How many problems does the 1997 FORD Contour have?

The 1997 FORD Contour currently has 252 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 1997 FORD Contour?

The most common problems reported for the 1997 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 1997 FORD Contour problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1997 FORD Contour comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

1997 FORD Contour Problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

30 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BAD GROUND IN THE MAIN LINE HARNESS, WHICH CAUSED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Nov 03, 2008

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE, VEHICLE WOULD SOMETIMES START AND SOMETIMES IT WOULD NOT, WHEN VEHICLE ON THE ROAD IT WOULD STOP WHEN MAKING A STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT, OR WHEN TURNING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. *NM

Aug 14, 2005

DT: 01S22 FORD RECALL. CONSUMER HAD RECALL WORK DONE . DEALER SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE HEATER BLOWER SWITCH AND A WIRE JUMPER HARNESS. DEALER COMPLETED WORK ON MARCH 15, 2002. DEALER IWAS MIKE SHAD FORD IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA. LAST TUESDAY JULY 12, 2005 THE WIRE JUMPER HARNESS CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON SIDE STREET, GLENWOOD AVE., AT NIGHT. FLAMES SHOT UP FROM WHERE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE LOCATED. FLAME LASTED A COUPLE SECONDS THEN WERE GONE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, CONTACTED FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. DEALER DON JENKINS FORD IN SUQUAY, NORTH CAROLINA. CONSUMER CONTACTED INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY SAID IT WAS A DEFECT SO THEY WOULD NOT PAY. CONSUMER FOUND ON NHTSA WEBSITE THAT FORD OFFERED A WARRANTY ON THIS RECALL OF 10 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF SALE OR 150,000 MILES. WHEN SHE CONTACTED FORD THEY TOLD HER THAT WARRANTY WAS ONLY 100,000 MILES AND NHTSA WEBSITE INFORMATION WAS INCORRECT. FORD WILL NOT FIX VEHICLE FOR CONSUMER. *AK

Jul 19, 2005

Fire: 1

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 2 MINUTES. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHALL INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE CAUSE MIGHT HAVE BEEN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK *SC *JB

Jun 07, 2005

Fire: 1

1997 EXPEDITION SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY 45 MINUTES AFTER IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE CAME AND PUT OUT WHAT WAS ALMOST A CATASTROPHIC HOUSE FIRE. THE TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS. TO REPLACE IT WITH SOMETHING COMPARABLE WE BOUGHT A 99 EXPEDITION. WE WERE OUT $8000 IN THE TRADE. THE OLDER EXPEDITION HAD ONE CAR PAYMENT LEFT ON IT BEFORE THE FIRE. NOW I AM HORRIFIED THAT WE HAVE ANOTHER ON IN THE DRIVEWAY.*AK

Jan 28, 2005

Fire: 1

+ 25 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

26 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS, THE GEAR INDICATOR DISPLAYED AN INACCURATE READING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V233000 (POWERTRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000. UPDATED 01/29/08 *BF UPDATED 01/29/08 *TR

Dec 28, 2007

SHIFT LEVER DOES NOT ENGAGE DRIVE WHEN SHIFTED TO D POSITION; WILL ONLY ENGAGE WHEN SHIFTED TO 2 POSITION.*AK

Jun 30, 2004

TRASMISSION FAILURE AT 48000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 101000 MILES BOTH REQUIRING COMPLETE REBUILD. BOTH FAILURES WERE SUDDEN ONSET AND THE SECOND OCCURED AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITCH NEARLY CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT (THANK GOD FOR THE QUICK THINKING DRIVER BEHIND ME) TOOK TO 5 DIFFERENT SHOPS FOR DIAGNOSES. ALL SAID THAT THE CD4E TRANSIMISSION WAS A NOTORIOUSLY BAD TRANSMISSION ON BOTH FORDS AND MAZDAS

Mar 09, 2004

CD4E TRANSMISSION IN 1998 FORD CONTOUR GL (SAME COMPLAINT AS THE C4DE IN THE MAZDA 626). TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT DUE TO THE TSS SENSOR BREAKING AND FALLING INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION - WHICH STOPPED THE PUMP AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE SENSOR IS IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE FENDERWELL, WHERE IT IS EXPOSED TO ROAD HAZARDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS. NOT A GOOD DESIGN. FURTHERMORE, THE REPAIR COSTS $3000 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION AND ALL THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE FORD PUT THE SENSOR IN A POSITION WHERE IT CAN BREAK AND CAUSE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. IT'S A LOUSY DESIGN. THE SENSOR SHOULD BE SOMEWHERE UNDER THE HOOD - NOT IN THE FENDERWELL. *LA

Oct 15, 2003

DRIVER HAS PROBLEMS SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. TRANSMISSION WILL POP OUT OF GEAR, RENDERING VEHICLE'S OPERATION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Sep 12, 2002

+ 21 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

26 complaints

BOUGHT A 1997 FORD CONTOUR AND 4 DAYS LATER THE HEAD GASKET BLEW. AFTER BEING IN SHOP OVER A MONTH AND MANY OTHER PROBLEMS REPAIRED I FINALLY GOT CAR BACK AND THE VERY NEXT DAY THE HEAD GASKET BLEW AGAIN WITHIN 2 MILES FROM MY HOUSE. *TR

Nov 12, 2007

INCIDENT LIKE MANY OTHERS I HAVE HAD MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION XLT BLOW A SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE AND TROUBLE FREE WHEN A POP FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND A LOUD BANGING NOISE CAME FROM THE ENGINE HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP ; WHO IN TURN CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE REPLY WAS THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. MY LOCAL SERVICE TECH SAID THE REPAIR KIT ALONE WOULD COST $1,000,00. TO REPAIR IT HE SAID THAT FORD HAD ONLY USED 3 THREADS IN THE HEAD THAT FAILED, BUT ARE NOW REPLACING THEM WITH A 7 THREAD HEAD., THIS TELLS ME THAT THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT ARE WILLING TO LEAVE THEIR CUSTOMERS OUT TO DRY.. I GUESS THE SCARY PART ABOUT THAT IS I STILL HAVE 4 MORE 3 THREAD SPARK PLUG HOLES TO WORRY ABOUT BLOWING OUT,.I ABSOLUTELY FEEL THIS SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHO IS LOOKING FOR THE AMERICAN PUBLIC TO BUY IT'S TRUCKS. DAMAGE RESULTING IT WILL COST ME AS LITTLE AS $2,500.00 TO REPAIR THE CURRENT PROBLEM ( AND NO GUARANTY IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN). OR UP TO $5,500.00 TO REPLACE THE BUILT TOUGH 5.4 TRITON ENGINE. *TR

Jun 05, 2007

I RESPONDED TO A SERVICE ADVISORY ABOUT A FAULTY BLOWER FAN SWITCH. THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED BUT IT WAS APPARENTLY REPLACED WITH ANOTHER FAULTY SWITCH WHICH FAILED. I HAD THE FAN REPLACED AT A LOCAL SERVICE STATION TO THE TUNE OF $192.64. FORD WOULD NOT REPLACE THE FAULTY FAN SWITCH. *NM

Jul 22, 2006

NAR 06/19/2003. *MR THE CONSUMERS WATER PUMP HAD BROKEN AND TO HIS SURPRISE THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE PUMP WAS MADE OF PLASTIC, IN WHICH THEY ARE USUALLY MADE OF METAL. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT FORD SHOULD RECALL ALL CARS MADE WITH PLASTIC PUMPS AND REPLACE THEM WITH METAL ONES. *CB *JB

