Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
00V350000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 05/20/1997 to 04/14/2000V (Vehicle)375011/30/2000MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY10/30/200010/31/2000
Defect SummaryVehicle description: bi-fuel vehicles. these vehicles may have a fuel tank filler pipe grommet that could have been damaged during the installation of the bi-fuel system. if the grommet is damaged, fuel could leak. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. dealers will replace the fuel tank filler pipe grommet.
Consequence SummaryIf the grommet is damaged, fuel could leak. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the fuel tank filler pipe grommet.
NotesOwner notification began november 30, 2000.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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
0310205/26/200310002766Compressed natural gas (cng). rough idle or no start when cold. vehicles equipped with cng bi-fuel engine only. *tt09/16/2003
0123111/26/2001630331Some compressed natural gas (cng) vehicles may exhibit rough idle or no start when cold. *tt04/16/2002
0113607/09/2001620986Subject regarding overview of bi-fuel cng vehicle parameter identification data (pid), inputs and outputs as a diagnostic aid for bi-fuel vehicles. *tt09/05/2001
008504/17/2000613579Due to an internal design change to the solenoid tank valve, the pressure release device (prd) can no longer be removed from the tank valve without first venting the fuel tank. **mr07/21/2000
97601111/01/1997605804Experiencing difficulty diagnosing vehicles with evaporative fuel system diagnostic trouble codes. *tt07/26/1999
589003/01/1999605250Information on retrieving diagnostic codes for base engine / gasoline fuel system or the alternate fuel system. *tt06/04/1999
98E0411/06/1998603098Some vehicles built with rear fuel lines may allow fuel to seep and evaporate at the metal line to nylon tube joint at the rear of the vehicles near the fuel filter. *tt02/02/1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP
981078502/01/1998607486Information replacing the fuel pump / sender. *tt09/23/1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
02050303/21/20050556636417Guidance for cng tank inspection for vehicles produced after december 2, 1996. *tt update. *tt11/08/2002
9815308/03/1998609544Frequent shutoff of the fuel handle when filling the fuel tank. ak04/03/2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - FILLER PIPE AND CAP
01M0406/01/2001622686In the vehicles covered by the additional coverage program, the fuel pipe flapper valve may stick which could result in slow fill and frequent fuel filler nozzle shut-off. *tt10/22/2001
650107/01/1999610658Some vehicles built between 7/1/98 and 12/31/98 may exhibit a fuel filler door not closing properly. *tt05/10/2000
9920410/04/19996089645A condition with fuel filler door unable to close completely. *tt02/10/2000
1288806/01/1999606917Concerns with fuel filler door not closing properly. *tt09/08/1999
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
039805/12/200310002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457. *tt09/17/2003
1222912/01/1998615490Brief information on tsb 97-26-7 (gauge - fuel - does not read below 1/4) applies only to certain vehicles built before 2/2/98 at kansas city assembly plant and 2/16/98 at cuautitlan assembly plant. *tt01/17/2001
529312/01/1998615399Concerns with fuel gauge which does not read below 1/4. *tt01/16/2001
BC244697050105/01/199752844Some 96 & 97 vehicles misbuilt with 1998 model year fuel gauge. *tw09/18/1997
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
025303/18/2002636042Subject regarding alternative fuel vehicle compressed natural gas tank inspection. *tt11/04/2002

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
08/01/2011140000
 The engine wiring harness which connects to the vehicle's main power supply box has wiring for which the insulation comes off exposing live, bare wires. this leads to shorts in the electrical system which affects drivability (engine runs erratically and affects the electric fuel pump's operation) and could lead to a vehicle fire if the wiring suffers catastrophic failure. it goes without saying that if the car's fuel supply or engine control systems fail, the driver may lose control and become involved in a crash or collision. ford does not sale replacement parts nor are parts available on the secondary market. the part number for the wiring harness on my care is f8rz14289ca. ford should be required to replace these defective harnesses.
