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 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.
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.
- 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.
While driving check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Vehicle was taken to a garage for inspection, and mechanic determined that the engine wiring harness needed to be replaced.
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. 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.
- Stafford Springs, CT, USA
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While driving at any speed, the vehicle would intermittently stall and the check engine light would stay on. The dealer informed the consumer that a new engine was needed. This vehicle has been repaired for thirteen recalls since ownership by the consumer.
Car sputtering and stalling. Service engine light comes on and stays on. Have had it "reset" to turn the service engine light off only for it to come back on a few days later.
Consumer stated that while driving and with no warning the vehicle stalled, which made it difficult to control. Dealer notified. The failure was intermittent. Several attempts were made to repair the problem. It occurred a lot at idle or while coasting, especially when turning corners. Dealer confused.
Ford operation #991308A Ford is aware of a problem with the cycle variable camshaft timing (vct) solenoid which according to a print out is still covered under the emissions warranty coverage of 80,000miles and 8 years. However, when calling the dealer onthe problem - they play stupid and quote a pricing in the thousands. What gives"?? my information comes directly from Ford to the mitchell information company., llc. According to the service tech who looked at the car - he said this is a problem that he is seeing too frequently on the Contour, especially the 98. Is this one of the reasons why Ford discontinued to produce this car? should this be a recall, since this condition may cause the car to stall in the drive position without warning"
Consumer states while traveling, and without any indication vehicle stalls, vehicle was serviced by technician who notice timing belt needed to be replace vehicle is on the second timing belt. Nlm
Motor mounts have been replaced car broke down again 8/26 dealership did not repair correctly and then my engine blew up before I left town. They repalced engine and now I have to replace motor mounts again. I am very unhappy with all these issues and the service I have rec. Miracle Ford has not reimbursed me for items they promised, nor have they sent me information I requested since September. How can a car keep having motor mounts replaced. This sounds like a defect. I have records of taking my car in from the beginning with the same issues that I am facing again today.
Since the beginning of July, 2001 this car has experienced the same problem and has been in for dealer service 4 times for that problem. Dealer stated the problem was first the camshaft sensor switch (which was replaced twice, I was told), then stated that the actual problem was the cam shaft itself. That was replaced the fourth time the vehicle was taken in for service. I was told the dealer contacted the manufacturer and a manufacturer's rep consulted on the fourth repair, which took 6 weeks to complete. The problem has not been corrected and occurs at various speeds/unpredictable times. It has happened often when turning into an intersection, but also when traveling at 60+ mph on busy freeways. I consider this a serious problem likely to result in injury if not fixed. I don't believe the dealer can fix the problem since they have attempted to four times without success. Dealer has only charged for diagnostic test and has paid for rental car during two times when they had the car in for service. Regardless, this is a safety issue that I feel Ford Motor Company must address. After checking your database of consumer complaints, I found many entries that described the same type of problem. The Contour is no longer being manufactured by Ford, which to me indicates that they know this vehicle has serious engineering flaws.
While driving at about 5mph and making a right turn right front wheel came off due to loose lugs: Nuts. Dealer has seen vehicle. 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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Rochester, PA, USA