Brake Disc problems of the 1998 Ford Contour

Eight problems related to brake disc have been reported for the 1998 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Brake Disc problem

Failure Date: 03/17/2001

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. Consumer also had front brake pads replaced,.

2 Brake Disc problem

Failure Date: 05/11/2000

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.

3 Brake Disc problem

Failure Date: 09/12/1999

While driving at 25 mph noticed smoke coming from the brakes. When applying the brakes there is a grinding noise. Also, front brake disc rotors and pads have been replaced.

4 Brake Disc problem

Failure Date: 08/20/1999

Brake pads and rotors are wearing excessively. Dealer has replaced the front brake rotors on a number of occasions. Please provide any further details.

5 Brake Disc problem

Failure Date: 02/08/1999

This vehicle as been under dealer service since new, the front disc are completely worn and the rotors are damaged at 24000 miles, the first service for brakes are at 30000 miles. The dealer and Ford refuses to warranty the brakes after 12000 miles. The brakes should last at least 40000 miles before service.

6 Brake Disc problem

Failure Date: 08/01/1997

Rear disc brakes dragging. The rear brake pads remain in contact with the rotors even when the parking brake and service brake are released. Symptoms rear wheels will not turn freely, rear rotors appear scored from continuous pad-contact, exceptionally poor fuel economy (17-18 mpg highway vs. 29 mpg epa/doe rating). Dealer and Ford motor company refuse to admit existence of a problem although the rear brakes clearly fail the diagnostic 'pinpoint tests' specifield in Ford's 1998 Contour/mystique workshop manual. The cause of problem has not been diagnosed, but it may be related to technical service bulletins TSB 97-5-2 and/or TSB 96-25-6.

7 Brake Disc problem

When applying brake pedal to make a gradual stop front brakes grind. Vehicle was taken into repair shop, were mechanic stated that front brake pads were too soft, and rotors have wornout. Please give any further details.

8 Brake Disc problem

Brakes make grinding sound when coming to a stop. Dealer has tried to correct problem on three occasions with only a temporary solution. Front pads have been replaced, rotors have been resurfaced, and after 1500 miles, the grinding reappears. Dealer says brake dust is the cause and cannot be repaired. I asked what happened during the first 18000 miles that is different from now ? problem still exists and dealer claims that they have to make three calls to their technical assistance before Ford will intervene.




Fuel Economy of Contour Vehicles
Contour Service Bulletins
Contour Safety Recalls
Contour Defect Investigations