST PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. LUCKY IT WAS'NT ON THE FREEWAY.*AK
Aug 10, 2001
TIE ROD BROKE JUST PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. LUCKY IT WAS'NT ON THE FREEWAY.*AK
Aug 10, 2001
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE IN WET CONDITIONS, WATER IS BACKSPLASHED BY FRONT RIGHT TIRE INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, SPECIFICALLY WHERE THE MAIN DRIVE BELTS ARE. THIS CAUSES THE POWER STEERING PULLEY TO SLIP AND SIEZE, THEREBY CAUSING A LOCK UP ON THE STEERING MECHANISM. THIS HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES AND CREATES A HAZARDOUS SITUATION BECAUSE YOU LOOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE MOMENTARILY. WE LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE RECENTLY IN THE EXPRESSWAY, WHILE TRAVELING ON WET PAVEMENT AND PUDDLES. STEERING SIEZED AND CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL. FORTUNATELY WE BROUGHT THE CAR UNDER CONTROL BEFORE CAUSING MAJOR ACCIDENT.
Jun 13, 2001
STEERING WHEEL, COLUMN, DASH BOARD, AND NOW I CAN FEEL IT IN THE DRIVERS SEAT ,VIBRATE WHEN CAR IS AT A COMPLETE STOP. VIBRATION LESSENS SLIGHTLY WHEN THE CAR IS PLACED IN PARK. THE FORD SERVICE DEALER IN WARNER ROBINS, GA DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS "CORRECTION DIAG AND NEEDS AIR BAG, RADIATOR SUPPORT AND STEERING WHEEL DAMPER" I WAS ALSO ADVISED NONE OF THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED UNDER MY ESP PLAN AS THESE WERE EXTERNAL PROBALMS AND THE WARRANTY ONLY COVERS INTERNAL. MY WARRANTY RUNS AT AT EITHER 72000 OR ON NOV 10, 2000. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIR BAG SPECIFICALLY. WILL IT DEPLOY WHEN IT SHOULD, OR SHOULDN'T OR NOT AT ALL? I ASKED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IF THEIR RECORDS INDICATE ANY SERIOUS DAMAGE WOULD BE DONE IF I DID NOT HAVE THE REPAIRS DONE AND THEY TOLD ME NO. THIS I DON'T BELEIVE AS I FEEL THE PROBLEM GETTING WORSE. HOW WILL I BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR IF THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES TO GET WORSE? I FEEL FORD SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM, IF IT IS A MAJOR DEFECT IT COULD RESULT IN A MAJOR LAWSUIT.
Aug 29, 2000
+ 19 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
22 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATE WHEN DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE STARTED INTERMITTENTLY BUT PROGRESSIVELY BECAME WORSE OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
Aug 26, 2010
SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE PAST 3 MONTHS THE GAS PEDAL/ACCELERATOR SEEMED TO "STICK" OR RACE AND I COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO IDLE TO BACK DOWN UNTIL I PUT IT IN GEAR. JULY 3, WHILE DRIVING IN BUSY TRAFFIC, THE ACCELERATOR/GAS PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE CAR AROUND A CORNER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE POLICE WERE ABLE TO PUSH THE CAR INTO A CAR REPAIR PLACE WHERE THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED I CALL FORD ABOUT A RECALL. THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE HAD JUST SNAPPED RIGHT OFF! I CALLED FROM THE REPAIR PLACE AND FORD SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VIN VEHICLE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOME AS I WAS LEAVING TOWN THE NEXT DAY. I HAVE RETURNED NOW AND AFTER SEARCHING YOUR SITE HAVE FOUND WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE RECALL FOR THE VERY PROBLEM I HAVE WITH MY 1996 FORD CONTOUR. I CALLED A FORD DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD MY VIN DID NOT HAVE THE RECALL PROBLEM. WHAT IS MY NEXT STEP, PLEASE? LUCY HOCKING [email protected] 414-541-2326 414-520-8323 MAKE : FORD MODEL : CONTOUR YEAR : 1996 MANUFACTURER : FORD MOTOR COMPANY MFR'S REPORT DATE : DEC 03, 1997 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 97V225000 COMPONENT: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED : 38000 SUMMARY: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL OPTION. THE THROTTLE CABLES WERE DAMAGED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY LEADING TO FRAYING OR SEPARATION OF THE THROTTLE CABLE. CONSEQUENCE: THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE. *TR
Aug 02, 2008
AFTER THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AT HIGH RMPS. THIS WAS DUE TO THE DEFECT DESCRIBED IN THE ACCELERATOR CABLE RECALL 00V425000, BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*AK N *JB
Jul 15, 2005
THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE DIDN'T STOP UNTIL IT IMPACTED A BUILDING. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS AT IDLE IN THE PARK GEAR FOR 5 MINUTES. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS CONTINUALLY BEING TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER FOR THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE SERVICE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE THROTTLE SENSOR ,SOMEHOW, BECAME STUCK AND THE ENGINE OVERRODE THE BRAKES. *SCC *JB
Dec 03, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATLEY 60 MPH ENGINE STARTED RUNNING AND RPMS WENT TO 8000. CONSUMER PUT TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED VEHICLE OFF. UPON START UP AFTER THE ENGINE HAD BEEN SHUT OFF, THE ENGINE BEGAN REVVING AGAIN. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE YET. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
Aug 13, 2001
+ 17 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
22 complaints
SHIFT INDICATOR DOES NOT MOVE WHEN CAR IS SHIFTED, DRIVER HAS TO COUNT THE CLICKS TO BE ABLE TO TELL IF THEY'RE IN WHAT DRIVE THEY'RE IN. SAW IT IN A RECALL, TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT MY MODEL ISN'T COVERED IN THE RECALL. AFTER GETTING OFF THE HIGHWAY, CAR MADE LOAD MOANING NOISES, ENGINE REVED, RPMS JUMPED AROUND AND CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. STARTED UP RIGHT AFTER. DID NOT TAKE TO GET LOOKED AT. IF THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE IS UNDER 40 DEGREES, THE CAR WILL MOAN LOUDLY, THE ENGINE WILL REV, THE STEERING WILL GO OUT, AND THEN THE CAR STALLS, HAPPENS MOSTLY WHEN BREAKING. SOMETIMES INSTEAD OF STALLING, THE CAR WILL LURCH FORWARD. ALMOST CAUSED ATLEAST 3 ACCIDENTS. TOOK TO A REPAIR SHOP, THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. WHEN FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR, THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON ALL THE TIME. TOOK IT FOR REPAIR, THEY SAID IT WAS A SENSOR. HAD TO GET THE SENSOR REPLACED 6 TIMES BEFORE THE PROBLEM STOPPED, AT CONUMERS EXPENSE.
May 29, 2005
POP UP CUP HOLDERS ARE VERY FLIMSY. THE CUP HOLDERS MAY CAUSE BEVERAGE TO TIP OVER WHILE DRIVING. THIS RESULTS IN DRIVER'S ATTENTION MOMENTARILY TAKEN AWAY FROM THE ROAD, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER FEELS THE CUP HOLDERS SHOULD BE MORE STATIONARY.*AK
Feb 12, 2004
TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE AIR CONDITIONER SERVICED, AND THE PRODUCT THAT WAS USED CAUSED A LARGE PROBLEM IN AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. A LEAK HAS DEVELOPED. *AK *YH
Aug 27, 2002
AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER WILL ONLY WORK ON LOW, IF TURNING IT UP HIGH, IT DOES NOT WORK.*AK
Jul 05, 2001
THE AIR ONLY COMES OUT OF THE DEFROST. *SLC
Nov 20, 2000
+ 17 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
21 complaints
WAS FILLING UP MY FUEL TANK AND JUST AS THE PUMP CLICKED OFF GASOLINE STARTED POURING OUT FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK AND IT STILL DOES IT EVERYTIME I FILL IT UP I AM VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE IT IS A SEVERE FIRE HAZARD PLEASE HELP ME OUT. *TR
Jan 20, 2009
MY 1996 MERCURY VILLAGER DEVELOPED A FAILURE IN THE AIR FLOW SENSOR (PART $330) THAT RESULTED IN VEHICLE STALLS, INCLUDING STOPS ON THE HIGHWAY, THAT NEARLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE REQUIRED REPAIRS EXCEEDED $500. I KNOW FORD HAS A SIMILAR RECALL OUT NOW FOR THE 1997-2003 (/) MODELS). *TR
Dec 07, 2007
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL #99V247000, REGARDING FUEL; HOSES/LINES/PIPES/FITTINGS DUE TO THE VIN. HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS THE MANUFACTURER PARTS WERE REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE DEALER, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. FUEL WAS DRIPPING ONTO THE TAIL PIPE. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. UPDATED 10/04/06. *JB
Sep 12, 2006
I SMELL GASOLINE, AND WHEN I FILL MY CAR WITH GASOLINE IT LEAKS. I HAVE HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC AND IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT IT IS THE FUEL FILL PIPE VENT HOSE. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH FORD AND THEY TELL ME THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. *JB
Sep 16, 2005
I HAVE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE SINCE FEBRUARY 14TH THIS YEAR. I CAN NOT FILL MY GAS TANK ALL THE WAY FULL. IT HAS BEEN LEAKING GAS EVERY TIME I DO. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AT DIFFERENT STORES WHEN I GAS UP MY CAR TO SEE IF IT WAS BECAUSE I HAD BEEN PARKED ON AN INCLINE. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF I AM ON LEVEL GROUND IT STILL LEAVES A PUDDLE UNDER MY CAR. IT IS WORSE IF I PARK ON ANYTHING BUT LEVEL GROUND . PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS ANYWAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM.*AK
Oct 26, 2004
+ 16 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
20 complaints
The contact owned a 1996 Ford Contour. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, going downhill, the vehicle hit black ice, then crashed into a parked vehicle. The air bags deployed and detached upon impact, slicing the contact's head open, snapped his fifth and sixth vertebrae, and the seatbelt fractured his ribs. The police were called to the scene of the collision. The police officer informed the contact that the air bag had detached from the steering wheel and was in the rear passenger seat. A police report was filed. The contact was transported to the hospital for injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Sep 20, 2021
1996 FORD EXPLORER, 4X4. DRIVING IN DESERT WENT OVER A BUMP A LITTLE FAST, WHICH SET OFF MY AIRBAGS. MY RIDER IS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR BROKEN NOSE, CHEEK AND SOME KIND OF SMOKE INHALATION. MY WINDSHIELD IS BROKEN BECAUSE THE BAG HIT THE MIRROR WHICH THEN HIT THE WINDSHIELD. MY STEERING WHEEL IS DESTROYED, CRUISE CONTROL AND HORNS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. BEFORE I COULD DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN I HAD TO CUT THE AIRBAGS OUT. WHAT THE HELL IS THIS! NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR EXCEPT WHAT THE AIRBAGS DID. I WANT THIS ALL FIXED AT FORD'S EXPENSE. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR 10 YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS EXCEPT; RECALLED TIRES, STEERING BARS AND BRAKES (ALL RECALL). *TR
Jan 18, 2008
WHILE DRIVING A NOISE IS HEARD. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CLOCK SPRING. CROWN FORD DEALERSHIP IN NASHVILLE TENNESSEE STATED NO PROBLEM COULD BE FOUND. *AK
Jun 10, 2003
BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON
Jan 19, 2003
NO SUMMARY. DT
Nov 04, 2002
+ 15 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
13 complaints
THE CONSUMER WAS SOLD A VEHICLE THAT DID NOT HAVE A TITLE. *TS *NM
Feb 14, 2006
ON 06/03/2005, A GOVERNMENT OWNED, 1996 FORD BRONCO, WAS OBSERVED ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TURNED OFF AND PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY EIGHT HOURS WHEN THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE FIRE WAS OBSERVED AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, AND BURNED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT COULD BE EXTINGUISHED. THE FIRE WAS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH.
