Recalls

CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT
98V233000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 07/18/1994 to 01/12/1998V (Vehicle)17500011/20/1998ODIFORD MOTOR COMPANY09/18/199809/25/1998
Defect SummaryVehicle 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 SummaryThis condition can result in incorrect gear selection.
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control.
NotesOwner 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

BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN
994303/08/1999604751Information regarding reprogramming powertrain control modules (pcms). *tt05/11/1999
BC004597230101/23/199751397Beginning december 2, 1996 (beginning tran serial number (6337-0001)) all cd4e transaxles are built with a redesigned pump body separator plate and pump body separator plate gasket. *jd06/27/1997
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1589405/01/2002637775Subject regarding automatic shifter assembly or the indicator housing replacement. *tt12/06/2002
9915207/26/1999608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt01/05/2001
001501/10/2000612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs06/06/2000
1317809/01/19996090534Information regarding clunk/rattle on tip-in or transmission gear engagement. *mjs03/21/2000
9924911/29/19996090198This bulletin addresses an issue with the automatic transmission fluid seeping from the vent, resulting in fluid collecting on the main control assembly. *tt03/10/2000
988804/27/1998601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart. *yc07/10/1998
BC320497021402/14/199751804Harsh shifts and/or harsh engagement accompanied by dtc's 628 or p0741. *tw07/17/1997
9751103/03/199751945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts. *jd07/17/1997
BC004497020101/02/199751018Intermittent surging, bucking or shudder concern, intermediate erratic speddometer and/or possibly dtc452. *jd06/27/1997
BC004597020101/02/199751019Beginning december 2, 1996 all cd4e transaxles are built with a redesigned pump body separator plate and pump body separator plate gasket. *jd06/27/1997
96241111/18/199650910Transaxle - cd4e - new design parking pawl ratchet spring and parking cam actuating lever assembly. *tw06/17/1997
96261412/16/199650999Transaxle - cd4e - harsh shift and/or engagement - diagnostic trouble code 628 or p0741. *tw06/17/1997
BC078396101410/14/199650409New pcm calibration to correct low speed maneuver, high ambient temp, & start/run/stall concerns. *tt04/24/1997
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
04210712/13/200404241410014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures. *tt04/28/2005
0061103/20/2000612924Some 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. *mjs06/13/2000
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
0314807/21/200310003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt10/29/2003
975903/03/199751943Leak- automatic transmission fluid- cd4e transaxle in fluid collection on main control assembly. *jd07/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
98S26S212/07/1998615129Safety recall involving certain vehicles with automatic transaxle shift indicator (prndl) bezel - part availability). *tt12/29/2000
98S26S112/07/1998615128Safety recall involving certain vehicles with automatic transaxle shift indicator (prndl) bezel. *tt12/29/2000
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
0118109/17/2001625715Brake shift interlock.*jb11/30/2001
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
9624911/18/199650908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
96261212/16/199650997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
022402/04/2002630631Some 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, p004/19/2002
0018209/01/2000618586Some 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. *jb04/17/2001
9671203/25/1996613333Subjec regarding the mtx-75 transaxles will be installed certain mode year vehicles. *tt06/21/2000
001901/10/2000612301Information regarding several internal changes that have been implemented on the mrx-75 transaxle to improve shift efforts. *mjs06/07/2000
9920110/04/19996089639Concerns with a harsh shift felt at large throttle openings (or at heavy acceleration rate) on some vehicles. *tt02/10/2000
98231111/23/1998603725Minimal clearance of the cd4e transaxle to subframe makes transaxle installation and removal more difficult. *yc03/03/1999
BC519796100110/01/199650474Some vehicles equipped w/ an ax4s transaxle may have been shipped w/ a low transaxle fluid level. *tt04/24/1997
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
1376101/01/2000612789Some vehicles equipped with 2.0l engines may exhibit symptoms of clutch slippage or no clutch engagement after performinb repairs to the clutch system. *mjs06/12/2000
792301/01/20007923612410Clutch will not engage after service.06/08/2000
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
BC102669723001/23/199751641Vehicles exhibiting harsh shifts and/or harsh engagement accompanied by dtcs 628 or p0741. *jd06/27/1997
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
734911/01/1999610783Some 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. *tt05/15/2000
1331610/01/1999609611Exhibiting a driveline rattle or clunking type noise during tip-in or transmission gear engagement. *tt04/04/2000
BC004497230101/23/199751396Intermittent surging, bucking or shudder concern, intermediate erratic speedometer and/or possibly dtc 452- inspect the vss and speedo gear. *jd06/27/1997
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
1337910/01/19996092178Some 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. *tt11/27/2000
699409/01/19996090305Concerns with vehicles exhibiting a driveline rattle or clunking type noise during tip-in or transmission gear engagement. *tt03/14/2000
BC316297021802/18/199751762Clicking noise caused by differential lube tube contacting differential case. *tw07/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
1179108/01/1998615292Some vehicles with cd4e transmission may exhibit a condition of no crank / no start in park. vehicle will crank and start in neutral. *tt01/12/2001
467408/01/1998615213Some vehicles with cd4e transmission may exhibit a condition of no crank / no start in park. vehicle will crank and start in neutral. *tt01/05/2001
99604105/01/1999606956Vehicles may exhibit a hard to shift condition in cold weather. *tt09/08/1999

