Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | ||||||||||||||||
| 00V367000 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | from 04/18/1994 to 12/29/1995 | V (Vehicle) | 262559 | 02/05/2001 | ODI | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 11/06/2000 | 11/07/2000 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Vehicle description: 1995 passenger vehicles equipped with the 2.0l and 2.5l engines, and 1996 vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines. tightening of the engine cooling fan motor bearings, up to and including motor stall, can result in increased motor torque and higher than normal motor current and accompanying high motor temperatures. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Overheating of the cooling fan motor due to excessive current can result in smoke and odors from bearing grease, insulation and other internal motor components. if electrical current continues to be applied to the motor, internal motor components could ignite possibly igniting other engine compartment components. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will install a positive temperature coefficient device in-line with each fan motor. ford will also extend the warranty on the engine cooling fan assembly to a total of 8 years of service or 100,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. if the vehicle already has more than 100,000 miles, this coverage will last until july 31, 2001. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Owner notification began february 5, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236). | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||||
| 98166 | 04/07/2000 | 609735 | The temperature gauge reads high in the normal range when engine is at normal operating temperature. | 04/07/2000 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||||
| 9886 | 04/27/1998 | 601236 | An engine coolant loss may occur from the engine block heater area. *yc | 07/10/1998 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN | |||||
| 00M13 | 01/01/2001 | 618047 | Owner notification program regarding additonal coverage for the engine cooling fan. *tt | 04/03/2001 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 98213 | 11/01/1998 | 603666 | Concerns with temperature reads high within normal range when engine is at normal operating temperature. *yc | 03/01/1999 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 03103 | 05/26/2003 | 10002767 | Vehicles without the coolant lock-off may exhibit a no start condition. *tt | 09/16/2003 | |
| 983590 | 01/06/1998 | 607852 | Information regarding the malfunction indicator light (mil) and misfire diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, p0304, p0305, and p0306 with no driveability concerns. *tt | 10/14/1999 | |
| 98B21 | 10/01/1998 | 604203 | Subject on engine block heaters. *tt | 04/19/1999 | |
| 982514 | 12/21/1998 | 603652 | Concerns with the timing arrows/flags on the back of the camshaft sprocket (s) are mis-marked by as much as 30 degrees rotation. *yc | 03/01/1999 | |
| 982672 | 04/01/1998 | 603570 | Some vehicles may exhibit a customers concern of a rattling sound from engine timing belt area during warm-up. *yc | 02/25/1999 | |
| 9874 | 04/13/1998 | 601343 | A new silicone gasket and sealant. *yc | 07/24/1998 | |
| BC0303970201 | 01/02/1997 | 51104 | Vibration at idle. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| 9741 | 02/17/1997 | 51678 | Hard start- cold ambient temperatures near or below -18 degrees celsius (0 degrees fahrenheit)- hehicles with 2.0l engine. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| BC9666961001 | 10/01/1996 | 50527 | 2.5l duratec engine exchanges no longer include front end accessory drive component, oil level indicator, water pump belt/tensioner, egr tube, linkshaft bracket or exhaust manifolds. *tt | 05/27/1997 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||||
| 01246 | 12/10/2001 | 630515 | Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure. *tt | 04/18/2002 | |
| 0214 | 01/21/2002 | 630001 | Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area. *tt | 04/11/2002 | |
| 0147 | 03/05/2001 | 619424 | Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5w-20 motor oil. *tt | 05/30/2001 | |
| 14375 | 09/01/2000 | 618641 | Some vehicles equipped with a 2.5l duratec engine may exhibit an engine overheat condition due to lack of circulation of coolant. *jb | 04/18/2001 | |
| 11808 | 08/01/1998 | 615305 | Some vehicles may run rough and display an illuminated malfunction indicator light on after recall 97e61 is performed. *tt | 01/12/2001 | |
| 11810 | 08/01/1998 | 615307 | Some vehicles may illuminate the malfunction indicator light on or run rough after recall 97e61 is performed. *tt | 01/12/2001 | |
| 99-4700 | 09/01/1998 | 607123 | Some 1995/1996 2.5lford, contour/ mercury, mystique vehicles may run rough and display an illuminated mil after recall 97e61 is performed. *ak | 11/02/2000 | |
| 12174 | 11/01/1998 | 613224 | Some vehicles may exhibit a hard start/long crank, cold start stall, cold rough idle concern. *mjs | 06/19/2000 | |
| 11725 | 07/01/1999 | 610744 | Some vehicles may exhibit a knocking or clunking sound during rapid acceleration / deceleration as when letting off and putting your foot down on the accelerator quickly. *tt | 05/12/2000 | |
| 98-0314 | 01/01/1998 | 607715 | Conditions with misfire diagnostic trouble codes with 2.0l engine. *tt | 10/07/1999 | |
| 99816 | 05/03/1999 | 606420 | Ford motor company now recommends sae 5w-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year. *tt | 08/19/1999 | |
| 98207 | 10/12/1998 | 603692 | Some vehicles may experience a stall or rough idle after starting in ambient temperatures. *yc | 03/02/1999 | |
| BC0303A97020 | 02/01/1997 | 51605 | Vibration at idle. *tw | 06/27/1997 | |
| BC0303972301 | 01/23/1997 | 51410 | Vibration at idle. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||||
| BC3227970212 | 02/12/1997 | 51854 | Fead belt slips when wet or alternator light on/decreased power steering assist. *tw | 07/17/1997 | |
| BC3232970211 | 02/11/1997 | 51857 | Battery illumination and decreased power steering assist when driving through deep puddles. *tw | 07/17/1997 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||||
| 982010 | 10/12/1998 | 603695 | Experiencing a buzzing or rattling noise from the exhaust system. *yc | 03/02/1999 | |
