Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
SUSPENSION
08E033000FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS E (Equipment)690305/22/2008MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY04/14/200804/17/2008
Defect SummaryFederal mogul is recalling 6,903 aftermarket ball joint assemblies shipped between november 9, 2007 and march 26, 2008, which may have been packaged with incorrect nuts. the part numbers packaged with incorrect nuts are: k7147, k7329, k8683, and 104353. these parts were made for use on the various vehicles listed above.
Consequence SummaryThe nuts included in the packaging for these ball joint assemblies are missing the intended prevailing torque (self-locking) feature. if the incorrect nut was to become loose, the joining members may loosen leading to a separation of the ball joint. this may result in loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Corrective SummaryFederal mogul will notify owners and replace the parts free of charge. the recall began on may 22, 2008. owners can contact federal mogul at 877-489-6659.
NotesThis recall only pertains to aftermarket ball joint assemblies and has no relation to any original equipment installed on vehicles manufactured by the vehicle manufacturers.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS
01V255000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 09/09/1996 to 04/18/1998V (Vehicle)10800010/23/2001MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY08/08/200108/23/2001
Defect SummaryVehicle description: passenger vehicles built at the kansas city assembly plant and originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and the district of columbia. the front coil springs may fracture as a result of corrosion in high corrosion environments. depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire.
Consequence SummarySome tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install spring catcher brackets. owner notification began october 23, 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 1-866-436-7332.
NotesAlso contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
01I013000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 09/09/1996 to 04/18/1998I20342609/19/2001MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY08/08/200108/23/2001
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: 1998 ford contour/mercury mystique passenger vehicles built at the kansas city assembly plant. the front coil springs could potentially fracture due to corrosion.
Consequence SummarySome tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
Corrective SummaryFord is extending the warranty for front coil spring replacement for the front coil springs for 10 years from original date of sale of a vehicle or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
NotesFord has decided to conduct a service campaign to extend the warranty coverage for the front coil springs. owners can contact ford at1-866-436-7332, concerning this program.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SUSPENSION
609173805/01/19996091738Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration at 60 - 70 mph (100 - 115 kph). *tt11/14/2000
1149904/01/1998613756Exhibiting a noise in the front of the vehicle and possibly caused by a front stabilizer bar or link noise. *tt08/01/2000
734411/01/1999610781Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration at 60-70 mph. *tt05/15/2000
1336410/01/1999609651Customer may comment on vibration at 60 - 70 mph at cruise. *tt04/05/2000
1338710/01/1999609663Vehicles with rear disc brakes may exhibit a squeak in the rear suspension area. *tt04/05/2000
991278105/01/1999607100Experiencing vibration at 60 - 70 mph (110 - 12- kph). *tt09/13/1999
632006/01/1999606800Concerns with vibration at 60 - 70 mph. *tt09/02/1999
999105/17/1999606422Information on vehicles exhibiting a rubbing noise from the rear of the vehicle during heavily loaded conditions, especially when combined with aggressive cornering and severe body roll. *tt08/20/1999
SUSPENSION - FRONT
98246204/01/1998603528Some vehicles may exhibit a noise in the front of the vehicle. *yc02/24/1999
SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING
1524101/01/2002630024Some vehicles may exhibit a noise that appears to come from the front wheel bearings. *tt04/11/2002
1524109/01/2001625783Some vehicles may exhibit a noise that appears to come from the front wheel bearings. *tt12/03/2001
SUSPENSION - REAR
98321302/13/1998607428Experiencing a squeak in the rear suspension. *tt09/23/1999

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SUSPENSION
11/17/200349600210/24/2003
 While driving there was a loud boom and the front left tire was rubbing. consumer drove the vehicle to the dealership, who indicated that the right front coil spring broke. the spring was replaced. however, within 6,000 miles the failure recurred, the left front spring broke. the dealership was unable to replace the spring because the manufacturer discontinued manufacturing the part. *ak the steering knuckle was removed and replaced due to the wheel bearing race spinning in the knuckles which caused abnormal wear of the knuckle. the knuckle and the bearing were replaced. *sc *jb
