1998 FORD Contour Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
968
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
POWER TRAIN
108 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REVERSE GEAR FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V233000 (POWER TRAIN). HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT LISTED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Jan 27, 2015
WAS ON I65 WAS DRIVING FINE HIRD A LOUD EXPLOSION ENGINE STARTED TO REV UP A PIECE OF THE TRANSMISSION CASING WENT INTO MY TIRE CAUSING A BLOW OUT, CAR BECAME OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT GAURDRAIL. *TT
Jul 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V233000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT) BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE SUDDEN DOWNSHIFT COULD CAUSE A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 06/10/11 *BF UPDATED 2/08/2012 *LN *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEFECT ECM/PCM ENGINE CONTROL COMPUTER AND REPLACED AT THE TUNE OF $750 WITH A PART USED PART. *TR
May 31, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO SHIFT GEARS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS CLOGGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER BEFORE IT DAMAGED THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE WARRANTY DOESN'T INCLUDE THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE CONTACT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THE REPAIR COST AND HE IS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,800.
Oct 02, 2009
FORD CONTOUR TRANSMISSION BUCKS AND SURGES UPON INITIAL ACCELERATION. DOES NOT SEEM TO STAY IN GEAR BASED UPON THE BUCKING MOTION. FORD TECHNICIAN INSPECTED IT AND STATED THAT THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION HAVE WEAK MOUNTS THAT AFFECT PROPER OPERATION. HE SUGGESTED REPLACEMENT OF THE MOUNTS, ALTHOUGH UPON VISUAL INSPECTION, THE MOUNTS LOOKED NORMAL. *TR
Oct 13, 2008
+ 103 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
108 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION FAILED AND CAUSED THE WIRES TO TOUCH, WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY ANY LONGER. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR THE 1995-1997 MODELS FOR THE EXACT SAME DEFECT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE JERKED AND MADE A BEEPING NOISE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,600 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,782.
Jan 23, 2008
TIMING BELT FAILURE. SINCE 2004 I HAVE HAD 5 NEW BELTS PUT ON. 2007 HAD 2 NEW BELTS IN 7,000 GOING ON 3RD NOW. *TR
Oct 22, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES RISING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. AS OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 75,237.
Sep 18, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING THE 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS EXTREMELY COLD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS NEEDING A NEW PROCESSOR. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON.
Mar 01, 2007
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED A SENSOR. *AK
Oct 31, 2006
+ 103 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
95 complaints
"TAKARA RECALL" MY HEATER MOTOR IN MY 98 FORD CONTOUR SE JUST STOPPED WORKING.
Nov 22, 2018
I JUST TRADED AND GOT THIS CAR, IT SEEMS TO SWAY IN THE BACK GOING OVER WET ROADS OR BUMPY ROADS NOT SURE WHAT IT IS, BUT I FEAR MY SAFETY AS THE PREVIOUS OWNER DID NOT TELL ME ABOUT THIS. I ALSO HAVE NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE DOES NOT WORK AND THE HEATER BLOWER ONLY WORKS ON HIGH. I CANNOT AFFORD TO GET THINGS FIXED IF THERE IS RECALLS ON THEM. *TR
Nov 23, 2013
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS HIS TAIL LAMPS, PARKING LAMPS, AND THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,000.
May 20, 2011
I OWN A 1998 FORD CONTOUR SE V6 MANUAL TRANS VIN #[XXX] THE UNDER THE HOOD WIRING HARNESS IS FAILING THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECTIVE PART BUT FORD CONTINUES TO SAY THAT MY CAR IS NOT UNDER THE RECALL THE INSULATION ON THE WIRING HARNESS HAS COMPLETELY FLAKED OR CRUMBLED OFF CAUSING THE CAR NOT TO RUN OR POTENTIAL DEADLY FIRE NO HELP FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mar 01, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT, WHO WAS A CERTIFIED INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE HE DISCOVERED THAT ALL OF THE WIRES UNDER THE HOOD WERE EXPOSED AND CORRODING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 284,371.
Sep 13, 2010
+ 90 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
85 complaints
Vehicle won't pass inspection due to a Broken or cracked coil spring front passenger side. It was in a recall that we never received notification. And I don't feel like we should be out over $200 to get it licensed.
Feb 08, 2024
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PARKED HIS VEHICLE OVERNIGHT AND THE NEXT MORNING HIS FRONT LEFT SPRING HAD SNAPPED IN HALF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS TIRE WAS PUNCTURED AS WELL. HE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING FOR HIM. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 89,000.
Mar 01, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRINGS CAME OUT OF THE SPRING CATCHER BRACKET WHILE CHANGING THE TIRES. IF A TIRE WERE THERE, IT WOULD HAVE BURST. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V255000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT WILLING TO ASSIST OR ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 127,000. UPDATED 07/28/09 *BF UPDATED 07/30/09.*JB
Jun 15, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING 25MPH THE FRONT COIL SPRING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BROKE AND DISABLED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER. SHE STATES THAT SHE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, WHERE THEY STATED THAT HER VEHICLE VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED. THE TOTAL COST ON REPAIRS WAS $950.00. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER IS: 01V255000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 47,020.
Jan 02, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURED COIL SPRING DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE SUSPENSION: FRONT: SPRINGS: COIL SPRINGS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN #01I013000) HOWEVER HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
Aug 17, 2007
+ 80 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
77 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AFTER A WEEK OF THE AIR BAG ILLUMINATING, HE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CRASH IMPACT SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V243000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE) WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VINE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL; THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,815 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Feb 19, 2009
I WAS DRIVING A 1997 FORD CONTOUR. THIS WAS THE CAR I DROVE TO AND FROM WORK. I WAS DRIVING TO LONGVIEW COMMUNITY COLLEGE(LVCC) FOR A REHEARSAL AND LESSON ON THE BRUCE WATKINS DRIVE (HIGHWAY 71) SOUTH. THE TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AS THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT AT THE GRANDVIEW TRIANGLE. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE JUST AT THE 87TH STREET EXIT. A VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT OF ME TO EXIT AT THIS TURN OFF. I WAS SLOWED TO ABOUT 35 MPH AND WAS DRIVING ACROSS A BRIDGE. AT THE END OF THAT BRIDGE WAS A HUGE BUMP. AS I HIT THAT BUMP, THE AIR BAG EXPLODED. I COULD NOT SEE WITH THE POWDER, SMOKE AND THE SMELL ( WHICH WAS BURNING MY EYES.) I RAN INTO THE BACK OF A TRAIL BLAZER. THE TRAILER HITCH RAMMED THROUGH THE RADIATOR. THE DRIVER DID NOT KNOW THAT I EVEN HAD HIT HIM. 60 SECONDS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, A POLICE CAPTAIN DETECTIVE ON HER WAY HOME FROM THE METROPOLITAN POLICE STATION, ASKED ME IF I WAS OK. SHE SAID, "I SAW THE AIR BAG DEPLOY BEFORE YOU HIT THAT CAR IN FRONT OF YOU." THE NOISE OF THE HORN WAS LOUD. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS BROKEN BY THE HOOD, WHICH WAS BENT BACK LIKE A BANANA. ALL OF THE GLASS IN THE FRONT WAS ALL BROKEN. I WAS CHECKED OUT BY THE MAST AMBULANCE. THE CAR WAS LOADED ON A TRUCK AND PULLED ONTO THE PROPERTY OF DICK SMITH FORD IN RAYTOWN, MO. I CALLED MY AGENT WITH STATE FARM INSURANCE, AND HE GOT ME IN TOUCH WITH THEIR UNDERWRITERS AFTER THE CAR WAS WRITTEN OFF AS BEING A TOTAL WRECK. I HAD INFORMED HIM WHAT HAPPENED. THE UNDERWRITERS SAID, "THEY WOULD HAVE TO PICK AND CHOSE THEIR BATTLES WITH A BIG COMPANY LIKE FORD." I ALSO CALLED FORD IN MICHIGAN AND INFORMED THEM ABOUT THIS SITUATION. I HAVE FOUND ON THE INTERNET 13 OTHER EXAMPLES OF THIS KIND OF ACCIDENT. I DID NOT RECEIVE A TICKET OR ANY NOTICE OF WRONGFUL DRIVING. I DID GO TO MY DOCTOR FOR SEVERAL ADJUSTMENTS ON MY NECK AND BACK. *TR
Sep 15, 2007
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V243000 CONCERNING THE AIR BAGS SENSOR CONTROL MODULE. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. *AK
Dec 27, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT AN IMPACT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING YARD. THE SERVICE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT AN IMPACT.*AK
Jun 28, 2005
REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 99V243000, CONCERNING FORD MOTOR COMPANY RECALL 99S23 ON 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE NHTSA WEB PAGE LISTS THE REMEDY AS: DEALER WILL INSTALL AIR BAG SENSORS WITH REVISED WIRING INSULATION. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WHICH HAVE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT LIT, WILL HAVE A NEW AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR INSTALLED. MY 1998 FORD CONTOUR HAS HAD THE WIRING REPLACED WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR IT'S ANNUAL INSPECTION, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS FLASHING CODE 51. ONCE THE WIRING WAS REPLACED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED LIT, AND THE CAR FAILED THE SAFETY INSPECTION. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP (FREEDOM FORD, 1020 W. MERCURY BLVD. HAMPTON VA), REFUSE TO REPLACE THE DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR UNLESS I PAY FOR IT. I WOULD LIKE THE NHSTA TO REMOVE THE WORDING FROM THEIR WEB PAGE REGARDING THIS REPLACEMENT, OR INFORM ME THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REMEDY. THANK YOU.
Feb 28, 2005
+ 72 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
55 complaints
BRAKE FAILURE. ON A 1998 FORD CONTOUR SVT (~118,440 MILES), THE BOLT ATTACHING THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER RESULTED IN A SINGLE POINT FAILURE TO THE BRAKING SYSTEM. *JB WHILE DRIVING NORTH ON US 301, JUST SOUTH OF LAPLATA, MD, I HEARD A POP AND THE CAR FELT AS IF I HAD RUN OVER SOMETHING, BUT NOTHING APEARED IN THE ROAD (FROM THE MIRRORS). LATER WHEN SLOWING WHILE APPROACHING AA TRAFFIC SIGNAL, I HAD NO BRAKES. THANKFULLY I WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE AND ABLE TO GEAR DOWN AND USE WHAT LITTLE BRAKES REMAINED TO STOP THE CAR AND CRAWL IT TO A PARKING LOT. AFTER HAVING THE CAR TOWED IN, MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT ONE BOLT ATTACHING ONE OF THE REAR CALIPERS HAD SHEARED OFF CAUSING THE LOSS OF BRAKING POWER ON THE CAR. THE CAR DID NOT LOSE ANY BRAKE FLUID DURING ALL OF THIS.
Aug 11, 2004
HAD VEHICLE TAKEN IN FOR NORMAL PMI (PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION) SERVICING AND DURING INSPECTION-- THE REAR PCRV (PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVES WERE FOUND TO BE CORRODED AND LEAKING. THIS VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN WI (SALT IS USED ON ROADWAYS UP HERE). THERE IS A RECALL OUT FOR THIS ITEM, BUT IT COVERS NON-ABS VEHICLES ONLY....... MY VEHICLE HAS THE ABS SYSTEM. IT LOOKS LIKE THE RECALL WASN'T EXPANDED FAR ENOUGH..... PROBLEMS ARE STILL OUT THERE!!!!! THE TECHNICIAN THAT DID THE REPAIR ON THE CAR SAID THAT HE HAD DONE THAT SPECIFIC RECALL ON OTHER VEHICLES MULTIPLE TIMES, AND STATED THAT THE REPLACED PCRVS ON MY CAR WERE THE *OLD STYLE* VALVES..... THAT IS WHY HE WAS CONCERNED AND RECOMMENDED I REPLACE THE PCRVS ASAP--- WHICH WAS DONE THAT DAY. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT/INJURY/FATALITY INVOLVED IN THIS INCIDENT OBVIOUSLY. BUT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN. THE RELATED RECALL INFORMATION THAT I'M REFERRING TO IS AS FOLLOWS: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 00V075000. *JB
Jul 22, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. *AK THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. *NM
Jun 14, 2004
WHEN THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES THEY LOCKED UP AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *NLM
May 19, 2003
ROTORS HAVE WARPED, AND CONSUMER HAD THEM REPLACED SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES LATER. NEW ROTORS ALSO WARPED. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK THE ORIGIONAL ROTORS WARPED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILD UP AND WAS REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. *YH
Aug 21, 2002
+ 50 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
52 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DISPENSING FUEL INTO THE FUEL TANK, THE AUTOMATIC FUEL NOZZLE WOULD SHUT OFF AT ANY FUEL CAPACITY LEVEL. THE FAILURE WAS A CONTINUOUS OCCURRENCE WHEN DISPENSING FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL PIPE FLAPPER VALVE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURERS VOLUNTARY RECALL (MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 01M04) YET THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200.
