Structure Problems of Ford Contour - part 2

The dashboard is warped and is peeling away from the base causing limited visibility out of the front window as well as limiting the effectiveness of the front window defroster. Have not contacted a local Ford dealer as of yet and I am reluctant to given the growing number of dissatisfied consumers with the same problem. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Incident date is unknown, I used 1/1/05 because the defect began in early part of 2005. Car was purchased used in June 2004 and there was no defect at that time.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Contour 🔎.

1. Dash warp causes visibility problems, defroster malfunction, loose trim 2. With the dash warp the vent trim is continually popping out . There has been no accident or incident but in the event of an accident I don't want the vent trim popping out and preventing airbag deployment or causing any further harm to me or my family. There have been repeated incidents of defroster causing visibility problems because of the vent trim not properly dispersing air. The vent trim was placed loosely onto the dash so the defroster would still be usable, but the warped dash prevents it from being properly secured. A new vent trim will not fix this problem. There was an old recall which included a 'repair kit', but it has expired. I would like to see the recall re-instated.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Contour 🔎.

I just bought my vehicle a few days ago. I was notified of a defect of the dashboard, and could plainly see it. The dashboard has warped very badly, causing my sight to be limited. I am also having a problem with fuel injection. I had it checked by a computer and it reported that the engine was not getting enough fuel.

Dashboard, near the windshield, has lifted (warped) to the point that the defroster does not properly defrost the windshield. Dealer wants $1700 to repair the problem, because the car is 6 years old, and this was part of an expired recall. At the time of the recall I did not own the car, so I couldn't have had it repaired. Now I am held responsible for a costly repair that the dealer should repair, due to faulty craftsmanship.

The consumer stated that her air bag was making a popping sound, and the dash board buckled up.

The consumer stated the dashboard is beginning to buckle up. As a result, the defroster is blocked and visibility is impaired.

We own a 2000 Ford Contour se. The top of the dashboard near the windshield separated and curled up, causing poor visibility. I have check for a recall or reported other problems an found only a handful of compliants. We believe this to be a manufacturer's defect. Visually the glue used to secure the dashboard failed. What is our next step to fix this problem?.

Dashboard separated from the front windshield. This caused water to leak down into the vehicle. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

The deck over the dashboard beneath the windshield became deformed.

The dash panel pad curled up causing poor visibility.

While driving dashboard unexpectedly become unattached from the console. This caused poor visibility to the driver. The dashboard unraveled on its own. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic informed consumer that this vehicle was not on recall, and the warranty was valid.

While driving, the dashboard panel became unattached from the console. Please fill in additional information.

When the vehicle was being inspected,the consumer was informed the dashboard was separating from the structure extending 1/4 higher than normal. They also stated that recently they've seen at least nine vehicles with this same problem. Please describe details.

Consumer noticed that the dashboard on passenger's side unexpectedly came apart. This could cause the passenger's side air bag to go off inadvertently. Consumer drove the vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic indicated that there was a recall on this vehicle. But at this time it expired due to fact that consumer was the second owner. Time elapsed for this recall at this time.

The vinyl covering on the dashboard is peeling away from the underlying structure. It has, over a period of about 5 months, peeled back far enough that it obstructs the view out of the windshield. The windshield defrost vent trim no longer fits into place. The defroster no longer works properly, as the vinyl now obstructs the air flow. The vinyl is also in such a position as to potentially impede the functon of the passenger-side airbag. Ford has issued a couple of 'campaigns', as they call it, but both have expired. My dash was not warped during the period of the campaign, and so was not replaced at that time. Since the extended warranty does not cover the dash, Ford will not cover the full cost of the replacement (~$1200). The dash on a 3. 5 year car should not warp so badly it looks like a pringles chip. This is a design flaw with potential safety concerns, and should be subject to a recall.

While driving,the dashboard panel failed to stay in place. The consumer noticed while driving at any speed, the instrument panel would move from side to side on its own. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the components under the dashboard needed replacing. Ford program 01b78-52, instrument panel warpage repair, affected vehicles: all 1999-2000 model year Contour's and mystique's.

While driving 30 mph the dashboard lifted up on its own. This caused the driver to have poor visibility. The cause has not been determined.

Vehicle safety defect with 2000 Ford Contour. The defect involved the separation of the top of the dashboard and upward curl of the separated piece. One of the results of the defect was a deflection of all air output from the driver-side windshield defroster vent away from the glass windshield in front of the driver. The defroster/defogger utility was inoperative on the drivers side. The consumer was advised that Ford was unwilling to assume responsibility for safety defects in the consumers vehicle. The consumer filed a civil suit against Ford motor on August 23 after trying to attempt dialogue with them on vehicle safety defects of the consumers vehicle.