| 97E61 | 04/01/1998 | 601249 | Experiencing a premature failure of the catalyst substrate material in the catalyst / exhaust manifold assembly. *yc | 07/14/1998 | |
| 97050110616 | 05/01/1997 | 52895 | Concerns of sulphur odor from exhaust system. *tw | 10/30/1997 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||||
| 982310 | 11/23/1998 | 603724 | Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip. *ak | 03/03/1999 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | |||||
| BC9599970201 | 01/02/1997 | 51236 | Revised catalysts are now availabel for vehicles. new part should be used when a restricted/damaged catalyst is encountered, or when catalyst support material is found in the egr tube. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| BC0224970201 | 01/02/1997 | 51080 | Revised catalysts are now available. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) | |||||
| 15390 | 11/01/2001 | 630408 | Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine light and/or egr diagnostic trouble codes 332, p0401, p1407 (lackof egr flow). *tt | 04/17/2002 | |
| BC0302972301 | 01/23/1997 | 51409 | Dtc's 332 or p1401 - lack of egr flow. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| BC0302970201 | 02/01/1997 | 51598 | Egr issues - if normal pc/ed diagnosis fails, failure may be due to carbon deposits. *tw | 06/27/1997 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 10/31/2003 | 4 | 06/04/2003 | |
| I bought a 1996 ford contour se in june of 2003.i have since replaced the water pump 4 times.i bought the car from a man who blew the engine becuase the water pump went and he let the car over heat.i have replaced it in oct.2003,february 2004,june 2004,and dec.2004.it is really started to become a burden.*ak | |||
| 12/15/2002 | 49000 | ||
| This car has less than 70000 miles on it. we had trouble with the fuel door, front wheel bearings, brakes, door handles, transmission, electric windows, and now as a special treat the engine failed. this car has been the worst investment that my wife and i have ever made. i have have owned several cars and trucks with 200000 plus miles on them and none of them have ever been as problematic as this automobile. | |||
| 09/15/2003 | 0 | ||
| My newest problem that i have with the car now is it stalls at red lights and doesnt start for 45 minute to an hour. i took it to 3 garages already and they can't find the problem. | |||
| 12/05/2003 | 64000 | 1 | 06/28/1996 |
| Engine failure while accelerating in a passing zone. | |||
| 02/12/2003 | |||
| The engine head gasket failed causing the engine to stop working. *nlm | |||
| 01/01/2002 | |||
| Temperature gauge constantly shows vehicle is overheating, when in fact it is not.*ak | |||
| 06/01/2001 | 1 | ||
| When driving vehicle stalled out and overheated without prior warning, causing engine to burn up. consumer has contacted the dealer. *ak consumer states her problem was exactly what recall 00v367 was for. *slc | |||
| 01/09/2000 | 1 | ||
| The engine cooling fan broke prior to recall notice 00v-367 causing the vehicle to overheat, the consumer had to have a new engine installed, consumer requests reimbursement. nlm | |||
| 06/20/1997 | |||
| With a/c off the temperature gauge malfunctioned, needle constantly fluctuated. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 08/15/2002 | 05/01/2000 | ||
| Mr | |||
| 1 | 06/01/1996 | ||
| While driving 65 mph, engine went from normal to red hot in temperature. vehicle was towed to dealership and found plastic water pump fan had broken into pieces. *tt | |||
| 09/11/2002 | 0 | ||
| Wiring to cooling system melted. also, each time consumer takes vehicle to dealer she is told that nothing is wrong with vehicle. *ak | |||
| 03/11/2002 | 1 | 06/01/2096 | |
| The original water pump on this engine has a plastic impeller which is prone to failure. i have talked to several owners of this same car who experienced this identical problem. i believe the water pump design is defective.*ak | |||
| 05/01/1996 | |||
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 11/21/2001 | 05/01/1996 | ||
| Water pump failure @ 78000 miles - report early failure. *ak | |||
| 02/01/2001 | 12/01/1998 | ||
| Asked dealership to perform recall 00v-367000 and they said ford has no such recall.*ak | |||
| 2 | 03/01/1999 | ||
| When the water pump failed th head gasket also failed . and possibly a cracked cylinder head.*ak | |||
| 03/28/2001 | 1 | 11/01/1998 | |
| While driving engine overheated. then, took vehicle to dealer. dealer found out that problem was with water pump that malfuntioned, and caused overheating.*ak the empellor fell apart causing the engine to over heat. *yh | |||
| 12/10/2000 | 2 | ||
| While driving, engine overheated, dealer stated that vehicle is not covered under manufacturer's recall due to vin, consumer feels this vehicle should be included. *slc | |||
| 02/01/2000 | 0 | ||
| Engine ran out of coolant fluids. dealership was aware of problrm.*ak | |||
| Consumer was driving and engine overheated without prior warning. vehicle was blowing out blue smoke and making clunknig noises.*ak | |||
| 10/01/2000 | 1 | 03/01/1998 | |
| Plastic impeller disinigrated inside water pump> no indication previously at weep hole> ford charges $350 to replace after just being there 2 days earlier for timing belt replacement. *ak | |||
| 07/13/2000 | 1 | 12/01/1996 | |
| Cooling system failed at low mileage for no reason. i was informed by a friend that he was told by a car dealership that there was a silent recall on the cooling system and head gasket, when i called they denied it. water pump,timing belt,serpentine belt, thermostat, sw 5030 switch, dy719 switch, frr2 relay and pressure test cooling system and inspection where done. i had all parts replaced with new ford parts at non-ford repair station due to williams ford bad service and reputation of not fixing cars properly and over charging. i feel that williams ford should be investgated on how they run the matiance department, myself and people i have meet have had nothing but problems. | |||
| 08/15/2000 | 1 | 11/01/1999 | |
| The water pump impeller failed. the impeller is made of plastic and it developed cracks. the result was overheating. a water pump failure at 42k miles is unacceptable. other contour owners had this problem and there should be a recall. | |||
| 02/01/2000 | 1 | 01/01/2000 | |
