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.

- Tampa, FL, USA

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. 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.

- Fredericksbrg, VA, USA

When the driver applied the brakes they locked up and caused the vehicle to experience extended stopping distance.

- Sheffield, VT, USA

After recall was completed problem reccurred and caused damage to other parts of vehicle.

- Pheonix, AZ, USA

Engine check light remained illuminated on dash, and brake fluid was leaking. Dealer has replaced rear brake pressure control valve. 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.

- South Charlston, OH, USA

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.

- South Charlston, OH, USA

I have spoken to several people at Ford ABS lst recall supr simon id 3082 laughed at my situation and I am completely dissastified with the lack of help especially since there is a safety recall that cld endanger my familieslife.

- Tarawa Terrace, NC, USA

Was driving and applied tbrakes, and brakes locked up. Vehicle slid into a ditch. This caused front end to be damaged. Vehicle was drivable. An independent mechanic checked vehicle and indicated that brake pads were the problem.

- Glenarden, MD, USA

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.

- Montery, CA, USA

Traveling approximately 20mph consumer was preparing to stop, when it almost lost control. Consumer will be contacting dealer to determine cause.

- Pleasant Mount, PA, USA

Rear brake lock up on panic stop, loss of control spin out and hit center divider.

- Santa Paula, CA, USA

There is a vibration when brakes are applied before making a full stop. This occurs at any given speed. The vehicle's vibration becomes scarey when applying brakes at higher speeds.

- El Cento, CA, USA

"mod pump" for ABS brake system has stopped functioning. No reason given for possible cause of defect. Prior to breaking of the pump, check the engine light came on and stayed on.

- Hampton, VA, USA

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.

- Louis Run, PA, USA

While driving about any speed would step on brakes pedal to stop or to slow down, but brakes would not operate as before and pull to side. The dealer replaced wheels but the vehicle makes loud noise also.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

When appyling ABS brakes system failed. This was caused by a malfunction within blower switch and wiring harness. 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.

- Oswego, IL, USA

ABS did not work in snow. Dealer said wire harness had moisture in it. Have to replace harness. Cost: $3000+

- Oswego, IL, USA

Recently my 1998 Contour svt's anti-lock brakes have on several occasions locked up when applied causing the car to swerve. In some cases the brakes have remained locked and only released after being tapped and pressed several times after the car has been caused to come to a halt in traffic. Available avenues of addressing this serious braking problem in the vehicle with Ford Motor Company are exhausted. Ford's standard policy requires the dealer's service facility to replicate the problem. The problem in this case is intermittent and dealer cannot replicate it. Ford refuses to be involved or to discuss the problem beyond the clerical area that answers at customer relationship center. I purchased the above vehicle new from borgman Ford in grandville, Michigan in 1998. I currently reside in birmingham, Michigan. The vehicle was taken to huntington Ford in rochester hills on two occasions. In the first instance I paid to have the rear brake pads replaced and also a fee to have the car inspected for the lockup problem. The problem could not be replicated and no source was identified. After the latest incident huntington provided a "loaner" vehicle for two or three days, but was again unable to replicate or identify the source of the problem. Internal Ford procedures block efforts to bring the situation to the attention of a higher level of Ford management. I have contacted Ford through their customer relationship center, 800-392-3673--a higher level of authority is not available by calling this number. My father also called Ford's headquarters, 313-322-3000, and asked for CEO jacques nasser. He was connected to Mr. Colin richard, executive contact manager, again no higher level of management is reachable. Richard refused to send a written statement confirming Ford's policy and their refusal to respond. My car was returned to me with this serious braking problem unresolved. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, daniel J. osterhart

- Birmingham, MI, USA

When she applied brakes pedal went all the way to floor. And the brake light stays on constantly. Consumer was going out of driveway/ backing up and applied brakes, and vehicle kept going. Vehicle slid and was involved in a crash. Vehicle at the dealership.

- Farmington, MI, USA

The brake pressure control reducing valves failed prior to recall notice 00V-075. Nlm

- Kansas Cit, KS, USA