Jun 19, 2003

IN OCTOBER 2001 (AT 67000 MILES), COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE WATER PUMP ON MY 1997 2.5-LITER V6 FORD CONTOUR. WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. ON JUNE 2002 (AT 73000 MILES), THE WATER PUMP STARTED LEAKING AGAIN. WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED AGAIN. ON DECEMBER 2002 (AT 80000 MILES), THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN, I.E. THE PUMP WAS LEAKING. WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. ON APRIL 2003 (AT 85000 MILES), THE WATER PUMP AGAIN BEGAN TO LEAK FROM AROUND THE SAME SPOT (PER THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN). WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. WITH THIS LATEST OCCURRENCE THE FORD DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN (@ CENTURY FORD IN ROCKVILLE, MD) CALLED FORD HOTLINE WITH THE HISTORY OF THE PROBLEMS. THE HOT LINE CALLED BACK LATER AND INFORMED THE TECHNICIAN THAT THEY HAD DISCOVERED THAT THE FIBER MATERIAL FROM INSIDE THE RADIATOR HOSE WAS SHREDDING, WITH THE END RESULT BEING THAT THE PARTICLES WOULD FLOW INTO THE WATER PUMP AND RUIN THE SEALS, THUS NECESSITATING CHANGING THE WATER PUMP. NO FORD TECHNICAL BULLETIN EXISTS ON DEFECTIVE RADIATOR HOSE. AT NO TIME DID DEALERSHIP RECOMMEND THAT RADIATOR HOSE BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS DEFECTIVE OR BECAUSE IT LOOKED WORN OUT. *JB

May 07, 2003

+ 21 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

23 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE DROVE UPHILL AND INTO A PARKING LOT AND STOPPED BY EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 141,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE HYDRAULIC VACUUM LINE WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR

Jul 25, 2007

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ON 3/19/07 THE DRIVER FELT SOMETHING HEAVY FALL ON HIS FOOT AND HE BEGAN TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING COLUMN FELL ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HE COULDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PARKED TRUCK. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR DEPLOYED; HOWEVER, THE DRIVER SIDE DIDN'T DEPLOY. TWO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES TO THEIR KNEES AND CHESTS. THE POLICE OFFICER STATED THAT HE NEVER HEARD OF A STEERING COLUMN BREAKING WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED IN THE STATE OF WISCONSIN INSURANCE WAS NOT REQUIRED AS SHE WAS UNINSURED. THE SERVICE MECHANIC ON 01/13/07 STATED THAT THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE BRAKE HOSE BEING LOOSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS WITH 158,000. THE CONTACT DOESNT HAVE THE CURRENT MILEAGE. *AK

Apr 23, 2007

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

PROBLEMS WITH RUBBER HOSE, RUST AND CORROSION TO THE METALLIC BRAKE LINES.*MR *CB

Jul 28, 2003

WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL DESCENDED TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR THE SAME REPAIRS THREE TIMES. *NLM

Mar 24, 2003

CONSUMER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH REAR BRAKE DISC PADS, MAKING IT HARD FOR CONSUMER TO STOP VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Aug 16, 2002

+ 18 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

16 complaints

THIS AUTOMOBILE IS GIVING OFF A HORRIFIC BURNING SMELL ANYTIME THAT THE HEATER IS TURNED ON. NO ONE AT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY WANTS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OF THE DEFECTS WITH THEIR PRODUCTS. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT, THAT IS BEYOND POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE ON THE PART OF FORD. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO LET IT BE KNOWN THAT THIS IS NOT THE ONLY MAJOR.*AK MANUFACTURE DEFECT WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT I HAVE FOUND. THE ENTIRE FRONT-END SUSPENSION OF THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. I LESS THAT 1 WEEK AGO REPLACED FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS BECAUSE OF A LOUD RUBBING, ROARING NOISE AND THEY ARE STARTING TO MAKE THE SAME UNBEARABLE NOISE AGAIN. YOU, AT FORD, ADVISED ME THAT THERE WERE NO OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. WELL I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE YOU ALL AWARE THAT THERE ARE. IF YOU WOULD TAKE THE TIME TO LOOK THROUGH YOUR COMPLAINTS UNDER ANYTHING HAVING TO DEAL WITH THE TIRES, FRONT-END SUSPENSION, WHEELS, WHEEL BEARINGS OR BEARINGS THEMSELVES I AM CERTAIN THAT YOU WILL FIND ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS. WHEN YOUR POOR UNFORTUNATE AND MISEDUCATED CUSTOMERS CALL WITH THEIR COMMENTS CONCERNS AND ISSUES, THEY ARE ASKED WHAT IS THEIR CONCERN. THEY, NOT KNOWING WHAT THE PROBLEMS ARE STATE WHAT IT IS THEY HEAR WHILE DRIVING THE DEATH TRAP THEY HAVE BEEN SOLD OR HAVE BEEN TOLD BY YOUR DEALERS. LEAVING EVERY THING TOO BROAD AND WIDE OPEN TO BE SCATTERED AND INCORRECTLY CATEGORIZED. WHICH WORKS OUT TO YOUR BENEFIT. AS I UNDERSTAND IT, ANYTIME FORD HAS A RECALL OR ADMITS THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH A VEHICLE THEY ARE FINED AND HAS TO PAY SEVERAL PENALTIES. WELL I SHOULD THINK THAT FORD WOULD WANT TO PAY THE PAUCITY OF FEES AND PENALTIES NOW AND MAKE THE REPAIRS NEEDED RATHER THAN HAVE ANOTHER FIRESTONE TIRE INCIDENT ON THE HANDS AND CONSCIENCE. BUT WHO KNOWS MAYBE YOU ALL DONT CARE.

Dec 15, 2001

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 01V230000, AND CALLED DEALERSHIP TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE VEHICLE SERVICED. DEALERSHIP REFUSED SERVICE BECAUSE CONSUMER WAS NOT EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED BY THE RECALL. *AK *SLC

Sep 06, 2001

HEATER SWITCH RECALL - FORD IS UNWILLING TO REPLACE A FAULTY SWITCH THAT WAS RECALLED UNDER THIER PROGRAM M - THE RECALL LETTER WAS NOT SENT OUT TO ME. I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN COLUMBUS OH. THE RECALL SWITCH CAN CAUSE POTNTIAL FIRES AND IS CURRENTLY BAD IN MY CAR. I SPOKE WITH FORD AND TO A MANAGER, WHO WAS VERY RUD TO ME OVER THE PHONE AND OFFERED NO HELP. SHE STATED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THEIR PROGRAM M RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS NOT MADE IN THE SAME FACTORY AS THE OTHER CARS COVERED BY THE PROGEM M . BUT I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT CAUSE FIRES. FORD IS UNHELPFUL AND UNWILLING TO FIX A KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART ON MY CAR. IF I HAD BEEN NOTIFIED UNDER THIS PROGRAM BACK IN 1999 WHEN THE LETTER WAS SENT OUT THEN THE SWITCH WOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED, SINCE IT HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE FOR OVER ONE YEAR. THE VIN NUMBER IS 1FLAP67LXVK103696.*AK

Aug 10, 2001

HEATER SWITCH RECALL - FORD IS UNWILLING TO REPLACE A FAULTY SWITCH THAT WAS RECALLED UNDER THEIR PROGRAM M - THE RECALL LETTER WAS NOT SENT OUT TO ME. I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN COLUMBUS OH. THE RECALL SWITCH CAN CAUSE POTENTIAL FIRES AND IS CURRENTLY BAD IN MY CAR. I SPOKE WITH FORD AND TO A MANAGER, WHO WAS VERY RUDE TO ME OVER THE PHONE AND OFFERED NO HELP. SHE STATED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THEIR PROGRAM M RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS NOT MADE IN THE SAME FACTORY AS THE OTHER CARS COVERED BY THE PROGRAM M . BUT I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT CAUSE FIRES. FORD IS UNHELPFUL AND UNWILLING TO FIX A KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART ON MY CAR. IF I HAD BEEN NOTIFIED UNDER THIS PROGRAM BACK IN 1999 WHEN THE LETTER WAS SENT OUT THEN THE SWITCH WOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED, SINCE IT HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE FOR OVER ONE YEAR. THE VIN NUMBER IS [XXX].*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *JS *TR

