Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
06E022000BRAKE PARTS, INC. E (Equipment)744003/20/2006MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY03/13/200603/13/2006
Defect SummaryCertain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain ford, daimlerchrysler, and jeep passenger vehicles. these brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. only products that were manufactured from july 27, 2005 through january 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. when subject to very cold temperatures, an internal seal in the master cylinder could lose flexibility and may cause brake fluid to leak.
Consequence SummaryLoss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
Corrective SummaryAffinia (brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. the recall began on march 20, 2006. owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
NotesThis recall only pertains to aftermarket napa, raybestos, ac delco, aimco, carquest, and bendix brake hydraulic master cylinders and has no relation to any original equipment installed on daimlerchrysler or ford vehicles.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
98321602/13/1998607431Some vehicles may exhibit multiple wheel speed sensor codes. *tt09/23/1999
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
984503/02/1998601264Availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment. *yc07/15/1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
98030904/01/1998603503Information regarding multiple abs codes. *yc02/23/1999
BC0300A9702002/01/199751594Multiple abs codes. *tw06/27/1997
BC026697020101/02/199751101Communication errors may be encountered when testing 1995 my contour/mystique equipped with abs. can no longer be used due to sheet metal revision. *jd06/27/1997
9521210/01/199546478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes is no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. if petroleum-based grease is used to lubricate any par04/25/1996
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT
BC020197020101/02/199751071Abs light on/wheel speed sensor codes may be caused by corrosion of terminals. *jd06/27/1997
BC100869702001/02/199751138Abs light on/wheel speed sensor codes may be caused by corrosion of terminals at the hcu and wire harness 22 pin connector. *jd06/27/1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
1270705/01/19996091681Some vehicles may exhibit a front brake groan. *tt11/09/2000
620105/01/1999607020Experiencing a front brake groan during city driving. *tt11/03/2000
9919409/20/19996090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement. *tt03/06/2000
998905/03/1999606409Some vehicles may exhibit a groaning noise from the front brakes during city driving. *tt08/19/1999
985A1103/18/1998601009Service tip information regarding elimination of sanding rotors and drums. *yc06/17/1998
9622210/21/199650941Brakes - elimination of sanding rotors and drums - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
985A1303/18/1998601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes is no longer acceptable. *yc06/17/1998
956203/01/199539900Roughness concern during brake application. *tw11/01/1995
BC891695040104/01/19953012500Unknown11/01/1995
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
BC050396111111/11/199650769Improved front brake pad. *tw06/17/1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
981401/19/1998605562Subject regarding the availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment. *tt07/09/1999
985A503/18/1998601003Hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment from rotunda is now approved for warranty and service use. *yc06/17/1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - SHOES/LININGS
98308102/26/1998607373Concerns with incorrect brake shoe / lining assembly. *tt09/21/1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE LIGHT
0217609/02/200210008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. *mj08/05/2004
BC010096010212/01/199546425Discharged battery or brake lights stuck on may be caused by a mal- adjusted brake light switch.04/25/1996

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT
02/01/20011
 My abs light has been on continuously for many years. a search of the internet allowed me to find many others who have the same issue with the ford contour. it appears to not be specific to any one model year. my vehicle is a 1995, but i have seen internet queries for many other newer vehicles. what is in common is that the abs system on the ford contour is faulty causing one to have to spend $4,000 to get it repaired, or drive with less affective brakes. have you received any other queries about the ford contour abs failure?*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - INTERCONNECTING ASSEMBLY(WIRING)
11/20/2002
 Consumer states that all electrical system wire are burned in the front of the vehicle, causing dashboard damage. dealer has been notified. please provide further information. ts
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
12/11/1997505/15/1997
 Brake failure.
