10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
9 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

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problem #31

May 172001

Contour

  • miles
With 3 to 4 car lengths in optimal dry daylight weather conditions the car failed to stop at a cruising speed of 35mph, the condition of the brake rotors and pads are in good condition.

- Marshfield, MA, USA

problem #30

Mar 012001

Contour

  • miles
When it rains it is difficult to drive car, feels like vehicle is locking up, in order to drive consumer has to put in tracking control when it is on the ABS light comes on, vehicle had 6 codes in system all had to be cleared to verify problem, right front wheel sensor was replaced.

- Huntington, NY, USA

problem #29

Apr 162001

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer took vehicle for manufacturer's recall 99mo3. Vehicle was experiencing poor traction control, and ABS lights were on constantly. Dealer said wiring harness could cause it not to work. Dealer won't do recall because title was branded. Dealer was wood house Ford in blair ne. Phone no. 402-926-4126.

- Fort Calhoun, NE, USA

problem #28

Feb 142001

Contour

  • miles
Consumer was traveling 34mph when brakes didn't hold. When applying brakes pedal went up and down. Dealership was aware of problem.

- Ayer, MA, USA

problem #27

Oct 201997

Contour

  • miles
Brake light illuminates while backing up and a rubbing noise is heard, consumer hears vibration in the steering wheel, brakes are grabbing, ABS light illuminates (dealer replaced front disc brakes, brake pads, machined rotors, cleaned/lubed caliper slides, repacked wheel bearings, ABS sensor). Nlm

- Lansing, MI, USA

problem #26

Sep 301999

Contour

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Traction control and ABS brake warning light came on. Took to dealer. They said consumer needed a new computer, totalling $1200. Consumer paid to have it fixed, and there is still no traction control or ABS brakes. Currently, dealer indicated that consumer needed wiring harness that connects to computer. A mechanic said it was a problem with these particular cars that water gets in the wiring harness and shorts out the computer. Also, consumer said if braking in skid car would keep going.

- Dungannon, VA, USA

problem #25

Mar 052000

(reported on)

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Had to replaced brakes. Headlights dim when brake is pressed, interior lights stay on when left tail light goes out (replaced 4 times since 1996) steering wheel bounces up and down when sitting with car running and in gear must put car in neutral at stop lights or sitting in gear, so as to not get vibrated to death, mech-not able to fix problem, just the way car is built.

- Aberdeen, WA, USA

problem #24

Jan 201999

Contour

  • miles
Failure of defective manifold gasket caused power assist failure in accident avoidance situation. Had I not been able to swerve around stopped car, vehicle would not have stopped in time to avoid collision due to drastic reduction in braking. Dealer reports that this has occurred on a number of different model years recently. Gasket is unavailable for replacement for over 2 weeks because it is being redesigned. Customer service stated not to take in personal that they would not cover this safety defect. The problem with this defect is that it is sudden and without notice. Car ran rough for a few days, but gave no indication of potential brake failure until it was almost too late. Thank you for your consideration.

- East Windsor, CT, USA

problem #23

Oct 211999

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Grover Beach, CA, USA

problem #22

Jul 111999

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The transmission started to shift really hard, and I noticed that the transmission fluid was low. I added fluid and the problem lessened, but was still there. Also there was a strange high pitched sound coming from the transmission. As it turned out, we had a brake system failure as well. So I took the car to the dealership. After fixing the brakes (apx $600) they informed me that the transmission had to be replaced. I wanted a second opinion, so I paid for the brakes and left. A few days later while my wife was driving the car the transmission locked and destroyed itself. I had the car towed to the closest place which was aamco resulting in a $2,500 bill and a car that is still in the shop.

- Acworth, GA, USA

problem #21

Nov 181998

Contour

  • miles
They don't know why my engine cuts out. I believe problem is left over from all the work they did on ABS and cat. Converter changeover. They will not warranty car now that factory warranty expired. Refused to install "flight recorder" to troubleshoot. Dealer refused to offer extended warranty at no charge since they are the cause of the problems. Dealer replaced entire LH wiring harness when repairing ABS, left many "loose ends" all over the car.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #20

Feb 041998

Contour

  • miles
After the complete replacement of the ABS, my car is now full of electrical bugs that they will not warranty. Engine stalls, etc.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #19

May 261999

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles
Experienced loss of steering, brakes, & electrical while driving vehicle in wet conditions.

- Honolulu, HI, USA

problem #18

May 211999

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The ABS braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance which may cause a crash, and ABS light kept coming on. Also, dealer had to replace wiring harness. It is common problem.

- Midland, TX, USA

problem #17

Nov 171998

Contour

  • miles
Brakes: When turning or stopping & brakes are in use, they would make scrubbing noises. Have taken to mechanic for repairs. Problem still exists. Also, transmission would jerk when changing gears. Gear placement makes no difference when it happens. Had rebuilt transmission replaced. Problem still exists. Vehicle runs hot. Radiator makes clicking noise when turned on.

- Clermont, FL, USA

problem #16

Mar 141999

Contour

  • miles
My brakes failed 3 times for 2-3 second intervals traveling anywhere from 30-60 mph. Ford has told me that both components need replaced in order to repair this problem. The service manager agreed with me that this is a premature defect. I agree and also believe it is a safety hazard. The want to charge me $2200-$2400 to repair something that is their fault.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #15

Aug 051998

Contour

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brakes are going into the magg wheels. The dealer has put three sets of brakes on vehicle.

- Terrehaute, IN, USA

problem #14

Jan 181999

(reported on)

Contour

  • miles
When taken in to dealership it will be 2 weeks before they can fix we have snow and ice which make driving hazardous enough without ABS brake system locking

- Apple Valley, MN, USA

problem #13

Oct 271998

Contour

  • miles
Going 40-45mph towards a curb. Applied brakes, vehicle failed to stop. Steered to side of road. Steering hard to control. Crossed median & hit metal fence pole. Air bags did not deploy upon impact.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #12

Nov 011998

Contour

  • miles
ABS light illuminated, Ford dealer spent 2.2 hours diagnostic time, charging $139 to advise ABS module failed due to water intrusion. Dealer says they have received several similair compaints and even a technical bulletin on manufacturing defect. Dealer advised they would charge me only $1277, parts and labor to replace the defective ABS module. I feel this totally the manufacturers failure to design the ABS module properly, to withstand normal underhood conditions.please help!

- Terry, MS, USA

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