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 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT | ||||||||||||||||
| 98V233000 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | from 07/18/1994 to 01/12/1998 | V (Vehicle) | 175000 | 11/20/1998 | ODI | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 09/18/1998 | 09/25/1998 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the floor shift automatic transmission control can be damaged if subjected to certain interior cleaning products. the gear position indicator can deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | This condition can result in incorrect gear selection. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Owner notification began november 20, 1998.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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | |||||
| 9943 | 03/08/1999 | 604751 | Information regarding reprogramming powertrain control modules (pcms). *tt | 05/11/1999 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||||
| 15894 | 05/01/2002 | 637775 | Subject regarding automatic shifter assembly or the indicator housing replacement. *tt | 12/06/2002 | |
| 99152 | 07/26/1999 | 608431 | Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt | 01/05/2001 | |
| 0015 | 01/10/2000 | 612203 | Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs | 06/06/2000 | |
| 13178 | 09/01/1999 | 6090534 | Information regarding clunk/rattle on tip-in or transmission gear engagement. *mjs | 03/21/2000 | |
| 99249 | 11/29/1999 | 6090198 | This bulletin addresses an issue with the automatic transmission fluid seeping from the vent, resulting in fluid collecting on the main control assembly. *tt | 03/10/2000 | |
| 9888 | 04/27/1998 | 601238 | Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart. *yc | 07/10/1998 | |
| 97511 | 03/03/1997 | 51945 | Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts. *jd | 07/17/1997 | |
| BC3204970214 | 02/14/1997 | 51804 | Harsh shifts and/or harsh engagement accompanied by dtc's 628 or p0741. *tw | 07/17/1997 | |
| BC0044970201 | 01/02/1997 | 51018 | Intermittent surging, bucking or shudder concern, intermediate erratic speddometer and/or possibly dtc452. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| 962614 | 12/16/1996 | 50999 | Transaxle - cd4e - harsh shift and/or engagement - diagnostic trouble code 628 or p0741. *tw | 06/17/1997 | |
| BC0783961014 | 10/14/1996 | 50409 | New pcm calibration to correct low speed maneuver, high ambient temp, & start/run/stall concerns. *tt | 04/24/1997 | |
| BC5191961001 | 10/01/1996 | 50469 | For concerns of stalling, reflash pcm w/ 1996 calibration (r11 level). *tt | 04/24/1997 | |
| BC0186960102 | 12/01/1995 | 46445 | Engineering is investigating a concern on the cd4e transaxle where transmission fluid mists from the transaxle vent tube. this concern causes transmission fluid to puddle on top of the transaxle & can be perceived as a pan gasket or seal l | 04/25/1996 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) | |||||
| 00611 | 03/20/2000 | 612924 | Some bi-fuel vehicles may require powertrain control module (pcm) replacement during service and may not run on cng or lpg., recalibration of the pcm/replacement. *mjs | 06/13/2000 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES | |||||
| 03148 | 07/21/2003 | 10003748 | New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt | 10/29/2003 | |
| 9759 | 03/03/1997 | 51943 | Leak- automatic transmission fluid- cd4e transaxle in fluid collection on main control assembly. *jd | 07/17/1997 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) | |||||
| 98S26S2 | 12/07/1998 | 615129 | Safety recall involving certain vehicles with automatic transaxle shift indicator (prndl) bezel - part availability). *tt | 12/29/2000 | |
| 98S26S1 | 12/07/1998 | 615128 | Safety recall involving certain vehicles with automatic transaxle shift indicator (prndl) bezel. *tt | 12/29/2000 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH | |||||
| 01181 | 09/17/2001 | 625715 | Brake shift interlock.*jb | 11/30/2001 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER | |||||
| 962612 | 12/16/1996 | 50997 | Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip. *tw | 06/17/1997 | |
| 96249 | 11/18/1996 | 50908 | Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip. *tw | 06/17/1997 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 0224 | 02/04/2002 | 630631 | Some vehicles equipped with the cd4e transaxle may exhibit harsh and delayed 1-2/2-3 upshifts after transaxle or turbine shaft speed sensor replacement, possible diagnostic trouble codes 628, 642, 645, 646, 647, 648, p0731, p0732, p0734, p0 | 04/19/2002 | |
| 00182 | 09/01/2000 | 618586 | Some vehicles may exhibit no forward gear ranges due to the misalignment of the forward / coast clutch cylinder snap ring with respect to the legs of the forward clutch piston. *jb | 04/17/2001 | |