Sep 27, 2010
FUEL SPIT-BACK WHILE REFUELING. TOOK TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND SINCE THE EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR THE FUEL PIPE FLAPPER VALVE EXPIRED 5 MONTHS AGO THEY WILL NOT REPAIR. FORD WANTS $300 TO REPAIR. MY CAR ONLY HAS APPROXIMATELY 88,800 MILES AND I DO NOT HAVE $300 TO REPAIR. I CALLED FORD IN MICHIGAN AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING AND EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING CAR TO FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. I TOOK CAR TO FORD IN MISSISSIPPI IN 2002 AND NO MENTION OF RECALL WAS MADE. FORD, IN MY OPINION, SEEMS TO BE OF THE MIND "DO NOT FIX IT IF IT IS NOT BROKE". WELL IT IS BROKE NOW AND IF COVERAGE EXPIRED 5 MONTHS AGO THAT IS NOT A LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND FORD SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF THE FUEL PIPE FLAPPER VALVE AS THEY KNOW IT IS DEFECTIVE. WHEN I GET GAS THE FUEL SPILLS ON THE GROUND CAUSING HARM TO MY FAMILY, PASSENGERS IN THE CAR, THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND MYSELF. *TR
Feb 19, 2008
FOR SEVERAL YEARS VEHICLE MADE A BANG WHEN GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP JUST ASSUMED IT WAS BUMPER ON SUSPENSION. TODAY I LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE FOUND THAT THE GAS TANK STRAP HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND FROM THE LOOKS OF IT HAS BEEN GONE FOR A LONG TIME. THE BANG MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE TANK. VEHICLE HAS BEEN GARAGED WITH 61K. *JB
Sep 07, 2007
WHEN FILLING GAS TANK, THE GASOLINE SHUTS OFF AFTER ONLY A FEW CENTS. IT TAKES 10 MINUTES TO GET 3 GALLONS OF FUEL. I NOTICED AN AIR LINE THAT EXITS TO THE RIGHT OF THE GAS FILLER TUBE. I SPRAYED PRESSURIZED AIR AND IT WORKED ENOUGH TO GET ME HOME, BUT AFTER 3-4 FILL UPS LATER, IT STARTED AGAIN. THE PRESSURIZED AIR DOES NOT HELP ANYMORE. *JB
Sep 22, 2003
AFTER GOING THROUGH TWO FUEL PUMPS, FIRST PUMP WENT AT 32000 MILES AND THE SECOND AROUND 62000, I HAVE HAD EXTREME PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL PUMP. NOW, MY CAR DOESN'T START ON ITS OWN VERY OFTEN. I HAVE TO WIGGLE THE FUEL PUMP UNDER THE BACKSEAT IN ORDER TO START THE CAR. I HAVE, ON OCCASION, HAD THE ENGINE DIE WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE FREEWAY OR IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. ONCE THE FUEL PUMP WAS WIGGLED, THE CAR STARTED AGAIN AND I WAS ON MY WAY. I TOOK MY CAR TO A WELL TRUSTED MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT FORD DOESN'T HAVE ANY PARTS TO FIX THE VERY LOOSE PIPE THAT RUNS INTO THE FUEL PUMP. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND FEEL THAT MY CAR MAY STALL AND CAUSE MYSELF AND OTHERS GREAT DANGER. PLEASE HELP.*AK
Jul 27, 2003
+ 47 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
33 complaints
RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V230000 CONCERNING HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IDLING IN THE DRIVEWAY. BOTH TIMES CONSUMER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEATER BLOWER WAS THE CAUSE OF BOTH FIRES. CONSUMER CONTRACTED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER. BOTH CONFIRMED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Mar 14, 2005
THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR CAME OFF WITHOUT BEING IMPACTED. THIS OCCURRED WHILE THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 19 DEGREES. *AK
Feb 19, 2004
CONSUMER STATES THAT HEATER FAN HAS FAILED.*AK
Aug 05, 2003
THE HEATER WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
Mar 19, 2003
THE HEATER WAS INOPERATIVE.*JB
Mar 07, 2003
+ 28 more complaints for this component
STEERING
29 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON A WET ROAD, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS WERE DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED EVERY TIME THE ROAD WAS WET. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Sep 17, 2015
MY FAMILY AND I WERE MAKING A RIGHT TURN FROM THE PARKING LOT OF A MOVIE THEATER TO A MODERATELY BUSY STREET. AFTER I COMPLETED THE TURN, I HEARD A LOUD "BANG", AND MY CAR SUDDENLY SWERVED TO THE RIGHT, AND I COULDN'T STOP. I COULD NOT GO FORWARD, OR BACK AROUND. THINKING THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY A BLOWN TIRED, I GOT OUT; IT WAS NOT. WHEN I HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC, HE SAID THAT ONE OF THE STEERING RODS ON THE FRONT, RIGHT PASSENGER WHEEL HAD BROKEN. HE REPLACED BOTH THE RIGHT AND THE LEFT STEERING RODS. *JB
Jul 28, 2006
DT: WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE CONSUMER COULD NOT MAKE A RIGHT TURN. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP, AND THEY SAID THE RACK AND PINION STEERING RACK BROKE, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, DID A POWER STEERING FLUSH. *AK *NM
Oct 26, 2005
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED COMPLETE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS FAILURE AT 74000 MILES. *PH *MR
Mar 31, 2004
MY 1998 FORD CONTOUR 4-DOOR SEDAN RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A DEVASTATING FAILURE. WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT AT LOW SPEED, A SUB-FRAME ASSEMBLY UNDER THE DASH FELL DOWN ON HER FEET. THE ASSEMBLY IS HELD IN PLACE WITH TWO BOLTS WHICH HAD COME LOOSE. AS A RESULT OF THIS, THE STEERING LINKAGE WAS ALLOWED TO DISCONNECT, PERMITTING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SPIN FREELY. HAD THIS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY SHE WOULD HAVE COMPLETELY LOSS CONTROL, AND BECAUSE THE FRAME FELL ON HER FEET, SHE PROBABLY COULDN'T HAVE APPLIED THE BRAKE. NO STEERING AND NO BRAKE! I THINK THIS IS A POTENTIALLY FATAL DESIGN DEFECT. OF COURSE, THE DEALER AND FORD APOLOGIZED BUT REFUSED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *JB
Mar 14, 2003
+ 24 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
29 complaints
1998 FORD CONTOUR. HEADLIGHT CONNECTOR OVER HEATED RESULTING IN LOSS OF TAIL LIGHTS AND PARKING LIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION. TERMINAL 15 OF CONNECTOR WAS BURNED. SAFETY RECALL 99S14 ADDRESSES THIS PROBLEM BUT FORD DEALER SAYS THIS CAR WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. . I INSTALLED FORD KIT F5RZ14A411BA AND FIXED THE PROBLEM. WHY WAS THIS CAR NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL OR IS THE FORD DEALER MISTAKEN? SHOULD THE RECALL BE EXPANDED? I SAVED THE OLD CONNECTOR. *TR
Mar 14, 2009
I CURRENTLY AM THE SECOND OWNER OF A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. RECENTLY THE PARKING, AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS CEASED TO OPERATE. I CHANGED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WHICH LASTED FOR A WEEK AND BURNED OUT.. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALED THERE WAS A SERVICE RECALL DATED 5/10/99 UNDER SERIAL #99V10300 FOR THE HEADLIGHT HARNESS WHICH WAS CAUSING THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROBLEM. I CONTACTED FORD WHO STATED THEIR WAS NO OPEN RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. FURTHER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALED ADDITIONAL OWNERS WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM BUT WERE INFORMED BY FORD THAT THEIR PARTICULAR VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. MY COMPLAINT IS IF SO MANY FORD CONTOUR MODELS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WHY ARE ONLY CERTAIN VEHICLES COVERED WHEN MANY ARE HAVING IDENTICAL PROBLEMS THANKYOU *TR
Feb 06, 2009
HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT ILLUMINATION. *NM
Sep 14, 2006
THE HEADLIGHT IN THE CONSUMER'S 1998 FORD CONTOUR DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROAD ENOUGH WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. *KB VISIBILITY IS ESPECIALLY BAD WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT IN THE RAIN BECAUSE THE LIGHTS FOG UP. THE CONSUMER HAS ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE HEADLIGHTS. *NM
Jul 31, 2006
I HAVE A 1998 FORD CONTOUR THAT THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND REAR TAILLIGHTS HAVE STOPPED WORKING, WHILE THE HEADLIGHTS CONTINUE TO FUNCTION. THE CAUSE WAS THE WIRING OVERHEATING AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE SWITCH. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND LOCATED A RECALL NHSTA CAMPAIGN 99V103000 FOR THE 1998 FORD CONTOUR FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM, BUT ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR THE WORK OUT OF POCKET, BUT I AM WONDERING IF IT WAS IN ERROR THAN MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED. *JB
May 30, 2006
+ 24 more complaints for this component
SEATS
29 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT RECLINED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC.
Aug 31, 2006
DT: THE CONTACT WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVER SEAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE DRIVER SEAT SUDDENLY FELL BACKWARDS AND THE HINGE BROKE. THE SEAT FELT LOSE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, BUT HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. AFTER INSPECTION THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE BREAKAGE WAS DUE TO FATIGUE OF THE SEAT FRAME. THE ENTIRE SEAT WAS REPLACED. *AK UPDATED 2/21/2006 - *NM
Jan 03, 2006
BACK OF DRIVER'S SEAT ON MY 1998 FORD CONTOUR VIN [XXX] BROKE OFF EVENING OF 05/05/05 AS I WAS GETTING OUT OF CAR. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I FEEL THIS IS A RESULT OF DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND/OR MATERIALS, AND THAT FORD SHOULD REPLACE FREE. HOWEVER, WHEN I CONTACTED THEIR CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER THE REPRESENTATIVE SAID FORD WOULD NOT. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
May 09, 2005
I OWN A 1998 FORD CONTOUR SE, RECENTLY ON 10-13-04 I WAS DRIVING AND THE BACK OF MY SEAT GAVE OUT, CAUSING ME TO LOOSE TEMPORARY CONTROL BUT AVOID AN ACCIDENT. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION OF THE SEAT, I FOUND THE ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT WAS DISCONNECTED. THE METAL HAD SHEARED IN HALF, I COULDN''T UNDERSTAND HOW THAT HAD HAPPENED. THE BOLT WAS STILL INTACT, THE METAL HAD JUST SHEARED INTO TOP AND BOTTOM CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL IMMEDIATELY BACKWARDS. I SENT EMAILS TO FORD MOTOR CORPORATION AND THE DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM BRAND NEW, SEEING IF SOMETHING COULD BE DONE TO HELP. SO FAR I HAVE NOT HEARD ANY RESPONSE AND MY CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD ON WHEELS, WITH NO USABLE SEAT BELT AND NO SUPPORT TO DRIVE. I AM A RECENT COLLEGE GRAD AND CAN'T AFFORD TO NOT WORK, SO I MUST STILL DRIVE IT EVERYDAY. *AK
Oct 14, 2004
DRIVER SEAT LEFT SIDE SNAPPED ( NOT THE HINGE ) WHILE ENTERING MY CAR. CAUSING IT TO FALL BACK, MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT REPLACING SEAT.*AK
Feb 13, 2004
+ 24 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
27 complaints
1998 FORD EXPEDITION CAUGHT FIRE AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH (ACCORDING TO INSURANCE FIRE INVESTIGATOR) - FORD CLAIMED THEY SENT 3 RECALL NOTICES, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED ANY UNTIL 3 DAYS AFTER THE FIRE - I SUFFERED PERSONAL PROPERTY AND OTHER DAMAGES AND FORD HAS REFUSED LIABILITY. *TR
Sep 11, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE IS NOT RETURNING TO IDLE. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS AND, WHEN IT IS RELEASED, THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO IDLE AT HIGH RPMS. THE THROTTLE ALSO STICKS WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 10-80 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURS EACH DAY UNDER NORMAL WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 139,653 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 09/12/07.*JB
Aug 28, 2007
MY 1998 FORD EXPEDITION CAUGHT ON FIRE AT 4:00 AM BY ITSELF. IT WAS LAST DRIVEN 14 HOURS PRIOR TO CATCHING ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS SO HOT IT MELTED THE HOOD OF THE CAR. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE FIRE INSPECTOR SAID IT STARTED WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS LOCATED.*AK
Jan 24, 2006
WHENEVER FOOT WAS RELEASED FROM BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED WHEN CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE WHILE TRYING TO SLOW DOWN FOR STOP SIGNS OR LIGHTS. CONSUMER DID NOT TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP.*AK
Sep 29, 2004
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND TAKING FOOT SLIGHTLY OFF THE ACCELERATOR VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO REGAIN POWER AND RESTART VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS SUPPOSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL DOING THE SAME THING.
Mar 23, 2004
+ 22 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
20 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. IN MARCH OF 2006, THE BLOWER MOTOR FAILED AND CAUSED THE AIR CONDITIONER NOT TO WORK. THE CONTACT JUST FOUND A SAFETY RECALL FOR HIS VEHICLE AND WILL CALL THE DEALER TO DETERMINE IF HIS VIN IS INCLUDED. THE VIN, POWERTRAIN, NHTSA RECALL NUMBER, AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,207 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,300.
Aug 30, 2007
AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER DO NOT WORK. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR SERVICE, AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT BLOWER MOTOR MALFUNCTIONED. *AK *BF *NM
Apr 27, 2005
THERE WERE NO TRAUMATIC EVENTS SUCH AS CRASHES OR INJURIES. MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT AN EQUIPMENT FAILURE DUE TO A DEFECT OF WHICH FORD WAS AWARE. *AK THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS OF MY 1998 FORD CONTOUR BROKE EARLY IN JULY 2004. THE CAR HAD 164000 MILES ON IT. ALTHOUGH THEY DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL, FORD DID ISSUE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FOR 10 YEARS, 150,000 MILES. (THIS IS DOCUMENTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 01I013000) THIS WAS ISSUED ON AUGUST 3, 2001. THAT IS ALSO THE DATE FOR A RECALL FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SPRING CATCHER BRACKETS IN CASE THE SPRINGS BROKE. (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 01V255000) I HAD MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL ON 3/29/2002. I CALLED THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER PROVIDED BY FORD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM (1-866-436-7332) AND ALSO HEARD ON A RECORDED MESSAGE AT THAT NUMBER THAT ANOTHER MAKE OF FORD CAR (TAURUS) IS CURRENTLY UNDER A REPAIR PROGRAM FOR THE SAME PROBLEM: COROSION OF THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. THIS RECALL PROGRAM IS FOR 1999-2001 TAURS AND SABLES STARTED, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDING, IN THE FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST 2004. THIS TAURUS-SABLE PROGRAM OFFERS FREE REPLACEMENT OF THE COIL SPRING FOR TAURUS AND SABLE MODELS FOR 10 YEARS/150,000 MILES OR UNTIL JULY 31, 2005 IF THE VEHICLE IS OVER THE MILEAGE REQUIREMENT IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. ALSO DURING THE RECORDING AT THE TOLL FREE PHONE NUMBER, THERE IS NOTIFICATION OF A SAFETY SPRING SHIELD RECALL THAT WILL GO INTO EFFECT DECEMBER 2004. I BELIEVE IT IS BASICALLY THE SAME SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM OFFERED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON MY FORD CONTOUR IN 2001. IT IS MY CONTENTION THAT THE REASON THE TAURUS/SABLE WAS GIVEN A FREE REPAIR OFFER UNTIL JULY 31 2005 REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE IS BECAUSE THE TAURUS IS ONE OF FORD'S BANNER MODELS. I BELIEVE THAT THE OFFER OF FREE REPAIRS UNTIL JULY 31, 2005 WAS NOT MADE FOR THE CONTOUR BECAUSE THE CONTOUR IS A MODEL THAT WAS DISCONTINUED SOME TIME AGO. THERE ARE RELATIVELY FEW CONTOURS COMPARED TO THE FORD TAURUS AND SABLE, WHICH FORD STILL SELLS.