06/15/20030
 We have a 1998 ford contour. the check engine light goes on. it first came on in oct 01 we took it to the ford garage in delhi. they said it needed a cam sensor/ solenoid sprockets etc. since that was a lot of money we decided to take it to canadian tire to see what they thought. they thought it was a cam sensor. we had them put that in. $58. mileage 111346. it worked fine for a couple weeks. we complained to ford and found out about the awa.. after warranty adjustment. this had not been mentioned earlier. so we a new solenoid sprocket etc. put in by ford,, (jan /02) . how it came to that mileage when ctc had it back in nov/ 01 and then it was* 11134*???? they also had it in dec and the mileage was 112279.) that baffles me. the check engine light was to surface again. my daughter had the car at school so she was finally able to take it to our garage in may/28/02 at that time the garage checked #3 cylinder cause of our check engine concerns.. cost 39.10. nothing was done at that time. the engine light continued to stay on. finally we took it in again on oct 24th and another cam sensor was put on. $144.46. mileage 130776. on nov,.5th /02 took it in again and they said it would require an exhaust camshaft and solenoid gaskets and seals. we again asked about the awa and they said no it was no longer covered. they said that the last solenoid was only covered for 20,000 km. had they detected the problem back in may when we brought it in and had they written down the correct mileage then it would have been covered under warranty. since we did not really feel that the solenoid ( and really didn't want to pay $1000 for fixing it and then finding out that there might be another problem) was the problem, since we had already had that replaced once we considered taking it to a guy that used to work at ford. (his wife drives a contour) he checked the car for surges. scan tested it tried various computer parts rechecked valve. etc,, but it all proved negative.
01/01/19019300010
 Intermittently when the gas pedal was applied, the vehicle failed to accelerate. this occurred because of an obstruction in the flow of fuel to the engine. the dealership has serviced the vehicle 5 times. they have replaced the fuel pump, the filter and the oxygen sensor. the problem still exist. the dealership refused to service the vehicle anymore because they indicated they have done all they could do to correct this problem. *nm the vehicle leaked oil over the entire engine, the fuel pressure dropped when the vehicle was driven on mountainous areas, a short was found, and wires were found chaffed. *sc *jb
10/01/200110900030001/20/1998
 Re: your #00v350000 i have experienced the problem with me ford contour for 2 years ford refuses to fix because they only cover the problem up to 100,000 miles. it takes me up to 25 minutes to fill my gas tank because of this problem. i have had one gas station attendant ask me not to fuel at his station until i get it fixed. i don't have the extra money to fix. $300.00 plus. it is a faulty part why is it not fixed? *nlm
07/01/2000307/02/1998
 While driving and without warning air bag light illuminated on dashboard. minutes later, light went off. dealer has been notified; however, mechanic can not duplicate the problem.*ak consumer adds with full tank of gas, fuel light is illuminated. *tt
10/25/20001
 Ea00025, while refueling it won't refuel or it's very hard to fuel vehicle. common problem. *ak
1
 Vehicle uses excessive fuel. yh
05/24/1998105/08/1999
 Fuel system. air condition valve.
06/10/19991006/01/1999
 Strong oil smell within three minutes of engine start, taken to dealer and they couldn't find any leak, smell persists and is a constant irritation. very noticeable after shutting down and getting out of vehicle. permeates entire garage area. *ak
06/10/19991006/01/1999
 Fuel oil smell within three minutes of engine start, taken to dealer and they couldn't find any leak, smell persists and is a constant irritation. very noticeable after shutting down and getting out of vehicle. permeates entire garage area. *ak
04/14/19991
 Fuel evaporation system failed causing check engine light to illuminate. nlm
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY
05/01/2000
 When refueling vehicle pump will cut off numerous times and fuel will spill. this has gotten worse over the last 2 years. vehicle was taken to dealer at 96000 miles, consumer was informed of extention of warranty on fuel pipe. part was on backorder until vehicle was over 100000 miles. now ford refuses to honor warranty.*ak
09/13/20011
 Consumer states that something is leaking from under the vehicle. consumer pulled over looked under car and notice gas leaking from a pipe connected to the gas tank. please provide any further information. nlm
07/11/2000005/17/1999
 Vehicle has been in shop for one month and mechanic can not tell consumer why it continues to stop in traffic. however, mechanic said that whole fuel line needs to be replaced.*ak
06/24/2000206/01/1999
 How many recalls must there be before lemon law applies? no safety defect listed .