09/25/1996107/15/1996
 Brake rotors warped.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
02/15/20010
 I'm a hearing impaired driver/owner of ford '95 contour gl (low-incomer, average $21,000 a year). i've bought this car in 1997 from a minneapolis-area ford dealership (quality auto dealership in bloomington, minnesota). at the time, i had less than $10,000 to pay for a recent used car(one that is within 2-3 years after it came on the market). i tried out few cars and the white 1995 ford contour gl. the dealer insisted that '95 ford contour gl was a good buy at an affordable price. i was willing to trade up my old car to reduce the price but it was still too high for me since it didn't included other fees like the title and registration license. after a short, persuasive negotiation, i got the dealer to agree to mark down to $9995 and i accepted that. so i bought the car. after a few days, i was experiencing a problem with it, so i had it towed back to the dealership and later told me that the whole engine was bad and need to be replaced. i was stunned but they were willing to do the repair for free. it took me a week to get my car back. everything went fairly fine for the next couple years. in 1999, the air-conditioner in my car stopped working and it was too expensive to repair at the time. i moved to columbus, oh in jan. 2000. for the last 3 years, that car has become a trouble for me. one repair after the next. the biggest repair cost i've paid out was $2060.43 to replace a flywheel. i have tried to take good care of my car by taking it to jiffy lube for oil/check-ups every 3-6 months faithfully and i'm still having trouble with my car. right now, it is at another ford service because there may be defected wiring coils in my car (a dealer recall that i'm not aware of). i have kept all the service maintenance papers in file for all the repairs and services on my car. i wanted a new car and i'm not very happy. i'm tired of paying for the repairs. thank you, rob
07/12/1996
 Brake problems--has had the car serviced multiple times, but the problem still exists.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
05/17/2001105/01/1995
 With 3 to 4 car lengths in optimal dry daylight weather conditions the car failed to stop at a cruising speed of 35mph, the condition of the brake rotors and pads are in good condition. *ak
03/01/20012
 When it rains it is difficult to drive car, feels like vehicle is locking up, in order to drive consumer has to put in tracking control when it is on the abs light comes on, vehicle had 6 codes in system all had to be cleared to verify problem, right front wheel sensor was replaced. *jb
04/16/20011
 Consumer took vehicle for manufacturer's recall 99mo3. vehicle was experiencing poor traction control, and abs lights were on constantly. dealer said wiring harness could cause it not to work. dealer won't do recall because title was branded. dealer was wood house ford in blair ne. phone no. 402-926-4126. *ak *slc
02/14/20010
 Consumer was traveling 34mph when brakes didn't hold. when applying brakes pedal went up and down. dealership was aware of problem.*ak
10/20/19975
 Brake light illuminates while backing up and a rubbing noise is heard, consumer hears vibration in the steering wheel, brakes are grabbing, abs light illuminates (dealer replaced front disc brakes, brake pads, machined rotors, cleaned/lubed caliper slides, repacked wheel bearings, abs sensor). nlm
09/30/1999007/04/1995
 Traction control and abs brake warning light came on. took to dealer. they said consumer needed a new computer , totalling $1200. consumer paid to have it fixed, and there is still no traction control or abs brakes. currently, dealer indicated that consumer needed wiring harness that connects to computer. a mechanic said it was a problem with these particular cars that water gets in the wiring harness and shorts out the computer. also,consumer said if braking in skid car would keep going. *ak
10/01/1995
 Had to replaced brakes. headlights dim when brake is pressed,interior lights stay on when left tail light goes out (replaced 4 times since 1996) steering wheel bounces up and down when sitting with car running and in gear must put car in neutral at stop lights or sitting in gear, so as to not get vibrated to death, mech-not able to fix problem, just the way car is built.