Jun 27, 2005
AFTER THE RECALL FOR THE HEAT BLOWER 010I 009 000 WAS COMPLETED. THE DEFECT RE-OCCURRED EIGHT TIMES. *NLM
Jun 27, 2003
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT HAS COME ON. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED BY DEALER.*AK
Aug 22, 2002
WHEN FILLLING GAS TANK UP GASOLINE COME OUT UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Oct 30, 2001
+ 8 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
12 complaints
THE REAR SAFETY BELTS DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, THE LEFT REAR BELT BUCKLE DID NOT LOCK INTO THE LATCH PLATE WHEN CONNECTED AND THE RIGHT REAR BELT ONLY PULLED FAR ENOUGH FROM HOUSING TO COVER A SMALL CHILD. *JB
Apr 10, 2003
BOTH REAR SEAT BELTS FAILED TO EXTEND OUTWARD WITH ONE OF THE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS TRAPPING A CHILD AT ONE POINT. SECOND FAILURE WAS THAT SEAT BELT BUCKLES/LATCHES HAVE FALLEN APART. REAR SEAT BELTS WERE NOT USABLE AT ALL EXCEPT MIDDLE LAP BELT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*AK
Jun 06, 2002
SEAT BELTS REAR HAVE COMPLETELY FALLEN A PART. THERE WERE NO ATTACHMENT T0 CLICK ON. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
Oct 18, 2001
PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT HAS BECOME JAMMED WITHIN RETRACTING MECHANISM, AND WOULD NOT RELEASE, CAUSING SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERABLE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Apr 18, 2001
CONSUMER WAS AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT GOING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THE TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF HIM HAD SLOWED DOWN, BUT THE CAR BEHIND DIDN'T COMPLY. CAR HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE FROM BEHIND, AND SMASHED IT IN. SEA TBELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN, AND DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES. *AK
Feb 02, 2000
+ 7 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
11 complaints
REAR PASSENGER DOOR UNABLE TO OPEN, COUPLED WITH THE FACT THE WINDOWS ONLY OPEN HALF WAY AS A CHILD SAFETY FEATURE. *TR
Jun 18, 2008
ROOF RUSTED UNDER PAINT. *MR PH
Jun 10, 2003
WET/LEAKING TRUNK. ALSO LEAKING FROM TRUNK TO BACK SEAT. CAN'T LOCATE WHERE THE LEAK IS COMING FROM. *JB
Apr 20, 2003
THE PAINT ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD STARTED TO CRACK. * MR THE CONSUMER FELT THE WINDOW MAY SEPARATE FROM THE STRUCTURE AND THE ROOF MAY RUST. SCC *JB
Apr 01, 2003
FRONT SUPPORT SYSTEM BOLT HAS STRIPPED OFF. CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE LEFT FRONT SUBFRAME REPLACED. *AK THE STRIPPED BOLT IN THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW BOLT AND THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED. *YH
Jan 10, 2001
+ 6 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaints
I BOUGHT A 1996 FORD CONTOUR SE IN JUNE OF 2003.I HAVE SINCE REPLACED THE WATER PUMP 4 TIMES.I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A MAN WHO BLEW THE ENGINE BECUASE THE WATER PUMP WENT AND HE LET THE CAR OVER HEAT.I HAVE REPLACED IT IN OCT.2003,FEBRUARY 2004,JUNE 2004,AND DEC.2004.IT IS REALLY STARTED TO BECOME A BURDEN.*AK
Dec 06, 2004
THE WIRING HARNESS OF MY 1996 FORD CONTOUR CAUGHT FIRE. I HAD PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE IN THE PAST SUCH AS TAIL LIGHT GOING OUT CONSTANTLY AND ALSO HEADLIGHTS, AS WELL AS PROBLEMS WITH THE O2 SENSOR. I HAVE PUT MORE THAT$2000 DOLLARS ALONE ON THIS CAR JUST GETTING IT REPAIRED. *JB
Jun 07, 2003
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMING ON. TOOK TO KINSEL FORD IN JUNE 2001...TOLD CATALYTIC CONVERTER GOING OUT. ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF...STARTED COMING ON AGAIN AND CAR HAD ALOT OF EXHAUST AND RUNNING ROUGH. TOOK TO SILSBEE FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WAS OUT DUE TO THE ENGINE COOLING FAN NOT COMING ON LIKE IT WAS SUPPOSE TO SO IT ALSO FRIED THE WIRES. FORD IS WILLING TO PAY FOR PARTS BUT REFUSES TO PAY FOR LABOR DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY SAY IT WAS OUT OF THE 100,000 WARRENTY FOR THE REPAIR. I EXPLAINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS GOING ON WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN IN JUNE AND THEY DIDN'T CORRECT IT THEN, ACCORDING TO THE CHECK OUT SHEET THEY DIDN'T EVEN CHECK IT FOR THAT AND I SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR THAT RECALL TO BE CHECKED. I HAD EVEN BEEN IN IN MARCH OF 2000 FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT MY CAR HAD NO RECALL FOR THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING FAN. JUST EXTREMELY UPSET THAT YOU CAN HAVE A RECALL, TAKE YOUR CAR IN AND IT NOT BE CHECKED FOR IT AND WHEN IT GOES OUT DUE TO THE RECALL THAT THE COMPANY PENALIZES THE CONSUMER.*AK
Jan 24, 2002
THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON, IT WILL DIM DOWN WHILE THE CONSUMER IS DRIVING AND THEN THE ENGINE WILL QUIT,THE DEALER REPLACED A FAULTY CABLE FROM THE ALTERNATOR TO THE JUNCTION BLOCK, COULD POSSIBLY BE AN ENGINE PROBLEM INSTEAD OF ELECTRICAL BECAUSE NOW THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED. *SLC
Nov 20, 2000
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55MPH, NOTICED SMELLS OF BURNING RUBBER, AND EXPERIENCED POWER FAILURE AT THE SAME TIME, CITY GARAGE #10 SAID THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE ALTERNATOR WAS BAD, CAUSING A SHORT REPAIRED THE WIRING AND REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR WITH A REBUILT ONE, A SERPENTINE BELT WAS ALSO REPLACED. *AK
May 12, 1999
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
6 complaints
THIS IS A COMPLAINT ON A 1996 FORD CONTOUR. WITHIN 15-20 AFTER MY DAUGHTER DROVE TO WORK ON THE INTERSTATE, THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES. SHE HAD ALREADY GOTTEN INSIDE HER JOB. IT OCCURRED ABOUT 8:25.*AK
Feb 14, 2004
THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 5,000 MILES . THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER/ACCESSORY OUTLET DEVELOPED A SHORT WITH FUSE BLOWOUT . THE INTERIOR LEVER TO THE LEFT OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT DOES NOT FUNCTION TO OPEN THE OUTSIDE LID COVERING THE GAS CAP . THE CAR IS IN ALMOST NEW CONDITION WITH LESS THAN 5,000 MILES SINCE 1996 . CAR IS ALSO IN FOR MANDATORY RECALL SERVICING DUE TO NOTICE FROM FORD .HAVE THERE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT SHORTING IN THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER/ACCESSORY OUTLET SYSTEM ? HAVE THERE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE INTERIOR GAS CAP LID LEVER NOT FUNCTIONING ? I AM BEING CHARGED FOR THE REPAIR OF THESE ITEMS . I WONDER WHETHER THERE WAS A BASIC DESIGN DEFICIENCY THAT LED TO SUCH MALFUNCTIONING AFTER LESS THAN 5,000 MILES .*AK
Sep 07, 2001
THERE ARE TOO MANY PROBLEMS WITH OUR CAR TO WRITE DOWN. PLEASE CONTACT US.
