Two problems related to steering rack have been reported for the 1998 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving and without prior warning the consumer could not make a right turn. Took vehicle to the repair shop, and they said the rack and pinion steering rack broke, and needed to be replaced. Also, did a power steering flush.
Automatic transmission slipped badly nearly causing accident as car behind me did not anticipate my car not being able to accelarate as I turned onto a busy road. Second time tranmisson has failed in the vehicle - first at approx 25000 miles. Leaking trans fluid also damge seals to power steering "rack" causing seals to fail competely in less than 300 miles.