Aug 10, 2001

THE HEATER BLOWER WOULD ONLY WORK ON HIGH PRIOR TO TODAY, BUT NOW IT DOESN'T WORK AT ALL.*AK

Mar 20, 2001

+ 11 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION

14 complaints

1997 FORD CONTOUR GL 4 CYL 123,000 MILES. MY RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING IS BROKEN AND THE OTHER THREE LOOK TO BE HEAVILY RUSTED AND CRACKED. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION ABOUT THE TSB 98M04 ABOUT WHICH I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED.*AK

Mar 15, 2005

TWICE I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS SINCE I BROUGHT THE CAR. *NLM

Jun 16, 2003

REMEDY FOR RECALL IS NOT PROPERLY DESIGNED. THERE ARE TWO BOLTS THAT HOLD THE CYLINDER LIKE CASE AROUND COIL THAT ARE ABOUT 1 OR TWO INCHES AWAY FROM TIRE ITSELF. *AK

Apr 30, 2002

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE EXHIBITS PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT END, THE SWAY BAR WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, THE BEARINGS WERE BEING REPLACED ONE AFTER THE OTHER SO THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THEM BOTH REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME TO EVEN OUT THE WEAR, HOWEVER FORD DECLINED, NOW THERE IS A NOISE IN THE FRONT END THAT CAN NOT BE REMEDIED, THE DEALER HAS REPLACED SEVERAL THINGS AT CONSUMERS COST, HOWEVER WILL NOT REIMBURSE CONSUMER FOR THE UNNECESSARY REPAIRS MADE TO TRY AND FIX THE NOISE. *SLC

Jan 24, 2002

THREE REPLACEMENTS OF FRONT WHEEL BEARING, AND ONE REPLACEMENT OF RIGHT REAR BEARING, ALL REPLACEMENTS MADE FROM TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Dec 17, 2001

+ 9 more complaints for this component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

14 complaints

THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING CAUSED AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, THE PARK LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS. *JB

Dec 09, 2004

CAR HAD A PROBLEM WITH LIGHTS WHICH I FEEL SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVER UNDER RECALL 99V-103 (FORD CAMPAIN NUMBER 99S14). BUT WAS TOLD MY VIN # 1FAL653XVK143361 WAS NOT COVERED. THE PROBLEM IS ECACTLLY AS STATED IN THE RECALL. I FEEL THE PROBLEM IS MORE WIDE SPREAD THAN FORD IS SAYING.*AK

Mar 29, 2004

E-MAIL FM C. REYNOLDS (NC) COMPLAINT OWNER OF A 1997 FORD CONTOUR UNABLE TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENT LENS FM FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *MR *SCC *JB

Dec 23, 2003

TURN SIGNAL MAKES CLICKING NOISE WHEN SIGNAL NOT IN USE. SIGNALS DO WORK. THIS LASTED ON/OFF FOR 7 MONTHS, THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF STEERING COLUMN. *AK

Jun 09, 2003

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SAME DEFEC TAS MENTIONED IN RECALL #99V103000 CONCERNING HEADLIGHTS. THS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *NLM.....*AK

Mar 24, 2003

+ 9 more complaints for this component

STEERING

10 complaints

DRIVER SIDE TIE-ROD SEPERATION '97 FORD EXPEDITION WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON HIGHWAY. LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. SERIOUS ACCIDENT AVOIDED ONLY BECAUSE OF EMERGENCY BRAKING.

Jul 27, 2005

22 YR. OLD SON MATT CRASHED HIS 1997 FORD CONTOUR INTO UTILITY POLE-FEELS BEARINGS CAUSED HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF STEERING. INNER WINDSHIELD DRIVER'S SIDE POST AT CORNER CAME APART, PLASTIC ON INTERIOR-WHICH STOPPED AT TOP OF POST AND WASN'T CONNECTED TO ANYTHING ON INSIDE OF ROOF-POPPED OUT AND LACERATED HIS LEFT EYEBALL. THE EYEBALL INTERIOR WAS PROTRUDING AND SURGERY WAS NECESSARY TO STITCH THE EYEBALL BACK TOGETHER. HE WILL EVENTUALLY NEED A CORNEA TRANSPLANT TO GET DECENT VISION FROM THAT EYE. THE RIGHT EYE SUSTAINED BLUNT TRAUMA WHICH CAUSED A HEMATOMA TO DEVELOP WHICH CAUSED BLINDNESS UNTIL IT'S RECENT REMOVAL. RESTORATION OF EYESIGHT IN THE RIGHT EYE IS A SLOW PROGRESS.*AK

Feb 02, 2005

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY LOST POWER STEERING. THIS HAPPENED ONLY WHILE THE ROAD WAS WET. DEALER STATED IT WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM. *AK IN THE PAST 6 YEARS POWER STEERING FROZE TWICE DURING A SEVERE RAIN STORM. *SCC *JB

Sep 12, 2003

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS

Jan 30, 2003

THE POWER STEERING LINE IS ROUTED UNDER THE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AXIL AND HAS RUB A HOLE IN THE LINE. AND HAS CAUSED A LEAK.

Jan 28, 2003

+ 5 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

7 complaints

AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FLASHING WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG. *AK CONSUMER STATES AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES, CONSUMER SHUT ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTED VEHICLE TO FIND THE AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHING, DEALER DROVE VEHICLE OVER 100 MILES AND AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE, CONSUMER IS CONCERNED BECAUSE SHE HAS TO SIT CLOSE TO THE STEERING WHEEL. *SLC

Nov 23, 2001

AIRBAG LIGHT IS FLASHING, NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET.*AK

Sep 05, 2001

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH HIT AN ENBANKMENT AND WENT UP RAILROAD TRACK , TEARING BUMPER., AND MADE A HOLE IN OIL PAN. ALSO ,ABOUT $3,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO FRONT END. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK

Mar 26, 2001

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED BUT BUSTED OPEN, CAUSING THE FUMES AND SMOKE TO ENTER INTO THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Sep 08, 1999

PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG IS VISIBLE DUE TO A HALF IN CRACK WITH THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO REPLACE PARTS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Sep 01, 1999

+ 2 more complaints for this component

TIRES

7 complaints

THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE INSIDE WALL HAS A HUGE BUBBLE (FIRESTONE GTA FIREHAWK,TIRE SIZE P205-60R15).