Sep 08, 2000
THERE ARE TOO MANY PROBLEMS WITH OUR CAR TO WRITE DOWN. PLEASE CONTACT US.
Sep 08, 2000
IT SEEMS LIKE WHEN ONE THING STARTED TO SHORT ON MY CONTOUR EVERYTHING STARTED TO GO...FIRST THE LIGHTS STARTED GOING ON AND OFF THEN ..THE A/C STARTED SHORTING THEN IT COMPLETELY FROZE CAUSING TIMING TO JUMP AND NOEW ..I'M TOLD THE CAR NEEDS NEW COMPUTER ..IT DIES IN MIDDLE OF ROAD THE SENSORS ARE BAD ...PLEASE HELP ME REGARDING THIS MATTER ..
Apr 17, 2000
+ 1 more complaint for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
6 complaints
WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. *AK
Jun 18, 2003
WHEN THE LIGHT SWITCH IS TURNED TO PARK LIGHTS, NONE OF THE PARK LIGHTS WORK--FRONT OR BACK, LEFT OR RIGHT. ADDITIONALLY, THE DASH LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. WHEN THE LIGHT SWITCH IS TURNED TO HEAD LIGHTS, ONLY THE HEADLIGHTS AND BRIGHT LIGHTS WORK--THERE ARE NOT TAIL LIGHTS OR DASH LIGHTS. ALL OTHER LIGHTS WORK, SUCH AS THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS. THIS OCCURED DURING THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING THROUGH KANSAS CITY. WE COULD NOT SEE OUR SPEEDOMETER, AND CARS APPROACHING FROM THE REAR COULD NOT SEE US UNTIL THEY APPROACHED AND THEIR LIGHTS SHOWN ON OUR CAR--VERY DANGEROUS.*AK
Nov 28, 2001
THE RIGHT AND LEFT TAIL LIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED. THE TERMINALS ON THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH SHOW SIGNS OF HEAT DAMAGE. THIS IS THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 99V103000 (MFG CAMPAIGN # 99S14) APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN 1995-1998 FORD CONTOUR VEHICLES. THIS RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO MY FORD CONTOUR (VIN # [XXX]) ACCORDING TO TWO FORD DEALERS. THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS RECALL EXACTLY DESCRIBE THE CURRENT SYMPTOMS OF MY FORD CONTOUR AND IT IS QUESTIONABLE AS TO WHY THIS RECALL IS NOT CURRENTLY APPLICABLE TO MY VIN #. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Feb 25, 2001
WHILE DRIVING TAIL LIGHTS/ODOMETER LIGHTS, AND PARKING LIGHTS WENT OUT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLETO DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED A SWITCH. CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW WHICH SWITCH, ON NOV 1, 2000 SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. TOOK VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED HEADLIGHT SWITCH, AND A F5RZ14A411 *BA, HEAD LAMP SWITCH.*AK
Nov 08, 2000
RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICE #99S-14 FORD/HEADLIGHT SWITCH /WIRING HARNESS; TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER SHOP FOR REPAIRS; LATER ON NOTICED INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE. NOTIFIED DEALER, AND INFORMED CONSUMERTHAT IT WOULD C ADDITIONAL $48.00 TO GET THE LIGHTS BACK ON. CAN NHTSA PROVIDE FURTHER DETAIL ON THIS MATTER. *AK
Aug 19, 1999
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
6 complaints
WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHTS/ TAIL LIGHTS, AND DASH LIGHTS COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING, THERE WAS NO WARNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. ALSO, VEHICLE HAS HAD THREE ALTERNATORS WITHIN THREE MONTHS. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN REMEDIED AS OF YET. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Apr 09, 2002
WHILE DRIVING WITH HEADLIGHTS ON TAIL LIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT WITHOUT A PRIOR WARNING. DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED, AND CAUSE COULD NOT BE FOUND. *AK
Feb 12, 2001
WHILE DRIVING TAIL LIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WENT OUT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. PROBLEM DUE TO WATER CONDENSATION IN THE FUSE BOX. *AK *ML
Jun 06, 2000
BATTERY NOT ABLE TO HOLD THE CURRENT. ALSO, HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. *AK
Jan 27, 2000
TAIL LIGHTS ALONG WITH THE INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Jul 26, 1999
+ 1 more complaint for this component
TIRES
5 complaints
TIRE ON 2 CASES BLEW THE TREAD AND BELT, THE LATER OF THE TWO INCIDENCES WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH THAT TOTALED THE VEHICLE, AND RESULTED IN TWO INJURIES TO BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER. BOTH NEEDED TO BE HOSPITALIZED.*AK
Jul 03, 2007
PRIOR TO RECEIVING RECALL NOTICE, THE LEFT FRONT FIRESTONE TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE (00T-005). *YH
Oct 10, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Mar 12, 2000
DEALER FINALLY REPLACED TIRES WITH MICHELIN X1 AND VIBRATION IS DOWN TO BARELY NOTICEABLE. WE FEEL THE TIRES ARE MASKING THE PROBLEM. FORD ADMITS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SISTER MODEL SOLD IN GERMANY, DOESN'T KNOW WHAT CAUSES IT BUT THESE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE TIRES SEEM TO HELP. THEY USE PIRELLI GOLD, MICHELLIN X1 IN GERMANY TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM. THEY RULED OUT OTHER CAUSES SUCH AS SUSPENSION, ALIGNMENT, WHEEL BALANCE, ETC. WE ARE WORRIED THAT THERE IS AN INHERENT DESIGN FLAW THAT WILL CAUSE MAJOR FAILURE.
Apr 11, 1999
GOODYEAR TIRE FAILED.
Aug 28, 1997
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
5 complaints
THE DRIVER-SIDE LOCKS ON A 1996 FORD CONTOUR. THE LOCKS WON'T WORK IN COLD WEATHER AND THE DRIVER CANNOT EXIT THE VEHICLE WHEN THE LOCKS ARE FROZE UP. THERE ARE NO MANUAL OVERRIDES IN PLACE. FORD HEADQUARTERS REFUSES TO REPLACE THE LOCKS/OR MAKE THE VEHICLE SAFE.*AK
Jan 07, 2004
UPON SHUTTING DOOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE IT OPENED BACK UP. DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH OR LOCK. HAD TO HOLD DOOR TO DRIVE. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK *TT
Mar 21, 2002
DOORS ARE HARD TO CLOSE, DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM, DEALERSHIP SENT CONSUMER MANUFACTURERS RECALL 99S25. BUT, THIS RECALL WAS FOR SOMETHING ELSE, LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT DOOR LATCHES GET STUCK, RIGHT REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN INSIDE AND OUTSIDE, LEFT REAR DOOR IS FINE.*AK
Dec 11, 2001
FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK HAD STOPPED WORKING. DOOR COULD NOT BE LOCKED OR UNLOCKED FROM INSIDE. CURRENTLY, SAME PROBLEM HAD STARTED ON REAR PASSENGER DOOR. *AK
Feb 26, 2001
TRUNK LID NOT CLOSING PROPERLY.
Jun 09, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
MAJOR HARNESS & ELECTRICAL WIRING WHICH IS UNDER RECALL THAT THE FORD DEALERSHIP WILL NOT HONOR.
Jun 25, 2005
WHENEVER I TURN ON THE HEATER, A/C, DEFROST, OR FAN MY ABS LIGHT TURNS ON AND MY BRAKES ARE SPONGY. I HAVE LOST ALL BRAKES ON TWO OCCASIONS WHEN THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN MY CAR SITS FOR A WEEKEND, THE BATTERY DIES. INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY, STILL DIES. FORD CANNOT FIND A CAUSE FOR EITHER PROBLEM. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN TO HAVE THE WIRING HARNESS CHANGED FOR THE LIGHTS, THOSE WENT OUT. ALSO, MY A/C FUSE HAD CAUGHT FIRE, WHOLE FUSE BOX AND BLOWER WAS REPLACED. *AK
Nov 20, 2000
THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE SHAKES AND RATTLES WHEN SLOWING DOWN..THE SMELL OF BURNING WIRES ARE PRESENT WHEN AC AND HEATERS ARE UTILIZED.VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU LIVE IN COLD CLIMATE AREA. COULD CAUSE INJURY OR EVEN DEATH DURING WINTER MONTHS. FORD SHOULD DO A SAFETY RECALL ON ALL ENGINE, INTERNAL WIRING HARNESS, AND FIX ROTORS. *AK
Oct 17, 1999
WHEELS
3 complaints
I HAVE A LOUD CLICKING NOISE FROM REAR OF CAR ONLY WHEN FOUR PEOPLE IN CAR.WHEN INSPECTING WHEELS AND TIRES FOUND WHEEL TO BE CRACKED FROM HUB CENTER TO RIM EDGE BETWEEN LUG NUT HOLES.INSPECTING OTHER WHEELS FOUND 2 MORE WITH SAME CRACK IN LENGTH AND LOCATION.*AK
Sep 12, 2004
ALL FOUR STUDS ON RIGHT FRONT TIRE, SHEARED OFF. RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND TIRE TRAVELING LOOSE THROUGH TRAFFIC. TIRE COMPLETELY DESTROYED FRONT FENDER AND ROTOR ASSEMBLY WAS BROKEN WHEN CAR CAME CRASHING DOWN ONTO IT. STUDS SHOWED NO SIGNS THAT THEY HADN'T BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECS. (ROUNDED OUT STUD HOLES ON RIMS OR ROUNDED OUT THREADS.) COMPLETE SIMUALTANOUS STUD FAILURE ON ALL FOUR STUDS. *AK
Feb 27, 2002
FRONT WHEEL AND HUB ASSEMBLY RUSTING ON BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE.