Aug 04, 2004
BLOWER NOT WORKING ALREADY REPLACED WITH RECALL OUT AGAIN. AIR CONDITIONING REPAIRED AND REPLACED TWICE GOING OUT AGAIN. MAKING SOUNDS LIKE BEFORE LIKE BEARINGS GOING OUT. MR
Oct 16, 2002
AIR CONDITIONER UNIT GIVES OUT A MUSTY AND MILDEW ODOR. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
Nov 09, 2001
+ 15 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
17 complaints
MY 1998 FORD CONTOUR'S PAINT IS PEELING AND STARTING TO RUST ON THE ROOF. *JB
Aug 01, 2006
MY WIFE WAS TEACHING AT THE LOCAL JR. COLLEGE HERE IN PENSACOLA FLORIDA. SHE PARKED THE TRUCK AT APPROX. 6:45PM ,HER CLASSROOM FACES THE PARKING LOT. FROM THE SECOND FLOOR SOME OF HER STUDENTS COULD SEE SOMETHING ON FIRE IN THE PARKING LOT, IT'S APPROX. 8:40PM BY NOW. THE CAR WAS SEEN BY THE GROUNDSKEEPERS AND SERCURITY TO HAVE WHAT APPEARED TO BE SMOKE AND SPARKS OF FIRE COMMING FROM THE HOOD. THEY ATTEMPTED TO USE FIRE EXTINGUSHERS BUT THE FLAMES AND FIRE BY THIS TIME WAS TO HOT.SOON AFTERWARDS THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED. MOST OF THE FIRE WAS UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE THAT ENGULFED THE FRONT DRIVERSIDE INCLUDING THE ROOF DRIVER DOOR AND THE TIRE COMPLETLY MELTED AWAY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. WE'VE SPOKEN WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WE WHERE ASKED VERY POINTANTLY EXACTLY WHAT DID WE EXPECT OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY.WE CAN'T IMAGION A MORE LUDACRIS QUESTION! WE WHERE TOLD THAT THE LEGAL DEPT. AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY WOULD GET BACK WITH US IN 24-48HRS. WE'VE EXCEEDED 48HRS + NOW...
Jun 04, 2005
SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE HAS RESULTED IN CONSUMER PAYING FOR MOST OF THE RECALL REPAIRS. *MR THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE ALSO CAUGHT ON FIRE ONCE. *NLM
Oct 01, 2003
ENGINE CHECK LIGT COMES ON FOR NO REASON. HAS BEEN LOOKED AT 5 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. I RECENTLY PAID $526.00 BECAUSE THE FORD REPAIR SHOP SAID THE SENSOR WAS BAD. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STILL COMES ON FOR NO REASON. NEED HELP IN DETERMINING IF THERE IS A SILET RECALL OR ANY TYPE OF RECALL MAKING THIS SITUATION OCCUR.*AK
Jun 17, 2002
ENGINE CHECK LIGT COMES ON FOR NO REASON. HAS BEEN LOOKED AT 5 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. I RECENTLY PAID $526.00 BECAUSE THE FORD REPAIR SHOP SAID THE SENSOR WAS BAD. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STILL COMES ON FOR NO REASON. NEED HELP IN DETERMINING IF THERE IS A SILET RECALL OR ANY TYPE OF RECALL MAKING THIS SITUATION OCCUR.*AK
Jun 17, 2002
+ 12 more complaints for this component
TIRES
13 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH DRIVER SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. CONSUMER HAD TO PULL OVER THE ROAD. FIRESTONE, FR 440, SIZE P185/70R14 , DOT:HYRV4FA3100. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Jun 21, 2004
FIRESTONE P 185/70R14 87S M&S FT70-C I HAVE THESE TIRES AND JUST YESTEREDAY NOTICED A "BUMP" I RETURNED HOME TO FIND THE L FRONT TIRE HAD A SECTION OF THE TOTAL TREAD DOWN TO THE WIRES MISSING THIS IS A SECTION ABOUT 3X4 INCHES. THE OTHER TIRE R FRONT SHOWS NO CHANGES. *JB
Oct 05, 2003
JULY 2002 GOING NORTH ON I65 IN THE EDGE OF LOUISVILLE KY DRIVING APX 55 MPH THE RIGHT REAR INSIDE DUEL TIRE BLEW OUT WITH THE OUTER RUBBER AND STEEL COMING OFF THE CASING OF THE TIRE. THIS WAS THE FIRST OF TWO BLOWOUTS. THE SECOND HAPPENED OCT 2002 IN FLORIDA ON I 75 NEAR OCALA. THE FIRST TIRE WAS REPLACED BY A FIRESTONE DEALER IN COLUMBUS INDIANA AT NO COST> THE SECOND WAS REPLACED BY A FIRESTONE DEALER IN OCALA, FL. AT A 60% COSTING ME 50.24. I HAVE CONTACTED FIRESTONE AND THEY OFFERED TO GIVE ME 50% OF THE COST OF THE TIRES ON ANOTHER TIRE THEY SAID I NEED TO UPGRADE TO THE CORRECT TIRE THAT SHOULD OF BEEN PUT ON THE M/H BY FORD FIRESTONE WANTS ME TO PUT 4 TIRES THAT ARE THEIR BETTER DESIGN FOR MH USAGE. THEY WILL GIVE ME ONLY 50% ON 4 TIRES SAYING I ONLY NEED TO REPLACE THE REAR TIRES. I HAVE HAD TWO TIRES SEPERATE IN THE LAST 3,000 MILES OR SO. I DO NOT THINK THESE TIRES ARE SAFE AND I DON'T THINK IT WOULD BE SAFE TO MIX THE TWO DIFFERENT TIRES. I AM STUCK WITH 7 FIRESTONE TIRES THAT HAVE THE HISTORY OF FAILING . I HAVE REPLACED ALL THE TIRES (6 )ON THE GROUND WITH MICHELIN TIRES AT A COST OF $1,200.00. IS THERE ANY RELIEF I CAN GET FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE TIRES? DT
Nov 08, 2002
THIS IS MY SECOND BLOW OUT IN ABOUT A WEEK. *AK
Apr 22, 2002
THIS IS MY SECOND BLOW OUT IN ABOUT A WEEK.
Apr 22, 2002
+ 8 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
12 complaints
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 6/17/2003 FOR RECALL# 01V255000 SUBJECT: FRONT COIL SPRING CORROSION. ON 7/8/2003 THE VEHICLE HIT A POTHOLE. THE SHIELD THAT WAS INSTALLED DUE TO THE RECALL WENT DOWN ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BUT REFUSED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS. *PH
Aug 07, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS A WATER LEAK IN THE TRUNK, THIS HAS CAUSED THE TRUNK FLOOR TO RUST. *SLC
Aug 05, 2002
DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM SHORTS OUT CAUSING THE DOORS TO LOCK WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE WITH THE MOTOR RUNNING. *TT
Jan 17, 2002
DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM SHORTS OUT CAUSING THE DOORS TO LOCK WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE WITH THE MOTOR RUNNING. *TT
Jan 17, 2002
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PUDDLE AND TURNING A CORNER, WATER WAS SPRAYED INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND DISABLED THE POWER STEERING. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONE AT THE CORNER OR I WOULD HAVE HIT THEM, WITH THE SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING. FORD HAS A TSB, BUT THIS IS A LIFE-SAFETY ISSUE.
Sep 04, 2001
+ 7 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
11 complaints
THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE AND HAD TO BE CUT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A MECHANIC. *JB *NM
Feb 19, 2004
1998 FORD CONTOUR SEAT BELT JAMMED WHEN VEHICLE LANDED UPSIDE DOWN IN A CREEK RESULTING IN A FATALITY.*MR THE CONSUMER'S TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER DROWNED BECAUSE THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE THE SEAT BELT. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE RECEIVED TWO LACERATIONS. *JB *NM
Nov 20, 2003
CAR TURNED OVER UPSIDE DOWN IN SMALL CREEK. SAFETY BELT OF DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER FAILED TO RELEASE AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS BY DRIVER. THE REAR PASSENGER WAS MY TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND SHE DIED, BECAUSE THE SAFETY BELTS FAILED TO RELEASE AND JAMMED. SHE DROWNED AND MY SISTER IN LAW WAS THE DRIVER AND ALMOST DIED DUE TO THE SAFETY BELTS JAMMING AND NOT RELEASING, SO SHE WAS UNABLE TO GET TO MY DAUGHTER. THE FIRST PEOPLE ON THE SCENE HAD TO CUT THE SAFETY BELTS FOR THEM TO GET THEM BOTH OUT OF THE CAR AND IT WAS TO LATE FOR MY DAUGHTER. THE CREEK WAS LESS THAN 18 INCHES DEEP. CAR ONLY TURNED OVER ONE TIME TO UPSIDE DOWN POSITION AND APPROXIMATE SPEED WAS TWENTY MILES AN HOUR. MY DAUGHTER HAD NO OTHER INJURIES FROM THE ACCIDENT EXCEPT FOR DROWNING (I HAVE READ HER MEDICAL RECORDS THOROUGHLY). MY SISTER IN LAW HAD NO OTHER INJURIES EXCEPT FOR NEAR DROWNING AND 2 SMALL CUT'S. MY DAUGHTER LOST HER LIFE BECAUSE THE SAFETY BELTS JAMMED AND FAILED TO RELEASE. *LA
Nov 16, 2003
WHILE STALLING A CAR SEAT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TIGHT. CONSUMER WAS PULLING ON SEAT BELT TO TIGHT UP,AND IN DOING SO, SEAT BELT RIPPED. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
Jul 01, 2002
I HAVE EXPERIENCE DEFECTS WITH THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES AS WELL AS THE SEAT BELTS. THE SEAT BELTS ARE CONSTANTLY JAMMING. THEREFORE, I AM UNABLE TO SAFELY SECURE MY CHILDREN OR MYSELF WHEN DRIVING. ALSO THE BUCKLE DOES NOT FASTEN. SOMETIMES THEY WOULD WORK AND SOMETIMES THEY WOULD NOT. ON THIS PARTICULAR DAY THE BELT JAMMED FOR MY SIX YEAR OLD AND THE BUCKLE WOULD NOT LOCK FOR MY THREE YEAR OLD. I PROCEEDED TO TURN LEFT (AFTER TWO CARS GAVE MY THE RIGHT OF WAY) INTO A PARKING LOT WHILE TRAFFIC WAS AT A STAND STILL. ALL OF A SUDDEN A CAR SPEEDS BY AND FORCED ME TO BRAKE SUDDENLY. WHEN I DID THIS BOTH MY CHILDREN HEADS HIT THE FRONT PASSENGER CAR SEATS. I BEGAN TO WONDER WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO MY CHILDREN IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE CONTACTED A DEALER TO GET THEM CHECK OUT AND FIXED AND I AM CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURE.*AK
May 08, 2002
+ 6 more complaints for this component
WHEELS
9 complaints
THE FRONT WHEELS ON THE 1998 FORD CONTOUR WERE SEVERELY CRACKED. THE REAR OF THE WHEEL, THE CRACK CONTINUED TOWARD THE RIM, THEN CURLED TO THE RIGHT. *BF THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PAY TO REPLACE THE WHEELS . THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD PAY FOR REPLACING THE WHEELS. *NM
Feb 07, 2005
THE VEHICLE HUB BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING. *JB
Mar 13, 2003
LEFT FRONT HUB STUCK/ BROKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS GOING THOUGH INSPECTION. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Sep 11, 2002
THE VEHICLE HAS HAD A ROARING NOISE SINCE THE DATE OF PURCHASE COMING FROM THE REAR HUBS, THE REAR RIMS WERE ALSO WARPED. NLM
Feb 12, 2001
THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING DUST COVER RUBBS ON THE WHEEL. IT GIVES THE IMPRESSION THAT A WHEEL BEARING IS BAD.