Dash board is pulling away. There was a recall in 2002 which we just discovered, we never received a notice and we are the original owners and the original recall was prior to the incident.

The dashboard separated the windshield. This is a distraction to the consumers view. Please provide more information.

The consumer noticed that dash board cover lifted up, exposing installation. The dealership and manufacturer were contacted. The speedometer was replaced shortly after the dash began to come apart. The entire defroster cover was coming off and was pushing insulation out into the vent.

While driving dashboard became unglued and popped up, causing poor visibility. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

I have a 1999 Ford Contour. A few years ago the top of the dash warped, came up really high. It was an unsightly mess, noisy, and it also raised questions on whether the passenger side air bag would work correctly. At that time it was repaired by Ford. However with time, the repair job makes some noises and doesn't look like it's holding as well as when it was done. Ford has washed their hands of this. I believe this to be a potential safety issue and believe Ford should stand behind this dashboard problem for the life of the car. Thank you.

Ford Contour svt dash warpage.

While driving, the dashboard unexpectedly became separated from the frame of the vehicle. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the vehicle was not on recall.

I received a letter from Ford in August 2001 that stated the following "the cover of the instrument panel has warped. . . . At no cost to you, your dealership will evaluate this condition and repair as required. This program will be in effect until August 31, 2002, regardless of mileage. " the dealership evaluated my car in late 2001 and stated that a repair was not necessary. However, by the summer of 2004, the warping has become so bad that the defroster grill bezel can no longer be retained by the instrument panel. Engineers at my company (which make instrument panels) stated that the warping creates a safety concern as the airbag deployment may be affected. Ford now refuses to repair the vehicle at their cost. I feel they should be liable as my vehicle was stored in the garage and therefore didn't receive the cumulative thermal energy required to warp the part prior to Ford's replacement program expiring.

Ford had customer satisfaction (not recall) on dashboard warping. This is safety issue, the dash rolls up so much it obscures cars or objects that are visible normally at the low angle of the wind screen. Such as going uphill or incline. Or even small children in front. The work to fasten the dash down to reduce obstruction only worked temporally.

My Ford Contour only has 69000 miles. Already, brakes have had to be replaced twice, dashboard curling up about 6 inches and defrost cover has come loose blocking view, now the timing belt is going bad, had to replace to motor mount. Fuel pump also went out.

I have a 2000 Ford Contour and the top of the dashboard is very warped. It is curling up on both sides of the defrost vent area. It would be obscuring the field of vision of the driver if I hadn't wedged something next to the windshield to hold it down.

Consumer stated that the dashboard is peeling and the heat/air does not circulate properly. It is beginning to cover the vents, and the windshield cannot be cleared. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated they have seen vehicles worst than his. The manufacturer indicated that this was a cosmetic problem.

My dashboard is warping. I bought this car used and it appears to be the second dashboard put in. This is a dangerous issue. It does obstruct the view. The dashboard is curling toward the inside of the car.

2000 Ford Contour-service bulletin 01b78 was issued for warped dashboard. The warping occurs near the windshield and vents for the defroster. The warped dashboard obscures the driver's view. In addition, the defroster does not work properly. Ford has discontinued repairs.

Dashboard is peeling up from windshield, defrost panel is now free floating on the dash. At this time the dash is peeling up near the air bag and I have concerns of it deploying while driving. I have contact Ford there was a recall on this very item which has now expired. I was not notified (I am the only owner). They have refuse to extend the recall to cover this defect. I have been told that it will be $1500. 00 to replace the dash. I was told by Ford that I indeed was not notified and that the dealerships were aware of this problem and should have noticed it. My cat was in the shop for 3 months during the recall time and the dealership never checked my vehicle for this defect. I feel that Ford should at their cost replace my dash. This is a extreme safety hazard.

The dashboard is separating after being repaired on a recall. Windshield is very hard to defrost because of this condition.

The contact stated the plastic dashboard delaminated from the foam. The dashboard laminate was pushing upward, thus hindering the contact's vision through the front window. He contacted the manufacturer, and they said it was under review, and that it was cosmetic. Also, he is also experienced fuel pump and water pump problems. Under hard acceleration the fuel pump shut off. The dealership stated the contact's vehicle needed a new fuel pump. The bearings on the water pump failed and the vehicle overheated. .