| Each incident has been with the engine, the dealership attempts to fix one problem and another engine problem begins. my car has been in repair for the fifth time in four of the five months that i have had the car. i've been driving a rental car three, almost four weeks now. because of these problems with the engine. what can i do? | |||
| 02/20/1996 | |||
| Consumer bought vehicle in september. she went outside that morning to start it up her vehicle and she noticed a knocking noise comming from underneath the hood. the dealer replaced starter and water pump but problem still exist. | |||
| 02/11/2000 | 1 | 03/01/1999 | |
| Water pump impeller broke into two pieces imeediately paralizing the entire engine cooling system. this defect, to the best of my knowledge is common for ford contours equipped with 2.5l v6 duratec engines. although not directly related to passenger safety in the traditional sense, this defect is potentially very dangerous. i think ford should recall the part given the number of failures. *ak | |||
| While driving at highway speeds the frost plug released, causing anti- freeze to spill and vehicle to stall out and die. there was not indication that the engine was overheating. dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *ak | |||
| 01/01/1999 | |||
| Engine check light is on and there is a burning smell within the vehicle. also, all the lights on the dashboard aren't working, and the water pump had to be replaced. *al | |||
| 12/21/1998 | 1 | 05/01/1997 | |
| Engine overheated with no warning left us stranded in memphis, tn in ice storm, ruined engine. had to replace engine, dealership could not tell us why this happened. the engine contained water and oil at the time. | |||
| 04/01/1998 | 12 | 08/01/1997 | |
| No summary listed for this vehicle. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN | |||
| 06/23/2003 | 103000 | 1 | |
| The consumer stated that while driving the cooling fan seized. this caused the electrical components to melt and result in a fire. *ak the consumer saw the recall on the internet but later found out the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin. the consumer fells the scope of the recall should be expanded. *ph *nlm | |||
| 05/13/2003 | |||
| The consumers vehicle experienced symptoms of nhtsa recall # 01-v-230-000 which was related to the rough surface of the heater blower resistor's stainless steel blades. the consumers vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *nlm | |||
| 06/25/2002 | |||
| Wires from the cooling fan are melting together and causing engine to overheat. dealer notified.*ak | |||
| 01/16/2002 | 02/01/1997 | ||
| Engine check light coming on. took to kinsel ford in june 2001...told catalytic converter going out. engine light went off...started coming on again and car had alot of exhaust and running rough. took to silsbee ford and was told that the engine was out due to the engine cooling fan not coming on like it was suppose to so it also fried the wires. ford is willing to pay for parts but refuses to pay for labor due to the fact that they say it was out of the 100,000 warrenty for the repair. i explained that the problem was going on when i brought it in in june and they didn't correct it then, according to the check out sheet they didn't even check it for that and i specifically asked for that recall to be checked. i had even been in in march of 2000 for the check engine light coming on. i was told by ford that my car had no recall for the engine and engine cooling fan. just extremely upset that you can have a recall, take your car in and it not be checked for it and when it goes out due to the recall that the company penalizes the consumer.*ak | |||
| Vehicle not included in recall number 00v367000. overheating of engine cooling fan due to excessive current. please give any further details.*ak | |||
| 08/29/2001 | |||
| Vehicle was serviced for recall 00v367000/ manufacturer's recall 00s44 concerning engine cooling fan. after vehicle was picked up, same day, consumer found air conditioner and heater were not working. only defroster worked. dealer opened hood and stated nothing was done to affect air conditioning unit/heater. advised consumer to call back next week to speak to service manager. *ak | |||
| 02/01/2001 | |||
| When driving consumer smelled something burning. dealer said engine cooling fan needed to be replaced. there is a recall 00v367000, but this vehicle is not affected due to vin. *ak | |||
| 01/01/1999 | 6 | 04/01/1997 | |
| Right rear light continued to go out. replace bulb few times. right wheel bearing had to be replaced. major fan belt replaced. alternator replaced. light on radio goes off when head lights turned on. this happened after they fixed my recall for lights. gas cap cover is very hard to open. takes several times to try and open. when air is on smells come through really strong from other cars. owner notification recalls are not taken care of until they actually happen. these are coil can break and car go down blow out tires. also electrical harness can break and wires will connect with other parts of the car and cause a fire. i have sent a letter to the president of ford and explained how i felt this car was unsafe and if anything happened to me or my family they would be held responsible. i never received a response from anyone. they should be made to take back all contours and give us a safer car for us and our families to drive. i am a single parent and cannot afford to finance another car. they need to provide a loan and new car for us. i will be contacting ford again in the near future to see if they will help with taking my car back and giving me another car/loan. as i told them in the letter they just wanted to sell and make money they didn't think of the family and or families that this car as it fell apart would effect. i appreciate that you have this web site that i can voice my concerns,problems with the ford and feel someone may pay attention before someone is hurt in these cars as have been many with the tire situation. i will help you in any way i can to clear up all of these problems. i keep the letter i sent ford in my car in case something happens someone will be able to read it and know i did try to get this problem dissolved before it was to late. thank you so much for your help. debbie jennings hewitt | |||