01/20/1999501/01/1995
 Failure of defective manifold gasket caused power assist failure in accident avoidance situation. had i not been able to swerve around stopped car, vehicle would not have stopped in time to avoid collision due to drastic reduction in braking. dealer reports that this has occurred on a number of different model years recently. gasket is unavailable for replacement for over 2 weeks because it is being redesigned. customer service stated not to take in personal that they would not cover this safety defect. the problem with this defect is that it is sudden and without notice. car ran rough for a few days, but gave no indication of potential brake failure until it was almost too late. thank you for your consideration. *ak
12/01/1998
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
07/11/1999102/01/1995
 The transmission started to shift really hard, and i noticed that the transmission fluid was low. i added fluid and the problem lessened, but was still there. also there was a strange high pitched sound coming from the transmission. as it turned out, we had a brake system failure as well. so i took the car to the dealership. after fixing the brakes (apx $600) they informed me that the transmission had to be replaced. i wanted a second opinion, so i paid for the brakes and left. a few days later while my wife was driving the car the transmission locked and destroyed itself. i had the car towed to the closest place which was aamco resulting in a $2,500 bill and a car that is still in the shop. *ak
11/18/1998505/01/1996
 They don't know why my engine cuts out. i believe problem is left over from all the work they did on abs and cat. converter changeover. they will not warranty car now that factory warranty expired. refused to install flight recorder to troubleshoot. dealer refused to offer extended warranty at no charge since they are the cause of the problems. dealer replaced entire lh wiring harness when repairing abs, left many loose ends all over the car. *ak
02/04/1998205/01/1996
 After the complete replacement of the abs, my car is now full of electrical bugs that they will not warranty. engine stalls, etc.
1012/01/1995
 Experienced loss of steering, brakes, & electrical while driving vehicle in wet conditions. *ak
05/21/1999
 The abs braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance which may cause a crash, and abs light kept coming on. also, dealer had to replace wiring harness. it is common problem. please provide further information. *ak
11/17/19983
 Brakes: when turning or stopping & brakes are in use,they would make scrubbing noises. have taken to mechanic for repairs. problem still exists. also, transmission would jerk when changing gears. gear placement makes no difference when it happens. had rebuilt transmission replaced. problem still exists. vehicle runs hot. radiator makes clicking noise when turned on. *ak
03/14/1999310/01/1998
 My brakes failed 3 times for 2-3 second intervals traveling anywhere from 30-60 mph. ford has told me that both components need replaced in order to repair this problem. the service manager agreed with me that this is a premature defect. i agree and also believe it is a safety hazard. the want to charge me $2200-$2400 to repair something that is their fault. *ak
08/05/1998304/19/1997
 Brakes are going into the magg wheels. the dealer has put three sets of brakes on vehicle. *ak
604/01/1995
 When taken in to dealership it will be 2 weeks before they can fix we have snow and ice which make driving hazardous enough without abs brake system locking
10/27/19981
 Going 40-45mph towards a curb. applied brakes, vehicle failed to stop. steered to side of road. steering hard to control. crossed median & hit metal fence pole. air bags did not deploy upon impact. *ak
11/01/199808/01/1995
 Abs light illuminated,ford dealer spent 2.2 hours diagnostic time, charging $139.00 to advise abs module failed due to water intrusion. dealer says they have received several similair compaints and even a technical bulletin on manufacturing defect. dealer advised they would charge me only $1277.00, parts and labor to replace the defective abs module. i feel this totally the manufacturers failure to design the abs module properly, to withstand normal underhood conditions.please help!
 Abs brakes and traction control system failed.
01/04/1996605/26/1995
 Abs system failed, causing loss of control.
02/20/1998501/26/1998
 While driving vehicle about any mph the consumer has been having problems with the brakes when he stops, the vehicle does stop, but heard a grinding noise like a metal to metal. he took vehicle to shop, and they said had found that inside pads were wearing out and the outside pad did not. rotors had been also having problems. *ak
08/20/19971
 When driving on uneven road any speed above 5mph and application of brakes will cause brakes to collapse, consumer checked master cylinder and it is full. there is no leak in brake line. *ak *jb
02/01/1997505/01/1995
 When applying the abs brakes on icy or wet pavement the pedal is hard to apply and excessive pressure is needed to get the vehicle to stop which caused extended stopping distance. *ak
10/10/19951
 85% of the time when applying the brakes and backing out there is a loud noise coming from the right rear. the vehicle has abs.*ak
03/01/19951
 Antilock brakes failed. *sd
04/13/1996
 Abs: anti lock brakes and steering wheel locked up; vehicle ran into a parked truck; no warning; occurred after applying brakes. *ak
 While driving, noticed abs light appeared, then made attempt to slow/stop, hit patch of ice, brakes locked, sled into oncoming traffic and was hit. *ak
 At 15mph suddenly rear wheels locked in snow and ice conditions, spun around 360 degrees in intersection in on coming traffic, second occurence brake locked up.