04/01/1999
 Fuel filler opening does not provide vent when adding gasoline. nozzle shuts off repeatedly when attempting to add gas. while attempting to investigate, finger became lodged in fuel filler opening flap (it has a small opening near the base, where it attaches to the pipe), fire rescue personnel needed to cut out fuel tank filler pipe to extract my finger.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP
07/27/200332000205/10/2000
 After going through two fuel pumps, first pump went at 32000 miles and the second around 62000, i have had extreme problems with the fuel pump. now, my car doesn't start on its own very often. i have to wiggle the fuel pump under the backseat in order to start the car. i have, on occasion, had the engine die while traveling down the freeway or in the middle of an intersection. once the fuel pump was wiggled, the car started again and i was on my way. i took my car to a well trusted mechanic and he told me that ford doesn't have any parts to fix the very loose pipe that runs into the fuel pump. i am very concerned about this issue and feel that my car may stall and cause myself and others great danger. please help.*ak
03/11/2002
 Fuel pump went out and consumer found out by trying to start vehicle. however, vehicle would not start up. contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything. *ak
05/14/1999
 After getter the recall part replaced for the fuel system, noticed that when the tank is filled the car would leak fuel from around the fuel pump. vehicle is leaking water in trunk area during rain, failed seal, replace rear back glass seal and reseal back glass. check engine light is on, weak, replace cannister purge and vapor canister.
10/28/20010
 Engine check light came on. took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced fuel pump. please provide any further information.*ak
07/17/2001207/01/1997
 Pump was replaced only three (3) months ago!
01/10/2001101/01/1998
 The water pump and now the fuel pump. this has been a very bad experience with ford the inconvience and the freedom of purchasing a new car has left me frustrated and afraid to trust the car. *ak
1206/01/1998
 Problems occasionally with difficulity fueling--spewback of gas and premature cut off of pump . on occasion it has taken me 20 minutes to fill the gas tank because the car will only accept a small amount of gas at a time. *ak
3007/01/1998
 When fueling in hot weather, gasoline does not flow from pump nozzle into tank. pump shuts off every few cents, and gasoline spurts back often. dealer claimed to fix, but problem persists. *ak
11/01/1998
 Very difficult filling gas tank, when filling pump keeps shutting off , at times gas will come right back out all over the side of the car. *ak
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
09/01/200318000804/07/2000
 Constant problems with the vehicle. alternator, fuel tank, gear shift indicator, computer sensor's (variable cam timing over retarded), automatic shift labored and fails, cooling fan motor, etc. this vehicle is in some form of repair shop on a regular basis. have i driven a ford lately? yes, and sorry i chose to do so. *ak
04/26/20011004/24/2001
 While driving at about 5mph and making a right turn right front wheel came off due to loose lugs: nuts. dealer has seen vehicle. *ak consumer states the vehicle has experienced problems with the following: fuel filter, spark plugs, transmission, cv boot, brakes, air filter, wire, rotors need turning, timing gear, timing belt, and vehicle will not start. *slc
01/20/2000
 While driving driver's seatback broke, causing the seat to fall back, and the driver lost control of vehicle. also engine cut off system malfunctioned, engine did not shut off at the time of the crash. please provide further information. *ak
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
03/05/1999101/01/1999
 Fuel injector failed. yh
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
02/15/200888750310/16/1998
 Fuel spit-back while refueling. took to ford dealership and since the extended coverage for the fuel pipe flapper valve expired 5 months ago they will not repair. ford wants $300 to repair. my car only has approximately 88,800 miles and i do not have $300 to repair. i called ford in michigan and they said the same thing and emphasized the importance of taking car to ford dealership for repairs. i took car to ford in mississippi in 2002 and no mention of recall was made. ford, in my opinion, seems to be of the mind do not fix it if it is not broke. well it is broke now and if coverage expired 5 months ago that is not a long period of time and ford should pay for the repair of the fuel pipe flapper valve as they know it is defective. when i get gas the fuel spills on the ground causing harm to my family, passengers in the car, the general public and myself. *tr
11/07/200241100105/01/1998
 Vehicle operator noticed odor of natural gas in passenger compartment. vehicle brought to framingham ford via flat bed determination fuel tank leaking. not under warranty. has extended warranty, expires may 2003. ford denies coverage. this constitutes a safety hazard.----- dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis-----------------769739. *ak
04/07/200370000110/22/1997
 Car is 5.5 years old, and the fuel tank needed replacing. the tank was literally falling apart at the seams, leading to gas leaking from the gar and gasoline fumes throughout the house. in addition, no replacement part was available due to a nationwide shortage. *jb