Investigations

NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
POWER TRAIN
RQ02006FORD MOTOR COMPANY02/26/200209/12/2002INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION98V233000
 Shift indicator may deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position

Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
11/15/200293000
 Engine blows with no warning trany goes while going uphill at 25 mph
03/05/1997
 Vehicle stalls out without warning, replace sensor, iac valve, mass air flow sensor, transmission, shift assemble.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
12/15/2003101000205/10/1997
 Trasmission failure at 48000 miles and again at 101000 miles both requiring complete rebuild. both failures were sudden onset and the second occured at highway speed witch nearly caused a serious accident (thank god for the quick thinking driver behind me) took to 5 different shops for diagnoses. all said that the cd4e transimission was a notoriously bad transmission on both fords and mazdas
09/15/2003970001
 Cd4e transmission in 1998 ford contour gl (same complaint as the c4de in the mazda 626). transmission needed to be rebuilt due to the tss sensor breaking and falling inside the transmission - which stopped the pump and caused vehicle to become inoperable. the sensor is in the driver's side fenderwell, where it is exposed to road hazards and environmental conditions. not a good design. furthermore, the repair costs $3000 for a new transmission and all this happened because ford put the sensor in a position where it can break and cause significant damage. it's a lousy design. the sensor should be somewhere under the hood - not in the fenderwell. *la
09/06/200201/01/2099
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
 Driver has problems shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. transmission will pop out of gear, rendering vehicle's operation. please describe details. *ak
01/20/2002109/01/2001
 Bought car 4months ago, and transmission went out already. requested test reports from dealer and they have not returned my phone call. transmission can not be save and it died without warning, well cost 2600.00 to get new one. *ak
12/06/2001108/01/1999
 There seemed to be no warning regarding this problem, other than a slight high pitched whining noise in the am., much like the sound of a serpentine belt.the transmission fluid level was appropriate when checked. the computer reading has stated several problems, including a bad clutch.it will cost $2000.00 for a rebuilt transmission.
07/03/20017
 Defroster will not work, will block the view and could cause an accident. *ak also the check engine light was on, coolant leaking, engine overheating, transmission was inoperative, and the water pump was leaking.*slc
09/01/2000209/01/1997
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
10/09/20010
 While pulling vehicle out of a stop transmission started to slip. consumer has contacted dealer. please provide any further information.*ak
03/15/2001112/01/1997
 We had this vehicle for 3 yrs and during those years we have come across a number of problems with it.after the first few months of purchase the vehicle was unable to shift into the proper gear, it would get stuck on park and we were unable a drive it a number of times.we then problems with the tires in which one of the front tire split , we then replace all four. we then had problems with the heater and front lights. after seeing all the negative reports others have given on this particurlar vehicle online we feel this is a very unsafe vehicle to drive.we have major concerns as to whether we should even put this vehicle on the road without having an investigation done.we took the vehicle to the dealer and we couldn't believe their attitude, they showed no concern to our problem and proceeded to give us a quote for 2200. to get a new transmission. when we asked if there were any recalls on this vehicle they stated no. we then saw a recall on the transmission online, so we contacted ford customer svc in which they then said that our vin number wasn't included on this recall. we explained that we were having the same problems this recall stated. they in turn called the manager at crowell's who stated that he didn't offer any discount because of our attitudes.he then offer to charge 495.for a new transmission plus 200.for any service charge, also a 28. per day rental. when we asked why he lowered his price so drastically they stated that if the work was over 2200. that was the amount of the discount(1500.) however, she also stated that if our vehicle was over 75,000 miles it did not apply to us. so we are left with no vehicle to drive no way of paying this amount of money and to our surprise a vehicle with so many recalls it shouldn't to be allow on the road.i feel we should get our money back being that this vehicle is too unsafe for my family to be in.*ak
03/15/2001
 Overdrive lights continually comes on and would not go off. transmission will not engage, and allow consumer to drive vehicle. took vehicle to dealership. told consumer that transmission fluid was burned out, and transmission would need to be replaced. also, gear shift had to be forced into place in order to operate vehicle. consumer told vehicle was not part of any recall listed. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