01/03/1996
 Abs system failure, on slippery surfaces abs system will not function properly, in snow or ice there is partial loss of braking. tt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
03/01/19995011/01/1994
 Traction control light remains on despite replacement of components by dealer. the light is supposed to illuminate when the system does not operate. yet the system does operate. the dealer reccommended replacement of the hcu unit, yet the anitlock brakes work ok.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
11/01/2000
 Engine/ brakes/ starter /catalytic converter/ fuel pump and fuse failed. dealership was aware of problem vehicle wouldn't start, and radiator went out also. *ak
01/01/20000
 Consumer was smelling smoke inside of vehicle , starter/ brakes and other parts were replaced. dealership was aware of problem.*ak
105/01/1999
 Design flaw in engine is causing a vibration in steering wheel ,gear shift and down in brake pedal. it has become worse. currently, vehicle jerks forward. *ak consumer states vehicle jerks and pulsates while braking. *slc
04/04/19955
 Consumer has been experiencing problems with steering and brakes. during inclement weather power steering goes out and the power brakes fail. also, the battery light illuminates. the manufacturer has been contacted. *ak *ml
503/01/1996
 Front and rear brake making excessive groaning noise. repeated repairs have been nessary yet the problem remains. yh *mjs
07/26/1999702/01/1998
 Possible defect in brake design resulting in repairs seven times with multiple rotor, caliper, and pad replacements. *yc
1006/01/1997
 1: in cold weather, parking brake willn't release thus drags tires. 2: calipers don't fully disengage; noticable dragging (weather not factor) 3: dealer reluctant to assist.
02/01/1996
 While applying the brakes, there is a noise and extended stopping distance which may cause an accident. dealer replaced brakes 5 times. cause unknown. also problems with transmission, and the passenger rear seatbelt buckle is broken which wont protect the occupant in event of an accident. please provide further details. david randolph called on behalf of his sister mary hatzell. please direct any questions to him. *ak
109/01/1995
 Brake failure.
08/26/1996107/12/1996
 The brakes were making a grinding noise, due to a missing spring.
107/12/1996
 Brake flude leaks.
12/23/1996107/01/1995
 Brakes failed.
10/23/1995301/01/1995
 Brakes failed three times.
12/13/19953
 Brakes grind when applied. *dh
06/14/19964
 Noisy brakes. *sd
04/06/1996105/01/1996
 Applied brakes with cruise control on, brakes failed, brake pedal went to the floor, vehicle lost control, resulting in an accident/injury. *ak
12/06/19956
 Brakes failed. *sd
 Hydraulic brakes; upon applying brakes @ speed less 10 mph, applied brakes and they seized up. please describe details. *ak
05/17/19957
 Brakes failed/noisy.
07/27/1995
 Belt slippage, which causes loss power steering and power brakes. tt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
08/04/200012/01/1999
 I hvae had problems ever since i first purchased the car 8 months ago, starting with engine failure due to a missing vacuum cap. next, i encountered a drive belt that was on the verge of breaking, it was severly cracked. the brake calipers were sticking causing major veering when stopping at speeds over 40, and this also resulted in warping my rotors. also, for the first 7 months, my check engine light would come on periodically, but after a couple of fuel injector cleaners, it was much better. then, on a cross country trip, the car's idle worsened, its power decreased,at a stop, the car would start having a convulsion like feel and sound, from a stop, it wouldn't accelerate until a click in the engine could be heard. then the acceleration was very lurching and sputtery. after a diagnostic, i was informed that it was not the original engine. the mechanics sent me to the dealer who found the supposed cause of the problem. $400 later, my air mass sensor was replaced and the car seemed to do much better. however, in the past couple of weeks, the check engine light stays on the entire duration of driving, and the car has continued its lurching acceleration and convulsion like problem. the unpredictableness in my car has made me somewhat fearful to drive because i'm not sure what's going to happen next, and if i can afford to fix it. i'd like to know my buyer's rights and see if there's any resolution to be had..