| Cooling fan remains on at all times. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - HOSE | |||
| 06/17/1999 | 1 | 08/01/1997 | |
| The motor froze after overheating. the reason for the failure was the heater hose rubbed against an electrical connector at the location near the firewall. there is no sleeve on this hose to protect it as other hoses are protected. over time it had worn a hole in the hose and the marjorty of the coolent leaked out and the speed that i was traveling i could not tell the car was overheating because of the relative speed that i was traveling. i never saw the vehicle overheat and it blew the motor while i was going down the highway. my car is out of warranty, but i wanted to let other know there is a potential hazard with the motor freezing up and ofcourse it is too late. my motor started to cough, that was the only indication that there was a problem. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | |||
| 07/20/1999 | 1 | ||
| Theromstat is causing the car to overheat. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 08/11/2004 | 66000 | 12/20/1995 | |
| Car stalls when parallel parking, especially in reverse, or when parking slopes. car stalled when starting up from red light in center city philadelphia intersections. headlamps out of alignment (don't shine down onto road, beams not centered). air bag light on control panels blinks sporadically, frequently; anxiety that air bag will deploy while driving. dealer comment on stalling: probably something stupid and wasn't able to fix problem, mentioned something about a vacuum tube. dealer charged $95 to tell me that the memory in the vehicle didn't give any codes for the stalling or air bag problems, then added that the memory is wiped clean every time the car is turned off. question: if they know that about the car in the first place, why charge the customer for a pointless diagnostic? headlights still out of alignment after having been adjusted by dealer in january 2005. *nm | |||
| 07/02/2004 | 106035 | 2 | 07/01/2004 |
| I bought it on 07/01/04. on 07/02/04 my on was driving it, and couple of times, whem he stopped on stop signed, the car wouldn't start. eventually, in the evening, there was white thick smoke coming from under the hood and car was stopped. i called the dealership and they towed it to the mechanic shop. it happened that there was no oil and coolant and endine has gone bad. the dealer refused to pay completely for the repair, and we split it 20/80% where i'm to pay 80%. it's been 2 weeks and car is still in shop. i didn't buy it to sit in shop. is there a way to correct the situation somehow?*ak | |||
| 12/06/2003 | 1 | ||
| Head gasket and engine failure on my 1996 ford contour at 64,000 miles. the car was well taken care of and it happened while i was in a passing zone and the car failed to accelerate. from what i can see over the internet, this is an on-going problem with ford.*ak | |||
| 01/18/2002 | 1 | 06/01/1998 | |
| Also the timing belt is broken and there's nothing on owner's guide that tells you to change timing belt after 60,000 miles. engine light on after one month of buying this car i call the dealer made appointments few times but the problem never went away, few times i had to pay for them to check on the way home the light is back on , i call them back and ask what's the problem , what's the purpose of me taking a day off to bring the car to be fix and the problem still exist., their remark was there's 23 sensor and they could'nt tell which one it was. now i'm stuck paying 1 1/2 yrs on a car that i don't have , still have to came up with money to get a new engine in which i don't have , bumping ride to and from work, cancel all my appts. and begging people for rides so i can pick up kids from school and food shopping, i can't take the kids to do anything because i have no car that's not fare. thank-you for all your help ,thank-you again.*ak | |||
| 08/01/1999 | |||
| Problems with the engine light coming on and the servicing dept at the ford dealer and other auto servicing center could not figure out why to this day it is on. at one time the entire interior lights and rear brakes lights went out. it currently shut its self off ( stalls) and get hot. the engine sounds revved up and shortly after the ac unit went out.everything has been checked out/ the alternator was replaced the crankshaft was replaced some wiring had to be replaced all the fluids are where they should be and it still stalls and overheats for no reason. both front windows electrical motors have gone out. | |||
| 01/07/2001 | 1 | 04/01/1999 | |
| This engine situation was intractable because the ford bulletin advises that head gasket removal warrants replacement, therefore even ford technicians have to ?!@#$% foot around to see if the problem is elsewhere rather than going right to the source. i borrowed $10,000 to finish school this year and much of that money was spent on this car. it destroyed my academic year and i barely graduated thanks to this major headache. the was only at 49,000 miles when it finally went caput. when the engine was disassembled it was totally warped and blown. i bought a ford rebuilt engine because i couldn't afford the extra $700 for a jasper rebuilt engine... see they rebuild the same engine and make a 7 year 100,000 warranty on the rebuilt engine because they use a graphite head gasket and make other improvements that ford doesn't make. ford not only sells their weaker rebuilt engines but only put a 1 year 12,000 mile warranty on it. well, i'm broke and it's totally ford's fault.*ak | |||
| 2 | 03/01/1999 | ||
| When the water pump failed th head gasket also failed . and possibly a cracked cylinder head.*ak | |||
| 05/27/2000 | 1 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Was traveling on highway 70mph without prior warning all lights came on the dashboard and there was a clicking noise . vehicle had to be towed to dealership. *ak *jb | |||
| 06/01/2000 | 0 | ||
| Consume r was traveling about 65mph on highway and heard a clunking noise. there was no prior warning light at all. vehicle had to be towed. mechanic told consumer that engine head gasket had blown out. *ak | |||
| 10/08/2000 | 1 | 11/01/1995 | |