| 96712 | 03/25/1996 | 613333 | Subjec regarding the mtx-75 transaxles will be installed certain mode year vehicles. *tt | 06/21/2000 | |
| 0019 | 01/10/2000 | 612301 | Information regarding several internal changes that have been implemented on the mrx-75 transaxle to improve shift efforts. *mjs | 06/07/2000 | |
| 99201 | 10/04/1999 | 6089639 | Concerns with a harsh shift felt at large throttle openings (or at heavy acceleration rate) on some vehicles. *tt | 02/10/2000 | |
| 982311 | 11/23/1998 | 603725 | Minimal clearance of the cd4e transaxle to subframe makes transaxle installation and removal more difficult. *yc | 03/03/1999 | |
| BC0784961014 | 10/14/1996 | 50410 | Weld connection concern w/ the forward/direct/coast clutch cylinder & hub assy. *tt | 04/24/1997 | |
| POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 13761 | 01/01/2000 | 612789 | Some vehicles equipped with 2.0l engines may exhibit symptoms of clutch slippage or no clutch engagement after performinb repairs to the clutch system. *mjs | 06/12/2000 | |
| 7923 | 01/01/2000 | 7923 | 612410 | Clutch will not engage after service. | 06/08/2000 |
| POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE | |||||
| BC1026697230 | 01/23/1997 | 51641 | Vehicles exhibiting harsh shifts and/or harsh engagement accompanied by dtcs 628 or p0741. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE | |||||
| 7349 | 11/01/1999 | 610783 | Some vehicles equipped with 2.5l engine and cd4e transmission may exhibit a driveline rattle or clunking type noise during tip-in or transmission gear engagement. *tt | 05/15/2000 | |
| 13316 | 10/01/1999 | 609611 | Exhibiting a driveline rattle or clunking type noise during tip-in or transmission gear engagement. *tt | 04/04/2000 | |
| BC0044972301 | 01/23/1997 | 51396 | Intermittent surging, bucking or shudder concern, intermediate erratic speedometer and/or possibly dtc 452- inspect the vss and speedo gear. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT | |||||
| 13379 | 10/01/1999 | 6092178 | Some vehicles equipped with 2.5l engine and cd4e transmission may exhibit a driveline rattle or clunking type noise during tip-in or transmission gear engagement. *tt | 11/27/2000 | |
| 6994 | 09/01/1999 | 6090305 | Concerns with vehicles exhibiting a driveline rattle or clunking type noise during tip-in or transmission gear engagement. *tt | 03/14/2000 | |
| BC3162970218 | 02/18/1997 | 51762 | Clicking noise caused by differential lube tube contacting differential case. *tw | 07/17/1997 | |
| POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION | |||||
| 996041 | 05/01/1999 | 606956 | Vehicles may exhibit a hard to shift condition in cold weather. *tt | 09/08/1999 | |
| 96248 | 11/18/1996 | 50907 | Noise - grinding or clashing heard when shifting into 3rd gear - vehicles with mtx-75 transaxle - vehicles built through 9/1/96. *tw | 06/17/1997 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | ||||||
| RQ02006 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 02/26/2002 | 09/12/2002 | INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION | 98V233000 | |
| Shift indicator may deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | |||
| 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. | |||
| 1 | 07/21/1999 | ||
| Problems with 1996 ford contour front brakes, transmission, fuse box, heater blower motor, electrical and steering and suspension. *mr for the second time, the vehicle had problems with the brakes making a loud rubbing sound, the stabilizer bar was replaced and needs to be replaced again. the transmission was leaking, water was inside of the headlight seals, which made the lights very dim, the selector mode switch on the heater motor blower did not work properly, which made the heat not work at a 100%. the upper ball joints, rack and pinion and wheel bearing were all defective. *jb *nm | |||
| 05/19/2000 | |||
| Speedometer malfunctioned, not allowing the vehicle to go into third gear. vehicle has been repaired. *ak | |||
| 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. | |||
| 08/20/1999 | 0 | ||
| While driving at 70 mph without prior warning odometer dropped, and the vehicle went into overdrive and wouldn't come out of overdrive. *ak | |||
| 1 | 05/31/1996 | ||
| Speedometer failed. | |||
| 05/31/1996 | 1 | 05/31/1996 | |
| Speedometer/odometer failed. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||
| 07/23/2008 | 86000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. while attempting to shift the gears on the floor shift, the contact experienced incorrect gear selection. he took the vehicle to the dealer and a technician stated that they did not repair vehicles after ten years. the manufacturer stated that his vin was not included nhtsa campaign id number 98v233000 (power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift); therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. the failure and current mileages were 86,000. | |||
| 02/08/2008 | 81124 | 1 | 02/07/2008 |