09/30/1997409/01/1997
 The brek epads and discs wear down quickly. had to replace them every 10k miles. *ak
02/20/1998501/26/1998
 While driving vehicle about any mph the consumer has been having problems with the brakes when he stops, the vehicle does stop, but heard a grinding noise like a metal to metal. he took vehicle to shop, and they said had found that inside pads were wearing out and the outside pad did not. rotors had been also having problems. *ak
 At 20,000 miles the front brakes and the tires had to be replaced, cause unknown. please give any further details.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER
 Emergency brakes failed to release while vehicle was cold. after vehicle had warmed up, would release emergency brakes. rear disc brakes would stick after being released. water was getting into cables. have taken to dealership,and was informed by mechanic a new caliper, which was redesigned, would be needed along with brake cables. *ak
04/07/19991
 Calipers replaced due to design flaw with the brake system. also the front rotors were replaced due to failure. *yc
09/30/1998112/08/1997
 Had brake repairs done in may 1998 on front and rear brakes. currently, repairman informed consumer that the calipers are sticking, reason unknown . dealer not notified at this time. *ak
01/27/1996105/26/1995
 Brake calipers failed.
10/05/1996
 Failure on the brakes, the consumer needed to change the brakes too often, also failure on the rear windshield, the rear windshield shattered, sending glass fragments into the vehicle.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
06/01/1999111/11/1999
 Brake rotors and pads failed. *et
09/27/1996105/26/1995
 Brake pads failed.
01/22/1997102/01/1996
 Brake pads replaced.
08/01/1996
 Brake failure continuous replacement of rotors and pads, when driving vehicle makes grinding noise. *ak
 While backing out of driveway experiencd brake failure, pedal went to floor upon application of the brakes, dlr found pads were worn and rotors warped.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
06/01/1999111/11/1999
 Brake rotors and pads failed. *et
04/07/19991
 Calipers replaced due to design flaw with the brake system. also the front rotors were replaced due to failure. *yc
06/01/1999111/11/1999
 Brake rotors and pads failed. *et
12/12/1996105/26/1995
 Brake rotors failed.
06/01/1996
 During wet weather power steering and brakes fail while battery light comes on. in addition, replaced warped front/rear brake rotors. *ak
01/22/1997102/01/1996
 Brake pads replaced.
102/01/1996
 Brake rotors replaced.
08/01/1996
 Brake failure continuous replacement of rotors and pads, when driving vehicle makes grinding noise. *ak
 While backing out of driveway experiencd brake failure, pedal went to floor upon application of the brakes, dlr found pads were worn and rotors warped.*ak
12/06/19956
 Brake rotors warped. *sd
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM
08/14/19961
 Rear end noise when brakes are applied.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
 Emergency brakes failed to release while vehicle was cold. after vehicle had warmed up, would release emergency brakes. rear disc brakes would stick after being released. water was getting into cables. have taken to dealership,and was informed by mechanic a new caliper, which was redesigned, would be needed along with brake cables. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
06/03/1998104/19/1996
 I just want to know if anyone has reported leaky brake cyclinders.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - PEDALS AND LINKAGES
02/23/20031
 The accelerator and brake pedal was applied simultaneously.*jb
02/19/20031
 Consumer simultaneously pressed on the gas and brake pedal.*jb
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST
09/17/1995
 Connection blew and brake pedal and gear selector went to the floor. due to defective brake shift interlock mechanism. tt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - VACUUM
07/24/2000203/31/1995
 Air conditioner hose is routed against the brake booster vacuum hose, causing it to get hot and burn a hole through the brake hose, resulting in loss of brakes. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - VACUUM - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
07/08/19981
 Brakes failed due to faulty vaccum hose that was cut in half from rubbing against bracket, resulting in consumer hitting garage door.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE WARNING
107/12/1996
 Brake light stayed on all the time.