Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
SUSPENSION
08E033000FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS E (Equipment)690305/22/2008MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY04/14/200804/17/2008
Defect SummaryFederal mogul is recalling 6,903 aftermarket ball joint assemblies shipped between november 9, 2007 and march 26, 2008, which may have been packaged with incorrect nuts. the part numbers packaged with incorrect nuts are: k7147, k7329, k8683, and 104353. these parts were made for use on the various vehicles listed above.
Consequence SummaryThe nuts included in the packaging for these ball joint assemblies are missing the intended prevailing torque (self-locking) feature. if the incorrect nut was to become loose, the joining members may loosen leading to a separation of the ball joint. this may result in loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Corrective SummaryFederal mogul will notify owners and replace the parts free of charge. the recall began on may 22, 2008. owners can contact federal mogul at 877-489-6659.
NotesThis recall only pertains to aftermarket ball joint assemblies and has no relation to any original equipment installed on vehicles manufactured by the vehicle manufacturers.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
SUSPENSION
609173805/01/19996091738Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration at 60 - 70 mph (100 - 115 kph). *tt11/14/2000
734411/01/1999610781Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration at 60-70 mph. *tt05/15/2000
1336410/01/1999609651Customer may comment on vibration at 60 - 70 mph at cruise. *tt04/05/2000
1338710/01/1999609663Vehicles with rear disc brakes may exhibit a squeak in the rear suspension area. *tt04/05/2000
991278105/01/1999607100Experiencing vibration at 60 - 70 mph (110 - 12- kph). *tt09/13/1999
632006/01/1999606800Concerns with vibration at 60 - 70 mph. *tt09/02/1999
SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING
1524101/01/2002630024Some vehicles may exhibit a noise that appears to come from the front wheel bearings. *tt04/11/2002
1524109/01/2001625783Some vehicles may exhibit a noise that appears to come from the front wheel bearings. *tt12/03/2001
SUSPENSION - REAR
974602/17/199751688Transaxle- cd4e- harsh shift and/or engagement- diagnostic trouble code (dtc) 628 or p0741- service tip. *jd06/27/1997
BC050196111111/11/199650767Squeaks from the rear suspension. *tw06/17/1997

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
SUSPENSION
PE98050FORD MOTOR COMPANY09/14/199802/04/1999FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FAILURE
 Alleged that the front suspension coil springs may fracture with the vehicle in motion, potentially posing a compromise to the driver's ability to control the vehicle.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SUSPENSION
01/12/201398000
 Tl* the contact owns a 1995 ford contour. the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the contact noticed that the front passenger side tire was flat. the tire was replaced with a spare, which was also punctured. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the mechanic stated that the front driver and passenger side coil spring would have to be replaced as well as the spare tire. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
01/12/201398000
 Tl- the contact owns a 1995 ford contour. the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the contact noticed that the front passenger side tire was flat. the tire was replaced with a spare, which was also punctured. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the mechanic stated that the front driver and passenger side coil spring would have to be replaced as well as the spare tire. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 98,000. mah
01/12/201398000
 Tl- the contact owns a 1995 ford contour. while driving approximately 5 mph front passenger side tire was flat. the contact replaced the tire with the spare tire and noticed the spare tire also punctured. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the mechanic stated the front driver and passenger side coil spring would have to be replaced as well as the spare tire. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 98,000. da
06/15/200375000
 The car has always run hot and i have had the compressor fixed and a month later i know have a burnt out blower motor that seems to be a common problem. i never was notified about the recall and than was told i missed the cut off date to file for a repair, bottom line i wasnt covered. i also brought my car in a day before my warranty was up and they didnt honor it, i was told it was too late.
 Coil springs are cracked in rear and front. vehicle has been to the dealership.*ak
 Suspension problem
06/17/19991
 Vehicle was experiencing vibration and wobble in the steering prior to accident, vehicle lost control resulting in vehicle roll over due to possible suspension failure, causing injury. mjs
03/01/1996812/28/1995
 Electrical system failure causing vehicle to stall when weather conditions are rainy, wet, or cold. tires wear unevenly due to bent suspension bar.
08/16/19956
 Suspension makes noises.