09/01/2001
 Soon after purchasing vehicle it started to have problems with engine. also,vehicle was shaking whenever going above 50 mph. *ak
03/12/20011
 Left strut spring broke, then 30 days later right one broke.*ak
01/23/20011
 Consumer states a noise can be heard when the wheels are turned left or right, wheels were replaced once by the dealer, when driving, sometimes vehicle will shake very bad. vehicle has bad brakes. *slc
02/09/20003
 On several occasions, when turning, the steering wheel started to shimmy, and makes a yawning sound, possibly related to the steering and or suspension failure. *et
03/29/1999
 Vehicle pulls to the left & the air conditioning unit has a musk smell. *yc
10/07/19980
 While driving at 60 mph car jerks and vibrates.*ak
08/27/1999
 Engine chcek light is on, and there is some type of grinding noise coming from the vehicle. *ak
07/01/1999
 While driving down the highway the clicking starts at a speed of 55mph.the clicking is a constant noise and continues to get worse.dealer was notified and stated that the warranty was up. *ak
SUSPENSION - AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL (ASC)
 When driving at any speed the air bag light comes on and won't go off. also, there is some type of code that appears on the dashboard, such as 41,22,55 and the codes keep blinking off and on. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT
06/14/2001108/01/1997
 This vehicle has been a lemon since purchased new in august, 1997 from sam galloway ford in fort myers, florida. from the beginning, the car drove rough not smooth. the vehicle constantly was vibrating, and simply got worse over time. the vibrations would occur at speeds as low as about 40 miles per hour, increasing the faster you drove. you could actually feel and see your body shake. the ride was the total opposite of a smooth one. rough and bumpy, even on smooth, florida roads. the vehicle felt like you were pushing or forcing it to drive. the gear shift has always been difficult to manuver, generally sticking while trying to change gears. a couple of times, this nearly caused an accident, due to the inability to change gears. when reported to ford, the only response that that per the manual, the transmission needed some type of overhaul, at a cost of about $500. also, several times, there was smoke and a burning rubber type smell emitting from the air vents. this was brought into ford several times, and not fixed. the final time, the entire car filled with smoke--i called the service manager, marlon hanson, from the vehicle on my cell phone, because i was scared that the car may burst into flames. his remarks made it sound like no big deal just bring in the car. meanwhile, i had to pull over, i was so scared, not knowing if the vehicle was going to start on fire or even blow up. this vehicle was brought in twice more for this repair, and finally appears to be fixed. we were told that it was some wiring that was burning, or starting on fire. our only compensation for that was a free rental car, after i pressured the service manager. the cassette portion of the radio broke early on. never addressed that issue with dealer or ford. steering column is increasingly difficult to manuever-very hard to turn. airbag warning light intermittendly comes on, at any speed. tires have been replaced, but newer tire keeps deflating--per tbs, coil spring problem?*a
04/01/2001205/01/1998
 I own a 1998 ford contour, vin #1fafp6636wk235046. about a month and a half ago, i was preparing to travel onto interstate 79 to go from meadville to erie, pennsylvania. less than a mile from my home on harmonsburg road, i heard a pop and my vehicle felt like it had a flat tire. i traveled about another quarter of a mile to a gas station and checked the tire. it appeared to be okay. as the vehicle was becoming hard to steer, i decided to return home. i put on my flashers and traveled at 25 mph back to my home, a straight one mile drive from the gas station. when i turned left into my driveway, i heard a grinding sound and my vehicle would no longer steer. as soon as i was off the road, i turned off the engine. the tire was flat, and the car leaned to the right-front. at a very low speed, the car seriously tipped toward the ground on the right front side. at a faster speed, it could easily have flipped several times. i was very shaken by this incident, and i have been uncomfortable driving this car since this first incident. my husband attempted to change the tire and found that the suspension coil spring had snapped and embedded itself into the tire. we called the aaa to have the car towed to lake view ford in conneaut lake.
04/22/2001109/01/1998
 No summary listed for above vehicle.