Aug 21, 2001

EXTREME INSIDE SHOULDER WEAR ON THE FRONT TIRES HAS GONE UNDETECTED UNTIL ACTUAL TIRE FAILURE. ALIGNMENT HAS BEEN CHECKED 3 TIMES BY DIFFERENT SPECIALISTS AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE FORD MONDEO (CONTOUR) AND FIESTA ARE WELL KNOWN FOR THIS DEFECT. I FEEL THAT THIS HAS VERY SERIOUS POTENTIAL AND NEED TO GET MY CONCERNS ACROSS TO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I AM CURRENTLY LIVING IN EUROPE AND OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A EUROPEAN CAR. THE FRENCH FORD DEALERS ARE NOT ENTHUSIASTIC ESPECIALLY AS MY FRENCH IS NOT BRILLIANT. PLEASE HELP PROVIDE A CONTACT EITHER AT FORD US OR POSSIBLY FORD GB OR SOME EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AGENCY. MANY THANKS.*AK( DOT NUMBER: )

Oct 30, 2000

THERE WASN'T A DOT NUMBER ON MY TIRE AS FAR AS I COULD FIND, BUT WE HAD A FLAT TIRE, ACTUALLY, SOMETHING WENT THROUGH THE TIRE AND THE TIRE LOOKS ALMOST SHREDDED AT PLACES. (TIRESIZE: P20560R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P20560R15 )

Oct 09, 2000

THIS IS THE SECOND FIRESTONE TIRE IN A WEEK THAT HAS HAD THE TREAD COME OFF. WE HAVE OVER ONE HUNDRED OF THESE TIRES ON OUR FLEET AND NEED TO DECIDE IF WE SHOULD REMOVE THEM.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: LT225/75R1 )

Sep 19, 2000

TIRE CAUSED CAR TO PULL HARD TO LEFT AND SHIMMY IN STEERING. DEALER REPORTED TIRE WAS BAD BUT OFFERED NO HELP. I REPLACED ALL FOUR WITH NEW MICHELIN TIRES.*AK( DOT NUMBER: UNLNOWC TIRE SIZE: 205/70/15 )

Sep 06, 2000

+ 2 more complaints for this component

EQUIPMENT

6 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE REPEATEDLY DECELERATES AND ACCELERATES WITHOUT WARRANT. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS BEING OPERATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. IT WOULD ALSO TAKE AN UNUSUALLY LONG TIME FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER TO ENGAGE AND WOULD BLOW ONLY HOT AIR. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

May 25, 2010

THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE WORST CAR WE EVER OWNED. RECENTLY THE A/C COMPRESSOR MADE A GRINDING NOISE. THE DEALER SAID IT WOULD BE $1200 TO FIX. THEY THEN SAID IT WOULD ONLY BE $950 BECAUSE SOME PARTS WERE NOT NEEDED. WE LATER FOUND OUT A/C ISN'T FIXED AND THE DEALER IS DEMANDING AN ADDITIONAL $1200 TO FIX BECAUSE THEY SAID WE REFUSED TO FIX THE A/C THE FIRST TIME AROUND. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW WHAT WE PAID FOR THE FIRST TIME. WE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN!!!*JB

May 23, 2002

COMPRESSOR "FROZE-UP" WHICH LOCKED UP THE ENGINE AND WOULD NOT RUN. THE DEALER THAT I TOOK MY CAR TO, SAID THAT THEY HAD HAD OTHER CONTOURS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT I WAS STOPPED, AT MY SISTER'S HOUSE AND NOT ON THE ROAD. I HAD JUST TRAVELLED 130 MILES, WHEN THE CAR CRATERED. MY PROBLEM WITH THIS IS THAT IF FORD KNEW THE DESIGN WOULD RENDER THE ENGINE USELESS, IT WOULD BE A DESIGN PROBLEM. THERE'S NO WAY TO BY-PASS THE COMPRESSOR AS IT IS ON A PULLEY SYSTEM WITH ONE SERPENTINE BELT FOR EVERYTHING. MY BILL FOR REPAIRS IS IN EXCESS OF $800.00, OF WHICH THE COMPRESSOR IS OVER $500.00. PLEASE INVESTIGATE TO SEE HOW MANY CONTOUR OWNERS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM. IT'S NO WONDER THAT ANOTHER EMPLOYEE OF ANOTHER DEALERSHIP WARNED ME TO GET RID OF THAT "THING" AS SOON AS YOU CAN. DOES NOT SPEAK WELL FOR FORD. IF YOU NEED ANYTHING ELSE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. *AK

Nov 28, 2000

MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY WHEN MY AC WENT OUT BUT, FORD REFUSED TO MAKE REPAIRS AT THAT TIME.

Aug 21, 2000

WHENEVER TURNING ON AIR CONDITIONING ON HIGH, THERE IS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE A/C UNIT. *AK

Aug 30, 1999

+ 1 more complaint for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

5 complaints

STARTING EVERY SPRING, LASTING THROUGH THE SUMMER, THERE IS A FUEL SMELL IN THE CABIN. EVERY FORD DEALER CLAIMS NOT TO SMELL IT, AND THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. IT USUALLY OCCURS IN OVER DRIVE. *JB

Apr 17, 2003

Injuries: 1

AC/HEATER SWITCH WHICH PREVIOUSLY FAILED (VERY SIMILAR TO EXISTING INVESTIGATION # PE00023) IN OCT 2000, HAS FAILED AGAIN. THE AC/HEATER SWITCH WILL INTERMITTENTLY FAIL TO ENGAGE THE HVAC SYSTEM AND WILL FAIL TO ENGAGE THE AC COMPRESSOR WHEN AN AC MODE IS SELECTED. THIS IS THE SECOND FAILURE OF THIS PART AND I NOTICED SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PART IN THE DATABASE.

Dec 10, 2000

VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES AND FIRE STARTED INSIDE VEHICLE TOWARDS THE REAR, AND WENT THROUGH THE FRONT. INSPECTOR CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Feb 23, 2000

Fire: 1

FUEL SMELL IN THE PASSENGER CABIN, MAKES NO DIFFERENCE WHETHER THE TANK IS EMPTY OR FULL AND DETECTABLE AT SLOW, FAST, OR NON SPEED

Jul 26, 1999

OWNER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN APRIL, CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS TOLD PARTS HAD TO BE ORDERED. PARTS ARE STILL UNAVAILABLE. RECALL # 97V067000. *AK

Oct 17, 1997

SEAT BELTS

5 complaints

CONSUMER STATES THAT FRONT SEATS ARE NOT STABILIZED AND WHILE DRIVING THE SEATS MOVES BACKWARDS. TS

Dec 27, 2002

FORD WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILTY BECAUSE VEHICLE IS OUT OF EXTENDED WARANTY AT 75,000. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

Jul 29, 2002

DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR VEHICLE UNDER SAFETY LIABILITY. CLAIMS NOT UNDER WARRANTY >50K MILES. THE SEAT BELT IN A CAR SHOULD NEVER FAIL, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS DO NOT LATCH, THE RED RELEASE BUTTON DOESN'T MOVE. *AK

Feb 04, 2002

BACK SEAT BELT BASE CAME APART (ANCHOR). THESE BELTS CANNOT BE USED.*AK SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LATCH DUE TO SEAT BUCKLE FAILURE. *YH

May 10, 2000

WHILE SLOWING TO TURN, VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND, OTHER VEHICLE WAS MOVING FROM 35-40 MPH. AT IMPACT, DRIVER SEATBELT CAME UNLATCHED, CAUSING DRIVER TO SLIDE FORWARD, HITTING KNEE ON DASHBOARD HARD ENOUGH TO DISLODGE RADIO. AFTER MAIN REPAIRS, VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARTIN FORD SALES, UNION GROVE, WI. THEIR INSPECTION FOUND A SMALL PIECE OF PLASTIC OR CELLOPHANE, NO MORE THAN AN 1/8" THICK AND 1/2" LONG. AFTER BEING UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WITH PANIC STOPS, THEY SAID THE DEBRIS 'MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE CONCERN'. THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE SEATBELT OR LOOK INTO IT FURTHER. WE DO NOT FEEL THAT THE SMALL PIECE OF CELLOPHANE COULD HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM, NOR DO WE FEEL THAT PANIC STOPS DUPLICATE A REAR-END COLLISON.