SUSPENSION - FRONT
05/05/20081370001
 I had both front coil springs on my 1995 ford contour fail (left spring broke into two pieces, the right into three). resulted in car drifting back and forth. no response from dealership. *tr
01/02/2002111/01/1994
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
06/01/1998706/01/1998
 Vehicle was found to be in a accident,wobbled at 55,dealer can not/will not fix it.
01/28/199904/01/1996
 Front coil spring broke, making it hard to steer the vehicle. dealer has not seen. *ak
11/01/1997108/01/1997
 Only when turning right over bumpy road. 10-20 mph. the suspension(?) makes a grinding/chaffing noise.
03/25/1995
 Front suspension vibration. *ak
07/11/19961
 Front suspension failure. *dh
02/12/19962
 Vehicle vibrates. *sd
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER ARM
07/01/1995
 Lower control arm bushings are disentegrating in the lower control arms on both sides causing excessive tire wear, vibration and loss of directional control while braking.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT
10/27/1998
 When driving the vehicle and applying the brake or gas pedal the vehicle will pull to the right and left due to the fact that the part that holds the lower ball joints onto the control arm broke apart. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - MACPHERSON STRUT
05/11/2000204/06/2000
 One of front and two of rear coil springs broke, consumer states the springs were so sharp they could of ruptured tires.*ak the rear struts and the two rear coil springs were replaced by dealer at consumer's cost. *yh *slc
09/09/1997
 While stopping at an intersection, turned steering wheel to the right as to enter street, right front lurched into air and slammed back into pavement due to fron twheel comin g off. towed to repair shop wher eit was discovered that front strut broke. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SHOCK ABSORBER
08/01/19951
 Noisy shocks. *skd
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS
01/01/19011
 1995 ford contour had front coil spring failure. *mr during an inspection the technician informed the consumer that both front coil springs had failed. the manufacturer was contacted and informed the consumer that he vehicle was not part of any recalls. the consumer had recently received a recall for his 2001 ford taurus for front coil springs and believes this vehicle should be included in the recall. *bf *nm
10/07/20041230001
 Found all 4 springs broken, there is an extended warrenty on front but not on the rear. i feel this is a safety concern. *ak
09/08/200459750211/15/1999
 In 2002, rear spring broke on her 1995 ford contour. we were unaware of the breakage, until a repair shop fixing the car for another problem informed us. we took the car to a local tire shop and they replaced the rear spring. now, sept. 8, 2004 when taking our 1995 ford contour to the shop for noise and difficulty driving, we find that the front spring had broken. we were advised to have the car towed, not driven to a local tire/front end shop for replacement. after getting suspicious, i checked the internet and found out that other people have had trouble with springs breaking on their ford contour. this ford contour had less than 60,000 miles. i called the local ford shop and was informed that we could bring the vehicle to them for replacement. at that point, our car had already been disassembled and the bad spring replaced. we had not received any notification of a possible failure of springs, let a lone two springs to break under 60,000 miles and two years apart. so far ford has not responded to my request to reimburse us for any of the charges from the tire/front end shop. i am very concerned about this failure of a spring in the back and front of this ford contour. now we have three new springs (replaced two in front and one in back), but still have one old spring on the back which hasn't been replaced. this should be a serious recall, not a program, and everyone should be notified. we actually had the car in to the shop in 2001 for another recall, so i can't figure out why ford did not notify us about the spring problem. ford needs to replace all their springs on this vehicle. this car has had enormous repairs from airconditioning, timing belts, steering problems, etc., but this spring situation could result in serious accidents. my guess is there are many more vehicles out there unaware that this was a customer satisfaction program. it should be a recall.*ak
1512291
 Refusal of ford motor company to reimburse for broken coil springs.*mr the dealer was contacted and denied the consumer reimbursement for the broken coil springs.*cb *jb