 While driving vehicle will jump out of gear. also, when in park vehicle is hard to shift into gear. *ak
05/01/2000307/14/1997
 Transmission failed three times within four months. may 1st, june 26th and august 17th/2000. each time transmission has been rebuilt. *cj
12/12/19990
 Consumer states automobile would not come out of gear. car was stuck in park. *ak
06/15/19983
 Ongoing transmission failure. vehicle has had its 3rd transmission replacement. please provide further details. *ak
104/07/1997
 Transmission design allows vehicle to roll backwards when foot is removed from brake pedal while in drive gear.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
06/01/200205/01/2001
 Console gear shift indicator failed, causing shifter to be stuck in gear.*ak
08/01/1999
 Recall 98 v 233 000/shift level damage: reporting difficulty with shifting out of gear from park position and/or indicator not correctly indicatd actual gear position. manufacturer was notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not cover under that recall. provide any further information on this matter.*ak
 Transmission gears have deteriorated. dealer is repairing vehicle.*ak
03/07/20000
 When shifting gears the indicator does not move. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT
06/22/20056000020009/25/1997
 Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford contour. while attempting to shift gears, the gear indicator displayed an inaccurate reading. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 98v233000 (powertrain:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift). the vehicle has not been repaired. the powertrain was unknown. the failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 78,000. updated 01/29/08 *bf updated 01/29/08 *tr
06/28/2004165000109/20/1998
 Shift lever does not engage drive when shifted to d position; will only engage when shifted to 2 position.*ak
01/31/20013012/01/1997
 Transmission floor shift lever button would stick making it very hard to get out of park into gear repair done by ford replaced shift actuator & solenoid. turn signal makes clicking noise when signal not is use. signals do work.
11/01/1998301/31/1997
 In cold weather it is impossible to shift from park to reverse. consumer has to resort to a srew driver to help shift, vehicle at dealer since decembmber 28, 2000 to remedy problem. *ak automatic transmission shifts but knob rotates and shift binds still. *slc
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT
02/04/2000101/01/1999
 The right front hub bearing and intermediate shaft bearing have failed with only 45,000 miles on the vehicle. if left unrepaired the driver could lose control of the car when they catastophically fail. *ak
06/22/1999
 When driving at 35 to 40 mph and over noticed some type of knocking noise and vibration within the right front wheel due to wheel bearing that wore out. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE HUBS
02/04/2000101/01/1999
 The right front hub bearing and intermediate shaft bearing have failed with only 45,000 miles on the vehicle. if left unrepaired the driver could lose control of the car when they catastophically fail. *ak
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
10/01/20001310/01/2000
 I believe all 1997 ford contours should be recalled, over the past 3 years i have replaced the clutch, waterpump, blower motor, both lower control arms, bushings, sway bars, wheel bearings, front & rear brakes and rotors(both twice!!!!), axle, 2 oxygen sensors, catalytic converter, egr valve, coil springs, battery, balljoints, door latch, almost all of the full front suspension!!!! there are more parts that i had replaced but i can't remember all the names of the parts there are too many!! my check engine light will not turn off, seat belt light will not turn off, short in the drivers side power window, the engine will (rev) up by itself when it's in gear and when it's not, short in the drivers side power seats, water leakage in the trunk, a/c leaks onto the passenger side floor, all doors squeak no matter what you do, carpet is falling out, horn will not work most of the time, same for the cruise control, windshield wiper sprayer does not work, knocking noise coming from the engine, ended up in very bad debt because of this and no one will take it, i still owe money on the piece of crap. contacted ford motor at one time regarding all the parts i replaced after the first year i had it, they say it's not there problem. dealership who sold it to me says it was just fine, bull crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i believe that those are too many items for a 1997 to go wrong on. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
12/01/19991
 Vehicle has continued knocking sound, dealers change left ball joint, rim and right wheel joint, however the sound still there due to pc joint failure. yh

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