Mar 17, 1998
SEATS
3 complaints
FRONT SEAT BACK COLLAPSED REARWARD DURING LOW SPEED REAR-IMPACT COLLISION. DRIVER EJECTED INTO BACK SEAT. BROKEN NECK. QUADRIPLEGIA.
Apr 14, 2004
THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS NOT FIRMLY ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THUS, THE SEATBACK ROCKS SLIGHTLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE DURING CORNERING, AND FROM FRONT TO BACK DURING ACCELERATION AND BRAKING. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER TOLD ME THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON, AND CANNOT BE CURED. SPECIFICALLY, THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT CERTAIN 'RIVETS' OR METAL FLANGES IN THE SEAT TRACK STRETCH OVER TIME AND CAUSE THE LOOSE FEELING OF THE SEAT BACK. REPLACING THE SEAT RAILS DOES NO GOOD, AS THE NEW PARTS ARE OF THE SAME DESIGN, AND EVENTUALLY BEGIN TO FAIL LIKE THE OEM PARTS. THIS MALFUNCTION OF THE SEAT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN TO ME. HAVING THE SEATBACK DISLODGED DURING NORMAL DRIVING COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. WHAT'S WORSE WOULD BE A SEATBACK FAILURE DURING AN ACCIDENT, POSSIBLY ALLOWING ME TO BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. MY ONLY RECOURSE IN THIS MATTER IS TO PURCHASE AFTERMARKET SEATS OF HIGHER QUALITY. SEATS FROM A MANUFACTURER SUCH AS RECARO OR CORBEAU COME WITH A SUBSTATIAL WARRANTY, AND ARE SURE TO BE MORE DURABLE AND SAFE THAN THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. IN SUM, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SAFETY-ORIENTED RECALL OF ALL FORD PRODUCTS THAT HAVE THIS SEATBACK MALFUNCTION. SPECIFICALLY, I WOULD LIKE FORD TO REDESIGN A MORE DURABLE, SAFE SEAT MECHANISM AND RETROFIT ALL EXISTING CARS. AN ADDITIONAL NOTE - I AM A MEMBER OF THE FORD CONTOUR ENTHUSIASTS GROUP, AS WELL AS A FORD CONTOUR MAILING LIST RECIPIENT. OF THE 505 PEOPLE ON THE MAILING LIST, MANY HAVE HAD THE SAME SEATBACK FAILURES. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTACT THE CONTOUR ENTHUSIASTS GROUP AT WWW.CONTOUR.ORG FOR MORE OWNER TESTIMONIALS. THANK YOU, TOM DISALVO. *AK ([email protected])
Mar 30, 1999
SEAT TRACK PROBLEM: SEAT TRACK "POPS" AND MOVES DURING CORNERING, WHICH DIRECTLY AFFECTS DRIVER'S POSITION AND STEERING; CAN CAUSE UNINTENTIONAL SWERVING WHILE CORNERING; SEAT TRACK HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES AND EACH REPLACEMENT HAS FAILED. FORD HAS NOT. *AK
Mar 29, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON, REPLACED O2 SENSOR WITH LIGHT RETURNING ON. *AK
Jul 04, 2002
WITHOUT WARNING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON CAUSING VEHICLE TO START TO KNOCK AND MAKE ALOT OF NOISE. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER TO BE CHECKED FOR EXCESSIVE USE OF OIL.*AK
Jan 24, 2001
VEHICLE STALLS AND DIES ANT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYS ON. VEHICLE IS ABLE TO BE STARTED IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT DIES. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE , AND WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Sep 02, 1999
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
3 complaints
THE BLOWER FAN WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER BECAUSE OF A RECALL. IT LASTED ABOUT 3 MONTHS AND PROCEEDED TO BREAK AGAIN. THIS TIME THE DEALER STATED THAT I HAD TO REPLACE THE FUSE PANEL IN THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE REAFFIRM THE DEFECT. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THEY RARELY HAD TO REPLACE A FUSE PANEL. IN ADDITION TO THIS REPAIR, BOTH POWER WINDOW REGULATORS WENT OUT ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SIDES OF THE CAR. THE COMPANY THAT DID THE REPAIR SAID THIS IS VERY COMMON IN FORD VEHICLES. I CONTACTED THE REGIONAL OFFICE OF FORD AND THEY WOULD NOT GIVE ME ANY RESTITUTION ON THESE REPAIRS.
Aug 29, 2000
DUAL FAN ON AIR CONDITIONER WAS CONSTANTLY ON. CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL LETTER FOR THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. BUT, THEN OTHER SIDE WINDOW WAS NOT WORKING. *AK
Jan 24, 2000
AC/HEATER/DEFROSTER/BLOWER PART THAT WAS DEFECTIVE HAS BEEN RECALLED, BUT FORD REFUSES TO COVER UNDER THIS RECALL THE A/C COMPRESSOR, WHICH FAILED PREMATURELY. CHRIS EARLY, AT JOE MACHENS FORD, COLUMBIA, MO, INFORMED ME THAT THE COMPRESSOR HAS NOTHING AT ALL TO DO WITH THE AC/HEATER/DEFROSTER/BLOWER, AND SO, WILL NOT COVER THE WORK UNDER THIS RECALL. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THE A/C COMPRESSOR HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AC/HEATER/DEFROSTER/BLOWER AND ITS PROBLEM (BLOWING AIR QUITE HARD, BUT WITH NONE COMING OUT THE VENTS, AND NOT HEATING OR COOLING THE CAR/DEFROSTING THE WINDOW). THOUGH I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN 9 OR 10 TIMES TO HAVE THE AC/HEATER/DEFROSTER/BLOWER PROBLEM FIXED, I STILL HAVE TROUBLE WITH IT FROM TIME TO TIME. SURELY THIS KIND OF STRAIN CAUSED THE A/C COMPRESSOR TO WORK HARDER, AND BE SUBJECT TO UNDUE STRESS AND THEREFORE IMMATURE WEAR AND TEAR AND ULTIMATELY FAILURE. (EVEN THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS EXPRESSED SURPRISE AT THE EARLINESS OF THE COMPRESSOR FAILURE). PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM, SINCE I HAVE HAD TROUBLE GETTING ANYWHERE WITH FORD IN THE PAST -- I STILL HAVEN'T GOTTEN ANY SORT OF REPLY FROM FORD AS TO MY INQUIRIES TO THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT ABOUT THE PROBLEM, WHICH I REGISTERED IN WRITING TO THEM IN AUGUST 1998. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR WORK! *AK
Jan 06, 2000
STEERING,SUSPENSION
2 complaints
CORROSION UNDER THE CAR (POLICE INCEPTOR ). CAR WAS PURCHASE FROM A LOCAL DEALER IN BAMBERG, SC THAT SELL MANY CROWN VICTORIAS. HE INDICATED MY CAR CAME FROM UP NORTH, PENNSYLVANIA. *TR
Sep 10, 2013
IDLER ARM AND FRONT CONTROL ARM FAILED. *AK
Jul 21, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS LEAKING FLUID. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL ON OTHER FORD VEHICLES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, THE REPAIR WERE MADE FOR A FEE. ALSO EVERY 25000 MILES, THE OIL PAN GASKET NEEDED TO BE CHANGED DUE A SMALL LEAK. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THIRD, THE EXHAUST AND INTAKE MANIFOLDS WERE LEAKING CAUSING A NOXIOUS SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE SAME SERVICE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH MANIFOLDS, AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK DRIPPING ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
Jun 22, 2006
MY 1996 FORD CONTOUR'S (W/V6 2.5L DURATEC MOTOR) ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON AROUND JAN 2 OF 2001. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT AT THE CLOSEST FORD DEALERSHIP IN MODESTO, CA. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE NEXT AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT WAS ON FRIDAY JAN 05, 2001, LATER ON THAT WEEK. ONCE I TOOK IT IN, THEY HAD DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS BEING MY (3) CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND MY THROTTLE BODY. THE SERVICE ADVISOR THEN TOLD ME THAT HE HAD TO CHECK WITH FORD BECAUSE HE BELIEVED THAT THE WORK WAS COVERED UNDER A FORD RECALL 97E61. THE NEXT DAY HE RESPONDED TO ME AND TOLD ME THAT FORD HAD SAID THAT IT WASN'T COVERED AND THAT MY BILL WOULD BE $1,300.00. I THEN ASKED HIM WHY IT WASN'T COVERED AND HE TOLD ME BECAUSE MY VIN# DOESN'T SHOW IT. HE THEN ASKED ME TO TAKE IT UP WITH FORD THE ACTUALL COMPANY. SO I'VE BEEN DOING RESEARCH ON IT MYSELF AND HAVE COME UP WITH A LITTLE BIT OF INFO. FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS TOLD ME THAT THE REASON MY CAR IS NOT COVERED IS BECAUSE IT DOESN'T FALL UNDER THE 97E61 CRITERIA FOR RECALL. SO I ASKED WHAT ACTUALL PART DOES NOT FALL UNDEER THE CRITERIA. THEY ASKED ME TO TAKE IT UP WITH NHTSA AND THEY CAN GIVE ME THAT INFO. WHAT I HAVE FOUND IS THAT CARS THAT WERE BUILT AT 2 FORD PLANTS, CAUTLIN, AND KANSAS CITY PLANTS ARE THE ONES THAT ARE AFFECTED. WELL MY CAR WAS BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY PLANT. THE OTHER CRITERIA I KNOW ABOUT IS IF THE CAR WAS BUILT WITHIN MARCH OF 95 THRU MARCH OF 96. WELL MY CAR WAS FIRST SOLD IN FEB. 96 AND IT'S A 96 MODEL SO IT WOULD HAVE TO FALL WITHIN THAT TIME FRAME. I AM CURRENTLY HAVING MY CAR FIXED AT A DIFFERENT FORD DEALERSHIP BUT MY COST IS STILL OVER $1,100.00. PLESAE HELP ME. CESAR GARCIA CALL ME ANY TIME AT 408-674-9315 TO LET ME KNOW YOU HAVE RECEIVED MY LETTER. I WOULD ALSO LIKE A COPY E-MAILED TO ME OF WHAT I HAVE WRITTEN SO I HAVE A RECORD AT [email protected]. *AK
Jan 23, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED ON 1996 THUNDERBIRD IN 2000. IT IS NOW CRACKED, AND AFTER SPENDING 550.00 TO FIND THAT OUT, THERE IS NOTHING FORD WILL DO EVEN THOUGH IT IS ON CAMPAIGN (97M91). NOW I CAN NOT DRIVE MY CAR.