04/06/200362400105/12/1995
 The vehicle experienced a severe steering problem due to a broken spring. mechanic found all four springs were broken. the mechanic stated all four springs appeared to have been broken for a long time. the car is only used on paved roads. *jb
 When making a left or a right hand turn whole assembly moves. also, springs shift, causing poor steering control. consumer has taken tvehicle to dealer, dealer unable to determine cause of problem. please provide any further details. *ak
 While traveling heard a noise around front tire. while pulling in driveway noticed a pice of coil spring. please provide further information.*ak
03/16/2001109/01/1995
 Consumer was traveling about 30mph on a side streetand heard a rubbing noise. then, left front tire exploded. tire dropped down on consumer, but she was able to pull over. coil spring on the left front side broke, and punctured tire, causing four inch slash inside of tire. *ak consumer states there is an extended warranty on the front coils, but believes this is a safety hazard and shouldb a recall. *jb
05/11/2000204/06/2000
 One of front and two of rear coil springs broke, consumer states the springs were so sharp they could of ruptured tires.*ak the rear struts and the two rear coil springs were replaced by dealer at consumer's cost. *yh *slc
11/01/2000109/01/1995
 In oct 1999 american ford told us that the front drivers suspension spring was broken and needed replacement. costin us $262 for fix. now a year later they tell us the rear spring is broken and needs replacement. this time for a cost of $400 aprx. *ak
10/31/1998110/01/1998
 All 4 coil springs have broken. ford campaign 98m04 covers the front coil springs for 2.0l engine vehicles. there is no recall or extended warranty campaign for the rear springs. the dealer and their ford service rep cannot explain why my 2.5l engine vehicle is not covered under 98m04, though the same defective steel is used in both. i have researched front and rear coil spring failures for my vehicle on the internet and discovered a very significant number of 1995 contour/mystique owners have complained of both front and rear coil spring failures. these owners, not covered under 98m04, have received no satisfaction from ford motor company. my dealer has reported very little cooperation from ford motor company while investigating my vehicle's coil spring problem.
 While in reverse front coil spring separated from vehicle . dealer has replaced coil springs. *ak
05/21/2000103/01/2000
 I heard a noise in the front end when turning the steering wheel looked under front end and found a broken piece of spring hanging near bottom of strut took it to the dealer for repairs. estimate was $275.00 for new springs and a front end alignment. springs were on back order at several dealers, seems to be a hard to come by item as so many are broken that i have seen.*ak
10/21/199911/01/1998
 Consumer has been having problems with the front end springs. had a recall notice for repairs. tok car in to ford dealer to have recall work done. front springs were broke. wa snot informed that consumer had to pay for the alignment that needed to be done. evidently, whevever front springs are replaced an alignment has to be done. dealer insisted that alignment was not covered under the recall. *ak
05/04/1999109/23/1996
 Recall on the front coil springs does not cover back coil springs which were rusted and broken (inadequate recall)(98m04). mjs
02/01/19991
 Recall for the front coil spring only extends warranty coverage to pay for defective front spring replacement caused by corrosion, consumer is not satisfied with warranty and feels that replacement of defective spring should be the repair. mjs (98v-094)
03/01/1999101/01/1998
 Ford recalled front coil springs, but not the back coil springs.
05/01/1998106/01/1996
 Each time dealer was contacted, he informed me, there was no point in contacting anyone because the problems were 'no big deal' . it seems as though we have replaced a rather significant number of parts for a car that is only three years old. when we had the front coil spring replaced, the mechanic told us he'd never seen so much rust under a 3 year old car. he also said new struts would be needed already next year too.
1
 Rear sway bar squeaking, front left spring broke and axle broken.
03/03/19974
 The consumer has experienced problems with front and rear coil springs. four coil springs broke off vehicle. the manufacturer has been contacted. *ak
107/01/1996
 Front coil spring broken.
04/01/1997101/15/1995
 Right front spring broke.
05/05/1998201/19/1996
 Left front spring broke causing brake failure.