| I just got the car from used car dealer on 02/07/08 drove fine went home and in the morning i went out got kids in car and went to back up and had no reverse..the shop i took it to said the transmission is out. the car only has 81000 miles on it....and there has been alot of complaints made about this transmission in 1996 ford contours... i think some thing needs to be done ... *tr | |||
| 05/30/2005 | 130315 | 2 | 05/27/2005 |
| At first vehicle would indicate wrong gear and then it binded up the gear shift so eventually had to remove some plastic from gear shift just to shift the gear then the automatic gear shift indication will not indicate what gear the car is in at all. possibly causing wrong gear selection could cause collision in parking lot.*jb | |||
| 07/25/2005 | 1 | 07/25/2005 | |
| I bought a 1996 ford contour from and individual in july of this year. it ran well, for a few days, and then the od light kept coming on, and it felt like it was shifting into low. i kept mashing the button on the shift arm and the light would go out and then come back on this would go on for several days, then it would be ok for several days, just to start up all over again. then i had the old changed in november and the would not stay cranked for me to get home. the wires under the hood are all flaking of there plastic covering. i assume this is why it will not stayed cranked. i can not drive it in this condition. *nm | |||
| 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 | |||
| 10/12/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving, the transmission would down shift on its own. the transmission would hesitate then shift. the driver was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. please fill in additional information. *jb the consumer stated that the transmission indicator deteriorated and fans out therefore can not indicate what gear the transmission is in. *tc | |||
| 1 | 01/01/2002 | ||
| The vehicle's automatic transmission failed (1996 ford contour). *ph *nm | |||
| 10/16/2002 | 128000 | 4 | 11/20/1999 |
| Transmission has failed repeatedly even after complete rebuild. have also had tread separation in tires on 5 separate occasions | |||
| 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 | |||
| 04/15/2002 | 2 | 02/01/2097 | |
| Torque converter failed in january, 2001, causing damage to the automatic transmission which required replacement at a cost of $2,600. five months later, the torque converter again required replacement. replaced with ford parts. now in april, 2002, the transmission again caused problems with stalling in traffic, overdirve light flashing, very rough shifting. diagnostics indicate the torque converter came apart and damaged the automatic transmission again. replacement cost will be $2,400.*ak | |||
| 01/20/2002 | 1 | 12/01/1999 | |
| I can't even remember how many time i have had to come to this site about this car. without any warning the transmission went out and now still owing money on this car i am looking at $2000.00 for a new transmission.*ak | |||
| 1 | 06/01/1997 | ||
| Stalling in traffic with high outside temperature, overdrive off light flashes, very rough shifting, diagnostics indicate torque converter clutch slipping, transmission being replaced. | |||
| 01/01/2001 | 1 | ||
| The vehicles overdrive failed resulting in transmission failure, the manufacturer has been contacted. nlm | |||
| 2 | 01/01/1999 | ||
| My 1996 contour has literally broken down. i have 99,000 miles and have completely replaced the transmission, the front suspension system, and the car still is not dependable, and the same problems re-occur. i hpay more in repairs than i do for my monthly payment. | |||
| 02/01/2001 | 12/01/1998 | ||
| Asked dealership to perform recall 00v-367000 and they said ford has no such recall.*ak | |||
| 06/12/2001 | 2 | 12/01/1998 | |
| Transmission shifted into reverse while shifter was still in drive. overdrive light was blinking. *ak | |||
| 05/18/2001 | 0 | ||
| While driving about 25 mph transmission felt like it was shifting into neutral. vehicle had to be towed. then, took vehicle to dealer, and found out that piston assambly was in transmission broke. *ak | |||
| 05/01/2001 | |||
| Transmission went out, and pressing on gas vehicle felt like it was in neutral. contacted dealer. *ak | |||
| 11/01/1999 | 2 | 08/01/1996 | |
| The cear is pealing, 2 transmisisons have failed and now the a/c int. blower only runs on high. *ak | |||
| 03/12/2001 | 1 | 10/01/1996 | |
| Transmission failure - complete failure of 2-3 gear shift and also locking torque converter. *ak | |||
| 1 | 08/01/1999 | ||
| Vehicle has a crack in transmission housing.*ak consumer states while mechanic was performing routine maintenance he observed a crack in the bottome of the transmission housing, since no transmission work has ever been performed under consumer's ownership roughly since 41,000 miles in the mechanic's opinion that either the transmission housing was cracked when installed or another transmission was put in resulting in a cracked housing, he also observed what might be bad front coil springs, they are making a rubbing nosie on an uneven surface or in a sharp turn to the right,consumer has contacted manufacturer they have called her consumer back but they have turned the complaint into a feedback report consumer has also had rotors turned and serviced twice.*jb | |||