May 06, 1999

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 complaints

1997 FORD CONTOUR. *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*767928

Sep 30, 2002

NO SUMMARY

Sep 17, 1999

COOLANT OVERFLOW TANK ' LOW LEVEL LIGHT' CAME ON WHEN THERE WAS SUFFICIENT LEVEL IN THE TANK.

Mar 21, 1997

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON/OFF. *AK

Dec 06, 1996

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON/OFF. *AK

Nov 07, 1996

STRUCTURE

5 complaints

POWER LOCKS WILL NOT OPEN DOORS. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY ARE REPLACING THE LATCH. *AK THE DOORS ARE NOT POWER BUT OPERATE MANUALLY. WHEN INSIDE OF VEHICLE THE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. IF YOU PUSH THE BUTTON TO UNLOCK THE DOORS THEY STILL DO NOT UNLOCK. DOORS WILL ONLY OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE WITH A KEY AFTER UNLOCKING THEM. *JG

Jun 10, 2002

I FIXED THIS ONCE WITH GLUE AND REPLACED. THE ACTUATOR BROKE THE DOOR AGAIN. THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM CONSIDERING IF WILL MAKE WINDOW DEFROSTER NON FUNCTIONAL. *AK

Dec 10, 2001

WHEN WIND BLOW 30 MPH THE VEHICLE WANDERS WHILE DRIVING. YH

Jan 03, 2000

BODY CONTAINS TINY RUST SPOTS ALL OVER IT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WAXED THREE TIMES SINCE PURCHASED. ONE SPOT HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED DOWN TO THE METAL. LOCATED ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE RIGHT REAR DOOR.VEHICLE HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY UNTIL 3YRS/75000 MILES.

Oct 23, 1998

WHEN DRIVING ABOUT 5 MPH, THE WHEEL BROKE AWAY FROM THE SUB FRAME ON THE DRIVER'S FRONT SIDE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. ALL SUB FRAME BOLTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. *AK

Sep 23, 1998

SEATS

3 complaints

CONSUMER STATES WHEN PULLING OFF OR BRAKING THE PASSENGER SEAT MOVES BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS, CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO JERK. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

Jan 14, 2003

WHILE ADJUSTING HEADREST THE TOP PART BECAME LOOSE. CONSUMER WILL HAVE TO COVER THE METAL PART TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Mar 02, 2000

SEAT MOVES/ROCKS BACK AND FORTH. SHIFTS LEFT AND RIGHT DURING VEHICLE TURNS AND STOPS. DISCONCERTING DURING DRIVING; WEAKENS PRECISION OF VEHICLE CONTROL. CONCERNED ABOUT FUTURE CONTINUED DEGRADATION OF SEAT TRACK. *AK

Mar 26, 1999

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

3 complaints

THE DRIVERSIDE DOOR ON MY 1997 FORD CONTOUR LATCH WAS STICKING. NOW IT DOES NOT STICK BUT IT WILL NOT LATCH. WHEN IT FIRST STARTED YOU HAD TO APPLY ALOT OF PRESSURE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND NOW IT IS EASY BUT DOES NOT STAY SHUT.

Jan 02, 2003

CONSUMER WAS GOING 55MPH WHEN DRIVER'S DOOR OPENED.CONSUMER HELD IT CLOSED AND CONTINUED DRIVING. CONSUMER HAD TO LEAN AGAINST DOOR TO LOCK DOOR.*AK *SLC

Jun 21, 2001

REAR DOOR INTERMITTENTLY OPENS AT WILL. VEHICLE IN/OUT OF SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND NO CORRECTION HAVE BEEN MADE.SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK

May 19, 1999

WHEELS

3 complaints

CONSUMER WHILE TRAVELING NOTICE VEHICLE WOBBLING AND MAKING NOISE VEHICLE WAS SERVICE TECHNICIAN NOTICE RIM WITH CRAKES. CONSUMERS REPLACE THREE RIMS AT OWN EXPENSE. MANUFACTURE HAS BEEN CONTACTED. MR

Oct 23, 2002

CONSUMER HEARD A CRUNCHING SOUND. DEALER FOUND 2 STUDS WERE CRACKED ON LEFT FRONT WHEEL. AT THIS TIME, FRONT RIGHT SIDE HAS ONE CRACKED STUD. *AK

Mar 14, 2001

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT (65) MPH THE WHEEL ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE IN THE FRONT FELL OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE VEHICLE IS BEING LOOKED AT BY DEALER. *AK

Aug 18, 1997

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

HEADLIGHTS OVERHEATED, CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS TO MELT.*AK THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 99V103000. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED AS OF YET. *TC

Dec 08, 2004

TERMINAL AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRES WAS DAMAGED WHICH CAUSED ANTI- FREEZE TO LEAK . *AK

Sep 08, 1999

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

ENGINE BLOWS WITH NO WARNING TRANY GOES WHILE GOING UPHILL AT 25 MPH

Jan 15, 2004

THERE SEEMED TO BE NO WARNING REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, OTHER THAN A SLIGHT HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE IN THE AM., MUCH LIKE THE SOUND OF A SERPENTINE BELT.THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL WAS APPROPRIATE WHEN CHECKED. THE COMPUTER READING HAS STATED SEVERAL PROBLEMS, INCLUDING A BAD CLUTCH.IT WILL COST $2000.00 FOR A REBUILT TRANSMISSION.

Dec 24, 2001

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

2 complaints

THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSE FOR A MELTED FUEL PUMP. PH

Feb 05, 2003

I AM TRYING TO FIND ANY INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO AUTOMOBILES THAT HAVE DUAL/ALTERATIVE FUEL SYSTEMS. MY VEHICLE HAS A PROPANE TANK IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR, AND RUNS ON EITHER GASOLINE OR PROPANE BY FLIPPING A SWITCH LOCATED ON THE DASHBOARD. MY VEHICLE HAS HAD CONTINUAL PROBLEMS - CUTTING OFF WHILE IDILING. NONE OF THE LOCAL FORD DEALERS WILL WORK ON THE AUTO BECUASE THEY SAID THEY HAVE NO ONE TRAINED ON THESE TYPE OF FUEL SYSTEMS, AND HAVE NO INFORMATION ON FORD HAVING EVER MANUFACTURED A VEHICLE WITH THESE TYPE ENGINE OR FUEL SYSTEM.*AK

Jan 23, 2002

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY

2 complaints

DURING REPLACEMENT OF HEATER BLOWER SWITCH CONSUMER NOTICED THAT ELECTRICAL WIRES WERE MELTED TOGETHER AND CHARRED BLACK. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

Aug 13, 2001

HEATER FAN CONTROL SWITCH BEGAN SMOKING AND SHUTDOWN WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. CONSUMER HAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO INDICATED THAT DEFECT RESULTED FROM FACTORY WIRING HARNESS BEING TOO SMALL A GUAGE OF WIRING TO CARRY ELECTRICAL LOAD. REPLACEMENT WIRING HARNESS WAS OF A HIGHER GUAGE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

Apr 12, 2001

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 complaints

THERE IS A FUEL SMELL INSIDE OF VEHICLE. DEALER REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER SENSOR 4 TIMES, AND ONCE COOLANT SENSOR.BUT, IT DID NOT REMEDY PROBLEM.*AK

Jul 09, 2001

CAR WILL CRANK OVER, BUT WILL NOT START. IT HAS OCCURRED 5 TIMES. FOUR TIMES IT REQUIRED TO BE TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEPT AT FORD FOR REPAIRS. ONLY ONCE DID THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING APPROX 40 MILES AN HOUR. THE FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR, HOWEVER WHEN THE CAR GETS TOWED INTO THE DEALERS, THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO REALLY DETERMINE WHAT IS THE DEFECT WITH THE CAR. *AK