Oct 04, 2000
+ 4 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
8 complaints
CONSUMER STATES STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AFTER RECALL WAS PERFORM ON THE VEHICLE. RECALL#01F104000 FUEL PIPE. COTTAM WALKER FORD 505-751-3200 PLEASE PROVIDE THE ADDRESS TS
Nov 08, 2002
GAS GAUGE IS INADEQUATE WHEN PUTTING GAS IN TANK. GAS GAUGE DOES NOT SHOW CORRECT AMOUNT.*AK
May 07, 2001
FUEL FILLER FLAPPER VALVE FAILED CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN FILLING GAS TANK. MJS
Nov 23, 1999
FLAPPER VALVE DOES NOT ALLOW CONSUMER TO PUT GAS INTO THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER SAYS THAT THIS CAUSES THE GAS TO SHUT BACK OUT. THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE. *AK
Nov 09, 1999
DRIVER FINDS IT IS DIFFICULT TO PUMP GAS INTO THE GAS TANK BECAUSE THE FLAPPER VALVE BLOCK THE FUEL FILLER NECK. YH
Nov 01, 1999
+ 3 more complaints for this component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
5 complaints
1998 FORD CONTOUR, VEHICLE HOOD CAME LOOSE AND HIT THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0296-90)*JB
Jun 23, 2010
PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. DEALER STATED LATCH FAILED. *AK
Sep 03, 2003
CONSUMER HAS PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LOCKS AFTER VEHICLE WAS STOLEN. *MR
Oct 04, 2002
THE HOOD'S SAFETY LATCH FAILED CAUSING HOOD TO FLIP OPEN AND SMASH BACKWARD ONTO TO THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERING IT COMPLETELY, KNOCKING OUT THE LIGHT CONSOLE IN THE ROOF, DENTING THE ROOF, AND CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE HOOD, AND VARIOUS APPURTENANCES IN THE HOOD AND WINDSHIELD AREA. NLM
Sep 13, 2002
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 65MPH WHEN HOOD FLEW UP, SMASHING WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER HAD TO HAMMER HOOD DOWN TO GET IT HOME. IT WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTOBODY SHOP, THEY HAD NO EXPLAINATION WHY IT HAPPENED. CONSUMER WAS GOING TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES ONE PERSON WAS INJURED DUE TO INCIDENT. *SLC
Apr 04, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaints
THE BLOWER AND ABS SYSTEM WERE DEFECTIVE. THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON. THE FUSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AFTER INSPECTION WIRING HARNESS WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR VEHICLES THROUGH 1997. *AK
Oct 04, 2004
1) A/C BLOWER SHUT OFF AND UPON INVESTIGATION A 60 AMP FUSE BROKE UNDER THE FUSE BOX IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR UNDER THE ENGINE HOOD WERE DAMAGED. AND FURTHER INSPECTION SHOWED SEVERAL OPEN WIRES COMING FROM THE BATTERY AND ONE COMMING FROM THE FUSE BOX WHICH IS BELIEVED TO HAVE CAUSED THE FUSE TO BREAK. 2) NOTIFIED BY 2 DIFFERENT AUTO-ELECTRICAL REPAIR SHOPS THEY HAD SEEN SIMULAR DAMAGE AND INFORMED ME OFF THE COSTS OF A REPLACEMENT WIRING HARNESS AND LABOR WHICH RANGED FROM $3800 - $4400. CHECKING OTHER VARIOUS WEB SITES SHOWED A LOT MORE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS WHICH RANGED FROM FIRES TO HAVING TO DRIVE WITH BROKEN FUSES OR HAVING TO PAY HIGH AMOUNTS TO REPLACE IT. 3) DOING PREVENTATIVE MAINTENTENCE BY CLEANING AREA AND SPRAYING A HIGH BASE IN THE AREA TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE CAUSED BY EXPOSED WIRES TO THE ELEMENTS ON A WEEKLY BASES TILL I CAN AFFORD SUCH A LARGE REPAIR AND NOT REPLACING A FUSE WHICH CONTROLS MY BLOWER AND ABS. *AK
Jun 10, 2004
HAD TO SLAM ON BRAKES SUDDENLY/ABS LIGHT CAME ON, AND FUSE BETWEEN BLOWER AND HEATER POPPED OUT. THIS HAPPENED EVERY TIME BRAKES WERE APPLIED SUDDENLY. WOULD HAVE NO CODES. WOULD PUT 80 AMPS FUSE IN & SAME THING HAPPENED. HEATER MOTOR WOLD STILL BE RUNNING & ABS LIGHT ON. FRONT END BRAKES WOULD LOCK UP. BACK BRAKES DID NOT WORK. *AK
Jan 30, 2001
WHEN APPYLING ABS BRAKES SYSTEM FAILED. THIS WAS CAUSED BY A MALFUNCTION WITHIN BLOWER SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS. *AK WHEN BRAKES ARE RELEASED THE LIGHTS AND THE BLOWER MOTOR WORKED NORMAL. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT WATER INTRUSION CAUSED WIRE DAMAGE REQUIRING COMPLETE WIRE HARNESS. THE CONSUMER HAD TO SKIP THE REPAIR DUE TO A VERY HIGH COST OF REPAIR. *YH
Dec 22, 2000
ABS DID NOT WORK IN SNOW. DEALER SAID WIRE HARNESS HAD MOISTURE IN IT. HAVE TO REPLACE HARNESS. COST: $3000+*AK
Dec 11, 2000
INTERIOR LIGHTING
5 complaints
CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE OCTOBER 2002. DEALER STATES PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
Jan 03, 2003
WHILE DRIVING 25MPH INTERIOR LIGHT DROPPED OUT, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL.*AK
Aug 13, 2002
INTERIOR AND COURTESY LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FLASH RAPIDLY ON AND OFF, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK *SLC
Mar 26, 2001
LIGHTS ON DASH DIM SIGNIFICANTLY UPON START UP, PROBLEM CONTINUE FOR A TIME, BUT SUDDENLY STOPPED, ON OCCASIONS IT RECURS, THE PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN RESOLVED. CJ
Jan 31, 2001
OVERHEAD MAP/COURTESY LIGHT DROPPED, ALMOST HITTING CONSUMER WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. *SLC
Oct 04, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
4 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. HE DID NOT KNOW THE BOLTS WERE MISSING AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY PARTS AVAILABLE, BUT WOULD HAVE THEM ORDERED. THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD ARRIVE BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT HAVE THEM IN STOCK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Mar 31, 2009
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES IMMEDIATELY AFTER BEING STARTED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THEREFORE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE BATTERY, ON-BOARD COMPUTER, AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED. A REBUILT TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO INSTALLED. AFTER THE WORK WAS PERFORMED, THE PROBLEMS CONTINUED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN # 98V233000, REGARDING THE POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: LEVER AND LINKAGE: FLOOR SHIFT RELATED TO THE MAKE AND MODEL OF THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 05/03/06. *JB
Apr 06, 2006
AFTER NOTICING A WHINING SOUND AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN SECOND GEAR AND AN INCREASE IN VIBRATION WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT ON 10/10/98, ON 8/3/2000 THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BECAUSE OF SUDDEN AND VIOLENT SLIPPING, ON 8/28/00 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON BECAUSE OXYGEN SENSOR HAD BEEN DISCONNECTED WHILE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, SENSOR RECONNECTED/REPLACED. CJ
Jan 31, 2001
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE VEHICLE DIED OUT WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. ALSO, THERE IS SOME NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION, AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP OVER AND OVER AND THE TRANMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. BUT DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Mar 10, 1999
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
3 complaints
DT: VEHICLE STARTED MAKING LOUD NOISES AND THE BRAKES FAILED. CALLER WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CALLER SAID BRAKES DID NOT WORK VERY WELL WHEN SHE TRIED TO GET THE CAR HOME. DEALER SAID THE FRONT LEFT ROTOR BROKE ,AND REAR WHEEL BEARING WORE OUT . MANUFACTURER WILL NOT OFFER ANY HELP.*AK
Jun 29, 2005
VEHICLE WAS PARKED. IN MIDDLE OF NIGHT CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE. NEXT MORNING HE STARTED VEHICLE, PUT IT IN GEAR ,BUT VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE. CONSUMER THEN NOTICED THAT WHEEL WELL ON LEFT FRONT WAS LAYING ON TOP TIRE, VEHICLE STILL AT DEALER, COIL SPRING BROKE OR STRUT. *AK CONSUMER ALSO HAD FRONT BRAKE PADS REPLACED,*JB
Mar 19, 2001
CONSUMER STATES A NOISE CAN BE HEARD WHEN THE WHEELS ARE TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT, WHEELS WERE REPLACED ONCE BY THE DEALER, WHEN DRIVING, SOMETIMES VEHICLE WILL SHAKE VERY BAD. VEHICLE HAS BAD BRAKES. *SLC
Jan 23, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
DEALER TOLD ME ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAD A SHORT. O2 SENSOR & COMPUTER IN CAR. THE CAR HAS HAD TO HAVE THE O2 SENSOR REPLACED 3 TIMES ($1200.00 CHARGED BY TO ME BY DEALER EACH TIME) AND THE COMPUTER RESET. *AK MY COMPLAINT IS THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE ELECTRICAL FIXED AND THE O2 CENSOR REPLACED AGAIN (4 TIME!!)... THE TURN SIGNALS WORK AND THAN DO NOT .. I HAVE BEEN TOLD A SHORT IS IN THE CAR BUT FORD WILL NOT FIND FOR FREE.. I AM TIRED OF FIXING THIS CAR PLEASE PLEASE HELP
Apr 17, 2005
SMOKE THEN FLAMES CAME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF PARKING IN THE GARAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND INDICATED THAT THE FIRE OCCURRED BECAUSE OF AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE.*AK
Sep 22, 2004
WHILE DRIVING BACK FROM CHICAGO ON I55, THE WATER PUMP (WHICH SUPPOSEDLY HAD A RECALL OF WHICH I WAS NOT NOTIFIED) WENT OUT. WARNING LIGHTS DID NOT APPEAR ANYWHERE ON THE DASHBOARD, AND THE ONLY INDICATION THAT ANYTHING MIGHT BE WRONG WAS A WHINING SOUND UNDER THE HOOD WHICH STOPPED AFTER A SHORT INTERVAL. WITHIN AN HOUR, THE ENTIRE CAR WAS DESTROYED. A NEW ENGINE, WATER PUMP, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALL OF THAT IS STILL BEING DONE, TWO WEEKS LATER. THEY HAVE DONE THE WORK WITHOUT CHARGE, AND HAVE GIVEN ME A RENTAL CAR TO USE IN THE MEANTIME, HOWEVER, WITH A NEW ENGINE, THEY ARE ONLY WILLING TO GIVE ME A 9,000 MILE WARRANTY ON THE CAR REPAIRED. SINCE THIS WAS NOT MY FAULT, A FAIRLY NEW CAR, AND A LACK OF COMMUNICATION ON THE FORD MANUFACTURER THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM, I FEEL THAT A FULL WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS IS JUSTIFIED. ADDITIONALY, AT THE TIME OF THIS OCCURRENCE, I HAD FOUR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MY CARE. THE THOUGHT THAT THE CAR COULD HAVE QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF A SIX LAND TRAFFIC PATTERN IN CHICAGO WITHOUT WARNING, WOULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTROUS ACCIDENT WITH ALL OF US POSSIBLY BEING KILLED. I THINK THAT THE FORD MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM AND IMMEDIATELY. THANK YOU. GINGER GRANGER
Feb 26, 2000
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaints
SOON AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE IT STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE. ALSO,VEHICLE WAS SHAKING WHENEVER GOING ABOVE 50 MPH. *AK
Oct 09, 2001
THOUGH THIS CAR IS ONLY SLIGHTLY OVER 3 YEARS OLD, I HAVE HAD 5 RECALLS ON IT, HAD TO REPLACE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS ($400), CONSOLE CLOCK LIGHT HAS BURNED OUT, HAD TO REPLACE WINDSHIELD DUE TO EXTENSIVE CRACK CAUSED BY SMALL STONE CHIP,ETC. CURRENT CAM TIMING JOB ESTIMATED AT $1,000. I'VE NEVER HAD THIS MUCH TROUBLE WITH A VEHICLE IN MY LIFE. ASKED FORD'S TO COVER 1/2 OF COST; WAS REFERRED TO DEALER, WHO "DECLINED." IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I CAN DO ABOUT THIS LEMON??
Sep 05, 2000
THOUGH THIS CAR IS ONLY SLIGHTLY OVER 3 YEARS OLD, I HAVE HAD 5 RECALLS ON IT, HAD TO REPLACE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS ($400), CONSOLE CLOCK LIGHT HAS BURNED OUT, HAD TO REPLACE WINDSHIELD DUE TO EXTENSIVE CRACK CAUSED BY SMALL STONE CHIP,ETC. CURRENT CAM TIMING JOB ESTIMATED AT $1,000. I'VE NEVER HAD THIS MUCH TROUBLE WITH A VEHICLE IN MY LIFE. ASKED FORD'S TO COVER 1/2 OF COST; WAS REFERRED TO DEALER, WHO "DECLINED." IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I CAN DO ABOUT THIS LEMON??
Sep 05, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
VEHICLE STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WAS FIXED SO CONSUMER WOULD SEE THE WARNING SIGN. PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT, BUT CURRENTLY AN ONGOING ISSUE. ENGINE NEEDS A VCT SOLENOID REPLACED AT THE CONSUMER'S COST.*AK
Aug 22, 2001
WHILE UNDER WARRANTY THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HAD IT REPLACED. WHILE UNDER WARRANTY HAD THE REAR MAIN SEAL REPLACED. JUST THREE WEEKS AFTER THAT REPAIR THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL AND FOUND THAT IT WAS AT THE PROPER LEVEL.I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO SAID I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. NOW I HAVE APPEALED TO FORD MOTER CO. TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT THEIR COST. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE FAILURE BEGAN UNDER WARRANTY BUT ONLY MANIFESTED ITSELF 3 WEEKS AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD.