05/11/2000104/01/1997
 Coil spring on the right front of car broke. replacement of the following was necessary: shock absorber, cb spring, d boot, bearing assemnbly, aa seat, mounting assy, halfshaft assembly, cv joint assembly, brake shoes, disc brake rotor, tires.*ak
03/28/2000305/01/1999
 Front end will not stay aligned it has been realigned 3 times 3/28/00 last time, and the front drivers side tire has been replaced 5 times, it is already showing wear, and its only been 1200 since it was realigned. we have not had the car 1 full year. *ak
07/01/1999
 When driving at any speed there is a knocking and clucking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. also, headlights are working intermittently. *ak
 The vehicle vibrates when driving about 60mph ,on the front end. dealer has seen four times. problem still exist. mjs
07/26/1999
 The airbag light is on. when applying the brakes there is a squeaking noise coming from the brakes. also, the front end misalignment, causing vibration. *yc
SUSPENSION - FRONT - MACPHERSON STRUT
06/06/2004506003
 I noticed i had a flat tire. i took it off went to have it repaired,they told me it could not be repaired because the side wall had been puntured.i then had to replace the tire only to find out the new tire would not work, there was a loud clanking sound when you tried to move the car. i then put the spare (pony) on and tried to move the car the tire got hot and smoked.so we tried to take it back to the company we bought the tire from,in the process we had a blow out and had to have the car towed in. only to find out that the spring had broken ,punctured the tire on th inside sidewall and wrapped around the strutt and bent it..because of your defective springs.. we are forced to buy not only a new tire but a set of springs and new strutts. it is my understanding that ford products are known for this. that it happens on a daily basis. this is going to cost me five hundred and twenty five dollars at the very least.....why has the're been no recall on these springs????? this could have been a very disastrous situation had it happen as we were going down the interstate. i feel that some type of compensation is in order....my car is a ford contour a 1998 with only roughly 50,000 miles on it. the service work is being done by sears auto center because that is where we purchased the new tire. your prompt response and solution to this problem would encourage my continued faith in ford products, which has been somewhat shaken. respectfully your, rachel g miller. *ak
03/03/1999005/01/1997
 Tires have flat spots. consumer can hear the difference. when driving on slippery roads vehicle will slide and could cause an accident. dealer said tires were out of line. then, dealer said the struts were bad. *ak
 Macpherson strut and trans axle broke within 45000 miles.please provide further information. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS
02/28/201089000
 Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. the contact stated that he parked his vehicle overnight and the next morning his front left spring had snapped in half. the contact stated that his tire was punctured as well. he contacted the dealer and they were unable to do anything for him. the current and failure mileages were 89,000.
06/10/20091270001
 Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. the contact stated that the front driver's and passenger side coil springs came out of the spring catcher bracket while changing the tires. if a tire were there, it would have burst. the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 01v255000. the manufacturer was not willing to assist or assume any liability for the failure. the failure and current mileages were less than 127,000. updated 07/28/09 *bf updated 07/30/09.*jb
12/04/200747000103/23/1998
 Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. while driving 25mph the front coil spring on the passenger side of the vehicle broke and disabled the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. she states that she contacted ford motor company, where they stated that her vehicle vin number is not included. the total cost on repairs was $950.00. the nhtsa campaign id number is: 01v255000. the failure mileage was 47,000 and the current mileage is 47,020.
04/01/200573000105/01/2003
 Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. the vehicle was taken to the repair shop for regularly scheduled maintenance. the mechanic stated that the front passenger side coil spring failed. in 2001, the contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 01v255000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs). the dealer inspected the vehicle at that time and stated that no repair was needed. however, now that the failure has occurred, the manufacturer stated that the recall was no longer valid. the failure mileage was 73,000 and current mileage was 81,000. updated 01/09/08. *lj the consumer stated the coils springs have been replaced twice in this vehicle. the dealer stated replaced headlight switch and cable in engine. updated 12/12/07 *tr updated 06/04/08. *lj
07/30/20071240001
 Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. he noticed that there was a fractured coil spring during a routine inspection. there is a safety recall for the suspension: front: springs: coil springs (nhtsa campaign #01i013000) however his vin was not included. the vehicle purchase date was unavailable. the current mileage was 125,000 and the failure mileage was 124,000.