May 03, 1999

ENGINE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT PERSONALLY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, SERPENTINE BELT, WATER PUMP, FUEL INJECTOR, AND PULLEYS. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000. UPDATED 2/21/13 *CN STATUS UPDATE 03/19/13

Feb 06, 2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

THE WIRING HARNESS HAS DETERIORATED TO WHERE THE ENGINE RUNS LEAN AND DIES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. ONCE HOME I CHECKED EVERYTHING I COULD UNTIL THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COOLED THEN NOTICED THE WIRING ON THE NUMBER 1 CYLINDER. THE MORE I LOOKED I COULD SEE ALL THE INJECTOR PLUGS WERE DETERIORATED BADLY WITH NUMBER 4 BEING WORSE. JUST TOUCHING THE HARNESS CAUSES THE INSULATION TO FLAKE OFF AND BARE WIRES TO BE EXPOSED. I PURCHASED A CODE READER TO ALLOW PROPER INDICATIONS OF WHAT CODES WERE INDICATED WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. NOW FORD WANTS ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER SO THEY CAN CHARGE ME AND TELL ME WHAT I ALREADY KNOW AND CAN PLAINLY SEE! *TR

Aug 06, 2012

PARKING BRAKE,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

COULD NOT GET AN INSPECTION STICKER - NO MECHANIC COULD FIND OUT WHY THE CHECK ENGINE WILL NOT GO OFF -VERY COSTLY. IT STALLS WHEN RAINING, THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT WORK, IT HAS TO WARM UP FOR 5 MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL MOVE, THE TAIL LIGHTS CAME LOOSE, CAUSING MELTING OF HOUSING, EVERY VALVE IMAGINABLE HAS BEEN REPLACED, BELT SQUEALS WHEN AIR OR DEFROST TURNED ON. *TR

Mar 06, 2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA RECALL # 01I009000 (VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:CONTROLS/WIRING) IN 2001. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TAIL LIGHTS ALSO DO NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA RECALL # 99V103000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH) IN 1999. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 92,794 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR

Jul 05, 2007

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

I HAVE 1997 FORD CONTOUR SE. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH IT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON CONSTANTLY, RADIATOR LIGHT COMES ON CONSTANTLY, RUNS POORLY. I HAD ALL CHECKED WHEN THEY HAPPEN ON MULTILPLE OCCASIONS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I WAS TOLD BY A FREIND THAT HE HAD HEARD OF A PROBLEM LIKE THIS AND FORD WAS FIXING THEM, AND I SHOULD CALL THE DEALER. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THERE WAS A RECALL BUT BASED ON MY VIN I WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO THE AGE OF MY CAR. THIS WAS DONE AT BRANDON FORD AROUND THE JULY/AUGUST TIME FRAME. THINKING THAT I HAD TO DO THE REPAIR MYSELF, DUE TO THE COST AT THE DEALERSHIP (OVER $3000.00), I STARTED LOOKING FOR PARTS MYSELF ON THE INTERNET. THERE I FOUND THE RECALL/EXT. WARRANTY INFO. 99M03 AND IN THIS IT STATES 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILE. I AGAIN GOT HOPE THAT MAYBE THEY HAD MISSREAD THE RECALL AT THE DEALER SHIP. I THEN RETURNED WITH VIN AND THE INFO 99M03 IN HAD AND ONE OF THEIR SERVICE ADVISERS CONFIRMED THAT IT SHOULD BE COVERED. I THEN MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE NEXT DAY TO DROP THE CAR OFF AT 8:30AM TO HAVE IT DONE. I CALL THAT SAME DAY AT 2:30PM TO CHECK TO SEE IF AND FOR HOW LONG I WOUNLD NEED A RENTAL CAR. I WAS TOLD AT THAT TIME THAT MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED DUE TO IT'S AGE AND THAT IT RAN OUT ON 10/26/06. HAD THE FIRST PERSON LOOKED THE INFO. UP PROPERLY BACK IN THE JULY/AUGUST TIME FRAME IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THE REPAIR WOULD TAKE THEM APPROX. 3 DAYS TO DO, AND FOR ONLY GIVES THEM 6-7 HRS TO DO IT, SO THEY LOSE MONEY TO DO THESE REPAIRS. BASED ON THE 99M03 INFO I SHOULD HAVE RECIEVED A LETTER STATING THE EXT. WARRANTY WHICH I DID NOT, BUT HAD RECIEVED OTHER RECALL INFO. *NM

Dec 30, 2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT 1997 FORD CONTOUR WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND THE TAIL LIGHTS. THE CONSUMER BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED, AND FORD TOLD HER THAT THE TAILLIGHTS WERE ON RECALL 99V133000 AND WAS ALREADY FIXED. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT FIX THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE CONSUMER DID NOT WANT TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, AND SHE WANTED SOME ONE TO FIX IT. THE CONSUMER HAS ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR ONE MONTH. THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP RIGHT NOW BEING CHECKED.*AK

Sep 26, 2005

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

I BELIEVE ALL 1997 FORD CONTOURS SHOULD BE RECALLED, OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS I HAVE REPLACED THE CLUTCH, WATERPUMP, BLOWER MOTOR, BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS, BUSHINGS, SWAY BARS, WHEEL BEARINGS, FRONT & REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS(BOTH TWICE!!!!), AXLE, 2 OXYGEN SENSORS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, EGR VALVE, COIL SPRINGS, BATTERY, BALLJOINTS, DOOR LATCH, ALMOST ALL OF THE FULL FRONT SUSPENSION!!!! THERE ARE MORE PARTS THAT I HAD REPLACED BUT I CAN'T REMEMBER ALL THE NAMES OF THE PARTS THERE ARE TOO MANY!! MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF, SEAT BELT LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF, SHORT IN THE DRIVERS SIDE POWER WINDOW, THE ENGINE WILL (REV) UP BY ITSELF WHEN IT'S IN GEAR AND WHEN IT'S NOT, SHORT IN THE DRIVERS SIDE POWER SEATS, WATER LEAKAGE IN THE TRUNK, A/C LEAKS ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR, ALL DOORS SQUEAK NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, CARPET IS FALLING OUT, HORN WILL NOT WORK MOST OF THE TIME, SAME FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL, WINDSHIELD WIPER SPRAYER DOES NOT WORK, KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, ENDED UP IN VERY BAD DEBT BECAUSE OF THIS AND NO ONE WILL TAKE IT, I STILL OWE MONEY ON THE PIECE OF CRAP. CONTACTED FORD MOTOR AT ONE TIME REGARDING ALL THE PARTS I REPLACED AFTER THE FIRST YEAR I HAD IT, THEY SAY IT'S NOT THERE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP WHO SOLD IT TO ME SAYS IT WAS JUST FINE, BULL CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I BELIEVE THAT THOSE ARE TOO MANY ITEMS FOR A 1997 TO GO WRONG ON. *AK

Dec 02, 2003

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH WITH FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED.*AK

Nov 04, 2003

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

TAIL LIGHTS AND INTERIOR DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THIS WAS DUE TO LIGHT SWITCH HARNESS CONNECTORS MELTING, SHORTING OUT THE WIRES.*AK

Jul 31, 2002

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

TWICE NOW, I HAVE FELT THE ENGINE SURGE AND REV UP, POWERING FORWARD, WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES. INCIDENTS WERE APPROX. 2 MONTHS APART. IF I HAD NOT HAD MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE AND PUSHED HARD, WE WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER CAR OR A CEMENT BARRIER. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BUT WANT TO GET IT ON RECORD SOMEWHERE, AND FIND OUT IF OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM.*AK