| While vehicle is being driven overdrive activates, and vehicle completely shuts down in heavy traffic, cause unknown. please give any further details.*ak | |||
| 09/28/2000 | 05/01/1996 | ||
| My transmission went out on my 1996 ford countour (66000+ miles). i was told that my transmission went to high line pressure and blew a piston drum in the transmission. the transmission in my car is a cd4e which is also found in madza cars. the cd4e transmission is known for it many problems releated to going to high line pressure and blowing the piston drums in its' earlier designs between (1994 - 1998). why aren't these defective transmissions recalled for correction.*ak | |||
| 06/23/1999 | 06/01/1999 | ||
| Was driving one day and overdrive light comes on and cars starts to shift real hard no exact speed matters all the time and engine check light is on all the time. *ak | |||
| 08/15/1999 | 1 | 01/01/1997 | |
| Car would not shift, entire transmission rebuilt $2600. *ak | |||
| 10/01/1999 | |||
| When shifting into third gear there is a grinding/clashing noise= tsb # 96248; contacted local dealership and was informed ford does not cover anything, car needs a new shift fork and rebuilt input shaft; cost $1000. *ak | |||
| 03/27/2000 | |||
| Transmission does not recognize any gears. vehicle was towed to dealer & dealer hasn't had a chance to find the cause of the problem. vechicle is also idleing very high. *ak | |||
| 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. | |||
| When traveling at any speed transmission drops out of gear ,causing loss of forward motion and loss of acceleration. consumer has contacted dealer. please provide any further details. *ak | |||
| 07/01/1999 | 3 | 12/01/1998 | |
| Over drive light flashes and over drive system will be activated suddenly couldn't be turned off. | |||
| 09/01/1999 | 1 | 10/01/1996 | |
| Have had numerous problems: interior/brake lights failed to light. replaced switch twice. fuel filler door will not open with latch inside. never worked. cigarette lighter failed. power window on driver's side has failed. car intermittently will not start due to drained battery. mechanic could find no cause for this related to alternator/charging system of car. never able to fix this. trunk leaks water around seal. abs light keeps coming on . mechanic could find no problem with abs. air conditioner/heater would only blow out defrost setting. also bad smell comes from ac when on. rear seat belts keep jamming; not able to use sometimes because they won't come out. worst problem so far: transmission has failed. not yet fixed. i loved this car once, now i hate it! the whole thing should be recalled. *ak | |||
| 08/01/1999 | 1 | 10/01/1997 | |
| Tranamission failed. yh | |||
| 10/09/1999 | |||
| At highway speeds transmission casing cracked, causing the vehicle to decelerate rapidly. dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *ak | |||
| 03/07/1998 | |||
| While driving the overdrive off light continues to come on. and when this happens, car loses speed. *ak | |||
| 09/05/1999 | |||
| When driving at 70 mph the vehicle is shifting very hard. it downshifts from overdrive to second gear, and all the components on the dashboard start going out. vehicle has been into repair shop six times and the dealer can't determine the cause of the problem. also, when applying the brakes, the child in the child seat goes forward, and the harness strap left a red spot on the child. *ak | |||
| 07/26/1999 | |||
| Vehicle shuts off in gear at 25 mph. overheated upon acceleration. dealer contacted, and stated the alarm was the cause. problems still exists. *ak *yc | |||
| The transmission is making a grinding and scraping type noise. i should not have to for any of the cost of the transimission. | |||
| 08/20/1999 | 0 | ||
| While driving at 70 mph without prior warning odometer dropped, and the vehicle went into overdrive and wouldn't come out of overdrive. *ak | |||
| The vehicle will intermittently jump from first to second gear. also, a lound popping noise occurs, cause unknown. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 03/01/1999 | 1 | 05/01/1997 | |
| This is our second car with this model overdrive transmission (cd4e) that has failed at approximately the same mileage, the first was a 1995 mazda 626 vin# 11yvge22c6s5374843. the majority of the driving miles on both vehicles were considered highway miles at a cruising seed of 55mph or greater, generally with the cruise control on. *ak | |||
| 07/06/1998 | 2 | 12/01/1997 | |
| Transmission replaced due to grinding and scraping, was also replaced once by previous owner. | |||
| 01/01/1998 | 50 | 05/01/1996 | |