07/14/20021
 Fuel was leaking on the ground due to a crack in seams of gas tank. consumer is concerned that a fire can start. *ak dealer found leak at fuel tank and replaced. consumer feels fuel tank is defective. *tt
12/01/1998
 The gas tank supply spout acts like it is plugged will not take the gas very fast. has never seemed to breathe properly.*ak
11/01/2000
 Fuel tank is defective, it leaks gas and fumes. dealer will not warranty part.*ak
1
 Consumer complains of a heavy gas smell in the garage, due to the gas tank being cracked. *slc
11/20/20002512/01/1998
 More often than not, when i put gas in my car, the car kicks the pump off at least twice, sometimes more than that. a few days ago, i became fed up because it stopped and spewed gasoline back onto me, ruining my pants. this has happened more times than i care to count. i put 25, but it is just an estimate. i am worried that it will spew more than just a little gas next time. *ak
10/14/20001010/01/2000
 Unable to fill gas tank without gas overflow, or gas feedback, shutting off fuel nozzle. attempted to turn fuel nozzle, in every position to no avail. called a ford dealership and they said no recall, just a service bulletin. this is dangerous and frust. *ak
07/01/2000
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
02/09/20001
 Problem with refueling, the internal pressure was causing the fuel pump nozzle to disengage. *et
03/05/1999101/01/1999
 Fuel tank failed. yh
03/05/1999101/01/1999
 Fuel gauge failed. yh
07/14/2000112/01/1998
 The part for this car is back ordered as of today no part available. car is not operative. backorder is who nation and canada. paying for a vehicle that you can't even use. no safety defect listed in summary. *ak
03/24/2000
 Was at a service station. thought that they haven't turned on the pump, and realized that vehicle was not accepting any more gas. fuel gauge was reading like it was a full tank. contacted manufacturer. took it to a local mechanic who said that there may be a problem with the fuel gauge *ak
1509/01/1997
 It seems to be a recouring problem in that the design of the gas tank makes it very hard to fill up the tank without gasoline ejecting from the tank while filling. i find myself putting in 5 cents of gas at a time. 4/5 times filling the tank i have this problem and a good amount of fuel is spilled each time. i have tried multiple brands/octanes of fuel, and nothing seems to work.
08/14/19983
 Fuel leaks from fuel tank. occurs while driving or parked. has happened at least 3 different times. *ak
03/05/1999101/01/1999
 Fuel gauge failed. yh
03/05/1999101/01/1999
 Fuel tank failed. yh
103/01/1997
 Fuel tank failed.
06/18/19986
 When pumping gas was difficult to start vehicle. a clicking noise was heard. new gas tank was installed. front and rear brakes were knocking and squealing. replaced three times. sunroof motor went out. replacement made. also, starter problems occurred. dealer contacted and repairs were made but problem still exists. provide further information. *ak
08/28/1998208/28/1998
 Gas tank failed since ownership, gas leaking with fumes entering vehicle.
07/01/1997204/25/1997
 Das tank deformed, resulting in loss of power/stalling. in addition. in addition, stuttering of engine due to false gas gauge readings. *ak
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - FILLER PIPE AND CAP
09/10/200355000109/16/1998
 When filling gas tank, the gasoline shuts off after only a few cents. it takes 10 minutes to get 3 gallons of fuel. i noticed an air line that exits to the right of the gas filler tube. i sprayed pressurized air and it worked enough to get me home, but after 3-4 fill ups later, it started again. the pressurized air does not help anymore. *jb
07/08/200302/25/1998
 Fuel leaking from tank because the neck warped. ford motor co. says it will not compensate because it is out of warranty even though this is a safety issue.*ak
10/25/2002107/01/1998
 Consumer stated fule was leaking from the filler neck area. mr the dealer installed a new fill tube and seal and placed a new gasket on the exhaust.*jb
06/21/2001107/29/1999
 Engine check light remained illuminated on dash,and brake fluid was leaking. dealer has replaced rear brake pressure control valve. *ak the consumer stated that the breaks were fine now since replacing the defective brake valve. the blower motor had no 3rd speed due to blower motor switch failure. it was replaced by the dealer. the vehicle takes fuel very slow due to fuel pipe flapper valve failure. *yh
10/01/2000
 When filling fuel tank, nozzle keeps shutting off. dealer found problem with fuel filler pipe. flapper valve needs to be replaced. *ak
01/01/2001
 When filling gas tank with fuel fuel would spit back out. door chime fails to work when key is in ignition. heating system would go off, and then on whenever heat is on.*ak
05/20/20002301/01/2000
 I was unable to refuel vehicle at all, i took vehicle to nourse family ford of delaware, oh, for repairs, they replaced the fuel neck to tank. *ak
 When putting gas in tank it began to spitting the fuel back out after a few cents. it takes at least 10 minutes to put 5$ worth of gas into vehicle. dealer has been contacted. *ak
 Fuel will spill back out onto the consumer while pumping fuel, even with less than a quarter tank of fuel left, causing a fire hazard. dealer has replaced a valve in filler, but defect still occurs. dealer has now ordered a gas tank.