Jun 21, 2002

STEERING,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

1 complaint

I AM GETTING IN TOUCH WITH YOU TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE AFTER MARKET STEERING EXTENSION DEVICE PUT ON ALOT OF HANDICAPPED VEHICLES, THIS PART IS PUT ON THESE CARS AND TRUCKS TO HELP ASSIST THE DRIVER IN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL . THE PROBLEM WITH THIS PART IS THAT IS NOT SAFE . WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TAKEN OFF OF THE SPLINED SHAFT THE NEW PIECE IS PUT ON AND DOES NOT EVEN HAVE A SPLINED CENTER TO FIT TIGHT ON THE SHAFT AND THE ONLY OTHER THING TO HOLD IT TIGHT IS 2 SET SCREWS. IF ONE OF THESE SET SCREWS WOULD WORK LOSE OR IF THE STEERING WHEEL WERE TURNED TO HARD THESE SET SCREWS WOULD WORK LOOSE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TURN BUT THE WHEELS WOULDN'T , OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND . I HAVE TALKED TO A AUTO REPAIR SPECIALIST ALONG WITH THE HEAD MECHANIC SUPERVISOR AT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND BOTH MEN SAID THAT THIS PART IS NOT VERY SAFE AND THEY WOULD NT WANT IT ON THEIR CAR OR TRUCK , I ALSO TALKED TO THE PERSON WHO INSTALLED THIS PART HE NO LONGER USES THIS ALUMINUM PART BECAUSE IT IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR THIS KIND OF STRESS THAT A STEERING WHEEL GOES THROUGH . I HOPE THAT YOU CAN MAKE THESE PARTS REPLACED BY THE COMPANIES SO THAT NO ONE WITH A MODIFIED HANDICAPPED STEERING COLUMN EXTENSION DOES NOT GET KILLED OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE , I WAS LUCKY TO FIND IT EARLY BUT MAYBE SOME ONE ELSE WON'T BE. THANK YOU SINCERELY [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Feb 15, 2002

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

DEFROSTER WILL NOT WORK, WILL BLOCK THE VIEW AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *AK ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, COOLANT LEAKING, ENGINE OVERHEATING, TRANSMISSION WAS INOPERATIVE, AND THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING.*SLC

Dec 31, 2001

POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT LEVER BUTTON WOULD STICK MAKING IT VERY HARD TO GET OUT OF PARK INTO GEAR REPAIR DONE BY FORD REPLACED SHIFT ACTUATOR & SOLENOID. TURN SIGNAL MAKES CLICKING NOISE WHEN SIGNAL NOT IS USE. SIGNALS DO WORK.

Oct 04, 2001

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

VEHICLE STALLS OUT WITHOUT WARNING, REPLACE SENSOR, IAC VALVE, MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, TRANSMISSION, SHIFT ASSEMBLE.

Sep 06, 2001

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

I CARRIED MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL SERVICE. THE DEALERSHIP NEVER COMPLETED THE RECALL WORK, BUT DID BILL FORD FOR IT. THE DEALERSHIP LATER OFFERED TO FIX THE SYMPTOMS THAT THE FAULTY PARTS WERE CAUSING FOR A FEE OR $279. I DID NOT HAVE $279 AT THE TIME TO PAY FOR THE SERVICE SO I PURCHASED THE PARTS FOR $101. AFTER I HAD INSTALLED THE PARTS, I SAW A NOTE IN THE PACKAGE THAT DESCRIBED WHAT THE DEALER SOLD TO ME. THE DEALERSHIP ACTUALLY SOLD ME THE RECALL REPAIR KIT. I HAVE THE DOCUMENTATION AND ORIGINAL PART TO PROVE THIS IS THE CASE. *AK ALSO TAIL LIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS ARE INOPERABLE,HEAD LIGHT SWITCH HAS BURNED OUT, CONSUMER STATES HE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE WARRANTY WORK , CONSUMER STATES HE HAS IN HIS POSSESSION THE RECALLED PART AND THAT HTE DEALERSHIP DID NOT PERFORM THE WORK, THAT THEY CLAIM THEY REPLACED, EVEN THOUGH THE WARRANTY WORK WAS NOT PERFORMED BY DEALERSHIP THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY WAS BILLED FOR THE WARRANTY REPAIRS.*JB

Jun 06, 2001

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

I ONLY HAVE 2 SPEEDS ON MY HEATER BLOWER,LO AND 2. I ALSO HAVE HAD SMOKE COMMING FROM UNDER THE DASH OR FROM A HEATER VENT WHEN THE HEATER HAS BEEN ON. WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP REGARDLESS OF HOW SMALL THERE IS A THUMP SOUND THAT COMES FROM THE TRUNK AREA. THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM SEEMS TO HIT REALLY HARD WITH ANY KIND OF BUMP IN THE ROAD. I ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ASSY FIXED ACCORDING THE RECALL BECAUSE OF TAILLIGHT AND PANEL FAILURE.*AK

Jan 06, 2001

SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1 complaint

REAR SUSPENSION CREAKING NOISE HAS BEEN PERSISTANT, "FIXED" 4 TIMES BY DEALER, YET PROBLEM PERSISTS; FUEL GAUGE FLOATS CANNOT SEEM TO BE FIXED (3 NEW GUAGES, 2 FUEL SENDERS, 1 NEW FUEL TANK & FLOAT). *AK

Oct 11, 2000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

THE WIRES TO THE A\C AND THE ALTERNATOR HAVE RECENTLY BURNED UP..COMPLETLY MELTED..I AM AFRAID THAT THE CAR IS GOING TO CATCH FIRE..ALSO IF YOU COULD LOOK AT MY WARRANTY THROUGH AUTO NATION YOU COULD SEE HOW MANY PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH THIS CAR..IT'S OUTRAGOUS.. IF I DID NOT HAVE WARRANTY I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO..I WANT TO TRADE IT IN ALL THOUGH I HAVE ONLY HAD IT FOR ABOUT A YEAR IN A HALF..BUT I CAN'T AFORD TO KEEP FIXING IT....THANK YOU C.J STAFFORD. *AK

Sep 20, 2000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON EXPRESSWAY AND WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, VEHICLE WAS SMOKING. SHE PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER, AND PUT SOME WATER INTO VEHICLE TO GET HOME. SHE ONLY COULD DRIVE 10MPH ON THE ROAD AND VEHICLE STARTED LOSING OIL. SHE TOOK IT TO GARAGE, AND MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT CYLINDER BLOCK WAS CRACKED. CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD.*AK

Sep 12, 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE

1 complaint

1. PARKING BRAKE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING IN WET WEATHER WITH OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING, ESPECIALLY WHEN PARKING BRAKE WAS LEFT ENGAGED FOR SEVERAL HOURS WHILE CAR WAS PARKED OUTDOORS. LEFT REAR WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN MAINTAINING CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND NEARLY CAUSING TWO ACCIDENTS. ALSO MADE ASCENDING ICY HILLS FROM A STOP VERY DIFFICULT, AS BOTH REAR WHEELS WOULD LOCK. THIS SOMETIMES CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLOWLY ROLL BACKWARD INTO PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. 2. TRANSMISSION SHIFTED ONLY AT VERY LOW ENGINE SPEEDS (LESS THAN 2500 RPM), CAUSING MUCH SLOWER THAN NORMAL ACCELERATION, AND EXCESS USE OF BRAKES WHEN DESCENDING LONG, STEEP GRADES. DRIVING WITH KNOWLEDGE OF PROBLEM ALLOWED ME TO AVOID SITUATIONS WHERE RAPID ACCELERATION OR EXTENDED PERIODS OF BRAKE USE WERE NECESSARY, BUT PROBLEM STILL REDUCED MARGIN OF SAFETY. BOTH THESE PROBLEMS WERE EVENTUALLY REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY AFTER NUMEROUS DEALERSHIP DENIALS AND DELAYS. DATES AND MILEAGES OF COMPONENTS FAILURES ARE ESTIMATES, AND NOT EXACT. *AK