06/12/200570000206/11/2002
 The contact stated that the left front spring broke and punctured the tire while the car was parked in the driveway. car was towed to the dealer, who found recall notice and replaced left spring and left tire at no charge. less than a year later the same thing happened to the right spring and tire. car was again towed to dealer, who again replaced the spring and tire at no charge as this was a recall problem. dealer could not understand why the right spring had broken because he claimed that the right spring had been automatically changed when the left one failed as part of the recall spring replacement instructions. that meant that the right spring failed after being on the car only 10 months. car is a 1998 ford contour lx. mileage 75,000. the car has performed fine other than this spring problem. *ak
04/11/2007850001
 Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. the contact stated that the front springs failed on the vehicle. while the vehicle was parked the contact noticed that the driver's side tire was flat. once the tire was removed it was evident that the front coil spring had punctured the tire. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 85,000.*ak
04/08/200781320106/22/2001
 Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. the contact discovered that the right front tire was flat. in the process of fixing the tire the contact realized that the right front coil spring detached and punctured the tire. the dealer was contacted regarding the coil spring. there was recall # 01i013000. however, this vehicle was not included. the current and failure mileage were 81,320.ak
07/10/2006100000105/22/2004
 As of today my car has 100250 miles. the problem is that i took my car to the mechanic for routine checkup and he found that the front and back coil spring are defective and must be replaced asap. i went to the web site (nhtsa) and i found that these cars don't have a safety recall however, it is deemed a safety replacement for the defective part at not cost to the owner. i need ford to contact me via e-mail or by mail to where i can take my car (a service center authorized near to my house) to repair my car at not charge. i use my car primarily as a family car and i need my car in good condition for the safety of my family. *jb
08/15/200567000108/15/2005
 Dt: the caller found a recall on the front coil springs, but the manufacturer says it was an owner notification and not a recall. the caller has not had the failure yet the vehicle was making a noise. the dealer said there was some corrosion on the coil n springs. manufacturer said they could not replace the coil springs until they fractured.*ak
08/21/2005960002
 Jan, 2004: 1998 ford contour recall performed (brackets for front springs). aug, 2005: replaced tires on 1998 ford contour se using p205/60r15 tires suggested by the manufacturer. the tires made contact with the bracket bolts installed during the recall, causing tire to be gouged (tried 3 brands, all had same contact problem). ford dealership said there was no problem with the bracket. i ended up using a different tire size: p195/65r15, which barely clears the bracked bolts. i believe there is a problem on the 1998 ford contour se brack recall / tire combination.
06/03/200591273008/01/2000
 I went in to get new tires put on and during the inspection the front coil springs are borken. the coil spring on the right is broken in two places. i looked for a warranty and there does exisit one for the contour but based on my vin it does not cover it.
05/01/20052
 1998 ford contour front spring broke when entering the garage. *mr recall campaign#'s: 01i013000 and 01v255000. on another occasion the dealer found both back springs broken and replaced them on april 27, 2005. *sc *jb
04/19/200577159103/28/1999
 The vehicle was taken in for inspection about a month ago and now the coil spring has broken and damaged the brake line. the vehicle has been repaired. ford has recalled some of this year model but not this vehicle because of the vin. customer is requesting reimbursement for replacement of the coil spring, brake hose and cv joint boot. *tt
03/29/200557925108/02/1999
 During routine inspection the consumer was informed that front driver coil spring broke. the problem was not repaired, and the cause of the problem was not determined. *ak *sc
01/05/2005900001
 While driving 10 mph front coil spring punctured the front driver's tire. the consumer managed to pull over, and had the tire changed. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
11/22/200398000201/18/1998
 Took the car in for an alignment and discovered the front coil spring was broken. didn't know about the special extended warranty on this particular part and paid for the repairs myself. ford admits there is a problem but won't reimburse me because work was done by a non-ford authorized repair shop after the letter notifying me of the extended warranty was sent out. even though the letter was sent out two years before the part actually failed. even if ford doesn't want to reimburse me for the labor done by the non-ford shop, they should at least reimburse me for the coil springs because they had to be ordered directly from ford!! *ak
01/11/200536359107/13/1999
 The front coil spring broke and punctured the front left tire, while the vehicle was parked. the mechanic indicated that the suspension system broke down and the rod in the system hit the tire and flattened it. *jb...*ak the consumer heard of a recall on this part and requested reimbursement. *nm