| The car overheated severly while on the freeway, i had it towed and spent 2 weeks at 2 different automotive companies (including the ford dealership in burien, wa) trying to get it fix before discovering it had cracked the block of the engine. i spent about $1,300 and had to salvage the car. is there a possible way to get some compensation back from ford? i have all my paper work since i bought the car. thank you for any help. gail bowman*ak | |||
| 04/01/2000 | 2 | 12/01/1998 | |
| Pistons and rings were both shot in the motor, but the motor had oil and full compression. *ak | |||
| 02/20/1996 | |||
| Consumer bought vehicle in september. she went outside that morning to start it up her vehicle and she noticed a knocking noise comming from underneath the hood. the dealer replaced starter and water pump but problem still exist. | |||
| Engine head gaskets has blown out. dealer has been notified. *ak | |||
| Paper gasket is causing oil leaks which could cause the engine to blow. manufacturer has redesigned the paper gasket to a metal gasket. *ak | |||
| 12/21/1998 | |||
| Consumer smelled burning oil while driving, pulled over and noticed oil dripping from the engine onto the catalytic converter system which is causing the system to smoke. *ak | |||
| 06/08/1998 | 1 | 06/08/1998 | |
| Gaskets and oil pump failed resulting in oil leaks. | |||
| 07/04/1998 | 1 | 06/08/1998 | |
| Loss of power steering fluid due to improperly installed clamps during oil pump replacement. | |||
| 10/01/1998 | 02/14/1997 | ||
| Transmission/torque converter, and engine valve failure. | |||
| 02/06/1998 | 1 | 03/29/1996 | |
| Oil filter loose causing fumes to enter vehicle. | |||
| 07/31/1996 | 1 | 02/12/1996 | |
| Vehicle stalls intermittently due to faulty calibration processor. | |||
| Upon parking, moments later driver was alerted that vehicle had caught fire in engine compartment, fire dept suspected explosion in oil crankcase.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 10/09/1999 | 2 | 07/21/1999 | |
| Consumer has had numerous problems with the 1996 ford contour.*mr there has been so many recalls on consumer's vehicle that she wasn't aware of because the manufacturer never sent notices. since then consumer has been paying for entire full price and is asking for reimbursement. however, the biggest problem with the vehicle is the gas fumes which is leaking therefore leaving poisonous carbon monoxide fumes coming in through the heater vents. these harsh chemicals are damaging to the lungs, brain, respiratory system and its making consumer very tired among other symptoms. *tt | |||
| 10/15/2002 | 06/01/2096 | ||
| Problem appears to be electrical, change alternator-and this is not problem. dt | |||
| 10/24/2002 | |||
| While driving the vehicle at 50 mph engine stall. dealer has been notified. please provide further information as per conversation. mr | |||
| 1 | |||
| Vehicle stopped abruptly while in middle of traffic, consumer sent copies of bills to dealer, but no response, consumer is requesting reimbursement. *tt | |||
| Engine problems causing vehicle to stop while in process.*ak | |||
| 03/15/2002 | 1 | ||
| The consumer states that the vehicle is stalling intermittently. the dealer has been notified. nlm | |||
| 1 | |||
| Vehicle stopped abruptly while in middle of traffic, consumer sent copies of bills to dealer, but no response, consumer is requesting reimbursement. *tt | |||
| 01/16/2002 | 02/01/1997 | ||
| Engine check light coming on. took to kinsel ford in june 2001...told catalytic converter going out. engine light went off...started coming on again and car had alot of exhaust and running rough. took to silsbee ford and was told that the engine was out due to the engine cooling fan not coming on like it was suppose to so it also fried the wires. ford is willing to pay for parts but refuses to pay for labor due to the fact that they say it was out of the 100,000 warrenty for the repair. i explained that the problem was going on when i brought it in in june and they didn't correct it then, according to the check out sheet they didn't even check it for that and i specifically asked for that recall to be checked. i had even been in in march of 2000 for the check engine light coming on. i was told by ford that my car had no recall for the engine and engine cooling fan. just extremely upset that you can have a recall, take your car in and it not be checked for it and when it goes out due to the recall that the company penalizes the consumer.*ak | |||
| 12/15/2001 | 12/01/1999 | ||
| Stalls out if you take your foot off the gas, surges between 1-4 rmps, engine light is on, all started after i had the heater blower switch replaced.*ak | |||
| 05/26/2001 | 1 | ||
| While driving, vehicle overheated, consumer stopped to add anti-freeze, a little while later vehicle began to make noises and came to a complete stop, vehicle had caught on fire. ohio traffic crash report. *slc | |||
| 05/01/2001 | 08/01/1999 | ||
| Ever since buying our 1996 2.5l contour in aug. of 1999 we have had nothing but problems out of it. our first problem we experienced was a loud howling coming from the engine compartment, later to discover the factory installed mass air flow intake hose kit had been revised thus leaving us to have to purchase the new at a total price of $97.00 dollars to fix the problem. shortly after getting this one problem fixed another arose. this time both the check engine light and cooling system lights are on continuosly despite having proper fluid levels. along with the other problems every time the car is started in the morning or any time the engine is cold it idles roughly for about 20 seconds and then quits and no one can explain this weird phenomena but is sure seems to happen to the majority of these cars. needless to say with ford's lack of attention to these matters not just mine but all of them this will be my last auto bearing the ford name.*ak | |||
| 06/01/2001 | 1 | ||
| When driving vehicle stalled out and overheated without prior warning, causing engine to burn up. consumer has contacted the dealer. *ak consumer states her problem was exactly what recall 00v367 was for. *slc | |||
| Without warning engine check light came on causing vehicle to start to knock and make alot of noise. prior to this incident, vehicle was taken to dealer to be checked for excessive use of oil.*ak | |||
| 07/14/2000 | 1 | 09/01/1999 | |
| The battery light comes on, it will dim down while the consumer is driving and then the engine will quit,the dealer replaced a faulty cable from the alternator to the junction block, could possibly be an engine problem instead of electrical because now the engine light stays illuminated. *slc | |||