| Twice the transmission failed on the freeway and had to be completely replaced even though the car was 1 and 3 months old. the dealer was extremely rude and i promise i will never purchase another ford again and neither will anybody that has heard my story. | |||
| 02/24/1998 | 5 | ||
| While driving gear would slip from drive into neutral with no warning. the engine would rev then pop back into (automatic) gear. would start shifting into drive or reverse until foot is pressing accelerator. then shifts into neutral. its happens intermittently. will be taking vehicle to dealer. *ak | |||
| 11/20/1998 | |||
| Automatic transmission got stuck in park position. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| 10/01/1998 | 1 | 02/14/1997 | |
| Transmission slips in and out of gears, especially when in high gears. | |||
| 10/01/1998 | 02/14/1997 | ||
| Transmission/torque converter, and engine valve failure. | |||
| 10/09/1997 | 1 | 02/15/1996 | |
| Transmission automatic transaxle failed at highway speed. | |||
| 02/01/1996 | 1 | 02/01/1996 | |
| Car stalls in forward/reverse gears. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) | |||
| 1 | |||
| Traction control system filed. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) | |||
| 07/18/2004 | 68110 | 1 | 01/01/1996 |
| Prndl indicator is broken, similar complaint to nhtsa # 98v233000, found ford recall # 98s26, dealer and manufacturer will not cover vehicle under this recall campaign. | |||
| 01/15/2004 | 90000 | 1 | 09/15/1996 |
| I hope you can help me. i have a complaint i'd like to register with you about the safety of a car made by ford motor company. the vin (vehicle identification number) is 1falp6633tk224973. i am the owner of a 1996 ford contour lx and recently i became aware (on my own accord) that ford motor company has the following two safety recalls on my vehicle 1. recall 99s14 - head light switch and wire assembly 2. recall 98s26 - automatic transaxle shift indicator (prndl) bezel. upon acquiring this information i contacted ford motor company's local dealer kingston industrial garage in order to ascertain whether my vehicle qualifies for these recalls. i was subsequently advised by them that while my vehicle qualified for recall 99s14-head lamp switch and wire assembly, however it does qualify for recall 98s26 - automatic transaxle shift indicator (prndl) bezel. this is occurring despite the fact that my vehicle meets one of the requirements as stated in a letter issued to dealers and customers by ford motor company's mr. a. r. kaduk-manager of vehicle service and programs dated october, 1998 which reads certain 1995-1998 model year contour vehicles equipped with automatic transmission built from september 1, 1994 through january 8, 1998 at the kansas city assembly plant, usa and it is this statement that makes my vehicle eligible for this recall, and how can they justify honoring one safety recall and not another. as a consequence of their refusal to honor this safety recall i am presently forced to drive an extremely unsafe vehicle due to the fact that i am unable to determine the selection of gears as a result of the defective automatic shift indicator (prndl) bezel which if not addressed with dispatch will sooner or later result in severe damage to myself and others. thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. i look forward to hearing from you soon. | |||
| 06/16/2004 | 65000 | 200 | 08/22/1998 |
| Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl) details: automatic shift lever may not indicate correct gear (p, d, r) lever hangs up when switching between p, d, r. problem has been occurring for appx three years.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2001 | 40000 | 100 | 11/15/1996 |
| Automatic shift lever may not indicate correct gear (p, d, r) lever hangs up when switching between p, d, r. problem has been occurring for appx three years.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2002 | |||
| Shift lever damage, no longer able to tell what gear is shifted to, there is a recall but this vehicle is not affected due to vin. *ak | |||
| 03/01/2001 | |||
| Shift lever indicator is worn. can no longer see what gear is being used. there is recall 98v233000, but this vehicle is not affected. *ak | |||
| 12/12/1998 | |||
| The gear shift indicator is broken, and does not indicate what gear the vehicle is in. the problem was reported to the dealership. dealer stated that vehicle was not included in recall # 98v233000 due to vin, and could not be serviced free of charge. *ak | |||
| 01/26/1999 | |||
| The gear shift indicator does not inidicate what gear the vehicle is in. the dealer/manufacturer i are aware of problem problem has not been corrected. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT | |||
| Gear shift indicator is not reading the actual gear position ,causing incorrect gear selection. also, ther eis recall 98v233000 for the same problem. however, vehicle not included in the recall. please provide any further details.*ak | |||
