This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 1996 Ford Contour. The contact stated that the vehicle would independently accelerate when driving with the cruise control activated at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure started intermittently but progressively became worse over time. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 91,000.
Several times during the past 3 months the gas pedal/accelerator seemed to "stick" or race and I could not get the car to idle to back down until I put it in gear. July 3, while driving in busy traffic, the accelerator/gas pedal went to the floor and fortunately I was able to steer the car around a corner to the side of the road. The police were able to push the car into a car repair place where the mechanic suggested I call Ford about a recall. The speed control cable had just snapped right off! I called from the repair place and Ford said there was no recall on my VIN vehicle. I had the car towed to my home as I was leaving town the next day. I have returned now and after searching your site have found what seems to be the recall for the very problem I have with my 1996 Ford Contour. I called a Ford dealership and was told my VIN did not have the recall problem. What is my next step, please? lucy hocking lucyhocking@yahoo.com 414-541-2326 414-520-8323 make : Ford model : Contour year : 1996 manufacturer : Ford Motor Company mfr's report date : Dec 03, 1997 NHTSA campaign id number : 97V225000 component: Vehicle speed control:cables potential number of units affected : 38000 summary: Vehicle description: Passenger vehicles equipped with the traction control option. The throttle cables were damaged during vehicle assembly leading to fraying or separation of the throttle cable. Consequence: This condition could prevent the engine from returning to idle.
While traveling at approximatley 60 mph engine started running and rpms went to 8000. Consumer put transmission in neutral and turned vehicle off. Upon start up after the engine had been shut off, the engine began revving again. Dealership has not examined vehicle yet. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
While traveling at 70 mph, odometer gauge dropped to 10 mph. Engine light and odometer light came on. Consumer states that vehicle was towed to mechanic. Mechanic stated it was the speed sensor.
- Lawton, OK, USA
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On the morning of 11/10/2000, I just completed entering the southbound dallas tollway from legacy dr. In plano, tx. Upon reaching cruising speed, my vehicle continued to race at full throttle. Fortunately, traffic was light at the time of the incident. In addition to removing my foot from the accelerator, I tried to apply the brakes gently to find there was no power assist. I was able to get my foot under the accelerator pedal to insure that it was not stuck to the floor. With both feet and great effort I was able to apply enough braking force to safely manuever the automated toll gate. The vehicle continued to race uncontrollably and I exited at the West parker road exit in plano. The only way I was able to come to a stop at the traffic light I encountered was to slip the vehicle into neutral gear. At that point the engine was screaming, so I turned the ignition off. I restarted the vehicle on green and it started up at full throttle. Upon putting the vehicle into 'drive', the tires lost traction and the vehicle continued to speed along in a "runaway" fashion. I had to pass through another traffic light and intersection (with the same manuever as previously described) before I reached a shopping center parking lot (parkwood center, plano, tx). At this point I telephoned aaa for a tow to the dealership. While waiting for the tow truck, I made several attempts to restart the vehicle and each time the engine raced at full throttle. The dealer evaluated the problem as being a faulty resonater assembly for the engine air intake (allegedly a worn out gasket, which required replacement of the whole unit). I find it hard to believe that Ford engineers would permit the development of a product which has the potential to create such a serious and life-threatening situation. Just for your information, on another matter regarding this vehicle, Ford contacted me directly and reimbursed me $1,000. This was during the latter part of 1999.
While driving extreme vibration occurred within the steering column. Also, engine idled very fast, and the vehicle jerked., dealer stated that this was a normal condition.
While driving and braking engine revved and suddenly accelerated and the brakes would not slow down the vehicle. Had to use the emergency brake, and run up an a curb in order to stop the vehicle. Manufacturer contacted.
While backing out of a parking area the vehicles engine began to accelerate until the rear bumper struck a light pole. Driver then placed the transmission into drive and the car surged forward at an uncontrollably high speed, jumping the curb and striking a concrete pillar, resulting in considerable damage to the front area of the vechicle and bruising the drivers left arm. Pressing hard on the brakes seemed to have little or no effect. It appears that the throttle linkage/cruise control or some related mechanism malfunctioned.
Vehicle experienced a sudden surge when vehicle was at a stop light. Consumer put transmission in neutral to stop the vehicle from pulling off on its own. Dealer has been contacted.
While parking vehicle, the engine suddenly revved up for no reason & then shot forward. Applying brakes, did not stop vehicle. It went over small embankment. Air bags did not deploy.
Throttle cable sticks, can prevent from returning to idle. Owner states that there is a recall on the vehicles that have traction control. This vehicle does not have traction control, and is experiencing the same problem. Owner will be notifying Ford. (97V-205).
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Waverly , NY, USA