| Engine keeps overheating and causing smoke under hood when driving. consumer has taken vehicle into ford on three different occasions, and ford claimed that they repaired problem. *ak | |||
| 06/20/1996 | 2 | 03/01/1996 | |
| No comment. no safety defect. *ak | |||
| 03/01/1998 | |||
| I have previously had problems with this vehicle and have taken it more than eight different times to be service and problem still has not been resolved even after having engine replaced i am having some of the same problems. car has been serviced on a regular basis and still it has problems.e . . | |||
| 04/02/2000 | 1 | ||
| Possible engine failure resulted in vehicle fire. (ohio traffic crash report) *mjs | |||
| 12/01/1995 | |||
| Loss of power while traveling. problem have occurred on several occasions, and been in / out of dealer's shop on several occasions, and still unable to find cause or duplicate the problem. please provide any further details.*ak | |||
| 07/01/2000 | 0 | ||
| Vehicle got hot when it came to complete stop. if consumer shifted gear into reverse and applied gas pedal, vehicle would turn off. vehicle turned on and off intermittently. vehicle doesn't turn off if the vehicle is cold.*ak | |||
| 02/01/2000 | 1 | 01/01/2000 | |
| Each incident has been with the engine, the dealership attempts to fix one problem and another engine problem begins. my car has been in repair for the fifth time in four of the five months that i have had the car. i've been driving a rental car three, almost four weeks now. because of these problems with the engine. what can i do? | |||
| 03/18/2000 | 0 | ||
| Consumer took car in for 4th recall repairs. this one was for the engine wires. dealer fixed problem. consumer picked up car, and on that same evening engine check light came on. took in vehicle for service, and speedometer stopped working. couldn't tell how fast car was going. also overdrive light started to blink on/off. | |||
| 11/01/1998 | |||
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 10 | 11/01/1996 | ||
| Occasionally, when the vehicle rolls through a puddle, the steering will fail and the battery light will appear, with the engine almost stalling. this has happened with the car going as fast as 35 mph and as slow as 5 mph. the problem has been reported to the dealer on several occasions, and the dealer has reportedly contacted the manufacturer regarding this particular problem. additionally, the first time the vehicle was taken back to the dealer to report the problem, the service personnel was aware that the problem existed with the specific model. after repeated returns to the dealer (at least three separate complaints), the dealer informed us that the problem was fixed and that the car was even driven through several puddles without any steering failure. the last time the vehicle was taken in was approximately august, 1999. the warranty has since expired, and the dealer says that it is our responsibility to pay to have the problem fixed. unfortunately, we have taken the car back several times, and the problem still exists. on 02/13/00, the vehicle again experienced steering failure. | |||
| 12/20/1998 | 888 | 06/01/1996 | |
| No summary provided by consumer( dot number: ??? tire size: ??? ) | |||
| 01/06/1998 | 2 | 06/01/1996 | |
| No summary provided by consumer | |||
| 12/10/1999 | 03/01/1997 | ||
| This is a leased car. i take good care of it, bringing it to a mechanic every three months for a check up there were no warning signs. the car simply stopped. i had it towed to a shop and now it is costing me $ 3000.00 to fix the transmission. i called ford and besides being nasty and rude, was told that there was nothing they could do. no warning lights, nothing. just a dead car. my mechanic is having a very difficult time finding parts to replace the transmission. i am very angry! *ak | |||
| 1 | 03/01/1996 | ||
| Vehicle engine omits fumes. | |||
| 03/04/1996 | 1 | 03/01/1996 | |
| Engine consistently overheating. | |||
| While traveling vehicle stalled without any indications. as a result, wheels locked up. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| 04/27/1996 | |||
| Vehicle stalls and dies ant various speeds without warning. also, engine check light stays on. vehicle is able to be started immediately after it dies. dealer has inspected vehicle , and was not able to duplicate problem. manufacturer has been notified. *ak | |||
| 04/01/1996 | 1 | 04/01/1996 | |
| Vehicle continually shuts down during operation, unable to determine failure. mjs | |||
| 07/24/1999 | 2 | 03/01/1998 | |
| I have previously had problems with this vehicle and have taken it more than eight different times to be service and problem still has not been resolved. | |||
| 07/01/1999 | 1 | 04/27/1998 | |
| Engine failed, causing smoke. *yc | |||
| 08/19/1999 | |||
| While driving the car began to malfunction and then cut off , when vehicle cut off, driver lost control because the wheels locked up. *ak | |||
| 09/01/1998 | 2 | 02/01/1996 | |
| I have had multiple problems w/ my 96 ford contour since i bought it 2/23/96. i have had it in for service multiple times, and i get told it's covered under warranty why worry about it. the srv.mngr.at my dealer supposedly talked to a tony at ford & told him to tell me as long as it's covered under warranty i shouldn't complain it is no money out of my pocket. that is unsatisfactory -i believe my car to be a defect in that years line of contours & i would like something done about these problems. my car runs worse than any used car i have ever owned! all i ever wanted done was to rectify the situation,they could have easily replaced my car with one similiar to that year & model & i would have been happy. i really would like a response to this matter. i am to the point where i will contact a lawyer to seek help dealing with ford & kennedy ford , if i can not get a fair & aggreeable outcome to this situation. thank you. | |||
| 05/16/1999 | |||
| Smoke is coming out of the vehicle, and oil is leaking. also, knocking sound is being heard. oil is in the coolant, and coming out from the tail pipe. the engine needs to be replaced. vehicle is being towed to a dealer. *ak | |||
| 10/28/1997 | |||
