One problem related to steering gear box has been reported for the 1999 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Repeated stalling, missing & loss of power appears mostly when it's very hot out & car has been driven a lot. Rough idle even under no load in neutral. No indicators light except during stall which happens even with clutch depressed. Missing is most noticeable during acceleration or steady highway speeds, even with cruise on. Car sometimes shakes at high speed (70mph). Multiple alignments never show same results. Dealer can never duplicate, says I am dumping clutch to stall & loss of power is due to a/c. They also claim excessive tire wear is due to my driving habits. ( dot number: ).