01/04/2005430001
 Front coil spring on my 1998 svt contour broke. apparently ford extended the warranty on the coil springs on the base contour but not on the svt contour which is apparently able to have the same problem.*ak
07/19/200446000106/07/2000
 I own a 1998 ford contour covered by recalls 01s23-01m08 pertaining to front spring fracture and extending warranty to cover 10 years or 150,000 miles. the vehicle falls under the time and mileage requirements. i took the car to fred martin ford for noise in front end and they told me the problem was a broken spring. they failed to tell me that the parts were covered under the ford recall and instead told me the repair would cost me over $500.00. after waiting a week and being told there were no springs available for my model anywhere in the country, i started to investigate on my own and found out about the recall and also that there are over 460 vehicles waiting for these parts in the united states. i was told that it could be over a month before the springs are available. apparently, there is a dispute between ford and its spring supplier. ford customer assistance was no help and i am still waiting for the ford zone manager to get back to me. the dealership would not supply a loaner or rental vehicle while i am waiting for the parts. i have since pulled the vehicle out of fred martin ford, 4701 mahoning ave. youngstown, ohio 44515, and taken it to another dealer. i feel that ford is not living up to the terms of recall 01s23-01m08 and not repairing my vehicle promptly and free of charge. *jb
07/01/2004103997108/01/2001
 Consumer received recalls 01i013000 & 01v255000 concerning front coil spring failure. consumer learned that the coil spring on the right side broke. vehicle was towed to repair shop and then to the dealer, who informed consumer that the coil spring was covered under the recalls, and needed to order the part. consumer was waiting for the part to arrive. *ak
05/25/2004690002
 While driving 55 mph a popping noise was produced from the front driver's side tire. when driver looked out she didn't see anything so she continued to drive. suddenly driver noticed smoke coming from the tire. she pulled over. as a result the coil spring broke, puncturing the tire. no impact reported. two weeks later the passenger's side coil springs failed, puncturing the second tire. *ak *ts
05/18/20041000001
 Recall 01v255000, while driving at any speed the consumer heard a rumbling sound coming from beneath the vehicle. upon inspection of the vehicle consumer found that the front suspension springs broke. consumer's vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak
04/19/2004960001
 The front coil spring broke. the consumer was told that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were unavailable. the manufacturer stated that it could be mid august, 2004 before the parts would be available, in the meantime, the consumer could not drive the vehicle. *ak *sc *jb
06/06/2004506003
 I noticed i had a flat tire. i took it off went to have it repaired,they told me it could not be repaired because the side wall had been puntured.i then had to replace the tire only to find out the new tire would not work, there was a loud clanking sound when you tried to move the car. i then put the spare (pony) on and tried to move the car the tire got hot and smoked.so we tried to take it back to the company we bought the tire from,in the process we had a blow out and had to have the car towed in. only to find out that the spring had broken ,punctured the tire on th inside sidewall and wrapped around the strutt and bent it..because of your defective springs.. we are forced to buy not only a new tire but a set of springs and new strutts. it is my understanding that ford products are known for this. that it happens on a daily basis. this is going to cost me five hundred and twenty five dollars at the very least.....why has the're been no recall on these springs????? this could have been a very disastrous situation had it happen as we were going down the interstate. i feel that some type of compensation is in order....my car is a ford contour a 1998 with only roughly 50,000 miles on it. the service work is being done by sears auto center because that is where we purchased the new tire. your prompt response and solution to this problem would encourage my continued faith in ford products, which has been somewhat shaken. respectfully your, rachel g miller. *ak
04/01/20032
 Ford dealership failed to honor promise to refund cost of repairs that were covered by a recall. *ph (both right and left front coil springs) on two occasions, the springs failed and caused the vehicle to collapse destroying both front tires. on one of the occasions a strange noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle, smoke was smelled due to the friction as the right front tire suddenly jammed. *sc
04/19/200465100107/10/1998
 Front right coil spring broke and tire was flattened. this is listed as an issue on the nhtsa web site and it indicates ford has experienced this problem with the 1998 ford contour and ford has extended the warranty for the front coil springs to 10 years/150,000 miles. however, when i spoke to ford and explained my situation, they said my car was not covered. my car was manufactured in kansas city and is registered in maryland.
