Engine problems of the 1998 Ford Contour

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 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.

Consumer states that while vehicle is stopped engine would race. Dealer notified.

Timing chain broke while driving at 50 mph. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.

Vehicle would not start. Vheicle was towed to garage and a mechanic stated that flywheel needed replacement. Please provide any further information.

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.

Engine mount bracket bolt broke. Causing the engine to move.

While under warranty the engine light came on. Had it replaced. While under warranty had the rear main seal replaced. Just three weeks after that repair the oil light came on. I checked the oil level and found that it was at the proper level. I took it to the dealer who said I needed a new engine. Now I have appealed to Ford moter CO. To replace the engine at their cost. It seems to me that the failure began under warranty but only manifested itself 3 weeks after the warranty period.

Within 55,000 miles engine mounts have broken, causing vehicle to vibrate, and engine to rise when accelerating. Please give any further details.

Engine blower motor switch has caused wire harness to burn. Ford has extended warranty on vehicle. However,vehicle has exceeded mileage.

Enigine mounts broke while driving, causing the motor to fall on the steering shaft, which resulted in steering difficulties. Dealer has been contacted. Owner replaced the mount resting on the steering shaft at their expense. Ford would not repair at their cost.

Block eater fell out and burned cylinders. However, engine locked up and lost all power. Please provide any further information.