Carrier/rack Problems of Ford Contour

The vent bracket on the dash became loose and was about to fall off when I removed it from the car. The dash pad began to shrink and pull away from the instrument panel and dash immediately after we got the car. The manufacturer discontinued to provide a replacement in 2004. There was a repair campaign for a 6 month period--before I owned the car. I would like Ford to provide a replacement part to me at no cost. I will install it. This is a safety issue because the defroster is blocked by the leading edge of the shrinking dash pad; part of the driver's vision is blocked; the grille is dangerous if it becomes loose in the car; the airbag deployment will be interfered with unless there is a remedy.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Contour 🔎.

Dash board warping on 1999 Ford Contour. Repair was attempted, but only a temporary solution. Dash has continued to warp and has cracked in one place as well.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Contour 🔎.

There were no traumatic events such as crashes or injuries. My complaint is about an equipment failure due to a defect of which Ford was aware. The front coil springs of my 1998 Ford Contour broke early in July 2004. The car had 164000 miles on it. Although they did not issue a recall, Ford did issue an extended warranty on the front coil springs for 10 years, 150,000 miles. (this is documented in NHTSA campaign id number : 01i013000) this was issued on August 3, 2001. That is also the date for a recall for the installation of spring catcher brackets in case the springs broke. (NHTSA campaign id number : 01v255000) I had my vehicle in for the recall on 3/29/2002. I called the toll-free number provided by Ford about this problem (1-866-436-7332) and also heard on a recorded message at that number that another make of Ford car (taurus) is currently under a repair program for the same problem: corosion of the front coil springs. This recall program is for 1999-2001 taurs and sables started, according to the recording, in the first week of August 2004. This taurus-sable program offers free replacement of the coil spring for taurus and sable models for 10 years/150,000 miles or until July 31, 2005 if the vehicle is over the mileage requirement in the extended warranty. Also during the recording at the toll free phone number, there is notification of a safety spring shield recall that will go into effect December 2004. I believe it is basically the same safety recall program offered for the same problem on my Ford Contour in 2001. It is my contention that the reason the taurus/sable was given a free repair offer until July 31 2005 regardless of mileage is because the taurus is one of Ford's banner models. I believe that the offer of free repairs until July 31, 2005 was not made for the Contour because the Contour is a model that was discontinued some time ago. There are relatively few Contours compared to the Ford taurus and sable, which Ford still sells.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Contour 🔎.

My 1998 Contour is at 128,225 miles. The problems that I have experienced with the car are the following: -the headlights go out of aim and moisture collects in the headlamp and when the moisture dries it leaves a film on the inside of the lens. The brightness of the headlights is terrible. I can barely see at night even when it is a clear night. I have had several near misses. I almost hit a man on a bicycle the other night. He had reflectors on his bike but I didn't see him till I was right up behind him. I haven't had this fixed because I can't afford to pay two four hundred dollars for a new pair of headlamps. I have been actually looking in salvage yards. -another thing is the transmission. It shifts out hard between first and second gears. Now it jerks when I go up hills or when I let off of the gas pedal. I figure if I take it to the Ford dealership they will tell me that I have to replace it. -the next thing is the drivers seat. The seat track itself has rust on some of the parts. The driver seat is the only one with the rust problem. When you sit in the seat it rocks side to side (from door to center console). This scares me because I read someone else's complaint and he said he was hit from behind and the seat and the track itself broke on him.

Dashboard is curling up from the windshield. Since this has started the vent for the defogging systems has popped completely out, the warning bell for the lights left on and key in ignition have stopped working and the radio cuts in and out. I took it to my auto repair shop who contacted my extended warranty company (who supposedly cover me bumper to bumper according to the dealer I bought the car from) who state if it is not safety related they don't cover it. I then went to a local dealership with the problem as the car is a 1999 with barely 40,000 miles and expressed my concern about the things that have stopped working as well as the fact that as the dash rolls back it will deploy the passenger side air bag. The dealer stated it was not their problem even though they stated that the earlier models had the same problem which apparently was never fixed and gave me Ford customer service. I then contacted Ford who after 5 days informed me that they felt it was not their problem, that I should take it to my local dealer and pay approximately $1800 to $2000 for a new dash to be installed but that I should save my paperwork after the repairs are done in case of any further trouble. Since the dash is in perfect condition aside from the curling, no cracks, discoloration or drying out I don't feel I should pay to have this problem resolved. If you can assist please let me know.

Consumer was traveling about 65mph on expressway and warning light came on, vehicle was smoking. She pulled over to the shoulder, and put some water into vehicle to get home. She only could drive 10mph on the road and vehicle started losing oil. She took it to garage, and mechanic told her that cylinder block was cracked. Consumer contacted Ford.

See all problems of the 1997 Ford Contour 🔎.

The paint on the 1998 contor is cracking on the hood, roof and trunk of the vehical and is casing the paint to begin peeling. No safety defect.