10/21/2003480001
 While changing a tire consumer found that the coil spring cracked. vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who confirmed that the front coil spring was cracked. a recall was issued for this make, model, and year. but, thisw vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak
12/19/200390000111/01/1999
 The consumer's husband suspected that one of the coil springs was broken. but when he took the vehicle to the mechanic, he was told that all four coil springs were broken. the consumer stated that her husband kept hearing a thumping noise while driving. *ak shortly after, two tires needed to be replaced. recal#'s 01i013000 and 01v255000. *sc *jb
1
 Complaint of poor service from advantage bohn ford. *mr the coils spring(s) had broken. *scc *jb
08/04/2003403/21/2000
 I went to the ford dealership here in louisiana and showed them the papers that was sent to me concerning recalls for my year & make of car. i told them that some of the recalls on those papers was happening to my car and why haven't they been repaired when i brought my car in and they stated to me that if the vin # for my car didn't come up as a recall and as long as the problem didn't exist then they could not repair it . and i stated that even though my vin didn't come up and even though my car is having some these recalls problems yall are not going to repair them because my vin # didn't come up and the problem is not existing right now all are not going to repair or fix these recalls, and i was told yes. well, some of these recalls are existing on my car and i can't get the ford place to repair or fix them why is that? i think that's very unfair to the customer.*ak
1
 Parts were not available to perform recall 01i013000 repairs for the coil springs. *ak
06/03/200377490107/30/1997
 Left front coil spring broke, puncturing a tire that was only a year old, while car was parked. a recall had been done on vehicle just over a year ago to prevent this. apparently it didn't work. had i been driving the vehicle i'm sure there would have been serious consequences. especially, had i been on the interstate as 50% of my driving is. i often have my grandchildren with me and it is quite frightening to think what could have happened. *jb
1
 On 5/3/2002 the vehicle went to the dealer to have recall 01i013000 repairs done on front coil springs. vehicle was taken to the dealer on 6/7/2003 because the front coil punctured the front right tire which caused it to flatten. *ak
05/24/20031
 Had the same problem as the recall on the front coil spring. *tt
145000
 The vehicle rode roughly due to defective coil springs. *nlm
02/17/20031
 The front springs broke, which caused the passenger tire to blow out.*jb *ts
08/04/20011
 Front coil spring cracked prior to recall notice, the consumer was denied reimbursement for repairs, when the consumer requested that the recall repairs be made to the vehicle the request was denied. nlm
06/01/2002
 While traveling about 5mph on a side street vehicle hit a curb and right coil spring fell out and punctured tire, causing a flat. dealership is aware of problem.*ak
03/30/20011
 A coil on the driver's side broke and blew the tire, spare was install and blew also due to coil. *yh
05/13/20021
 Casing around coil springs of recall 01i013000 does not allow vehicle to carry 15 inch tires which are recommend for vehicle. contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak consumer stated the dealer finaaly agreed to adjust the shileds, however when he went to pick up vehicle, consumer discovered that new shields had been installed.*jb
04/25/20021
 Consumer states that the spring punched a hole in the tire.*jb. the front coil springs were replaced.*jb
02/10/2002
 After taking vehicle to the dealership twice for recall 01v230000 and 01v255000 repairs none of the two recalls were done properly. name of the dealer is brad martin ford in youngstown oh 330-793-2444.*ak
11/05/1991
 Recall 01 v 255 000/front coil spring corrosion: unable to get dealer; salconis ford; moon township, pa; phone# 412/269-2255 to honor recall. feel free to provide any further infoirmation concerning this matter.*ak
08/01/1998
 Nhtsa campaign # 011013000 - no problem so far - recall however limited to certain states - i do not live in one of these although i travel in them a great deal - therefore, i may experience problem without opportunity of preventative action - ford customer service informs me i am not eligible for field service action - please require extension of recall to all owners - thank you
10/05/20012
 Dealer put a shield on front coil spring. since then everytime consumer hits a bump there is a lot of noise coming from that area. shield has been replaced twice, and noise is still present. *ak *yh
03/30/20011
 A coil on the driver's side broke and blew the tire, spare was install and blew also due to coil. *yh
07/23/2001109/01/1998
 Coil spring broke pucturing new $ 50.00 tire. while parked. is right spring a concern? is ford responsible for defect?*ak
06/28/2001
 Coil spring exploded while shifting into reverse. this caused right front tire to be sliced. front end seized up after vehcle collapsed to ground.*ak
06/28/200105/01/1999
 I shifted from park into reverse, there was 2 loud bangs and my wheels froze. the front passenger coil spring let go, slashing my tire on the inside around the wheel (brand new tire approximately 30 days old), the car froze. there is a recall on the 1997 contour front coil springs. i called ford and they made a report but refused to pay for the repairs to the car. not even 60 minutes prior to this event i was driving on i-95 at a speed of 65mph. if this happened while i was in transit the car would have froze causing me to spin out of control, possibly causing my death. i feel especially with a recall on the 1997 contour that this problem requires further investigation.*ak