109/01/1995
 Front left spring broke.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - TORSION BAR
03/22/20011
 Sway bar links needed replaced. *slc
03/15/1999
 1.) replaced ignition switch on two occasions; 2.) frontal torsion bar had to be replaced; 3.) air bag in steering wheel has a rattle noise when turning wheel, and 4.) air bag senor light intermittently comes on. dealer notified and made all repairs except rattle in air bag on steering wheel, and the air bag sensor light that come on intermittently. feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak
 Driving through wet roads steering will lock up, lasting for about 15 seconds, and causing a loss of control. dealer has replaced sway bar and serpentine belt, but defect keeps occurring. cause is still unknown. *ak
06/01/19992
 Sway bar broke on two different occasions, making it unsafe when turning. consumer has contacted dealer. dealer has replaced the parts. please provide any further details. *ak
03/21/1998105/26/1995
 Sway bar failed.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - STABILIZER BAR
06/15/1997907/15/1995
 I have a 1995 ford contour and i paid over $16,000.00 for it. i have had nothing but trouble since i got this car. i have 50,888 miles and the transmission has been replaced 2 times and worked on 4 times. water pump went out, air went out all wiring covers has crumbled off leaving exposed wires to start a fire and much more. i have been treated like i was a child and didn't know any better with the dealership and ford motor company. i now have a car that i can't drive because it is a fire hazard. i want something done to my satisfaction. i know they quit making the 1995 ford contour because there were so many manufacturer problems. i am now told they can't get parts to fix the car and i can't trade it in on another one. i am a female and i am tired of the treatment i'm receiving from ford. my car has always been serviced at a ford dealership. i have contacted several agencys concerning my problems. *jb
03/01/2002
 Consumer had replaced stablizer bar and links due to rust. please provide any further information. *ak
10/07/2000203/01/1999
 Gas sensor failed early on, had it fixed. shortly thereafter the emergency brake failed, had that fixed. now both rear springs have broken, one front bearing has been replaced and there might be a problem with front stabiliser bar. contacted ford this morning and was informed that i would have to take the vehicle to a ford dealer for verification purposes unfortunately the vehicle poses a danger due to a loose spring in the back. the vehicle has been maintained by grosse pointe autoworks located 1/2 block off my house since the day i bought it. dealerships are ca 9+ miles away and have never been consumer friendly when i have contacted them. please advise as to recourse regarding the irresponsive ford motor co.
05/27/1999111/11/1995
 Sway bars front and rear failed. *et
01/14/2000102/01/1995
 Service bulletin on stabilizer bar issued in 1996. problem existed since 40,000 miles. *ak
02/12/1999109/23/1996
 Front stabilizer bar failed. mjs
06/01/1999202/01/1997
 The stabilizer bar and pins have been replaced twice once under warranty and once after in a two year period. also dealer states that they sale many stabilizer bars for this car year particularly. *ak
05/27/1999111/11/1995
 Sway bars front and rear failed. *et
03/19/1997105/26/1995
 Stabilizer bar failed.
109/01/1995
 Front left stabilizer bar jointfailed.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING
10/07/2000203/01/1999
 Gas sensor failed early on, had it fixed. shortly thereafter the emergency brake failed, had that fixed. now both rear springs have broken, one front bearing has been replaced and there might be a problem with front stabiliser bar. contacted ford this morning and was informed that i would have to take the vehicle to a ford dealer for verification purposes unfortunately the vehicle poses a danger due to a loose spring in the back. the vehicle has been maintained by grosse pointe autoworks located 1/2 block off my house since the day i bought it. dealerships are ca 9+ miles away and have never been consumer friendly when i have contacted them. please advise as to recourse regarding the irresponsive ford motor co.
SUSPENSION - REAR
10/05/2002101/01/2095
 This is the third spring to break on this vehicle....not good. mr
08/15/2001311/01/1995
 Replace both rear springs 7/15/2000. now the right front is broken.*ak
10/20/19971
 Sway bar link failed causing noise when making turns. nlm
10/04/2000101/01/1995
 Broken spring-front spring has extened warranty back doesnt
05/27/1999111/11/1995
 Sway bars front and rear failed. *et
07/18/199904/01/1998
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
2
 The rear sway bar is being replaced for the 2nd time by the dealer . please provide further details. *ak
06/01/1999205/01/1995
 No summary
10/01/1995
 Regarding nhtsa item number: sb039188, it is not the spare tire. both my car and my mothers car have the same thunking sound and we completely emptied the trunks trying to locate the source. i suspect that it is near the rear fuel filler area.
05/27/1999111/11/1995
 Sway bars front and rear failed. *et
1
 Rear sway bar squeaking, front left spring broke and axle broken.