Sep 29, 2000
THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE. ENGINE IS VERY LOUD. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK
Nov 24, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
3 complaints
WHEN THE ABS FAILED, THERE WAS NO BRAKING ACTION AT ALL. LUCKILY, I WAS GOING SLOWLY ON A LOCAL CITY STREET, AND USED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR WITHOUT HITTING ANYONE. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON NO MORE THAN 15 SECONDS BEFORE I HAD TO USE THE BRAKES TO PREVENT HITTING A CAR THAT PULLED OUT AHEAD OF ME. WHEN THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON, I SLOWED THE CAR SLOWLY WITH THE STANDARD BRAKES, WHICH IS PROBABLY WHY THE OTHER CAR PULLED OUT. IT TOOK 3 WEEKS FOR THE BRAKES TO BE REPAIRED, AT A COST OF $2399, NOT INCLUDING COST OF RENTAL CARS, ETC. FORD HAS DECLINED ANY REIMBURSMENT, AS THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 36, 000 MILES. *AK
Nov 29, 2000
SPEED SENSOR BROKE CAUSING THE SPEEDOMETER TO NOT WORK, CONFUSING THE CAR'S COMPUTER, THE ENGINE REVED ON HIGH AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BUCKED LIKE IT WAS DOWNSHIFTING. *SLC
Oct 04, 2000
SPEED SENSOR BROKE CAUSING THE SPEEDOMETER TO NOT WORK, CONFUSING THE CAR'S COMPUTER, THE ENGINE REVED ON HIGH AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BUCKED LIKE IT WAS DOWNSHIFTING. *SLC
Oct 04, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
3 complaints
CONSUMER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE BY THE MANUFACTURER, WEB SITE ALERTED THE CONSUMER TO OBTAIN REPAIRS. *MJS
Jun 15, 2000
CONSUMER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE BY THE MANUFACTURER, WEB SITE ALERTED THE CONSUMER TO OBTAIN REPAIRS. *MJS
Jun 15, 2000
THE PCRV IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY HAVE FAILED PER RECALL NOTICE 00V-075 PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE BECAME AIRBORN, JUMPED A DITCH AND LANDED ON FRONT BUMPER. NO DELPOYMENT OF AIR BAG OCCURED DURING ACCIDENT. NLM
May 01, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT PURCHASED BRAKESAFE FRONT DISC PADS FOR THE VEHICLE. APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES LATER, A GRINDING AND RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD AND AN OUTER LINING ON THE PADDING FELL OFF. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PADS WERE DEFECTIVE. HE PURCHASED NEW PADS, WHICH HE FELT WORKED AS THEY SHOULD HAVE. HE ATTEMPTED TO CALL THE AUTO PARTS STORE FROM WHERE HE PURCHASED THE DEFECTIVE PADS, BUT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. HE ALSO CALLED THE CORPORATE OFFICE AND RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT FILED COMPLAINTS WITH THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION AND OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL. THE SERIAL NUMBER AND PART NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,970. UPDATED 06/25/08. *CN THE CONSUMER STATED PASSENGER SIDE CALIPER WAS WARPED AND THE ROTOR WAS DAMAGED. UPDATED 06/25/08
Jun 03, 2008
MY COMPLIANT IS THAT I WAS BACKING MY CAR UP AND THE FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP SPECIFICALLY THE RIGHT FRONT. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. YOU COULD SMELL BURNING AND SEE SMOKE FROM THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. AFTER EXTENSIVE WORK ON THE CAR WE FOUND OUT THAT THE BRAKE CALIPER PISTON WOULD NOT RETRACT INTO THE CALIPER, AFTER THE MECHANIC REASSEMBLED THE CAR, HE FOUND OUT THE RIGHT CALIPER WOULD NOT BLEED OUT, AFTER EXTENSIVE TESTING THE CONCLUSION WAS REACHED NO FLUID WOULD COME OUT OF THE PORT ON THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT TO THAT WHEEL. REPLACEMENT OF THE HCU AND MODULE ASSEMBLY WAS NECESSARY. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANICS ON 2-06-2003 AND WAS FINALLY FINISHED ON 2-20-2003. THE DELAY IN GETTING THE CAR FINISHED WAS BECAUSE IT WAS THE CONTOUR SVT MODEL 1998, CHANGES IN THE BRAKE PARTS HAD BEEN MADE AND WERE NOT EASY TO OBTAIN. THE FORD DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE JOB THEY HAD TO BE ORDERED. I HAVE ALL THE PARTS THAT WERE PULLED OFF THE CAR. ALSO LETTER FROM MY MECHANIC. *JB
Mar 11, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
ORIGINAL START DATE 1-12-07. TIMING BELT SHREDDED. HAD SHOP FIX THE PROBLEM. 4-2-07 BELT BROKE AGAIN REPLACED AGAIN. 10-18-07 TIMING BELT BROKE AGAIN. SHOP DID NOT WANT TO REPLACE AGAIN SAID IT IS DEALER PROBLEM. DEALER SAYS SHOP PROBLEM. SHOP SAYS IT WILL FIX ON 11-2-07. SHOP FINALLY FIXES ON 11-4-05. CAR NOT RUNNING RIGHT TAKE BACK TO DEALER ON 11-5-07. DEALER SAYS WASN'T FIXED PROPERLY. 11-8-07 PICK UP FROM DEALER AND THEY STATE WE SHOULD HAVE ANY MORE PROBLEMS. IF SO BRING BACK UNDER WARRANTY. 3-13-08 DEALER NOW STATES BELT BROKE AND NOT COVERED AND OTHER MAJOR PROBLEMS. ALMOST 1600 TO FIX. STILL CAN'T GIVE ME SPECIFIC REASON TO WHY BELT KEEPS SHREDDING. NOW WHAT IS ONE TO DO? I HAVE PUT ALOT OF MONEY INTO THIS AND CAN'T GET A REAL ANSWER. ALSO IN THE PAST SHOP PRINTED OUT OTHER REPORTS FROM NHTSA SIGHT ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS SAME CAR IN DIFFERENT STATES. BUT YET DEALER SAYS DON'T KNOW OF ANY OTHER PROBLEM LIKE THIS WITH THIS KIND OF CAR. *TR
Mar 14, 2008
TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK 4 TIMES SINCE THEN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TIMING BELT. *NLM
May 24, 2003
SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
JAN, 2004: 1998 FORD CONTOUR RECALL PERFORMED (BRACKETS FOR FRONT SPRINGS). AUG, 2005: REPLACED TIRES ON 1998 FORD CONTOUR SE USING P205/60R15 TIRES SUGGESTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE TIRES MADE CONTACT WITH THE BRACKET BOLTS INSTALLED DURING THE RECALL, CAUSING TIRE TO BE GOUGED (TRIED 3 BRANDS, ALL HAD SAME CONTACT PROBLEM). FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE BRACKET. I ENDED UP USING A DIFFERENT TIRE SIZE: P195/65R15, WHICH BARELY CLEARS THE BRACKED BOLTS. I BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM ON THE 1998 FORD CONTOUR SE BRACK RECALL / TIRE COMBINATION.
Aug 22, 2005
VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT & THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT HAS A MUSK SMELL. *YC
Nov 04, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
MY 1998 FORD CONTOUR SE HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE TRUNK LEAKING. EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR THE TRUNK LEAKS SLOWLY. I FIND HUGE WET SPOTS IN THE CARPET IN MY TRUNK. ALSO THE VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN YOU DRIVE THE VEHICLE THE TRANSMISSION GETS CAUGHT AND HESITATES TO SHIFT.*AK
Mar 21, 2005
SPEEDOMETER/ODMETER AND FUEL GAUGE ARE NOT WORKING. VEHICLE GAVE NO PRIOR WARNINGS, AND SHUTDOWN WHILE IN MOTION. DEALERSHIP'S REMEDY FOR FUEL GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER ARE FOR THEM TO BE REPLACED. DEFECT MAY HAVE CAUSED CONSUMER INTO AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT.*AK SOMETIMES, ALL OF THEM DO WORK, BUT MAY FAIL WHILE TRAVELING. *YH
Jul 05, 2000
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR WITH 5 PASSENGERS, AND MYSELF AS THE DRIVER. WE REAR ENDED A CAR ON THE LEFT FRONT BUMPER. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, THAT IS A QUESTION FOR MYSELF. MY 4YR OLD IN BACKSEAT DIRECTLY BEHIND ME SITS IN A HIGH BACK BOOSTER, NOT USING THE 5 PT HARNESS. HE IS IN A REGULAR SHOULDER/LAP BELT. UPON IMPACT MY CHILD FLEW FORWARD SLAMMING INTO MY SEAT AND HAVING HIS GLASSES ALSO FLY FORWARD OFF OF HIS FACE. QUESTION ON SEAT BELT. PLEASE HELP!!!!!*AK
Mar 09, 2005
I WAS REAR ENDED INTO ANOTHER CAR ON OCT.29 2002 AND NIETHER THE AIR BAG WORKED AS WELL AS THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK. I HAD HEAD, NECK, AND BACK INJURIES AT THAT TIME. I DID'T QUESTION THESE THINGS NOT WORKING BECAUSE I WAS NOT HIT HARD. OCT. 27,2003 I WAS INVOLVED IN THE EXACT SAME TYPE OF ACCIDENT ONLY THIS TIME I WAS HIT HARD FROM BEHIND AND HIT THE CAR INFRONT OF ME HARD. AGAIN NOTHING WORKED AND THIS TIME THE POLICE EVEN QUESTIONED THE AIR BAG. AGAIN I HAVE INJURIES TO MY FACE, HEAD, NECK, SHOULDER, AND BACK BUT TO WHAT EXTENT I DO NOT KNOW YET. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP IN BOTH ACCIDENTS AND HIT STRAIGHT ON IN THE REAR. IN 2002 I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT STRAIGHT ON AND NOW IN 2003 I HIT THE FRONT CAN WITH THE CENTER TO PASSENGER SIDE. MY CAR IS SAID TO BE TOTALED.
Jan 15, 2004
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
RECALL NO.#99S23, AIRBAG SENSOR MODULE: RECALL NO.#01F22, HEATER BLOWER RESISTER: WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AT ALL TIMES. ALSO INTERMITTENTLY THE HEATER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY WHEN THE SYSTEM IS ENGAGED. THE HEATER WILL ALSO BLOW OUT A FOUL ODOR SIMILAR TO SULFUR. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR VEHICLE BUT, THE CONSUMER'S IS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. *NM
Jul 15, 2004
ENGINE LIGHT AND AIR BAG LIGHT HAVE ILLUMINATED ON INSTRUMENT PANEL. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR CAMPAIGN 99V243000 PREVIOUSLY, CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW DATE. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK
Nov 08, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BRONZE TERMINALS, BUT REFUSED TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS STATED IN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH/WIRE HARNESS RECALL 99V103000. INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *AK *MR
Feb 26, 2004
VEHICLE IS WITHOUT DASH LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT HONOR RECALL. *AK
Jan 22, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
MY CAR STOPPED RUNNING WHILE I WAS IN MOTION AT AROUND 45 MPH. FORTUNATELY, TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND I WAS ABLE TO MOVE MY DISABLED VEHICLE TO A SAFE LOCATION OFF THE ROADWAY. THE COMPUTER WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE PROBLEM AND WAS REPLACED. AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR FROM THE DEALER, I DROVE AROUND THIRTY MILES AND NOTICED THAT THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WAS ON. RETURNING TO THE DEALER, I WAS INFORMED IT WAS A FAULTY SENSOR. I REPLACED THAT, AND ABOUT 4 MILES LATER, THE CAR DIED AGAIN, WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD, IN MOTION. THE DEALER MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS WHICH WOULD COST $2000 TO $4000 TO REPAIR. WE TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO GOT THE CAR RUNNING AGAIN FOR $1400, AND THE CAR HAS DIED AGAIN. I AM SEEKING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AND REQUEST THAT YOU INVESTIGATE THE WIRING HARNESS ON 98 FORD CONTOUR SE'S AND FIND OUT IF OTHER DRIVERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM, SINCE I WAS LUCKY TWICE. IF IT HAD BEEN ON THE FREEWAY, I MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN.
Sep 27, 2003
THE WIRING OF THE MAIN FUSE PANEL CRYSTALIZES DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH CAUSES A BREAKAGE IN THE WIRING AND THE WIRING TO OVERHEAT. THIS HAS MANIFESTED ITSELF BY CAUSING AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER MOTOR NOT TO WORK. THE WIRING GETS EXTREMELY HOT WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I KNOW OF OTHER CONTOURS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM.*AK
Nov 16, 2001
SEAT BELTS,SEATS
2 complaints
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT WAS LOOSE DUE TO FAULTY TRACK, THE SEAT BELT WAS ALSO IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. *SLC
Aug 05, 2002
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS AT A INTERSECTION AND ANOTHER VEHICLE VEERED INTO IT. CONSUMER AND HIS WIFE WAS THROWEN FORWARD. SEAT WAS KNOCKED AT A 45DEGREE ANGLE. SEAT BELT BROKE AND LATCH FAILED. ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND PASSENGER'S SEAT BROKE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THERE WERE MINER INJURIES.*AK
Nov 03, 2000
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPED BADLY NEARLY CAUSING ACCIDENT AS CAR BEHIND ME DID NOT ANTICIPATE MY CAR NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCELARATE AS I TURNED ONTO A BUSY ROAD. SECOND TIME TRANMISSON HAS FAILED IN THE VEHICLE - FIRST AT APPROX 25000 MILES. LEAKING TRANS FLUID ALSO DAMGE SEALS TO POWER STEERING "RACK" CAUSING SEALS TO FAIL COMPETELY IN LESS THAN 300 MILES.*AK
Jun 15, 2002
RACK AND PINION STEERING UNIT STARTED TO LEAK SOME FLUID. STEERING WHEEL WOULD MAKE ALOT OF NOISE WHEN TRYING TO MAKE TURNS. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *AKHE RACK AND PINION UNIT WAS REPLACED WITH A REBUIT UNIT, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS BEGUN TO HAVE PROBLEMS. *NLM
Nov 26, 2001
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND TRANSMISSION SLIPPED WHEN CHANGING GEARS WHICH WAS CAUSED BY TRANSMISSION FAILURE.*AK
May 22, 2002
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYED ON THE DASHBOARD CONSTANTLY. VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE BEYOND 30 MPH IN FIRST GEAR. THEN WHEN VEHICLE IS IN SECOND GEAR IT GOES UP TO 70MPH. *AK
Aug 11, 2000
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY STALLS CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK.*AK
Jan 23, 2002
WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED AND UPON HITTING WATER IN THE ROAD SURFACE STEERING WHEEL LOCK UP AND FREEZE, CAUSING POOR STEERING CONTROL. ALSO, HAVING PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE STALLING WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED PARTS, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Nov 03, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
HAVE HAD 5 RECALLS SINCE BUYING THE CAR. ALSO, HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE WATER PUMP CHANGED. THE PROBLEM IS TRYING TO GET THE RECALLS DONE. I HAD TAKEN THE CAR IN PREVIOUSLY ONLY TO BE TOLD THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AND HAD TO RESCHEDULE. THE LAST TWO RECALLS I STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING THESE DONE WHEN SCHEDULE. THE AIR BAG AND THE BRAKES WERE THE LAST TWO. I SCHEDULED THEM FINALLY IN APRIL THIS YEAR. ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR ONLY TO BE TOLD THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS. I EXPRESSED AGAIN HOW HARD IT WAS FOR ME TO COME IN BECAUSE I WORK 5-6 DAYS A WEEK. AGAIN I RESCHEDULED FOR JULY. I CALLED AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT VERIFIED THE PARTS WERE THERE. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN. AGAIN LATE SATURDAY AFTERNOON WENT TO PICK UP THE CAR ONLY TO BE TOLD AGAIN THEY DID NOT HAVE PARTS. IT SEEMS TO BE THESE RECALLS ARE NOT THAT IMPORTANT. I ALSO ASKED WHY MY BRAKES SCRUBBED WHEN I STOPPED, THEY COMMENT WAS WE COULDN'T GET IT TOO. MY POINT IS IT I DO NOT BELIEVE THE FORD PLACE CARES ONE WAY OR THE OTHER WHAT HAPPENS TO ME OR MY CAR.
Jul 25, 2000
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE VIBRATES AND THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF WITHOUT GIVING ANY PRIOR WARNING. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THEY ARE HARD AND FOOT GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS THREE TIMES, AND THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACED THE AIR BAG DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIERE WASN'T ANY AIR IN THE AIR BAG. *AK
Dec 02, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL ON WATER PUMP. A WEEK LATER, CONSUMER HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC TOLD HIM THAT THE BOLTS WERE LOOSE ON THE WATER PUMP. ALSO, WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES THERE WAS A HUMMING NOISE. *AK
Apr 17, 2000
BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING NO BRAKING ABILITY AND A CRASH. ALSO AN HUMMING NOISE IN THE ENGINE, AFFECTING THE WAY VEHICLE DRIVES. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Jun 28, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
2 complaints
THE TIRES A BRAKES WORE PREMATURLY CAUSING A GRINDING NOISE. NLM
Dec 20, 1999
THE TIRES A BRAKES WORE PREMATURLY CAUSING A GRINDING NOISE. NLM
Dec 20, 1999
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
WHEN TRAVELING 31 MPH CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLSION IN WHICH NEITHER DRIVER'S SIDE NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, VEHICLE WAS TOTALED . VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, LOST CONTROL, HIT AN EMBANKMENT HEAD-ON *AK
Nov 17, 1999
ON 7/25/99, THE CAR ACCELERATED MYSTERIOSLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON I-75 CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND ACCIDENT. LATER, NOTIFICATION OF THROTTLE CABLE RECALL WAS RECIEVED. ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SHOWED PROBLEM WITH OXYGEN SENSOR. THERE WAS MAJOR DAMAGE OVER $5,000 TO THE CAR. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND PASSENGER SHOULDER HARNESS FAILED TO LOCK.