| When traveling at any speed the vehicle cuts off without prior warning, causing loss of all power. in addition, the steering wheel shakes when traveling over 60 mph, resulting in poor steering control. consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer unable to determine the cause. please provide any further details. *ak | |||
| 01/10/1999 | 5 | 08/01/1998 | |
| No summary provided by consumer | |||
| 07/10/1998 | 5 | 06/01/1998 | |
| Dealer unable to fix hesatation- then when supposedly repaired vibration occurred | |||
| 1 | 05/17/1996 | ||
| Engine hesitation and stalling continually. | |||
| 06/08/1998 | 1 | 06/08/1998 | |
| Gaskets and oil pump failed resulting in oil leaks. | |||
| 1 | 06/01/1996 | ||
| Engine idles rough, hesitates on take off and occasionally stalls. | |||
| 05/08/1996 | |||
| Intermittent stalling/doesn't start right up. after starting, the vehicle runs roughly for 10-15 seconds, then stalls. *ak | |||
| 3 | |||
| The vehicle stalls. | |||
| 1 | |||
| Vehicle hesitates upon acceleration. | |||
| 0 | |||
| Intermittent stalling. | |||
| 07/30/1996 | |||
| Consumer was driving and car stalls, dealer can't find the problem. please describe . *ak | |||
| 06/30/1996 | 1 | ||
| Upon slightly wet surface or possible oil driver applied brakes slightly, he lost control, hitting curb w/cause unknown, resultin gin an accident/injury. *ak | |||
| 04/02/1996 | |||
| Engine piston and valve fractured under normal drivin, causing vehicle to seize without any prior warning. *ak | |||
| While driving, the engine shuts down, causing car to lose power. please describe. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 03/06/2002 | 1 | 07/08/1996 | |
| The front part of the vehicle makes a dragging sound while driving. the dealer indicated there was an internal transmission problem. *yh the serpentine belt was replaced. updated *jb | |||
| 03/07/2001 | 1 | 07/08/1996 | |
| The engine makes squeaking sounds when starting. the dealer replaced serpentine belt to correct the problem. *yh | |||
| 05/05/1999 | |||
| Consumer was driving approximately 55mph, noticed smells of burning rubber, and experienced power failure at the same time, city garage #10 said the wiring harness for the alternator was bad, causing a short repaired the wiring and replaced the alternator with a rebuilt one, a serpentine belt was also replaced. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||
| 09/15/2003 | 0 | ||
| My newest problem that i have with the car now is it stalls at red lights and doesnt start for 45 minute to an hour. i took it to 3 garages already and they can't find the problem. | |||
| 08/15/2002 | 05/01/2000 | ||
| Mr | |||
| 06/20/1996 | 2 | 03/01/1996 | |
| No comment. no safety defect. *ak | |||
| 08/04/1999 | 1 | 04/01/1996 | |
| The pcm module is a critical emission control device. according to the warranty book provided with the vehicle, it is covered if it is replaced. however, a failure (loss of programming) is not considered a part failure. it would appear that a loss of programming is a failure (memory?). the ford mfg. consumer line was contacted on 8/23/99. the ford mfg. explained that only when a part is replaced is this covered; since only re-programming is required, ford is not obligated to repair this pcm module. this seems to be in conflict with federal emission warranty. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||
| 04/21/2006 | 1 | ||
| Consumer request help to fix a 1996 contour. *ts the consumer took the vehicle to be inspected and it failed. the consumer was told by the dept of motor vehicle that the vehicle had been subject to an emission recall as reported by the epa the dealer informed the consumer that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. the original owner received a recall notice in 1997 but the consumer never received a recall notice. *nm | |||
| 03/04/2004 | 1200 | 1 | 02/28/2004 |
| Vehicles shuts off frequently. vehicle won't pass emissions test. it won't start, and has to be towed to the dealer. *ak | |||
| 05/26/2003 | 1 | ||
| The wiring harness of my 1996 ford contour caught fire. i had prior problems with the vehicle in the past such as tail light going out constantly and also headlights, as well as problems with the o2 sensor. i have put more that$2000 dollars alone on this car just getting it repaired. *jb | |||
| 01/01/2002 | 2 | 07/01/2096 | |
| Check engine light stays on, replaced o2 sensor with light returning on. *ak | |||
| 05/01/2001 | 08/01/1999 | ||
| Ever since buying our 1996 2.5l contour in aug. of 1999 we have had nothing but problems out of it. our first problem we experienced was a loud howling coming from the engine compartment, later to discover the factory installed mass air flow intake hose kit had been revised thus leaving us to have to purchase the new at a total price of $97.00 dollars to fix the problem. shortly after getting this one problem fixed another arose. this time both the check engine light and cooling system lights are on continuosly despite having proper fluid levels. along with the other problems every time the car is started in the morning or any time the engine is cold it idles roughly for about 20 seconds and then quits and no one can explain this weird phenomena but is sure seems to happen to the majority of these cars. needless to say with ford's lack of attention to these matters not just mine but all of them this will be my last auto bearing the ford name.*ak | |||
| 10/17/2000 | 1 | ||
| Air flow sensors failed.*et | |||
| 08/03/2000 | 5 | 03/01/1997 | |
| My car was in the shop 5 times in one month - all electrical problems. alternator, battery, starter, wiring harness, speed sensor and oxygen sensor were all changed. the ford dealership does not understand why i am having all these problems. it was also in a garage fire at the dealership in this time and i had smoke damage to my car on top of the engine problems. needless to say, i loss money on the trade in. this is the worse car i have ever owned and will never own another ford car or truck again. *ak | |||
| 08/25/1999 | 1 | 06/01/1997 | |
| Flexible vent hose is deteriorated and cracked. it leaks gasoline when the tank is filled and when the car is driven.it appears to me , that the wrong type of hose is being used in this assembly. if this is happening so prematurely, it must be happening to alot of other contour owners. *ak | |||
| 06/07/1996 | 7 | ||
