Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - CONTROLS/WIRING
01I009000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 08/01/1994 to 02/07/1997I56697908/29/2001ODIFORD MOTOR COMPANY07/09/200107/19/2001
Defect SummaryThis is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: 1995-1997 ford contour and mercury mystique vehicles. the heater blower resistor could overheat causing the attached electrical connector to melt.
Consequence SummaryThis could create the potential for a fire.
Corrective SummaryFord will provide additional warranty coverage for the heater blower switch for 10 years from original date of sale of the vehicle or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. dealers will install a new heater blower resistor and a new wire jumper harness free of charge.
NotesFord has decided to conduct an extended coverage program to extend the warranty coverage for potential heather blower resistor problems. owners can contact ford at1-866-436-7332, concerning this program.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM
1506507/01/2001621067Some vehicles may exhibit a/c discharge air temperatures differences of greater than 10 degrees f from registers on left side of dash than on right. *tt09/06/2001
BC10601970505/01/199752881Climate control system vacuum motor links falling off may be repaired by adding the appropriate size internal star washer retainer to the end of the shaft after installing the link. *tw09/18/1997
BC224397050105/01/199752782Climate control system - vacuum motor links falling off - repair with locally procured star washer. *tw09/12/1997
BC103269702002/01/199751783Vehicles have a cabin air filter that must be changed every 15000 miles. *jd07/17/1997
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - CONTROLS/WIRING
01M0708/01/2001624136Some vehicles may experience a loss of function with the heater blower motor switch in one or more switch positions. *slc11/01/2001
99M0111/01/199999M076089626Owner notification program providing additional coverage for replacement of the blower switch, resistor and attached wire connectors. this additional coverage is provided in case the vehicle owner experiences durability concerns with thes02/09/2000
99M0709/01/19996089622Owner notification program for additonal coverage on heater blower switch, resistor and attached wire connectors replacement. this additional coverage is provided in case the vehicle owner experiences durability concerns with these compo02/09/2000
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - HEATER CORE
0115608/06/2001623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *slc10/31/2001
VISIBILITY - GLASS, SIDE/REAR
BC050296111111/11/199650768Concerns of moulding at bottom of door window glass coming loose. *tw06/17/1997
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD
972101/20/199751375Door glass - window belt line moulding loose or falls off - vehicles built through 10/31/96. *tw06/27/1997
9622110/21/199650940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film. *tw06/17/1997

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM
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
12/14/200110/01/2000
 This automobile is giving off a horrific burning smell anytime that the heater is turned on. no one at the ford motor company wants to take responsibility for any of the defects with their products. i would just like to say that, that is beyond poor customer service on the part of ford. i would also like to let it be known that this is not the only major.*ak manufacture defect with this vehicle that i have found. the entire front-end suspension of this vehicle needs to be recalled. i less that 1 week ago replaced front wheel bearings because of a loud rubbing, roaring noise and they are starting to make the same unbearable noise again. you, at ford, advised me that there were no other complaints for this type of problem. well i would like to make you all aware that there are. if you would take the time to look through your complaints under anything having to deal with the tires, front-end suspension, wheels, wheel bearings or bearings themselves i am certain that you will find additional complaints. when your poor unfortunate and miseducated customers call with their comments concerns and issues, they are asked what is their concern. they, not knowing what the problems are state what it is they hear while driving the death trap they have been sold or have been told by your dealers. leaving every thing too broad and wide open to be scattered and incorrectly categorized. which works out to your benefit. as i understand it, anytime ford has a recall or admits that they have a problem with a vehicle they are fined and has to pay several penalties. well i should think that ford would want to pay the paucity of fees and penalties now and make the repairs needed rather than have another firestone tire incident on the hands and conscience. but who knows maybe you all dont care.