| 12/04/1996 | 1 | 06/13/1996 | |
| Gear shifter failed. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT | |||
| 06/14/2004 | 1 | ||
| Question regarding how a similar make, model and year vehicle with the identical problem is not included in a recall.*mr the consumer was referring to recall #98v233000. *jb | |||
| 02/13/2001 | 1 | ||
| Recall 98 v 233 000/shift level damage: shift level is not correctly indicating actual gear, consumer contacted dealer, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under recall due to vin. *ak *yd | |||
| 09/01/2000 | |||
| Shift lever does not show the proper gear that the car is in. dealership has informed consumer that recall 98v233000 does not affect this vehicle. please provide any additional information / attachments.*ak | |||
| 07/15/1999 | |||
| Floor shift lever broke. indicator showing drive/reverse, etc., failed to work properly. very hard to shift into park. took to dealer to check cause & was informed no recalls on vehicle. driver cannot tell if vehicle is in drive or reverse. *ak | |||
| 02/12/1999 | |||
| Recall 98s26. floor lever is not correctly indicating in which gear the vehicle is in. plastic piece around lever has cracked. dealer contacted and states vehicle does not comply to recall. problem still exists. provide further information. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER | |||
| 04/15/2002 | 2 | 02/01/2097 | |
| Torque converter failed in january, 2001, causing damage to the automatic transmission which required replacement at a cost of $2,600. five months later, the torque converter again required replacement. replaced with ford parts. now in april, 2002, the transmission again caused problems with stalling in traffic, overdirve light flashing, very rough shifting. diagnostics indicate the torque converter came apart and damaged the automatic transmission again. replacement cost will be $2,400.*ak | |||
| 1 | 06/01/1997 | ||
| Stalling in traffic with high outside temperature, overdrive off light flashes, very rough shifting, diagnostics indicate torque converter clutch slipping, transmission being replaced. | |||
| 03/12/2001 | 1 | 10/01/1996 | |
| Transmission failure - complete failure of 2-3 gear shift and also locking torque converter. *ak | |||
| 10/01/1998 | 02/14/1997 | ||
| Transmission/torque converter, and engine valve failure. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY | |||
| 08/03/1999 | |||
| All the bolts sheared off on bracket supporting transaxle, causing it to fall down and wedge against the exhaust pipe. heard a noise prior to discovering problem. vehicle driven to mechanic for repairs. owner has bolts. *ak | |||
| 08/01/1998 | 3 | 05/01/1998 | |
| The left front axle broke while i was driving the car and it punctured my tire and damaged the rim of it. the mechanic says it was just worn out even though the car is only 3 years old. the check engine light stays on all the time, and there is nothing wrong. the engine rumbles when it idles. the brakes grind all the time, and i have replaced the left rotor 3 times in less than a year. the carpet comes out from under the rear seats an the passenger's side. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT | |||
| 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 | |||
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT | |||
| 07/21/1999 | 1 | ||
| Ford motor company did not send me a recall notification letter on my 1996 ford contour. i need to send my car back to ford motor asap, and ford needs to send me a brand new car. due to also since the first day i bought my car in 1999 every part in my car is a defect fraud non ford, also newman ford in salem, nh refused and discriminated my disability and laughed at me and denied my services. *jb | |||
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT | |||
| 02/08/2000 | 1 | 06/21/1997 | |
| Consumer heard a thumping sound. took automobile to midas auto shop and was told that two bolts have sheared off the transaxle .*ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION | |||
| 12/01/2000 | 1 | ||
| The transmission failed while driving. nlm | |||
| 07/03/2000 | 1 | 09/01/1999 | |
| The convertor clutch was slipping in the transmission, transmission was replaced. *slc | |||
| 09/23/2000 | 8 | 02/01/1998 | |
| Car has always stalled and i was told by a mechanic that it was because the car was made like a stick shift so it stalls at stop signs and lights sometimes. now my car is stalling as i start going through lights and i was almost hit by a car from behind | |||
| 05/19/2000 | |||
| Speedometer malfunctioned, not allowing the vehicle to go into third gear. vehicle has been repaired. *ak | |||
| 08/02/1997 | 1 | 06/26/1997 | |
| Transmission failure. | |||
| 01/04/1996 | |||
| Man-trans: vehicle parked on hill, unoccupied, emergency brake not applied; popped out of gear; rolled forward down a hill; ran into two parked vehicles. tt | |||