| Oxygen sensor failed 4 times. *sd | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | |||
| 08/03/2006 | 95000 | 2 | 10/01/1997 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled without warning, but restarted immediately. the dealership replaced the catalytic converter. the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled 50000 miles later, but would not restart. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, who determined the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. | |||
| 07/11/2002 | 1 | 12/01/2099 | |
| This car is only 6 years old. has had catalytic converter failure in 2000. extended warranty expired at 87,750 miles, 1,250 miles ago. contacted ford motor co. and was told they would not stand behind this defect. i was hoping you could help. | |||
| 01/16/2002 | 02/01/1997 | ||
| Engine check light coming on. took to kinsel ford in june 2001...told catalytic converter going out. engine light went off...started coming on again and car had alot of exhaust and running rough. took to silsbee ford and was told that the engine was out due to the engine cooling fan not coming on like it was suppose to so it also fried the wires. ford is willing to pay for parts but refuses to pay for labor due to the fact that they say it was out of the 100,000 warrenty for the repair. i explained that the problem was going on when i brought it in in june and they didn't correct it then, according to the check out sheet they didn't even check it for that and i specifically asked for that recall to be checked. i had even been in in march of 2000 for the check engine light coming on. i was told by ford that my car had no recall for the engine and engine cooling fan. just extremely upset that you can have a recall, take your car in and it not be checked for it and when it goes out due to the recall that the company penalizes the consumer.*ak | |||
| 01/05/2001 | 3 | 12/01/2000 | |
| My 1996 ford contour's (w/v6 2.5l duratec motor) engine check light came on around jan 2 of 2001. i scheduled an appointment to have it checked out at the closest ford dealership in modesto, ca. as soon as possible. the next available appointment was on friday jan 05, 2001, later on that week. once i took it in, they had diagnosed the problem as being my (3) catalytic converters and my throttle body. the service advisor then told me that he had to check with ford because he believed that the work was covered under a ford recall 97e61. the next day he responded to me and told me that ford had said that it wasn't covered and that my bill would be $1,300.00. i then asked him why it wasn't covered and he told me because my vin# doesn't show it. he then asked me to take it up with ford the actuall company. so i've been doing research on it myself and have come up with a little bit of info. ford's customer service has told me that the reason my car is not covered is because it doesn't fall under the 97e61 criteria for recall. so i asked what actuall part does not fall undeer the criteria. they asked me to take it up with nhtsa and they can give me that info. what i have found is that cars that were built at 2 ford plants, cautlin, and kansas city plants are the ones that are affected. well my car was built at the kansas city plant. the other criteria i know about is if the car was built within march of 95 thru march of 96. well my car was first sold in feb. 96 and it's a 96 model so it would have to fall within that time frame. i am currently having my car fixed at a different ford dealership but my cost is still over $1,100.00. plesae help me. cesar garcia call me any time at 408-674-9315 to let me know you have received my letter. i would also like a copy e-mailed to me of what i have written so i have a record at cgarcia1974@aol.com. *ak | |||
| 04/16/1996 | |||
| Coating inside catalytic converter will come off, causing failure of catalytic converter, oxygen sensor also causes severe stalling. *ak | |||
| 02/19/1996 | |||
| While vehicle is idling and moving, engine vibrates, then cuts off in traffic; nearly caused accident; possibly, defective catalytic converter. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) | |||
| 03/11/2004 | 112000 | 1 | 01/22/1999 |
| I don't know if any one there can help me, but i just want some one just hear my complaint. i purchase a 96 ford contour in 1999 with very low mileage. a year after i brought that car i begin having problems with that car. it have had 2 transmission. it have had a lot of electrical problems and now yesterday the motor is gone. over the years i have talk to the ford company but it was always it was not any thing they could do for my car. they should have stood by they cars but they. i first paid to much for the car. the dealership i brought the car from went out of business. i went back to them when the car first start giving me trouble and the next time i went to them they had closed down. the ford company just did not do me right at all. what hurt the most i had paid my last car payment yesterday and now the motor is gone. i feel if they would have listen to me from the beginning maybe it wouldn't had to come to this. i talk to ford on several occasions. i had a lt of electrical trouble and fumes use to enter the car. i just been threw a living nightmare with this. i don't care if i get any money or not i just want for some one to hear my complaint caus no telling how many other peoples may have experience the same problems. ford people just did me so wrong. but i have learn a good lesson . never buy a ford again. even when the call had a recall i don't think they did not fix it right. i know once you buy a car and you have to take care of your car. i have a another 96 honda. i have never , ever had any problems at all. it just no way why a car have to have had so many transmissions and other problems like that ford have gave me. i am so hurt with this whole situation don't no one know at this time how i feel. i am just very, very hurt. thank you very mush for listening to me. have a good day!*ak | |||
| 04/22/1999 | 1 | 03/01/1997 | |
| Headlight switch and mount failed/burned up/lights won't turn off/on, needed replacing, dashboard components always run hot; fuel door lever inside car doesn't work reliably & door sticks; egr hose failed, took ford 1.5 weeks to get one in, no guidelines re: this hose ever needing replaced, & it costs $93??!?! | |||