: the contact stated, while driving 45 mph blue smoke issued from under the hood and from the exhaust pipe. There was also a rattling sound emitting from under the hood. The motor then bogged down and would not accelerate above 20 mph. The vehicle was towed to the service dealer where upon inspection, the service dealer's mechanic determined there was no problem found. On 7/13/06, the vehicle experienced the same events and stalled on the side of the road and was unable to be restarted.

- Holiday, FL, USA

NHTSA website confirms 79 similar complaints of Ford's known manufacture defects in dashboard assembly is a safety hazard that compromises the occupant/pedestrian saftey: Warped dash panel and sprung out front defrost grill obstructs driver's view; loose grill strikes windshield while car in motion and could break it; deflects proper airbag deployment; proper airflow of defrost is deflected; Ford knowingly manufactures and sells defective vehicles. Then immediately issues a "customer satisfaction program" notice (in this case cps # 01B78) that has an expiration date designed to preempt manifestation of the defects by the customer. On my 1999 Ford Contour SE, the defroster grill has sprung out and juts out of alignment so that the airflow from defrost mechanism is obstructed. Dashboard warped and separated from windshield on the driver's side with the fissure spreading toward the passenger side. Ford customer service declined to do repairs/replacement at no charge, stating Ford is no longer liable because the customer service program expired August 2002. Instead, the Ford dealer service department offered me the loyal customer service deal of making the repair for cost of only $1638.12. I purchased the vehicle new in February 1999 for $18077.16 (financed price of $24318.40)!!! my car loan has been paid in full February 2004 with no late payments. My vehicle's routine maintenance was done by the Ford dealer's service department. I am a second time Ford owner; my previous vehicle was a 1992 Ford tempo. However, lord willing, the 1999 Contour will be my last. These are just some of the additional expenses I incurred seldom used A/C repair $275 faulty engine light 02 sensors replace $500 dealer cut brake roters too low $800.

- Calumet City, IL, USA

The lower tensioner on my timing belt disintegrated at 49,500 miles, although the manufacturer recommends this not be replaced until at least 90,000 miles. The failure of the lower tensioner caused problems with the upper tensioner, which necessitated replacement of both tensioners and the timing belt. I was charged $455 for these replacements, which should not have been necessary. Had I been driving to work and not noticed the noise the previous weekend, the car would have come to a dead stop in rush hour traffic, and myself and probably at least another 3-4 others would have been killed.

- Encinitas, CA, USA

Ford Motor Corp is aware of a defective valve in it's Ford Contour with 6 cyl 2.5L engines that causes an oil out and over-pressurized condition. My vehicle experienced this and my mechanic contacted a Ford service manager and was told that they are having a silent recall, and each case will be handled on a case by case basis. When I took the car to Ford and after keeping it for a week they determined that they would not rectify the problem because I had not received my oil change from them. I had previously taken my vehicle to Ford and spent so much money for all problems and I have well documented service records on my vehicle. I also have a college son that I purchased the same vehicle for and am afraid that his will experience the same problem while he is out on the highway. I have had to replace the engine because of this. The vehicle only has 38,000 miles and has always been well maintained. I think that this is a safety hazard to many consumers and that Ford should step up and service this problem for it's loyal customers and for the safety of so many individuals.

- Forest Park, IL, USA

Consumer states that while driving vehicle it shut down twice. She was afraid that someday it would cause an accident. Dealer/mechanic could not duplicate the problem or fix it.

- Columbus, MS, USA

When I go to start the car sometimes it just makes a whining noise and wont start, that happens two or three times a month, also the dash board is comming up.

- Merrimack, NH, USA

The vehicle stalled, and did not restart.

- South Bound Brook, NJ, USA

Engine mounts on both sides are broken.

- Combine, TX, USA

Consumer heard a rattling sound under the hood, dealer stated all engine mounts broke.

- Toledo, OH, USA

Vehicle will shutdown without prior notice. Dealership is aware of problem.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

There was a bad oil leak that could cause a fire, took vehicle to dealer, and they said it was crankshaft shield. Consumer states she contacted the dispute settlement board and was denied her any type of assistance.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Was driving vehicle when it suddenly stalled out for no reason. Had no prior warning of any problems. Vehicle can be restarted after waiting for a while. Has taken vehicle to dealership at least 6 times for stalling, but cause of problem could never be located.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

When consumer steered to the left vehicle pulled more than intended. Dealer inspected the vehicle & found nothing wrong. The steering problem is caused by bad front end alignment. The transmission failed. Broken motor mount was found. The heater failed too.

- Raymond, WA, USA