Jun 26, 2000

SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

WIRING HARNESS MALFUNCTIONED/SHORTED OUT. ALSO, WHEN TURNING LEFT, VEHICLE MADE A KNOCKING NOISE. *AK

Apr 17, 2000

STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

TOOK MY CAR IN FOR RATTLING WHEN DRIVING AND STEERING. THEY ORDERED TACK SHIELD AND BOLTS. TOOK IT BACK IN, THEY INSTALLED PARTS AND SAID IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. HAD TO ORDER RACK AND PINION. KEPT THE CAR UNTIL THAT CAME IN AND INSTALLED IT. A FEW DAYS LATER IT STARTED SQUEALING AND SMOKING. TOOK IT BACK IN AND THEY SAID IT WAS LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID BUT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHY. THEY KEPT IT FOR A WEEK, DECIDED IT WAS A DEFECTIVE PART AND INSTALLED ANOTHER RACK AND PINION. GOT IT BACK AND IT WAS STILL RATTLING AND NOW IT HAS A LOW GROWL SOUND AT AN IDLE. TOOK IT BACK. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE IDLER PULLEY AND THE RIGHT SWADE BAR LINK. THE GROWL IS STILL THERE BUT THEY'RE SAYING THAT IS NOW NORMAL. IT IS NOT NORMAL. IT WAS NOT THERE UNTIL THEY STARTED SCREWING AROUND IN THERE. THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF JUNK! *AK

Apr 13, 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

HI, WE HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT FORD DOSEN'T RECALL THE 97 CONTOURS.WE ONLY HAD THE CAR 1 MONTH AND THE E.G.R VALVE TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED.THE P.C. VALVE HAS BEEN SERVICED 4 TIMES.THE EGR PRESSURE FEEDBACK /BACK PRESSURE WAS REPLACED.THE ROTOR ON THE BRAKES WAS CRACKED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.WE HAVE HAD THE CAR IN THE SHOP A TOTAL OF 58 DAYS.WE TOOK THE CAR IN 5 TIMES TELLING THEM ABOUT THIS BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE A/C VENTS. RECALL ABOUT WIRE HARNESS. THEY SAID COULD NOT VERIFY CONCERN. UNTILL MY HUSBAND TOOK IT FOR THE 4 TIME WHEN THE CAR WAS FULL OF THIS FOGGY SMOKE. HE MADE A SERVICE ADVISIOR COME OUT AND LOOK AT THE CAR FULL OF SMOKE.FOR THREE MONTHS 10-9-99 UNTILL PRESENT .WE HAVE HAD TO ENDURE HEADACHES VOMITING AND LOSS OF OUR VOICES BECAUSE THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT VERIFY CONCERN.WE NOW HAVE PICTURES OF NEGLECT OF THE SAFETY OF MY HUSBAND AND 5 CHILDREN. THE BURNED MELTED PARTS THEY SHOULD HAVE REPLACED BACK ON 10-9-99 IT TOOK UNTILL 1-22-00 AND AS OF RIGHT NOW 2- 10-00 ANOTHER DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE CAR FOR 7 DAY'S. MAJOR DEFECTS WITH THE 97 CONTOUR.WE THINK THEY SOLD ALL THERE CNG CARS TO PEOPLE AND DIDN'T TELL THEM. I KNOW THEY SURE DIDN'T TELL US. 3 TIMES ON THE OIL CHANGE PAPER THEY MENTION ABOUT THE SELENOID.YOU DON'T HAVE THAT DONE WITH A OIL CHANGE.MAYBE YOU GUY'S CAN CHECK INTO IT? WHY ELSE WOULD OWNERS OF JUST THE 97 CONTOURS HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS? CHECK YOUR T S B PAGES.PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO WE CAN'T TRUST ANYONE TO FIX IT RIGHT WHEN WE WERE TOLD BY FORD SERVICE PEOPLE THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM.SOMETHING IS REALLY WRONG WITH ALL OF THESE CARS.

Feb 10, 2000

PARKING BRAKE

1 complaint

AFTER PARKING VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY VEHICLE DISINGAGED AND TRAVELED OUT OF PARK INTO STREET. DEAREL HAS BEEN CONTACETD. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATON. *AK

Nov 15, 1999

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

DRIVER WAS IN AN FRONT END ACCIDENT THAT WAS CAUSED BY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES WHICH FAILED. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL AND HIT A GAURDRAIL HEAD-ON. UPON IMPACT, PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK

Oct 07, 1999

Crash: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

SMELLS LIKE RAW GAS ALL THE TIME. HAD THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. TWO WEEKS AGO VEHICLE WENT TO THE SHOP FOR A FUEL PUMP. ON HIGHWAY WHILE TRYING TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER, SOMETHING HAD POPPED OUT AND STARTED SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD, HIT THE CONCRETE AND BOTH AIRBAGS CAME OUT. *AK

Sep 29, 1999

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

THERE IS A SHORT WITHIN THE BATTERY, AND THE CONSUMER HAS TO GET SOMEONE TO GIVE HER A JUMP. ALSO, ALARM SYSTEM ISN'T WORKING. WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE IS STALLING AND CUTTING OFF. DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

Sep 16, 1999

STEERING,TIRES

1 complaint

STEERING PROBLEM HAS COST CONSUMER ALOT OF MONEY. ALSO, NEEDS TO REPLACE THE TIRES. *AK

Aug 19, 1999

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES

1 complaint

CONSUMER EXPERIENCED STEERING PROBLEM AT 61000. ALSO, HAD TO CHANGE TIRES AND BRAKES. *AK

Aug 10, 1999

STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

VEHICLE IN NUMBER OF TIMES FOR POWER ASSIST GOING OUT WHEN DRIVING IN RAIN OR WATER. 2/99 ACCELERATION LOST WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC, NO POWER. HAD VEHICLE IN PREVIOUS WEEK BEFORE WAS SUPPOSEDLY REPAIRED.

Mar 02, 1999

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

PROBLEMS OCCURRED SINCE CAR WAS LESS THAN 500 MILES OLD. THE CUTTING OFF OF THE ENGINE HAS BEEN REPORTED FROM THAT TIME AND STILL OCCURS AFTER 17,600 MILES. PROBLEM CANNOT BE FOUND. LOSS CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHEN THE ABS AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHEN DRIVING DURING A SNOWY WEATHER. LOSS CONTROL OF CAR AND WENT OFF THE ROAD. OTHER PROBLEMS INCLUDE DRIVER SEAT MOVES FORWARD INTERMITTENTLY WHEN BRAKING.

Jan 13, 1999

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT 45 TO 50 MPH STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES, CAUSE UNKNOWN. ALSO, VEHICLE HAS EXCESSIVE BRAKE NOISE. *AK *JB

Jul 20, 1998

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

VENTILATION SYSTEM DRAWS EXHAUST FUMES INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.

May 26, 1998

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES, GOT INTO RIGHT LANE AND TOUCHED BRAKES LIGHTLY TO STEER CAR STRAIGHT, STEERING LOCKED UP, COULDN'T STEER LEFT OR RIGHT, STEERING STUCK IN SLANT POSITION. PUMPING BRAKES AND THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. CAR RAN INTO GUARDRAIL AND FLIPPED THREE TIMES. AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *AK

Jan 14, 1998

Crash: 1

Injuries: 3

1997 FORD Contour Problems & Complaints

Complaints by Component

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