Oct 15, 1999
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
OWNER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #99V194000. CONTACTED DEALER. TOOK VEHICLE ON APPOINTED DATE. MECHANIC REPAIRED HEADLIGHT SWITCH. FAILED TO REPAIR THE THROTTLE CABLE DUE TO LACK OF PARTS & TOO MANY CUSTOMERS. WOULD NEED TO REORDER MORE PARTS & WOULD NOTIFY OWNER, WHO IS STILL WAITING. (99S14 REPAIRED) (99S19 WAITING FOR PARTS). *AK
Oct 27, 1999
CONSUMER IS HAVING SCHEDULING PROBLEMS IN RECEIVING RECALL REPAIRS (99V-103) (99V-194). MJS
Oct 26, 1999
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WAS DRIVING DOWN ROUTE 322 ON DAY AND HAD TO HIT THE BREAK AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY WENT TO THE FLOOR. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED MY BREAK FLUID RESIVOUR AND IT WAS EMPTY. I THINK THE PASSENGER SIDE DRUM BREAK IS LEAKING FLUID.
Nov 22, 2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
TAKATA RECALL I AND OTHER CONSUMERS HAVE CONTACTED FORD REGARDING THE 1998 FORD CONTOUR AND IT'S DEFECTIVE PARTS INCLUDING THE ENGINE WIRE HARNESS YET THEY ARE REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE NOR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM STATING IT'S NOT UNDER RECALL T*JBREATING EACH PERSON WHO HAS CONTACTED THEM AS IF THEY ARE AN ISLAND AND THIS IS A ISOLATED EVENT MY WATER PUMP,FLASHERS,BRAKE LIGHTS,HAVE BEEN ALL AFFECTED BY THIS ALSO MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON MAKING ME UNABLE TO REGISTER MY CAR AND GET UPDATED TAGS PLEASE CONTACT T ME REGARDING THIS MATTER AS I AND OTHER CONSUMERS NEED HELP WITH THIS .[XXX] VIA EMAIL ALSO [XXX]. VIN INVALID INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR*JB
Dec 03, 2015
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
1998 FORD CONTOUR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE LINE CORROSION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES THE FAILED. THE REPAIR SHOP, STATED THERE WAS NO BRAKE FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE GAS LINE LEADING TO THE TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED, DUE TO CORROSION. *JB
Sep 24, 2014
ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Jun 13, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
I AM THE OWNER OF A 1998 FORD CONTOUR AND THE ENGINE HARNESS WIRE OVERHEATED OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND I WAS UNAWARE UNTIL I HAD TO CHANGE MY RADIATOR DUE TO A LEAK AND THE HARNESS WIRE HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED. THAT WAS WHEN WE FOUND THE WIRE MELTED AND CRACKED AND COULD NOT BE REUSED. THIS HARNESS CONNECTS TO VEHICLE MAIN SUPPLY. WITHOUT HARNESS VEHICLE IS NOT OPERABLE. FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HARNESS. *TR
Aug 12, 2013
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL SMELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THERE WAS A FUEL VAPOR LEAK IN THE FUEL FILLER GROMMET. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V350000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
Oct 01, 2012
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS WHICH CONNECTS TO THE VEHICLE'S MAIN POWER SUPPLY BOX HAS WIRING FOR WHICH THE INSULATION COMES OFF EXPOSING LIVE, BARE WIRES. THIS LEADS TO SHORTS IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH AFFECTS DRIVABILITY (ENGINE RUNS ERRATICALLY AND AFFECTS THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS OPERATION) AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE IF THE WIRING SUFFERS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT IF THE CAR'S FUEL SUPPLY OR ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMS FAIL, THE DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL AND BECOME INVOLVED IN A CRASH OR COLLISION. FORD DOES NOT SALE REPLACEMENT PARTS NOR ARE PARTS AVAILABLE ON THE SECONDARY MARKET. THE PART NUMBER FOR THE WIRING HARNESS ON MY CAR IS F8RZ14289CA. FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPLACE THESE DEFECTIVE HARNESSES. *TR
Sep 01, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
MY 1998 FORD CONTOUR HAS THREE SAFETY RECALLS. HOWEVER, I'M HAVING A TERRIBLE TIME GETTING FORD TO PROVIDE THE PARTS NEEDED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THE RECALLS ARE: (A) 01S22 - HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND CONNECTOR, (B) 99S14 - HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR, AND (C) 99S23 - FRONT CRASH SENSORS. PRESENTLY MY AIRBAGS ARE OFFLINE AND OFFER NO CRASH PROTECTION. IT'S BEEN A LITTLE OVER A MONTH SINCE I BEGAN TRYING TO GET THIS RESOLVED (BASICALLY WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR - THE SELLER DIDN'T DISCLOSE THE RECALLS WERE NOT FIXED TO ME). THE BLOWER STOPPED WORKING A FEW DAYS AGO AND IT SMELLED LIKE ELECTRICAL WIRES WERE PERHAPS BURNING. SO NOW I DON'T HAVE DEFROST/DEFOG CAPABILITY. THE DEALER IS TRYING TO GET THE PARTS, BUT FORD HASN'T SHIPPED THEM. *TR
Apr 19, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I AM THE OWNER OF A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. I BOUGHT IT USED, AND WITHIN A 1 YEAR REMAINDER OF A 3 YEAR WARRANTY. I WAS NEVER OFFICIALLY NOTIFIED OF SEVERAL DEFECTS AND NHTSA RECALLS THAT ARE STILL IN EFFECT FOR THIS CAR MODEL YEAR. ONE OF THE REPAIRS FOR THE BLOWER RESISTOR WAS PERFORMED TWICE, HOWEVER IT WAS NEVER DONE TO MY SATISFACTION AND IT DID NOT MEET THE STANDARDS OF QUALITY AS EXPECTED FOR THE RECALL. THERE ARE SEVERAL SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS CAR, AND I AM NOW AFRAID TO KEEP DRIVING IT AFTER WHAT I HAVE READ. THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS VERY NEGLIGENT IN FOLLOWING UP WITH CONSUMERS ON THESE ISSUES, AND THEY KEEP AN OUTDATED DATABASE OF FORMER OWNERS WHICH THEY FAIL TO UPDATE WITH THE CURRENT OWNERS IN CASES WHERE THE CAR OWNERSHIP HAS CHANGED HANDS. I AM KIND OF CLOSE TO HIRING A LAWYER TO SUE THEM OVER THESE RECALL ISSUES. WHAT SHOULD I DO? ARE THEY STILL OBLIGATED TO FIX THE RECALL ISSUES AT THEIR EXPENSE? I AM CERTAINLY NOT ABOUT TO PUT ONE DIME OF MY OWN MONEY INTO THAT CAR TO FIX ISSUES COVERED BY RECALLS. AGAIN, I DO NOT WISH TO FIGHT OR WRANGLE WITH A COMPANY THAT IS SO AWFUL WHO PUTS OUT A TERRIBLE AND CHEAP PRODUCT LIKE THE FORD CONTOUR, THEN WON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR CAR. HOWEVER, IF THERE ARE FORMAL RESPONSIBILITIES WHICH THEY ARE LEGALLY BOUND TO, I WILL RESERVE MY RIGHT TO PURSUE THIS UNDER THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW. PLEASE ADVISE. SINCERELY, MR. MCDONOUGH *TR
Nov 19, 2007
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP FOR REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED. IN 2001, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V255000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME AND STATED THAT NO REPAIR WAS NEEDED. HOWEVER, NOW THAT THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS NO LONGER VALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 01/09/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE COILS SPRINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED REPLACED HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND CABLE IN ENGINE. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR UPDATED 06/04/08. *LJ
Sep 20, 2007
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WINDOW CRANK SHAFT (MANUAL WINDOW) SNAPPED OFF CLEAN INSIDE REGULATOR LEAVING WINDOW UTTERLY INOPERABLE. THIS HAPPENED DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF WINDOW DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS AND WARM WEATHER. DEALER CLAIMED "IT HAPPENS A LOT". VERY DANGEROUS IF VEHICLE WAS IN A FIRE, ACCIDENT, SUBMERGED IN WATER ETC. *JB
Nov 29, 2006
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
MY DASH ON MY 98 CONTOUR HAS BEEN WARPING / CURLING , EVEN WHILE IT KEPT IN MY GARAGE , IN A COOL CLIMATE . ALSO MY REAR BUMPER IS SAGGING FOR NO APPARENT REASON . *JB
Nov 16, 2005
EQUIPMENT,CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
DT: COSCO MODEL # 02-531BNP, THE GRANDMOTHER NOTICED THAT WHILE REMOVING THE CHILD SEAT THE OWNER HAS TO KEEP PUSHING THE BUTTON TO RELEASE THE FASTENERS. THE OWNER WAS CONCERNED THAT IT TOOK A COUPLE OF MINUTES TO RELEASE THE CHILD OUT OF CAR SEAT IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THE OWNER WILL CONTACT COSCO. *AK
Aug 22, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER TAKES HIS FOOT OFF THE PEDAL THE ENGINE DOES NOT RETURN TO IT'S LOWER IDLING SPEED. THE CONSUMER IS ALSO EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS FLASHING. OWNER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER AND BECAUSE OF THE VIN, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS RELATING TO THE DEFECTS OF THIS VEHICLE. *TT
Mar 15, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE OF AN OBSTRUCTION IN THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS SERVICED THE VEHICLE 5 TIMES. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, THE FILTER AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR. THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE ANYMORE BECAUSE THEY INDICATED THEY HAVE DONE ALL THEY COULD DO TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. *NM THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL OVER THE ENTIRE ENGINE, THE FUEL PRESSURE DROPPED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ON MOUNTAINOUS AREAS, A SHORT WAS FOUND, AND WIRES WERE FOUND CHAFFED. *SC *JB
May 17, 2004
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
MY 1998 CONTOUR IS AT 128,225 MILES. THE PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THE CAR ARE THE FOLLOWING: -THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT OF AIM AND MOISTURE COLLECTS IN THE HEADLAMP AND WHEN THE MOISTURE DRIES IT LEAVES A FILM ON THE INSIDE OF THE LENS. THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE HEADLIGHTS IS TERRIBLE. I CAN BARELY SEE AT NIGHT EVEN WHEN IT IS A CLEAR NIGHT. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL NEAR MISSES. I ALMOST HIT A MAN ON A BICYCLE THE OTHER NIGHT. HE HAD REFLECTORS ON HIS BIKE BUT I DIDN'T SEE HIM TILL I WAS RIGHT UP BEHIND HIM. I HAVEN'T HAD THIS FIXED BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY TWO FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR A NEW PAIR OF HEADLAMPS. I HAVE BEEN ACTUALLY LOOKING IN SALVAGE YARDS. -ANOTHER THING IS THE TRANSMISSION. IT SHIFTS OUT HARD BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEARS. NOW IT JERKS WHEN I GO UP HILLS OR WHEN I LET OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL. I FIGURE IF I TAKE IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THEY WILL TELL ME THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE IT. -THE NEXT THING IS THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE SEAT TRACK ITSELF HAS RUST ON SOME OF THE PARTS. THE DRIVER SEAT IS THE ONLY ONE WITH THE RUST PROBLEM. WHEN YOU SIT IN THE SEAT IT ROCKS SIDE TO SIDE (FROM DOOR TO CENTER CONSOLE). THIS SCARES ME BECAUSE I READ SOMEONE ELSE'S COMPLAINT AND HE SAID HE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND THE SEAT AND THE TRACK ITSELF BROKE ON HIM.
Jan 15, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WE HAVE A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON. IT FIRST CAME ON IN OCT 01 WE TOOK IT TO THE FORD GARAGE IN DELHI. THEY SAID IT NEEDED A CAM SENSOR/ SOLENOID SPROCKETS ETC. SINCE THAT WAS A LOT OF MONEY WE DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO CANADIAN TIRE TO SEE WHAT THEY THOUGHT. THEY THOUGHT IT WAS A CAM SENSOR. WE HAD THEM PUT THAT IN. $58. MILEAGE 111346. IT WORKED FINE FOR A COUPLE WEEKS. WE COMPLAINED TO FORD AND FOUND OUT ABOUT THE AWA.. AFTER WARRANTY ADJUSTMENT. THIS HAD NOT BEEN MENTIONED EARLIER. SO WE A NEW SOLENOID SPROCKET ETC. PUT IN BY FORD,, (JAN /02) . HOW IT CAME TO THAT MILEAGE WHEN CTC HAD IT BACK IN NOV/ 01 AND THEN IT WAS* 11134*???? THEY ALSO HAD IT IN DEC AND THE MILEAGE WAS 112279.) THAT BAFFLES ME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS TO SURFACE AGAIN. MY DAUGHTER HAD THE CAR AT SCHOOL SO SHE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO TAKE IT TO OUR GARAGE IN MAY/28/02 AT THAT TIME THE GARAGE CHECKED #3 CYLINDER CAUSE OF OUR CHECK ENGINE CONCERNS.. COST 39.10. NOTHING WAS DONE AT THAT TIME. THE ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO STAY ON. FINALLY WE TOOK IT IN AGAIN ON OCT 24TH AND ANOTHER CAM SENSOR WAS PUT ON. $144.46. MILEAGE 130776. ON NOV,.5TH /02 TOOK IT IN AGAIN AND THEY SAID IT WOULD REQUIRE AN EXHAUST CAMSHAFT AND SOLENOID GASKETS AND SEALS. WE AGAIN ASKED ABOUT THE AWA AND THEY SAID NO IT WAS NO LONGER COVERED. THEY SAID THAT THE LAST SOLENOID WAS ONLY COVERED FOR 20,000 KM. HAD THEY DETECTED THE PROBLEM BACK IN MAY WHEN WE BROUGHT IT IN AND HAD THEY WRITTEN DOWN THE CORRECT MILEAGE THEN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SINCE WE DID NOT REALLY FEEL THAT THE SOLENOID ( AND REALLY DIDN'T WANT TO PAY $1000 FOR FIXING IT AND THEN FINDING OUT THAT THERE MIGHT BE ANOTHER PROBLEM) WAS THE PROBLEM, SINCE WE HAD ALREADY HAD THAT REPLACED ONCE WE CONSIDERED TAKING IT TO A GUY THAT USED TO WORK AT FORD. (HIS WIFE DRIVES A CONTOUR) HE CHECKED THE CAR FOR SURGES. SCAN TESTED IT TRIED VARIOUS COMPUTER PARTS RECHECKED VALVE. ETC,, BUT IT ALL PROVED NEGATIVE.