May 25, 2005
MY NEWEST PROBLEM THAT I HAVE WITH THE CAR NOW IS IT STALLS AT RED LIGHTS AND DOESNT START FOR 45 MINUTE TO AN HOUR. I TOOK IT TO 3 GARAGES ALREADY AND THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM.
Jan 15, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
I OWN A 1996 FORD CONTOUR [XXX] THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS WENT OUT ON. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS ITEM (RECALL 99S14) BACK IN 1999. UPON BRINGING THE CAR INTO AN BROOKDALE FORD (BROOKLYN CENTER, MN), THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE IT DID NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE. I THEN CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ALREADY FIXED ON MY CAR (EVEN THOUGH I NEVER BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR THIS SERVICE). THEY REFUSED TO HELP. EVEN IF THE RECALL WAS FIXED ON MY CAR, THE FACT THAT THE SAME TWO PARTS OF MY CAR (INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TAIL LIGHTS) FAILED, TELLS ME THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT DONE CORRECTLY.*AK *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Feb 18, 2005
RECALL 99V103000. REMEDY DID NOT CORRECT PROBLEM. WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TAIL LIGHTS COMPLETELY WENT OUT. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Apr 06, 2001
CHILD SEAT
2 complaints
THE CONNECTING ARMS ON THE TRAY SHIELD ARE CRACKED AND CAN BE EASILY PULLED OUT OF THE SIDE OF THE SEAT. THE SEAT IS ONLY A YEAR OLD, AND THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
Sep 22, 2003
WE HAVE A INFANT/TODDLER CAR SEAT THAT CANNOT BE PUT IN THE REAR FACING POSITION BECAUSE THE BACK SEATS ARE TOO ANGELED BACK.WE ALSO CAN'T HAVE SEAT IN MIDDLE BECAUSE THEN MY 9 YR OLD HAS TO SIT AGAINST THE DOOR.I AM NOW FORCED TO FACE MY BABY FORWARD IN HIS CARSEAT.HELP! THE CUP HOLDES NEXT TO GEARSHIFT LEAK INTO THE SHIFT COLUM AND CAUSE THE GEARSHIFT TO STICK. BROOKDALE FORD SAID IT WOULD COST ME $100 TO CLEAN IT FOR ME.THEY OFFERED NO HELP, THE LEAST THAT SHOULD BE DONE IS TO FIX IT SO NOTHING MORE CAN LEAK THROUGH THE HOLDERS.
Mar 16, 1999
SUSPENSION,VISIBILITY
2 complaints
HAD RECEIVED SEVERAL RECALLS ON VEHICLE SPRINGS, RECALL 01V230000, AND HEATER BLOWER SENSOR, RECALL 01I009000. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP'S MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE REPAIRS DONE, EVEN LEFT VEHICLE WITH MECHANIC. RECEIVED CALL TO PICK UP VEHICLE, AND ALSO INFORMED NONE OF THE RECALLS WERE EVER REPAIRED. MECHANIC REFUSED TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIRS. BRAMVIEW FORD; QUEEN ST; BRAMPTON ONTARIO CANADA; 9054511041. *AK
Jun 24, 2003
WINDOW STUCK DOWN, AND STRUTS NEEDED.....4 YEARS OLD???
Jun 15, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
2 complaints
BRAKES & ROTORS. DT
Nov 09, 2002
WHEN PRESSING BRAKES IT VIBRATES AND MAKES NOISE. ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITH BECAUSE OF SAME PROBLEM. SERVICE TECH SAYS IT WILL BE A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM DUE TO THE TYPE OF BRAKE PADS THE VEHICLE USES.
Mar 09, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
THE FRONT PART OF THE VEHICLE MAKES A DRAGGING SOUND WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER INDICATED THERE WAS AN INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. *YH THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACED. UPDATED *JB
Jun 24, 2002
TRANSMISSION/TORQUE CONVERTER, AND ENGINE VALVE FAILURE.
Oct 10, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION AND THEN CUT OFF , WHEN VEHICLE CUT OFF, DRIVER LOST CONTROL BECAUSE THE WHEELS LOCKED UP. *AK
Aug 20, 1999
UPON SLIGHTLY WET SURFACE OR POSSIBLE OIL DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES SLIGHTLY, HE LOST CONTROL, HITTING CURB W/CAUSE UNKNOWN, RESULTIN GIN AN ACCIDENT/INJURY. *AK
Jul 30, 1996
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT UNDER THE DASH CAUSED HEADLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE, ALSO RESULTING IN DAMAGES TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
Feb 04, 1999
HEADLIGHTS AND DASHLIGHTS DID NOT WORK WHEN SWITCH WAS TURNED ON. DEALER CONTACTED, AND STATED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS BURNT OUT, WIRES AND THE CONNECTOR WERE ALL BURNT OUT ALSO, VEHCILE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO A FIRE HAZARD.
Oct 05, 1998
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WHERE THE CAR ROLLED OVER AND HIT NUMEROUS TREES. BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT OPEN AND THE SEAT BELT BROKE AWAY... MIRACOUSLY MY SON ENDED UP IN THE BACK SEAT WITH ONLY A MODEST BUMP ON HIS HEAD. .... WITNESSESS AS WELL AS THE TOWING/WRECKING YARD COULD NOT BELIEVE THERE WERE NO SERIOUS INJURIES, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE... WHEN PURCHASING THE AUTO I RECALL THAT SAFETY REPORTS WERE GENERALLY FAVORABLE... GIVEN THE IMPACT OF THIS ACCIDENT IT IS INCREDIBLE THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT OPEN AND THAT THE SEAT BELT BROKE AWAY...