03/20/200106/01/1999
 The heater blower would only work on high prior to today, but now it doesn't work at all.*ak
04/01/200003/01/1999
 I only have 2 speeds on my heater blower,lo and 2. i also have had smoke comming from under the dash or from a heater vent when the heater has been on. when i go over a bump regardless of how small there is a thump sound that comes from the trunk area. the suspension system seems to hit really hard with any kind of bump in the road. i also had to have the headlight switch assy fixed according the recall because of taillight and panel failure.*ak
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - BLOWER
08/15/2001109/11/1997
 Consumer received recall notice 01v230000, and called dealership to set up an appointment to have vehicle serviced. dealership refused service because consumer was not experiencing the problem as described by the recall. *ak *slc
1
 Heat blower failed.
12/27/1998
 When turning blower on any temperature it does not work. *ak
VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - CONTROLS/WIRING
12/17/200690000209/13/1997
 Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford contour. the contact stated that the defroster stopped working. the vehicle was serviced for nhtsa recall # 01i009000 (visibility:defroster/defogger system:windshield:controls/wiring) in 2001. the instrument panel and tail lights also do not work. the vehicle was serviced for nhtsa recall # 99v103000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch) in 1999. the current mileage is 92,794 and failure mileage was 90,000. updated 02-01-08 *bf updated 02/01/08 *tr
05/01/200002/01/1997
 Heater switch recall - ford is unwilling to replace a faulty switch that was recalled under thier program m - the recall letter was not sent out to me. i purchased the car new in columbus oh. the recall switch can cause potntial fires and is currently bad in my car. i spoke with ford and to a manager, who was very rud to me over the phone and offered no help. she stated that the car was not covered under their program m recall because it was not made in the same factory as the other cars covered by the progem m . but i am experiencing the same problems that cause fires. ford is unhelpful and unwilling to fix a known defective part on my car. if i had been notified under this program back in 1999 when the letter was sent out then the switch would have been replaced, since it has been defective for over one year. the vin number is 1flap67lxvk103696.*ak
08/12/2001
 During replacement of heater blower switch consumer noticed that electrical wires were melted together and charred black. dealership has not examined vehicle. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
05/01/200002/01/1997
 Heater switch recall - ford is unwilling to replace a faulty switch that was recalled under thier program m - the recall letter was not sent out to me. i purchased the car new in columbus oh. the recall switch can cause potntial fires and is currently bad in my car. i spoke with ford and to a manager, who was very rud to me over the phone and offered no help. she stated that the car was not covered under their program m recall because it was not made in the same factory as the other cars covered by the progem m . but i am experiencing the same problems that cause fires. ford is unhelpful and unwilling to fix a known defective part on my car. if i had been notified under this program back in 1999 when the letter was sent out then the switch would have been replaced, since it has been defective for over one year. the vin number is 1flap67lxvk103696.*ak
03/31/2001
 Heater fan control switch began smoking and shutdown while vehicle was in operation. consumer has taken vehicle to private mechanic, who indicated that defect resulted from factory wiring harness being too small a guage of wiring to carry electrical load. replacement wiring harness was of a higher guage. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
 The fan motor switch failed to work. would flicker but not on. been to dealer & brought parts for fan motor. dashboard pulled down & noticed the wires to fan motor had burnt out. had replaced them. *ak
07/02/1999
 While driving at 35 mph smelled smoke, and heater switch caught on fire and burned. *ak
06/11/1999105/01/1999
 Burned wires and melted connector at blower motor switch resistor, blower motor switch will not operate at second highest setting.
VISIBILITY - POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
102/01/1998
 Power window switches failed. nlm
104/01/1998
 Right/rear electric window switch failure.mgm
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD
10/13/1998112/01/1997
 Discovered crack in windshield, with no obvious cause. went to nearest ford dealer (not selling dealer), and had them inspect it. their body shop confirmed that it was cracked through both inner and outer glass layers, and that it was caused by
VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
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
101/27/1997
 Windshield wiper spray malfunctioning, possible design flaw, sprays top and back of vehicle. *yc