Jan 15, 2004
PARKING BRAKE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS
1 complaint
THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS, SPRINGS, BRAKES LAST 4 MONTHS,WATER PUMPS WENT AT 63,000, TIRES WEAR OUT IN LESS THAN A YEAR, TEMPERATURE GAUGES DO NOT READ RIGHT. ENGINE RACES, SOLENOID WENT....VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY EVERYONE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS BUT NO HELP? *LA
Oct 20, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. ALTERNATOR, FUEL TANK, GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR, COMPUTER SENSOR'S (VARIABLE CAM TIMING OVER RETARDED), AUTOMATIC SHIFT LABORED AND FAILS, COOLING FAN MOTOR, ETC. THIS VEHICLE IS IN SOME FORM OF REPAIR SHOP ON A REGULAR BASIS. HAVE I DRIVEN A FORD LATELY? YES, AND SORRY I CHOSE TO DO SO. *AK
Sep 02, 2003
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I WENT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP HERE IN LOUISIANA AND SHOWED THEM THE PAPERS THAT WAS SENT TO ME CONCERNING RECALLS FOR MY YEAR & MAKE OF CAR. I TOLD THEM THAT SOME OF THE RECALLS ON THOSE PAPERS WAS HAPPENING TO MY CAR AND WHY HAVEN'T THEY BEEN REPAIRED WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR IN AND THEY STATED TO ME THAT IF THE VIN # FOR MY CAR DIDN'T COME UP AS A RECALL AND AS LONG AS THE PROBLEM DIDN'T EXIST THEN THEY COULD NOT REPAIR IT . AND I STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH MY VIN DIDN'T COME UP AND EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS HAVING SOME THESE RECALLS PROBLEMS YALL ARE NOT GOING TO REPAIR THEM BECAUSE MY VIN # DIDN'T COME UP AND THE PROBLEM IS NOT EXISTING RIGHT NOW ALL ARE NOT GOING TO REPAIR OR FIX THESE RECALLS, AND I WAS TOLD YES. WELL, SOME OF THESE RECALLS ARE EXISTING ON MY CAR AND I CAN'T GET THE FORD PLACE TO REPAIR OR FIX THEM WHY IS THAT? I THINK THAT'S VERY UNFAIR TO THE CUSTOMER.*AK
Aug 13, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
NO DASH LIGHTS, BACK-UP, OR LICENSE PLATE LIGHT. TOOK TO DEALER AND DASH LIGHTS WERE FIXED $200.PLUS. BUT NO CLOCK LIGHT, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT OR BACK-UP LIGHTS. ALL FUSES WHERE CHECKED AND OK.*AK
Jun 02, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. ONE DAY THE VEHICLE STALLED 12 TIMES. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ILLUMINATED SINCE PURCHASED. NLM THE VEHICLE STALLED THE SECOND DAY THE CONSUMER EVER DROVE IT. THE BLOWER ON THE A/C AND HEATER FAILED. ON ONE OCCASION THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START. IT TURNED OUT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE ALARM SYSTEM. *NM
Jul 24, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEATS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT CAME LOOSE AND FELL INTO THE FLOOR OF VEHICLE, ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER STATED THE FRAME OF THE SEAT WAS CRTACKED. *AK THE RECALL (99B23) ON THE WATER PUMP EXPIRED BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS BOOKED UP SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALER. *YH
Jul 22, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD. MINUTES LATER, LIGHT WENT OFF. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED; HOWEVER, MECHANIC CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER ADDS WITH FULL TANK OF GAS, FUEL LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. *TT
Jun 11, 2002
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I KNOW A COUPLE OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR CONTOURS AS I HAVE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR THROUGH A PRIVATE PARTY AND TOOK OUT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH MY CREDIT UNION. THE TRANSMISSION WAS COVERED BUT THE SIGNALS AND THE SHIFTER LEVER WAS NOT COSTING ME HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE UNTIL THE MANUFACTURER IS FORCED TO RECALL THE PARTS. I READ THE COMMENTS ON THE TRANSMISSIONS AND IT IS AMAZING THAT EVERYONE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING, IT GOES OUT WITHOUT WARNING.*AK
May 19, 2002
SUSPENSION,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
AFTER TAKING VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR RECALL 01V230000 AND 01V255000 REPAIRS NONE OF THE TWO RECALLS WERE DONE PROPERLY. NAME OF THE DEALER IS BRAD MARTIN FORD IN YOUNGSTOWN OH 330-793-2444.*AK
Apr 10, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
RECALL 99V243000/AIR BAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY:DEALER:M&M FORD, MUSCATINE, IA; PHONE 563-263-5324 REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL BECAUSE VEHICLE HAD TOO MUCH MILEAGE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATES THERE WAS A RECALL ON WARNING LIGHT BUT THE DEALER DID NOT FIX THE RECALL DUE TO HIGH MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. *YH
Mar 14, 2002
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATED THE HEATER CORE IS INOPERATIVE, WILL NOT BLOW OUT HEAT, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND REPAIRED IT, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THIRD TIME THAT PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED, THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE HEATER / AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER SWITCH ONLY OPERATES ON HIGH SPEED. * JG *AK
Feb 11, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY, AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING WATER PUMP SHUT DOWN, AND TRANSMISSION VIBRATED WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Feb 07, 2002
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
POWER STEERING UNIT MAKES A LOUD NOISE IF BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED ON ICE AND SNOW. A NOISE CAN BE HEARD ONCE THE CAR IS STARTED. POWER STEERING FLUID HAS BEEN CHANGED, BUT THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Jan 07, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON DASH,AND BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING. DEALER HAS REPLACED REAR BRAKE PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BREAKS WERE FINE NOW SINCE REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE BRAKE VALVE. THE BLOWER MOTOR HAD NO 3RD SPEED DUE TO BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH FAILURE. IT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE TAKES FUEL VERY SLOW DUE TO FUEL PIPE FLAPPER VALVE FAILURE. *YH
Jan 07, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
AFTER GETTER THE RECALL PART REPLACED FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM, NOTICED THAT WHEN THE TANK IS FILLED THE CAR WOULD LEAK FUEL FROM AROUND THE FUEL PUMP. VEHICLE IS LEAKING WATER IN TRUNK AREA DURING RAIN, FAILED SEAL, REPLACE REAR BACK GLASS SEAL AND RESEAL BACK GLASS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, WEAK, REPLACE CANNISTER PURGE AND VAPOR CANISTER.
Jan 03, 2002
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED FUEL PUMP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Nov 01, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
CONSUMER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT VEHICLE WAS AFFECTED BY RECALL 01V230000. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE, BUT PERFORMED NO REPAIRS IN ACCORDANCE WITH DESCRIPTION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION. *AK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED DUE TO FAULTY O2 SENSOR. *JB
Oct 10, 2001
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN A "LEMON" SINCE PURCHASED NEW IN AUGUST, 1997 FROM SAM GALLOWAY FORD IN FORT MYERS, FLORIDA. FROM THE BEGINNING, THE CAR DROVE "ROUGH" NOT SMOOTH. THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY WAS VIBRATING, AND SIMPLY GOT WORSE OVER TIME. THE VIBRATIONS WOULD OCCUR AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR, INCREASING THE FASTER YOU DROVE. YOU COULD ACTUALLY FEEL AND SEE YOUR BODY SHAKE. THE RIDE WAS THE TOTAL OPPOSITE OF A SMOOTH ONE. ROUGH AND BUMPY, EVEN ON SMOOTH, FLORIDA ROADS. THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE YOU WERE "PUSHING" OR "FORCING" IT TO DRIVE. THE GEAR SHIFT HAS ALWAYS BEEN DIFFICULT TO MANUVER, GENERALLY STICKING WHILE TRYING TO CHANGE GEARS. A COUPLE OF TIMES, THIS NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, DUE TO THE INABILITY TO CHANGE GEARS. WHEN REPORTED TO FORD, THE ONLY RESPONSE THAT THAT "PER THE MANUAL, THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED SOME TYPE OF OVERHAUL, AT A COST OF ABOUT $500. ALSO, SEVERAL TIMES, THERE WAS SMOKE AND A BURNING RUBBER TYPE SMELL EMITTING FROM THE AIR VENTS. THIS WAS BROUGHT INTO FORD SEVERAL TIMES, AND NOT FIXED. THE FINAL TIME, THE ENTIRE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE--I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER, MARLON HANSON, FROM THE VEHICLE ON MY CELL PHONE, BECAUSE I WAS SCARED THAT THE CAR MAY BURST INTO FLAMES. HIS REMARKS MADE IT SOUND LIKE "NO BIG DEAL" JUST BRING IN THE CAR. MEANWHILE, I HAD TO PULL OVER, I WAS SO SCARED, NOT KNOWING IF THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO START ON FIRE OR EVEN BLOW UP. THIS VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN TWICE MORE FOR THIS REPAIR, AND FINALLY APPEARS TO BE FIXED. WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS SOME WIRING THAT WAS BURNING, OR STARTING ON FIRE. OUR ONLY COMPENSATION FOR THAT WAS A FREE RENTAL CAR, AFTER I PRESSURED THE SERVICE MANAGER. THE CASSETTE PORTION OF THE RADIO BROKE EARLY ON. NEVER ADDRESSED THAT ISSUE WITH DEALER OR FORD. STEERING COLUMN IS INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO MANUEVER-VERY HARD TO TURN. AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENDLY COMES ON, AT ANY SPEED. TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, BUT NEWER TIRE KEEPS DEFLATING--PER TBS, COIL SPRING PROBLEM?*A
Aug 27, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 5MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN RIGHT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF DUE TO LOOSE LUGS: NUTS. DEALER HAS SEEN VEHICLE. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE FOLLOWING: FUEL FILTER, SPARK PLUGS, TRANSMISSION, CV BOOT, BRAKES, AIR FILTER, WIRE, ROTORS NEED TURNING, TIMING GEAR, TIMING BELT, AND VEHICLE WILL NOT START. *SLC
Jul 09, 2001
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION HAS A DEFECT, THERE IS A SLIP WHEN YOU APPLYING GEARS. ALSO, BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, AND GRABS A LITTLE BIT. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. BRAKES HAVE FAILED, ON ONE OCCASION CONSUMER ALMOST HIT A CHILD, BRAKE PEDAL SLIPS FROM UNDER FOOT. EMERGENCY BRAKE IS ONLY EFFECTIVE 50 PERCENT OF THE TIME. TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY CHANGES GEARS ROUGHLY, AT TIMES JARRING OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE. POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM: LIGHT OF THE CLOCK HAS BURNED OUT TWICE, CONSUMER STATES THERE ARE SHORTS IN THE DASHBOARD, CAUSING THE HEATER OR A/C TO ONLY HAVE ONE SPEED WORKING, DOME LIGHTS WORK INTERMITTENTLY, LIGHT UNDER DASH WORKS INTERMITTENTLY, WARNING BELL DOES NOT CHIME ALL THE TIMES IT SHOULD, CONSUMER STATES A SENSOR CAUSES HEATER TO ACT AS THE AC AND VICE VERSA. HINGES NOT MADE PROPERLY, CAUSING DOOR MOVEMENT WHILE OPENING/CLOSING, DOES NOT STOP WHEN IT SHOULD. SEAT BLET RETARCTION DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH ELAST, CAUSING IT NOT TO RETRACT PROPERLY, HAS GOTTEN CAUGHT IN THE DOOR JAM. ALARM SYSTEM HAS FAILED. WHEEL COVER CRACKED WHEN A TIRE WAS BEING CHANGED AND ANOTHER ONE FELL OFF, CONSUMER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE TIME OR PLACE IT FELL OFF. *SLC
Jun 28, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
CONSUMER SPED UP TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND WHEN SLOWING DOWN VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE. ALSO, VEHICLE WAS RACING UP TO 2000 RPM/, STALLING, AND MAKING A RUMBLING SOUND. DEALER STATED OXYGEN SENSOR HAD GONE BAD. IT CONTROLS AMOUNT OF AIR AND GAS MIXTURE. *AK
Jun 18, 2001
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON/ HORN, AND CRUISE CONTROL ARE NOT WORKING. CONSUEMR STATED THIS WAS SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL 99 V 243 000. CONSUMER WAS SCARED THAT AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY IN FACE.*AK
May 16, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
THE SHORT CAUSED THE DASHBOARD LIGHTING AND BACKLIGHTS NOT TO FUNCTION. *AK
May 16, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
THE WATER PUMP AND NOW THE FUEL PUMP. THIS HAS BEEN A VERY BAD EXPERIENCE WITH FORD THE INCONVIENCE AND THE FREEDOM OF PURCHASING A NEW CAR HAS LEFT ME FRUSTRATED AND AFRAID TO TRUST THE CAR. *AK
Mar 15, 2001
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
FIRST DAY CAR WAS BOUGHT ENGINE DIED, TOOK TO DEALER, AND THEY GAVE CONSUMER ANOTHER CONTOUR. CURRENTLY, VEHCILE WILL SHUT OFF IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION, AND ENGINE WAS ACTING UP. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN 3 TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, IT JERKS AND VIBRATES, CONSUMER DOES NOT THINK THAT DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION LIKE THEY SAID. 1 TIME FOR ENGINE PROBLEMS. CONSUMER HAS BEEN IN 2 ACCIDENTS DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION. FRONT SWAY BAR REPLACED, STEERING WOULD SHIMMY AND RATTLE. BLOWER MOTOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED, DUE TO RATTLING NOISE IN AIR CONDITIONER, ALSO CYCLING SWITCH REPLACED DUE TO AIR CONDITIONER NOT COOLING. LEFT FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED, BELT WOULD NOT BUCKLE. STARTER FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DEALER FOUND LOOSE CONNECTION AT ACT. REAR STRUTS REPLACED, NOISY. *SLC
Mar 12, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
WHEN FILLING GAS TANK WITH FUEL FUEL WOULD SPIT BACK OUT. DOOR CHIME FAILS TO WORK WHEN KEY IS IN IGNITION. HEATING SYSTEM WOULD GO OFF, AND THEN ON WHENEVER HEAT IS ON.*AK
Jan 30, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Jan 29, 2001
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED FRONT TIRE, CAR LEFT ROAD AND HAD TO BE TOWED. *AK
Dec 11, 2000
VISIBILITY,SEATS
1 complaint
1)DRIVER'S POWER SEAT ROCKS FROM FRONT TO REAR, REPLACING SEAT TRACK MADE PROBLEM WORSE. 2) VENTS LOCATED TO CLEAR SIDE WINDOW OF FOG DO NOT OPERATE WHEN HEAT SELECTOR KNOB IS SET TO HOT.