Nov 24, 1998
VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER'S FRONT SIDE AND THE SHOULDER BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER. ALSO, THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG KNOCKED DRIVER OUT OF SEAT AND HEAD HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW. *AK
Mar 19, 1997
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
MY CAR WAS RECALLED IN 2001. THE PAST 6 MO MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SMELLS LIKE ITS BURNING OR SOMETHING MELTING. ALMOST LIKE ITS GOING TO CATCH ON FIRE
Dec 17, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
I PURCHASED A USED 1996 FORD CONTOUR FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER AND AFTER A FEW DAYS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MY MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AND FIXED IT. A FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD IT CAME BACK ON. AFTER FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS BAD. THE INSULATION ON THE WIRES WAS FLAKING OFF AND IN ONE SPOT THE WIRE BUNDLE COVERING HAD MELTED. RESEARCH ON LINE SHOWED THAT FORD HAD A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM (99M03) AND EXTENDED THE RECALL FOR 10 YEARS. IN AN ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM WITH A DIFFERENT WIRING HARNESS HAS PROVED TO BE A LOOSING BATTLE I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAID THAT THEY NO LONGER BUILD THIS PART AND THAT THEY HAD NO PARTS IN STOCK THROUGHOUT THE USA. I TRIED SALVAGE YARDS AND THERE ARE NO GOOD PARTS OUT THERE. HOW CAN A USED CAR LOT SELL CARS WITHOUT LOOKING INTO SAFETY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLES. I HAVE NO RECOURSE BUT TO JUNK THE CAR AND TAKE A $3000 LOSS. IS THERE ANY HELP OUT THERE? *TR
Jun 12, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
BLOWER MOTOR FAILURE. THE BLOWER CONTROLS THE DEFROSTER AND HEATER. THE FAILURE RESULTS IN FOG, FROST ETC SO VISIBILITY IS GREATLY LIMITED. IF ONE CAN SEE WELL AN ACCIDENT IS POSSIBLE. *TR
Aug 03, 2009
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I BOUGHT A 1996 FORD CONTOUR FROM AND INDIVIDUAL IN JULY OF THIS YEAR. IT RAN WELL, FOR A FEW DAYS, AND THEN THE OD LIGHT KEPT COMING ON, AND IT FELT LIKE IT WAS SHIFTING INTO LOW. I KEPT MASHING THE BUTTON ON THE SHIFT ARM AND THE LIGHT WOULD GO OUT AND THEN COME BACK ON THIS WOULD GO ON FOR SEVERAL DAYS, THEN IT WOULD BE OK FOR SEVERAL DAYS, JUST TO START UP ALL OVER AGAIN. THEN I HAD THE OLD CHANGED IN NOVEMBER AND THE WOULD NOT STAY CRANKED FOR ME TO GET HOME. THE WIRES UNDER THE HOOD ARE ALL FLAKING OF THERE PLASTIC COVERING. I ASSUME THIS IS WHY IT WILL NOT STAYED CRANKED. I CAN NOT DRIVE IT IN THIS CONDITION. *NM
Dec 28, 2005
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
CONSUMER HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE 1996 FORD CONTOUR.*MR THERE HAS BEEN SO MANY RECALLS ON CONSUMER'S VEHICLE THAT SHE WASN'T AWARE OF BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER NEVER SENT NOTICES. SINCE THEN CONSUMER HAS BEEN PAYING FOR ENTIRE FULL PRICE AND IS ASKING FOR REIMBURSEMENT. HOWEVER, THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE IS THE GAS FUMES WHICH IS LEAKING THEREFORE LEAVING POISONOUS CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES COMING IN THROUGH THE HEATER VENTS. THESE HARSH CHEMICALS ARE DAMAGING TO THE LUNGS, BRAIN, RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND ITS MAKING CONSUMER VERY TIRED AMONG OTHER SYMPTOMS. *TT
Aug 12, 2005
POWER TRAIN,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
FORD MOTOR COMPANY DID NOT SEND ME A RECALL NOTIFICATION LETTER ON MY 1996 FORD CONTOUR. I NEED TO SEND MY CAR BACK TO FORD MOTOR ASAP, AND FORD NEEDS TO SEND ME A BRAND NEW CAR. DUE TO ALSO SINCE THE FIRST DAY I BOUGHT MY CAR IN 1999 EVERY PART IN MY CAR IS A DEFECT FRAUD NON FORD, ALSO NEWMAN FORD IN SALEM, NH REFUSED AND DISCRIMINATED MY DISABILITY AND LAUGHED AT ME AND DENIED MY SERVICES. *JB
Feb 06, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
CAR STALLS WHEN PARALLEL PARKING, ESPECIALLY IN REVERSE, OR WHEN PARKING SLOPES. CAR STALLED WHEN STARTING UP FROM RED LIGHT IN CENTER CITY PHILADELPHIA INTERSECTIONS. HEADLAMPS OUT OF ALIGNMENT (DON'T SHINE DOWN ONTO ROAD, BEAMS NOT CENTERED). AIR BAG LIGHT ON CONTROL PANELS BLINKS SPORADICALLY, FREQUENTLY; ANXIETY THAT AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY WHILE DRIVING. DEALER COMMENT ON STALLING: "PROBABLY SOMETHING STUPID" AND WASN'T ABLE TO FIX PROBLEM, MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT A VACUUM TUBE. DEALER CHARGED $95 TO TELL ME THAT THE MEMORY IN THE VEHICLE DIDN'T GIVE ANY CODES FOR THE STALLING OR AIR BAG PROBLEMS, THEN ADDED THAT THE MEMORY IS WIPED CLEAN EVERY TIME THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. QUESTION: IF THEY KNOW THAT ABOUT THE CAR IN THE FIRST PLACE, WHY CHARGE THE CUSTOMER FOR A POINTLESS DIAGNOSTIC? HEADLIGHTS STILL OUT OF ALIGNMENT AFTER HAVING BEEN "ADJUSTED" BY DEALER IN JANUARY 2005. *NM
Jan 24, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 70000 MILES ON IT. WE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE FUEL DOOR, FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, BRAKES, DOOR HANDLES, TRANSMISSION, ELECTRIC WINDOWS, AND NOW AS A SPECIAL TREAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THIS CAR HAS BEEN THE WORST INVESTMENT THAT MY WIFE AND I HAVE EVER MADE. I HAVE HAVE OWNED SEVERAL CARS AND TRUCKS WITH 200000 PLUS MILES ON THEM AND NONE OF THEM HAVE EVER BEEN AS PROBLEMATIC AS THIS AUTOMOBILE.
Jan 15, 2004
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
PROBLEMS WITH 1996 FORD CONTOUR FRONT BRAKES, TRANSMISSION, FUSE BOX, HEATER BLOWER MOTOR, ELECTRICAL AND STEERING AND SUSPENSION. *MR FOR THE SECOND TIME, THE VEHICLE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES MAKING A LOUD RUBBING SOUND, THE STABILIZER BAR WAS REPLACED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING, WATER WAS INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT SEALS, WHICH MADE THE LIGHTS VERY DIM, THE SELECTOR MODE SWITCH ON THE HEATER MOTOR BLOWER DID NOT WORK PROPERLY, WHICH MADE THE HEAT NOT WORK AT A 100%. THE UPPER BALL JOINTS, RACK AND PINION AND WHEEL BEARING WERE ALL DEFECTIVE. *JB *NM
Nov 24, 2003
POWER TRAIN,TIRES
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED REPEATEDLY EVEN AFTER COMPLETE REBUILD. HAVE ALSO HAD TREAD SEPARATION IN TIRES ON 5 SEPARATE OCCASIONS
Jan 02, 2003
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
CONSUMER NOTICE, THE DASH BOARD DEFROSTER DUCT AIR VENT IS CRACKED AND INOPERABLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Oct 28, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
MR
Oct 14, 2002
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
THIS CAR IS A LEMON - IT IS NOT SAFE. *AK
Jun 28, 2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATES.TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEM; REPAIRED BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK
Mar 12, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
STALLS OUT IF YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS, SURGES BETWEEN 1-4 RMPS, ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, ALL STARTED AFTER I HAD THE HEATER BLOWER SWITCH REPLACED.*AK
Jan 02, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND THE SERVICING DEPT AT THE FORD DEALER AND OTHER AUTO SERVICING CENTER COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHY TO THIS DAY IT IS ON. AT ONE TIME THE ENTIRE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND REAR BRAKES LIGHTS WENT OUT. IT CURRENTLY SHUT ITS SELF OFF ( STALLS) AND GET HOT. THE ENGINE SOUNDS REVVED UP AND SHORTLY AFTER THE AC UNIT WENT OUT.EVERYTHING HAS BEEN CHECKED OUT/ THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT WAS REPLACED SOME WIRING HAD TO BE REPLACED ALL THE FLUIDS ARE WHERE THEY SHOULD BE AND IT STILL STALLS AND OVERHEATS FOR NO REASON. BOTH FRONT WINDOWS ELECTRICAL MOTORS HAVE GONE OUT.
Sep 05, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR RECALL 00V367000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 00S44 CONCERNING ENGINE COOLING FAN. AFTER VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP, SAME DAY, CONSUMER FOUND AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER WERE NOT WORKING. ONLY DEFROSTER WORKED. DEALER OPENED HOOD AND STATED NOTHING WAS DONE TO AFFECT AIR CONDITIONING UNIT/HEATER. ADVISED CONSUMER TO CALL BACK NEXT WEEK TO SPEAK TO SERVICE MANAGER. *AK
Aug 30, 2001
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
MY 1996 CONTOUR HAS LITERALLY BROKEN DOWN. I HAVE 99,000 MILES AND HAVE COMPLETELY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM, AND THE CAR STILL IS NOT DEPENDABLE, AND THE SAME PROBLEMS RE-OCCUR. I HPAY MORE IN REPAIRS THAN I DO FOR MY MONTHLY PAYMENT.