06/05/2001209/01/1998
 Ford countour coil springs failed in parking lot after being driven on the expressway at 70 mph...the body fell onto both tires shredding them at 3 mph...if this would have happened at xway speeds i wouldn`t be here today. ford disavows any problems with the coil assemblies but my independent repair station mechanic told me of many contours with same problems...it also took ford motor over a week to get the part in stock...for an area the size of greater detroit that in itself is awful suspicious...please help other people before something like this kills some innocent person...i am not a teen as i am 53 and certainly not a hot rodder . *ak
05/22/2001102/01/1998
 Right front spring broke while car was in driveway, not moving. damaged sway bar link and tire. *ak
05/22/20010
 Left front coil spring brokethroough tire. vehicle had to be towed, and coil spring replaced. *ak
04/01/1999
 Right front coilspring (broke) cut tire,bent right front stabilaizer
05/14/2001101/01/1999
 Left front coil spring snapped. this occurred two months after the right front coil spring snapped. vehicle is always driven on paved roads.*ak
04/12/2001
 Left side coil spring broke while driving at low speed. dealer / manufacturer were not notified at this time. please feel free to provide any further details on this matter . *ak
04/24/2001103/01/1998
 Left front coil spring fractured and punctured tire. *ak
04/26/20011
 Front spring on left side cracked, causing front end of vehicle to drop. *ak *jb
04/08/2001108/01/1999
 The left front coil spring snapped and pierced the drivers side tire locking it up--upon taking it to my mechanic, it was the third one in a week on a ford product, upon going to the dealership they groaned another one they had another contour in the shop with a similar problem--broken spring, don;t know if theirs punctured the tire or not--we were lucky, it happened right after my daughter pulled into the driveway and parked the car--had it happened on the open road there would have been a serious accident---is there a recall on this item--i have since found out that other ford products have had this problem and there was a shield installed to prevent the spring from making contact with the tire.*ak
03/20/2001101/01/1998
 Right front coil spring broke while pulling from parking space; tire was punctured.*ak
03/25/2001
 Consumer heard a knocking sound from front right of vehicle, had it inspected, and was told that right front coil spring was broken. *ak
1
 The suspension spring under the passenger wheel well broke causing noise. nlm
03/20/2001102/01/1998
 Right coil spring broke. dealer notified, and repairs made at consumer's cost. no recalls and out of its warranty. *ak *slc
03/17/2001109/01/1998
 Vehicle was parked. in middle of night consumer heard a loud noise. next morning he started vehicle, put it in gear ,but vehicle did not move forward or reverse. consumer then noticed that wheel well on left front was laying on top tire, vehicle still at dealer, coil spring broke or strut. *ak consumer also had front brake pads replaced,*jb
03/12/20011
 Dealer was inspecting vehicle and discovered that front coil springs were broken. *ak consumer states broken spring has extensive rust on both surfaces of break.*jb
02/23/2001106/01/1998
 Consumer noticed flat tire. called tow truck who found front left coil spring had broken and went through the tire. *ak consumer is requesting reimbursement. *slc
02/09/2001105/01/1998
 Spring failed while sitting in a parking lot waiting for passenger. no off road or gravel road usage of car.*ak
12/20/1999105/28/1998
 The right front coil spring broke into two pieces, causing difficult steering and a stong pull to the right. *slc
12/23/2000
 Right front coil spring broke after 9,000 miles and after replacing left front coil spring. manufacturer notified. please feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak
12/09/2000101/01/1998
 Front coil spring broke and punctured front tire, car left road and had to be towed. *ak
12/07/2000
 While traveling at various speeds vehicle was pulling to the right. when having oil changed consumer was told that front spring coil was broken. *ak
05/25/2000109/01/1998
 Front coil spring broke as backing out of a driveway; tire was punctured.*ak
02/22/2000
 While driving at 10 mph front spring coil broke. provide further details. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - TORSION BAR
 The sway bar was improperly installed causing vehicle to malfunction while driving over certain objects in the road. *yc
SUSPENSION - FRONT - STABILIZER BAR
09/01/2001112/01/1997
 Driver's seat base stabilizer bar is broken, cuasing seat to move side to side freely, and seat back is unstable.*ak
04/01/1999
 Right front coilspring (broke) cut tire,bent right front stabilaizer
SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING
06/25/200550000110/20/1998
 Dt: vehicle started making loud noises and the brakes failed. caller was driving on a highway and had to pull off the road. caller said brakes did not work very well when she tried to get the car home. dealer said the front left rotor broke ,and rear wheel bearing wore out . manufacturer will not offer any help.*ak
11/22/2001101/01/2000
 Front wheel bearings failed at about 40,000 miles. one side was completely failed, other side was in need of replacement. i noticed sudden grinding noise and checked for cause. had bearings replaced. could have been worse if i had not recognized the problem. no warning as to failure. wheel bearings should last more than 40,000 and should not fail suddenly.