SUSPENSION - REAR - SHOCK ABSORBER
05/03/2000211/01/1998
 Bad shocks and struts. *ak
03/20/19961
 Right rear strut noise.
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS
03/01/2002
 While driving there is a rattling noise that occurs with in rear end of vehicle caused by broken coil srpings. please provide any further information.*ak
 My coil spring on the right side (rear) broken. ford has a recall for the front coil spring. i took it to the ford dealership and they said that there wasn't nothing they could do about it because they can only fix the front coil spring if it was broken then they will have to fix all of them. but since it was my back that had broken they can't do nothing about it and that it is a general maintaince problem that i have to fix. i took my car to 4 different repais shops and they said the rear coil spring broken is common in these types of cars. *ak
1
 The vehicle's rear spring was found broken, the consumer says that there were numerous reports from other owners of the same make for rear spring corrosion and breaking. *yh
 Rear end of vehicle has dropped due to rear coil springs rusting and breaking. dealer said could cause a blowout.*ak
07/01/1999108/01/1996
 Front coil springs covered by extended warranty. rear springs are similar and subject to the same environment. failure of rear springs can be hazardous especially if vehicle is used for light towing. *ak
04/02/2001210/01/2000
 Both rear coil springs broken. see www.contour.org and go to the problems forum for more complaints about this. this is a serious safety issue.*ak
04/03/20011
 Rear coil spring fractured and needed replacement. dealer notified, and informed consumer that it was not covered under a recall. *ak *slc
03/19/20012
 Three coil springs had been broken. dealer told consumer that only front coil spring were cover by recall, but not rear ones. had to be replaced by consumer. *ak consumer also have a second 1995 ford contour vin # 1falp6533sk207607 two coil springs are broken on that vehicle. *yh
07/07/2000110/29/1997
 Rear coil springs broken in 3 pieces on driver's side. dealer and manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not cover under a recall. *ak
05/01/1998106/01/1996
 Rear coil spring broke. front one did too, but was recalled. there should be a recall for the rear also.
 Rear coil springs have rusted completely through, causing a safety hazard. *ak
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS
10/11/2004850001
 Both rear springs where broken. i feel this is a safety hazard. customer said the front springs had been replaced at an earlier date. *ak
10/10/20041230001
 All 4 springs were broken. i feel this is a safety hazard and concern. *ak
06/16/200389195206/02/1999
 While driving the rear coil spring failed. this was the second failure of the coil spring and it appeared to be rusted. *ak *cb *nlm
05/15/19961
 During vehicle operation when making a right turn, an unusual noise coming from the torsion bar due to cracked rubber boot.
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY
08/01/2001208/01/1997
 Both rear springs broke allowing the body to lower so that the tires were almost against the wheel wells. if they had contacted eachother while driving, immediate catastrophic damage could have occurred to the tires, or the car's steering could have been affected. i understand that this is a common occurrence with ford contours and that though ford extended the warrenty period on the front springs due to breakage, they refuse to do so with theb rear springs. this is a very serious problem and ford should be made to address it before somebody is seriously injured.*ak
05/01/2001106/01/1999
 I have written to ford to request a refund of repair work due to inferior springs. i am also sending a written statement to you (nhtsa). *ak
 The rear coil spring broke, which may cause a tire blowout and loss of control. there is a recall for the front coil spring, but not for the rear coil springs. *ak
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY - LEAF
04/18/2001109/01/1999
 I own a 1995 ford contour se, 2.5l v6, with a manual transmision. i am a memeber of a car enthusiasts club called the contour enthusiasts group. after reading a post in the web site about boken rear springs i thought that maybe the noise i had been hearing coming from the rear of my car might be that my springs were broke. upon inspection i found both the right and left rear springs to be broken in almost the same exact spot. i have yet to remove them but they look to be broken atleast a full revalution up the spring. i have never had a car that the springs broke on. and from what i have been reading on the ceg website it seems to be a very common problem. i feel this could be a very dangerous situation if these were to fail while driving and cut down a tire. here is the web address for the thread about broaken springs http://contour.org/forums/forum3/html/002627.html and the address for the contour enthusiasts group web page http://www.contour.org/ there are other posts about broken springs in the problems forum.*ak