Aug 21, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ASKED DEALERSHIP TO PERFORM RECALL 00V-367000 AND THEY SAID FORD HAS NO SUCH RECALL.*AK
Aug 13, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH,ODOMETER GAUGE DROPPED TO 10 MPH. ENGINE LIGHT AND ODOMETER LIGHT CAME ON. CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC STATED IT WAS THE SPEED SENSOR. *AK *SLC
Jun 18, 2001
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE CEAR IS PEALING, 2 TRANSMISISONS HAVE FAILED AND NOW THE A/C INT. BLOWER ONLY RUNS ON HIGH. *AK
Mar 21, 2001
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
VEHICLE HAS A CRACK IN TRANSMISSION HOUSING.*AK CONSUMER STATES WHILE MECHANIC WAS PERFORMING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE HE OBSERVED A CRACK IN THE BOTTOME OF THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING, SINCE NO TRANSMISSION WORK HAS EVER BEEN PERFORMED UNDER CONSUMER'S OWNERSHIP ROUGHLY SINCE 41,000 MILES IN THE MECHANIC'S OPINION THAT EITHER THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING WAS CRACKED WHEN INSTALLED OR ANOTHER TRANSMISSION WAS PUT IN RESULTING IN A CRACKED HOUSING, HE ALSO OBSERVED WHAT MIGHT BE BAD FRONT COIL SPRINGS, THEY ARE MAKING A RUBBING NOSIE ON AN UNEVEN SURFACE OR IN A SHARP TURN TO THE RIGHT,CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED MANUFACTURER THEY HAVE CALLED HER CONSUMER BACK BUT THEY HAVE TURNED THE COMPLAINT INTO A FEEDBACK REPORT CONSUMER HAS ALSO HAD ROTORS TURNED AND SERVICED TWICE.*JB
Mar 09, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I GOT THIS CAR IN APRIL 96. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE THE CAR JUST COMPLETELY LOSES POWER WITHOUT ANY WARNING AT ALL. IT LOCKS UP THE STEERING AND BRAKES. IT HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS AND IN VARYING TEMPERATURES. THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. THE MOST RECENT EPISODE WAS JAN 14, 2001. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO TOW THE CAR, OTHER TIMES IT WILL START BACK UP. THIS LAST TIME IT STARTED BACK UP AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES. FORTUNATELY, OTHER DRIVERS HAVE BEEN PAYING ATTENTION, AND I HAVEN'T BEEN KILLED. THIS CAR HAS ALSO EXPERIENCED: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS ON...DEALER CANNOT FIND PROBLEM, BUT CHARGES $110 TO DIAGNOSE IT EACH TIME!....THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CABLE BROKE IN 2000. AGAIN, FORTUNATELY, I WAS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND NO CARS NAILED ME. THE PAINT ON THIS CAR IS BEGINNING TO PEEL/CRACK EVEN THOUGH IT IS GARAGE KEPT. I HAVE HAD TO PUT 3 SETS OF BRAKES ON THIS CAR...HAVE ALSO HAD THE DASH AND TAIL LIGHTS GO OUT (WHICH THEY DID FIX) ALSO THE AC KNOB BROKE (WHICH THEY FIXED) I HAVE TAKEN IT IN FOR ALL KNOWN RECALLS. FORD HAS NEVER RESPONDED TO MY CONCERNS ABOUT THE COMPLETE POWER LOSS I KEEP EXPERIENCING AND THE DEALER JUST SUGGESTS TOTALLY USELESS REPAIRS THAT COST ALOT AND DO NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Feb 07, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH NEXT TO A CLOSE CURVE SAW A DEER IN FRONT OF VEHICLE ON ROAD. TRIED TO AVOID HITTING IT BY STEPPING ON BRAKES. THEY LOCKED UP, AND VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. NONE OF FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK
Jan 22, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WHENEVER STARTING VEHICLE OR EVEN DRIVING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD START ACTING UP. WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD GO ON BY THEMSELVES, HAVE NOT BEEN TURNED ON. LIGHTS, INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, WOULD GO OUT. IGNITION WILL NOT START VEHICLE SOMETIMES.ALSO, WOULD HEAR A CLICKING NOISE. DID NOT HAVE A BATTERY PROBLEMS. HEATER BLOWER FAILED TO WORK. NO RECALLS ON VEHICLE FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *AK
Jan 18, 2001
STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER OR IN RAIN, POWER STEERING WILL GO OUT. AT THAT TIME ALERNATOR LIGHT COMES ON, HAS BEEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THIS , SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. ALSO, FILLING UP WITH GASOLINE VEHICLE WILL SMELL FOR LONG TIME. *AK
Dec 07, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
RIGHT REAR LIGHT CONTINUED TO GO OUT. REPLACE BULB FEW TIMES. RIGHT WHEEL BEARING HAD TO BE REPLACED. MAJOR FAN BELT REPLACED. ALTERNATOR REPLACED. LIGHT ON RADIO GOES OFF WHEN HEAD LIGHTS TURNED ON. THIS HAPPENED AFTER THEY FIXED MY RECALL FOR LIGHTS. GAS CAP COVER IS VERY HARD TO OPEN. TAKES SEVERAL TIMES TO TRY AND OPEN. WHEN AIR IS ON SMELLS COME THROUGH REALLY STRONG FROM OTHER CARS. OWNER NOTIFICATION RECALLS ARE NOT TAKEN CARE OF UNTIL THEY ACTUALLY HAPPEN. THESE ARE COIL CAN BREAK AND CAR GO DOWN BLOW OUT TIRES. ALSO ELECTRICAL HARNESS CAN BREAK AND WIRES WILL CONNECT WITH OTHER PARTS OF THE CAR AND CAUSE A FIRE. I HAVE SENT A LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF FORD AND EXPLAINED HOW I FELT THIS CAR WAS UNSAFE AND IF ANYTHING HAPPENED TO ME OR MY FAMILY THEY WOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. I NEVER RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM ANYONE. THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO TAKE BACK ALL CONTOURS AND GIVE US A SAFER CAR FOR US AND OUR FAMILIES TO DRIVE. I AM A SINGLE PARENT AND CANNOT AFFORD TO FINANCE ANOTHER CAR. THEY NEED TO PROVIDE A LOAN AND NEW CAR FOR US. I WILL BE CONTACTING FORD AGAIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO SEE IF THEY WILL HELP WITH TAKING MY CAR BACK AND GIVING ME ANOTHER CAR/LOAN. AS I TOLD THEM IN THE LETTER THEY JUST WANTED TO SELL AND MAKE MONEY THEY DIDN'T THINK OF THE FAMILY AND OR FAMILIES THAT THIS CAR AS IT FELL APART WOULD EFFECT. I APPRECIATE THAT YOU HAVE THIS WEB SITE THAT I CAN VOICE MY CONCERNS,PROBLEMS WITH THE FORD AND FEEL SOMEONE MAY PAY ATTENTION BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT IN THESE CARS AS HAVE BEEN MANY WITH THE TIRE SITUATION. I WILL HELP YOU IN ANY WAY I CAN TO CLEAR UP ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS. I KEEP THE LETTER I SENT FORD IN MY CAR IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS SOMEONE WILL BE ABLE TO READ IT AND KNOW I DID TRY TO GET THIS PROBLEM DISSOLVED BEFORE IT WAS TO LATE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP. DEBBIE JENNINGS HEWITT
Oct 30, 2000
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I CAN TELL BY THE MARKS ON THE PASSANGER SIDE DOOR THAT THE WINDOW ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED PRIOR TO MY BUYING THE CAR. SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW GOT STUCK DOWN AND SEEING THE COST OF THE PART AND LABOR I COULDN'T AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED SO THE GUY JUST PUT THE WINDOW IN THE UP POSSISION FOR ME. THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW IS SO LOOSE THAT I CAN'T ROLL IT DOWN BECAUSE IT RATTLES TOO MUCH. THE GAS PEDEL STICKS ALL THE TIME. I CAN BE GOING WHATEVER SPEED L;IMIT AND HAVE TO HIT THE GAS REAL QUICK TO GET IT TO SLOW DOWN AND WHEN I GET READY TO GO THE PEDEL IS STUCK AGAIN AND I HAVE TO PUSH HARD AND THEN IT ALL OF A SUDDEN GOES WITH A JERK. THIS HAS BEEN THE CAR FROM HELL.*AK
Oct 24, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
MY CAR WAS IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES IN ONE MONTH - ALL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, STARTER, WIRING HARNESS, SPEED SENSOR AND OXYGEN SENSOR WERE ALL CHANGED. THE FORD DEALERSHIP DOES NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I AM HAVING ALL THESE PROBLEMS. IT WAS ALSO IN A GARAGE FIRE AT THE DEALERSHIP IN THIS TIME AND I HAD SMOKE DAMAGE TO MY CAR ON TOP OF THE ENGINE PROBLEMS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I LOSS MONEY ON THE TRADE IN. THIS IS THE WORSE CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED AND WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER FORD CAR OR TRUCK AGAIN. *AK
Sep 14, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE PREVIOUSLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE TAKEN IT MORE THAN EIGHT DIFFERENT TIMES TO BE SERVICE AND PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED EVEN AFTER HAVING ENGINE REPLACED I AM HAVING SOME OF THE SAME PROBLEMS. CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED ON A REGULAR BASIS AND STILL IT HAS PROBLEMS.E . .
Sep 06, 2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
SCREW FOR DRIVER SIDE SUNVISOR FELL OFF WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, CAUSING BLOCKED VISION TOTALLY. *AK THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR FELL OFF TWICE. THE SECOND FALL SHORTED ELECTRICAL WIRES CAUSING RADIO, CLOCK AND OTHER COMPONENTS TO FAIL. *YH
Aug 10, 2000
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WAS DRIVING ONE DAY AND OVERDRIVE LIGHT COMES ON AND CARS STARTS TO SHIFT REAL HARD NO EXACT SPEED MATTERS ALL THE TIME AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME. *AK
Jul 03, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ABOUT 2-3 MONTHS AFTER I HAD MY CAR I TRIED TO TRADE IT IN FOR ANOTHER CAR BECAUSE OF THE DEFFECTS ON IT, BUT THE DEALER WOULD NOT HELP ME OUT THEN. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW? NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY.
Jun 01, 2000
SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING EXTREME VIBRATION OCCURRED WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. ALSO, ENGINE IDLED VERY FAST, AND THE VEHICLE JERKED., DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A NORMAL CONDITION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
May 08, 2000
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION DOES NOT RECOGNIZE ANY GEARS. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER & DEALER HASN'T HAD A CHANCE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. VECHICLE IS ALSO IDLEING VERY HIGH. *AK
Mar 28, 2000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CONSUMER HAS DEFECTIVE PARTS , SUCH AS. HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS TICKING NOISE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AND ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE OUT. *AK
Mar 27, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CONSUMER TOOK CAR IN FOR 4TH RECALL REPAIRS. THIS ONE WAS FOR THE ENGINE WIRES. DEALER FIXED PROBLEM. CONSUMER PICKED UP CAR, AND ON THAT SAME EVENING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IN VEHICLE FOR SERVICE, AND SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. COULDN'T TELL HOW FAST CAR WAS GOING. ALSO OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK ON/OFF.
Mar 22, 2000
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
CONSUMER BOUGHT VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER. SHE WENT OUTSIDE THAT MORNING TO START IT UP HER VEHICLE AND SHE NOTICED A KNOCKING NOISE COMMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE DEALER REPLACED STARTER AND WATER PUMP BUT PROBLEM STILL EXIST.