06/15/2001110/01/1999
 Right front wheel bearing locked up prematurely causing car to pull violently to the right. this could have caused and accident had there been a car to the right. i believe ford should have a recall due to others having wheel bearing problems prematurely. *ak
08/20/200004/01/1997
 Though this car is only slightly over 3 years old, i have had 5 recalls on it, had to replace front wheel bearings ($400), console clock light has burned out, had to replace windshield due to extensive crack caused by small stone chip,etc. current cam timing job estimated at $1,000. i've never had this much trouble with a vehicle in my life. asked ford's to cover 1/2 of cost; was referred to dealer, who declined. is there anything else i can do about this lemon??
SUSPENSION - REAR
05/06/1999105/06/1999
 First day car was bought engine died, took to dealer, and they gave consumer another contour. currently, vehcile will shut off in middle of intersection. dealer replaced transmission, and engine was acting up. *ak consumer states vehicle has been in 3 times for transmission problems, it jerks and vibrates, consumer does not think that dealer replaced transmission like they said. 1 time for engine problems. consumer has been in 2 accidents due to sudden acceleration. front sway bar replaced, steering would shimmy and rattle. blower motor assembly replaced, due to rattling noise in air conditioner, also cycling switch replaced due to air conditioner not cooling. left front seat belt buckle assembly replaced, belt would not buckle. starter failed and was replaced. engine light illuminated, dealer found loose connection at act. rear struts replaced, noisy. *slc
106/01/1997
 No summary
SUSPENSION - REAR - SHOCK ABSORBER
05/06/1999105/06/1999
 First day car was bought engine died, took to dealer, and they gave consumer another contour. currently, vehcile will shut off in middle of intersection. dealer replaced transmission, and engine was acting up. *ak consumer states vehicle has been in 3 times for transmission problems, it jerks and vibrates, consumer does not think that dealer replaced transmission like they said. 1 time for engine problems. consumer has been in 2 accidents due to sudden acceleration. front sway bar replaced, steering would shimmy and rattle. blower motor assembly replaced, due to rattling noise in air conditioner, also cycling switch replaced due to air conditioner not cooling. left front seat belt buckle assembly replaced, belt would not buckle. starter failed and was replaced. engine light illuminated, dealer found loose connection at act. rear struts replaced, noisy. *slc
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS
 Consumer received a recall. took vehicle to be serviced, mechanic stated vehicle had been serviced,.consumer disagreed and stated vehicle still had same problem. took it to another dealer, and had vehicle serviced. consumer had to pay for service.*ak
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS
07/10/2006100000105/22/2004
 As of today my car has 100250 miles. the problem is that i took my car to the mechanic for routine checkup and he found that the front and back coil spring are defective and must be replaced asap. i went to the web site (nhtsa) and i found that these cars don't have a safety recall however, it is deemed a safety replacement for the defective part at not cost to the owner. i need ford to contact me via e-mail or by mail to where i can take my car (a service center authorized near to my house) to repair my car at not charge. i use my car primarily as a family car and i need my car in good condition for the safety of my family. *jb
09/27/200590300105/01/1998
 Dt: the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. the contact complained about a rear coil spring problem. the contact stated while having the tires replaced the mechanic informed her that the left rear coil spring broke. the mechanic recommended that both coil springs be replaced. a recall on the front coil spring was issued, but not on the rear. the dealership stated they could not offer any type of service under a recall, and that the contact would have to cover the cost of the repairs. the manufacturer confirmed this decision by the dealership.*ak
05/01/20052
 1998 ford contour front spring broke when entering the garage. *mr recall campaign#'s: 01i013000 and 01v255000. on another occasion the dealer found both back springs broken and replaced them on april 27, 2005. *sc *jb