106/01/1998
 Gas tank flapper filler tube overflowed. nlm
08/03/1999108/28/1998
 Gas tank filler pipe replaced, not able to fill tank. mjs
01/01/19991
 Due to the flap in the fuel nozzle which gets stuck and causes the fuel to spray out when fueling the vehicle. this may cause a fire if there is a source of ignition. please provide further further information. *ak ford stated that it is a service bulletin not a recall, only to be replaced undetr warranty. jn
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - MOUNTING
09/07/200740000112/19/1999
 For several years vehicle made a bang when going over a speed bump just assumed it was bumper on suspension. today i looked under vehicle found that the gas tank strap has completely rusted away and from the looks of it has been gone for a long time. the bang might have been the tank. vehicle has been garaged with 61k. *jb
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
06/05/1998200
 Tl-the contact inquired about a 1998 ford contour. the contact stated when dispensing fuel into the fuel tank, the automatic fuel nozzle shuts off at any fuel capacity level. the failure was a continuous occurrence when dispensing fuel. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they informed that the fuel pipe flapper valve would need to be replaced. there was a manufacturer voluntary recall associated with the number 01m04. the manufacturer was notified and they informed that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle had not been repaired for the malfunction. the failure mileage was approximately 200. js
12/01/200480000206/01/2002
 My 1998 ford contour se has problems with the trunk leaking. ever since i bought the car the trunk leaks slowly. i find huge wet spots in the carpet in my trunk. also the vehicle has a problem with the transmission. when you drive the vehicle the transmission gets caught and hesitates to shift.*ak
10/16/2002
 Consumer states still having the same problem after recall was perform on the vehicle. recall#01f104000 fuel pipe. cottam walker ford 505-751-3200 please provide the address ts
07/01/2000307/02/1998
 While driving and without warning air bag light illuminated on dashboard. minutes later, light went off. dealer has been notified; however, mechanic can not duplicate the problem.*ak consumer adds with full tank of gas, fuel light is illuminated. *tt
05/01/20010
 Gas gauge is inadequate when putting gas in tank. gas gauge does not show correct amount.*ak
06/28/2000101/01/1998
 Speedometer/odmeter and fuel gauge are not working. vehicle gave no prior warnings, and shutdown while in motion. dealership's remedy for fuel gauge and speedometer are for them to be replaced. defect may have caused consumer into an automobile accident.*ak sometimes, all of them do work, but may fail while traveling. *yh
07/01/1997204/25/1997
 Das tank deformed, resulting in loss of power/stalling. in addition. in addition, stuttering of engine due to false gas gauge readings. *ak
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
08/03/1999108/28/1998
 Gas leak due to failure of the line. mjs
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - STORAGE - FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
08/21/19991
 Unable to fill tank up with gas due to a defective fuel tank pressure sensor. *yc
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
105/31/1997
 Driver finds it is difficult to pump gas into the gas tank because the flapper valve block the fuel filler neck. yh
11/02/19991
 Fuel filler flapper valve failed causing difficulty in filling gas tank. mjs
10/22/19990
 Flapper valve does not allow consumer to put gas into the vehicle. consumer says that this causes the gas to shut back out. this could cause a fire. *ak
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - FILLING/CHARGING
107/03/1998
 Fuel filler check valve failed. mjs