Mar 21, 2000
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
OCCASIONALLY, WHEN THE VEHICLE ROLLS THROUGH A PUDDLE, THE STEERING WILL FAIL AND THE BATTERY LIGHT WILL APPEAR, WITH THE ENGINE ALMOST STALLING. THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THE CAR GOING AS FAST AS 35 MPH AND AS SLOW AS 5 MPH. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND THE DEALER HAS REPORTEDLY CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. ADDITIONALLY, THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER TO REPORT THE PROBLEM, THE SERVICE PERSONNEL WAS AWARE THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTED WITH THE SPECIFIC MODEL. AFTER REPEATED RETURNS TO THE DEALER (AT LEAST THREE SEPARATE COMPLAINTS), THE DEALER INFORMED US THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED AND THAT THE CAR WAS EVEN "DRIVEN THROUGH SEVERAL PUDDLES" WITHOUT ANY STEERING FAILURE. THE LAST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN WAS APPROXIMATELY AUGUST, 1999. THE WARRANTY HAS SINCE EXPIRED, AND THE DEALER SAYS THAT IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. ON 02/13/00, THE VEHICLE AGAIN EXPERIENCED STEERING FAILURE.
Feb 14, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AND BRAKING ENGINE REVVED AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND RUN UP AN A CURB IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Dec 01, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,INTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS: INTERIOR/BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO LIGHT. REPLACED SWITCH TWICE. FUEL FILLER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WITH LATCH INSIDE. NEVER WORKED. CIGARETTE LIGHTER FAILED. POWER WINDOW ON DRIVER'S SIDE HAS FAILED. CAR INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT START DUE TO DRAINED BATTERY. MECHANIC COULD FIND NO CAUSE FOR THIS RELATED TO ALTERNATOR/CHARGING SYSTEM OF CAR. NEVER ABLE TO FIX THIS. TRUNK LEAKS WATER AROUND SEAL. ABS LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON . MECHANIC COULD FIND NO PROBLEM WITH ABS. AIR CONDITIONER/HEATER WOULD ONLY BLOW OUT DEFROST SETTING. ALSO BAD SMELL COMES FROM AC WHEN ON. REAR SEAT BELTS KEEP JAMMING; NOT ABLE TO USE SOMETIMES BECAUSE THEY WON'T COME OUT. WORST PROBLEM SO FAR: TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. NOT YET FIXED. I LOVED THIS CAR ONCE, NOW I HATE IT! THE WHOLE THING SHOULD BE RECALLED. *AK
Nov 14, 1999
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
CONSUMER TOOK THIS VEHICLE IN TO BE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL 99S14 FOR AN IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT NOW THEIRS IS A PROBLEM WITH FRONT END VIBRATING VERY HARD. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Oct 12, 1999
POWER TRAIN,CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING AT 70 MPH THE VEHICLE IS SHIFTING VERY HARD. IT DOWNSHIFTS FROM OVERDRIVE TO SECOND GEAR, AND ALL THE COMPONENTS ON THE DASHBOARD START GOING OUT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INTO REPAIR SHOP SIX TIMES AND THE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CHILD IN THE CHILD SEAT GOES FORWARD, AND THE HARNESS STRAP LEFT A RED SPOT ON THE CHILD. *AK
Sep 07, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT IS ON AND THERE IS A BURNING SMELL WITHIN THE VEHICLE. ALSO, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD AREN'T WORKING, AND THE WATER PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AL
Sep 07, 1999
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
VEHICLE SHUTS OFF IN GEAR AT 25 MPH. OVERHEATED UPON ACCELERATION. DEALER CONTACTED, AND STATED THE ALARM WAS THE CAUSE. PROBLEMS STILL EXISTS. *AK *YC
Aug 25, 1999
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ALL THE ALL THE LIGHTS ARE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO, WHEN USING THE A/C UNIT CONSUMER HAS TO PUT THE A/C ON HIGH IN ORDER TO USE THE SYSTEM. *AK
Aug 18, 1999
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS W/ MY 96 FORD CONTOUR SINCE I BOUGHT IT 2/23/96. I HAVE HAD IT IN FOR SERVICE MULTIPLE TIMES, AND I GET TOLD IT'S COVERED UNDER WARRANTY WHY WORRY ABOUT IT. THE SRV.MNGR.AT MY DEALER SUPPOSEDLY TALKED TO A "TONY" AT FORD & TOLD HIM TO TELL ME AS LONG AS IT'S COVERED UNDER WARRANTY I SHOULDN'T COMPLAIN IT IS NO MONEY OUT OF MY POCKET. THAT IS UNSATISFACTORY -I BELIEVE MY CAR TO BE A DEFECT IN THAT YEARS LINE OF CONTOURS & I WOULD LIKE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS. MY CAR RUNS WORSE THAN ANY USED CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED! ALL I EVER WANTED DONE WAS TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION,THEY COULD HAVE EASILY REPLACED MY CAR WITH ONE SIMILIAR TO THAT YEAR & MODEL & I WOULD HAVE BEEN HAPPY. I REALLY WOULD LIKE A RESPONSE TO THIS MATTER. I AM TO THE POINT WHERE I WILL CONTACT A LAWYER TO SEEK HELP DEALING WITH FORD & KENNEDY FORD , IF I CAN NOT GET A FAIR & AGGREEABLE OUTCOME TO THIS SITUATION. THANK YOU.
Jul 19, 1999
STEERING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THE REAR POWER WINDOW ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT WORK. THE MOULDING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE REAR WINDOWS HAS BEEN LOOSE EVER SINCE THE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE CARPETING IN THE REAR OF THE CAR HAS BEEN LOOSE/ HASN'T FIT EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE BLOWER NO LONGER BLOWS THROUGH THE PANEL VENTS--ONLY THROUGH THE DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER VENTS. *AK
Jun 15, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND MOUNT FAILED/BURNED UP/LIGHTS WON'T TURN OFF/ON, NEEDED REPLACING, DASHBOARD COMPONENTS ALWAYS RUN HOT; FUEL DOOR LEVER INSIDE CAR DOESN'T WORK RELIABLY & DOOR STICKS; EGR HOSE FAILED, TOOK FORD 1.5 WEEKS TO GET ONE IN, NO GUIDELINES RE: THIS HOSE EVER NEEDING REPLACED, & IT COSTS $93??!?!
May 15, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE LEFT FRONT AXLE BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND IT PUNCTURED MY TIRE AND DAMAGED THE RIM OF IT. THE MECHANIC SAYS IT WAS JUST WORN OUT EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME, AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. THE ENGINE RUMBLES WHEN IT IDLES. THE BRAKES GRIND ALL THE TIME, AND I HAVE REPLACED THE LEFT ROTOR 3 TIMES IN LESS THAN A YEAR. THE CARPET COMES OUT FROM UNDER THE REAR SEATS AN THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. *AK
Apr 20, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
IN JUNE 1998 REPLACED BRAKE PADS, AND HAD ROTORS TURNED BECAUSE THEY WERE WARPED. HAD TO REPLACE BRAKE PADS AGAIN, INCLUDING ROTORS IN FEBRUARY 1999. TWO MONTHS LATER ROTORS AGAIN WARPED. IN JULY 1998 HAD TO REPLACE ALTERNATOR. IN APRIL 1999 DASH LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS QUIT WORKING - HAD HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACED.
Apr 20, 1999
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,WHEELS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE WORST PROBLEM WAS THE WHEEL FALLING OFF WHILE IN OPERATION, WITH NO WARNING. THE AXIL, ROTOR, AND BALLJOINT WAS REPLACED. THE HEATING AND COOLING IS ALL MESSED UP. THE FAN WILL ONLY BLOW ON LOW, IT IS NIETHER HOT NOR COLD. THE TAIL LIGHTS AND PANEL LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. IT'S NOT A FUSE
Mar 07, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
FORD NEED TO REPLACE THIS CAR WITH A SAFE ONE! COME ON 6 ELECTRICAL FAILURES? WHEN WILL THE FIRE START FROM THE FAILURES?..DATELINE NBC NEXT!
Jan 30, 1999
STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
POWER STEERING BECOMES DISABLES WHEN DRIVEN THROUGH PUDDLES OF WATER. SAFETY SHOULD BE A RECALL BY FORD MOTOR CORP
Dec 28, 1998
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY PROVIDED BY CONSUMER
Dec 28, 1998
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY PROVIDED BY CONSUMER( DOT NUMBER: ??? TIRE SIZE: ??? )
Dec 28, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THEY ARE NOT HARD BUT MEDIUM. WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY SPEED BUMP THERE IS A VERY LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE BY THE FUEL TANK. *AK
Nov 24, 1998
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
WHEN TURNING COULD HEAR A BUMPING SOUND IN STEERING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. NOTHING WAS FOUND. NOISE WAS LOUDER. COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE DURING RAIN. THE BRAKES FAILED TO SLOW & STOP VEHICLE. HAD CRACKED FRONT END. THE FRONT SUSPENSION SWAY BAR ALSO BROKE. *AK
Oct 30, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TWICE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ON THE FREEWAY AND HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS 1 AND 3 MONTHS OLD. THE DEALER WAS EXTREMELY RUDE AND I PROMISE I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD AGAIN AND NEITHER WILL ANYBODY THAT HAS HEARD MY STORY.
Oct 26, 1998
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, CAUSING LOSS OF ALL POWER. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN TRAVELING OVER 60 MPH, RESULTING IN POOR STEERING CONTROL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Aug 10, 1998
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
EMERGENCY HAND BRAKE FAILED.
Jun 09, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE PARKING VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED UP FOR NO REASON & THEN SHOT FORWARD. APPLYING BRAKES, DID NOT STOP VEHICLE. IT WENT OVER SMALL EMBANKMENT. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Mar 23, 1998
AIR BAGS,WHEELS
1 complaint
LUG NUTS WERE LOOSE, CAUSING WHEEL TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT, ALSO NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S AIRB AG UPON IMPACT. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK
Jul 18, 1996
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1996 FORD Contour have?
The 1996 FORD Contour currently has 640 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 1996 FORD Contour?
The most common problems reported for the 1996 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 1996 FORD Contour problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1996 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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1994 Problems
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