Oct 16, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I AM VERY DISPLEASED WITH THE FORD CONTOUR. ABOUT 2 MONTH AFTER I PURCHASED MY CAR I HAD TO HAVE THE BRAKE PADS REPLACED, THEN REPLACED AGAIN AFTER THAT. I'VE HAD SEVERAL RECALLS ON THE CAR, NOT TO MENTION ALL THE OTHER HEADACHES I'VE DEALT WITH. I'M REALLY CONSIDERING NOT TO EVER BUY ANOTHER FORD CAR, THIS HAS BEEN THE WORST CAR I'VE EVER OWNED
Sep 17, 2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES
1 complaint
FUSEBOX: BOUGHT CAR IN JULY 1999, HAD TO HAVE THREE RECALLS FIXED, ONE OF THEM WAS ON THE AIR BAG SENSOR, WE WENT AND HAD ONE OF THE RECALLS CORRECTED, THE NEXT WEEK WE WERE SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE REMAINING TWO FINISH, ON WEDNESDAY OF THAT WEEK THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING WHILE WE WERE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, WE HAD THE MECHANIC CHECK IT THAT FRIDAY WHEN THEY FIXED THE AIR BAG SENSOR, THE MECHANIC SAID THE FUSE BOX WAS BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, HE REPLACED THE FUSE BOX (FREE OF CHARGE) AND WE WENT ON OUR WAY, THEN ON 8/14/2000 AS WE WERE AGAIN DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT ABOUT 55 THE AIR CONDITIONER DIED AGAIN, WE READ THROUGH THE CAR MANUAL AND FOUND THE CORRECT FUSES TO THE BLOWER MOTOR AND A/C, WE CHANGED THOSE FUSES, THAT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM, WE THEN CHANGED THE RELAYS, (WHICH WERE VERY HARD TO GET REPLACEMENTS FOR), THAT DIDN' T FIX IT EITHER, FINALLY WE TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER AND HAD THEM CHACK IT, THEY SAID THERE WAS A FUSE IN THE FRONT (WHICH THE OWNERS MANUAL SAID SHOULD ONLY BE CHANGED BY AN AUTHORIZED FORD MECHANIC) THAT HAD BLOWN AND WHEN IT DID IT FUSED THE FUSE TO THE CONNECTOR AND THAT THE ENTIRE FUSE BOX WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED, THIS TIME AT A COST OF OVER $400.00 TIRES: WE HAVE JUST HAD TO REPLACE TWO FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTA P205/60R15 90T M+S TIRES BECAUSE THE TREAD WAS COMING AWAY FROM THE SIDEWALL AT THE SEEM, IT WAS SO BAD THERE WERE SMALL FLAPS OF THE TREAD THAT STUCK STRAIGHT OUT LIKE SOMEONE HAD PEEL A BANANA.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P205/60R15 )
Aug 25, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I WAS IN TRANSIT TO REPLACE MY BRAKING SYSTEM FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 6 MONTHS WHEN MY TRANSMISSION FAILED. MY 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE CAR NOW STALLS WHEN IN A STOPPED POSITION AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THESE ISSUES, AMONGST A LIST OF OTHER MAJOR FAILURES HAS OCCURRED IN THE LAST 2.5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP OF THIS LEMON ( COMPLETE A/C SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED, COMPLETE FUEL SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED, WINDOW MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED, ETC.). NEITHER THE FORD MANUFACTURER OR DEALERSHIPS HAVE RESPONDED, AGREED OR OFFERED ANY INVESTIGATION, CORRECTION, COMPENSATION OR ASSISTANCE IN RESPONSE TO THESE PREVIOUSLY WRITTEN AND VERBAL MATTERS, AND LEGAL ACTION WILL COMMENCE. THE ISSUES LISTED IN THIS TABLE ARE ONLY THE RECENT (LAST 3 MONTHS), AND DO NOT INCLUDE THE MONTAGE OF PROBLEMS IN THE LAST 2 YEARS, SOME OF WHICH ARE MENTIONED IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.
Aug 21, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,AIR BAGS,TIRES
1 complaint
I PURCHASED MY CAR IN JUNE 98 AND BEFORE LEAVING THE LOT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD TO REPLACE BOTH OF THE REAR TIRES DUE TO DEFECTS. THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE EXACT PROBLEM. THEREFORE THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT TIRES IN FEB 2000. THIS WAS DUE TO THE TREAD SEPERATION AND EXTENSIVE WEAR. AT THE SAME TIME I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT BRAKES WERE BAD AND THAT I NEEDED NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS. THE TIRES AND BRAKE JOB COST 481.93. NOW I HAD 2 FLAT TIRES ON THE SAME TIRE WITHIN 3 WEEKS OF EACH OTHER AND NOW THE BACK BRAKES NEED REPLACING. I FEEL THAT THESE REPAIRS ARE DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS. I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN MY CAR BACK TO FORD FOR AT LEAST 6 MANUFACTURER RECALLS. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. THE CAR SENSOR LIGHT HAS BEEN REPLACED AND REPLACED BUT IT STILL COMES ON ALL THE TIME. FROM MY RESAERCH ON THIS COMPONENT THIS COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO ENGAGE WITHOUT CAUSE. BETWEEN THE RECALLS, TIRE, AND THE BRAKES THIS SEEMS TO ME TO BE A VERY UNSAFE VECHILE. I WAS THINKING THAT THE PROBLEMS WERE NORMAL BUT AFTER HAVING ALL THESE RECALLS AND NOW THE RECALL ON SOME OF FIRESTONE TIRES I THOUGHT THAT I SHOULD LET SOMEONE KNOW OF THE PROBLEMS THAT I'VE HAD WITH MY CAR.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P20560R15 )
Aug 19, 2000
STRUCTURE,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT & COVER FELL DOWN WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. *AK FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR NEVER FITTED PROPERLY. *YH
Jun 20, 2000
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,TIRES,SEATS
1 complaint
COIL SPRING ON THE RIGHT FRONT OF CAR BROKE. REPLACEMENT OF THE FOLLOWING WAS NECESSARY: SHOCK ABSORBER, CB SPRING, D BOOT, BEARING ASSEMNBLY, AA SEAT, MOUNTING ASSY, HALFSHAFT ASSEMBLY, CV JOINT ASSEMBLY, BRAKE SHOES, DISC BRAKE ROTOR, TIRES.*AK
Jun 05, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
CONSUMER IS VERY UNHAPPY WITH THE NUMBER OF RECALLS (6) THAT HAVE BEEN ISSUED ON THE VEHICLE AND FEELS THE VEHICLE IS A LEMON. NLM
May 15, 2000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE DEALERSHIP HAD INSTALLED AN AFTERMARKET REAR SPOILER ON THE VEHICLE WITHOUT DISCLOSING THIS INFORMATION. AFTER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT IN THE SPOILER IN LEARNED IT WAS NOT A FACTORY PART. THE DEALERSHIP STATED TO ME THAT IT WAS FACTORY. I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE PART REPLACED UNTIL I CALLED FORD DIRECTLY AND THREATENED TO SUE THE DEALERSHIP FOR FRAUD. *AK
Mar 09, 2000
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO FOUR SEPERATE NHTSA RECALL NOTICES 99V243000/ 99V194000/ 99V103000 AND 98V233000. ALSO, MANUFACTURER'S RECALLS 99S23/99S19/99S14 AND 98S26. DEALER REFUSED TO CORRECT THE RECALL PROBLEMS WITHOUT THE CONSUMER CORRECTING THE PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION . PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Feb 22, 2000
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
MACPHERSON STRUT AND TRANS AXLE BROKE WITHIN 45000 MILES.PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Feb 14, 2000
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHEN TURNING, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHIMMY, AND MAKES A YAWNING SOUND, POSSIBLY RELATED TO THE STEERING AND OR SUSPENSION FAILURE. *ET
Feb 14, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. ENGINE STALLED OUT. NOTICED A REFLECTION OF FLAMES ON THE GROUND. LIFTED HOOD OF VEHICLE & NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. DRIVER PUT FLAMES OUT. THE ALTERNATOR WAS JUST REPLACED, TWICE, PRIOR TO FIRE. WAS NO WARNING. *AK
Jan 27, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,SEATS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE, CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL BACK, AND THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. ALSO ENGINE CUT OFF SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, ENGINE DID NOT SHUT OFF AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Jan 24, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THERE WAS 6 RECALLS THAT I WAS CONTACTED ON, 2 OF WHICH I HAD IN THE SHOP TWICE BECAUSE NOT FIXED PROPERLY ALSO MY ABS SYSTEM WENT OUT ON MY CAR BESIDES THE HEATER BLOWER AND HEAT SENSORS WHICH HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE.
Jan 20, 2000
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WOULD LFICKER ON AND OFF BUT NOW STAYS ON WHILE DRIVING. HAVE HAD IT CHECKED OUT NO ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM. AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING MOSTLY WHEN YOU APPLY BRAKE. HEATER FAN STOPED WORKING REPLACED IT WASN'T THE PROBLEM, THE PIGTAIL CONNECTING TO A REGULATOR BOX HAD SHORTED OUT AND MELTED. FORD PLACE SAID THE WHOLE PIGTAIL WIRING HAD TO BE REPLACED COST ABOUT $400.00 TO REPLACE DIDN'T HAVE IT DONE.*AK
Nov 17, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDALVEHICLE CONTINUES TO TRAVEL AT THE SAME SPEED FOR 5, 10, OR MAYBE 15 SECONDS BEFORE SLOWNG DOWN. THIS INCREASES THE STOPPING TIME FOR BRAKING. THIS VEHICLE TO DO THIS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Oct 28, 1999
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
HEADLIGHT'S ARE NOT WORKING, AND THE DOOR LIGHT ABOVE FLOOR LIGHTS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE DON'T WORK. ALSO, SPEEDOMETER ISN'T WORKING PROPERLY. *AK
Oct 28, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKED UP, HAD TO UNTWIST BELT TO USE IT. ALSO, REAR WINDOW FELL OUT, NOTHING HAD HIT IT/IGNITION KEY SWITCH WOULD RATTLE WHEN INSERTING KEY & TAKING IT OUT, AND SUN ROOF LOCK WAS NOT WORKING. SUNROOF COULD NOT BE OPENED OR CLOSED . TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER TO CHECK PROBLEMS. *AK
Sep 30, 1999
SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE IS A KNOCKING AND CLUCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, HEADLIGHTS ARE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
Sep 30, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
THE ABS WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND IT STAYS ON. ALSO THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER SAYS SOMETHING IN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Sep 29, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THERE IS A SHORT WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CAUSING THE HORN, BRINKER'S AND BRAKE LIGHT'S NOT TO WORK. ALSO, ALL THE RUBBER HAS FALLEN OFF THE DOOR PANEL, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELT DOESN'T RETRACT. *AK
Sep 23, 1999
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT COME ON. ALSO, INTERIOR LIGHTS ON THE DASH SOMETIMES DO NOT FUNCTION. DEALER HAS SEE VEHICLE. *AK.
Sep 23, 1999
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THERE IS A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. ALSO, THE FRONT END MISALIGNMENT, CAUSING VIBRATION. *YC
Sep 15, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
FUEL SYSTEM. AIR CONDITION VALVE.
Sep 08, 1999
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND WON'T GO OFF. ALSO, THERE IS SOME TYPE OF CODE THAT APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD, SUCH AS 41,22,55 AND THE CODES KEEP BLINKING OFF AND ON. *AK
Sep 08, 1999
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHCEK LIGHT IS ON, AND THERE IS SOME TYPE OF GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. *AK
Aug 30, 1999
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHENEVER THE AUTOMOBILE IS DRIVEN THROUGH A PUDDLE OF WATER OR UPON PROLONGED DRIVING ON A WET ROAD, THE POWER STEERING LOCKS UP. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE POWER STEERING REMAINS LOCKED FOR SEVERAL SECONDS UP TO OVER ONE MINUTE BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL. THESE CONDITIONS ALSO CAUSE THE "BATTERY" LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN APPROXIMATELY JUNE 1998, BUT THEIR FIX ACTION "REPLACING A HEADLIGHT WIRING ASSEMBLY" DID NOT APPEAR TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM AND THE PROBLEM REOCCURRED IMMEDIATELY THE NEXT TIME THAT THE AUTOMBILE WAS DRIVEN ON A RAINY DAY. UPON RETURNING THE AUTOMOBILE A SECOND TME, I WAS INFORMED BY BOTH A SERVICE TECHNICIAN AND A SERVICE MANAGER THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT THE FORD COMPANY IS AWARE OF BUT IS MAKING NO ATTEMPT TO INFORM THE AUTOMOBILE OWNERS UNTIL THEY ACTUALLY EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM.
Aug 12, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Jul 15, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
WHEN PUMPING GAS WAS DIFFICULT TO START VEHICLE. A CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD. NEW GAS TANK WAS INSTALLED. FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE KNOCKING AND SQUEALING. REPLACED THREE TIMES. SUNROOF MOTOR WENT OUT. REPLACEMENT MADE. ALSO, STARTER PROBLEMS OCCURRED. DEALER CONTACTED AND REPAIRS WERE MADE BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Dec 30, 1998
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, AND THE THE HORN DOESN'T WORK. ALSO, THE HORN IS VERY HARD WHEN TRYING TO PRESS IT. DEALER REPAIRED THE HORN, AND THE PROBLEM IS BACK, AND THEY CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Dec 03, 1998
VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING AT 45 MPH THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF.CONSUMER IS ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW AND THE BACK WINDOW WOULDN'T ROLL DOWN. THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE RELAY PART OF THE WINDOW. *AK
Nov 25, 1998
CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
WHENEVER THE BUILT-IN CHILD SAFETY SEAT STRAP CLIP IS PULLED OR TUGGED ON, IT BECOMES UNLATCHED. THIS HAPPENS AFTER IT'S LOCKED IN (CLICKED SOUND) & THE DOT TURNS FROM RED TO GREEN TO SAY SEAT IS LATCHED IN PROPERLY. *AK
Aug 10, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
DAS TANK DEFORMED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER/STALLING. IN ADDITION. IN ADDITION, STUTTERING OF ENGINE DUE TO FALSE GAS GAUGE READINGS. *AK
Jan 08, 1998
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
PARKING BRAKE FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
Aug 19, 1997
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1998 FORD Contour have?
The 1998 FORD Contour currently has 968 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 1998 FORD Contour?
The most common problems reported for the 1998 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 1998 FORD Contour problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1998 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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