Consumer has had numerous problems with the 1996 Ford Contour. There has been so many recalls on consumer's vehicle that she wasn't aware of because the manufacturer never sent notices. Since then consumer has been paying for entire full price and is asking for reimbursement. However, the biggest problem with the vehicle is the gas fumes which is leaking therefore leaving poisonous carbon monoxide fumes coming in through the heater vents. These harsh chemicals are damaging to the lungs, brain, respiratory system and its making consumer very tired among other symptoms.

- Groveland, MA, USA

Left and right front ABS stators have cracks which are clearly visible. This causes the ABS system to activate on a low speed stop. At about 40 mph the ABS light comes on and the system doesn't work.the brakes work in regular mode.this was discovered on 6/21/05 but had been happening. Mechanic changed an ABS sensor wire with a cut in it. Had to look further to find cracked stators.mechanic said that the Ford dealership he called admitted there was a problem with some models, cracked stators on Windstar, offered no solution. I called my Ford dealer and was not helped.a part like this bears no weight and should not be failing.the cracks make the computer think there is a reason to activate and then at 40mph to shut down.the rear stators were not checked for cracks yet. Thank you

- Newburgh, NY, USA

While driving 25 mph driver attempted to apply the brakes and vehicle continued to accelerate. As a result the vehicle was towed home, and then to the repair shop.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

While driving the ABS light illuminated on the dash intermittently. When this occurred the anti lock brakes engaged prematurely. The ABS would then disengage and the brakes would lock up.

- Oil City, PA, USA

ABS failed to stop vehicle after brakes were applied. Vehicle started slowing up after ABS light came on. Brake pedal went to the floor. Eventually was able to stop vehicle. Been to mechanic 4 times, master cylinder proprtional valve was replaced to correct problem, which still was present. Consumer stated this has been an reocurring problem.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

Brakes have little resistance when pressure is applied to brake pedal, feels "mushy. Also, ABS light on instrument panel came on. Dealership examined vehicle and reset ABS light. As the consumer was driving away from dealership, ABS light came back on. Dealership then determined they have to perform rewiring work to correct the problem. Please provide any additional information / attachments.

- San Jose, CA, USA

Intermittent problems with ABS, when applying brakes at 5 mph ABS kicks in, there is a pulsing noise at that time. Dealer numerous times, cannot remedy problem.

- Sullivan, NH, USA

In October, 2000, on a highway offramp, the brake pedal went fully to the floor. Car crashed into the rear of another vehicle with approx. $5000 damage to my car. In mid-December, 2000, my daughter was driving the car and pedal once again went straight to floor. She pumped once, brake worked, avoided accident. Will install new master cylinder on technician's suggestion. At 77 years old I am afraid of the next occurrence. Have others had this experience??

- Oconto, WI, USA

While driving about 20 mph next to a close curve saw a deer in front of vehicle on road. Tried to avoid hitting it by stepping on brakes. They locked up, and vehicle rolled over. None of front air bags deployed.

- Rome, GA, USA

Whenever I turn on the heater, A/C, defrost, or fan my ABS light turns on and my brakes are spongy. I have lost all brakes on two occasions when the ABS light came on. When my car sits for a weekend, the battery dies. Installed a new battery, still dies. Ford cannot find a cause for either problem. I have taken my car in to have the wiring harness changed for the lights, those went out. Also, my A/C fuse had caught fire, whole fuse box and blower was replaced.

- Salinas, CA, USA

When depressing brakes with normal force vehicle continued to travel, causing a crash.

- Transfer, PA, USA

About 2-3 months after I had my car I tried to trade it in for another car because of the deffects on it, but the dealer would not help me out then. Is there anything I can do about it now? no safety defect listed in the summary.

- Keauhou, HI, USA

Have had numerous problems: Interior/brake lights failed to light. Replaced switch twice. Fuel filler door will not open with latch inside. Never worked. Cigarette lighter failed. Power window on driver's side has failed. Car intermittently will not start due to drained battery. Mechanic could find no cause for this related to alternator/charging system of car. Never able to fix this. Trunk leaks water around seal. ABS light keeps coming on. Mechanic could find no problem with ABS. Air conditioner/heater would only blow out defrost setting. Also bad smell comes from ac when on. Rear seat belts keep jamming; not able to use sometimes because they won't come out. Worst problem so far: Transmission has failed. Not yet fixed. I loved this car once, now I hate it! the whole thing should be recalled.

- Independence, MO, USA

While driving the car began to malfunction and then cut off, when vehicle cut off, driver lost control because the wheels locked up.

- Sparting, NC, USA

The left front axle broke while I was driving the car and it punctured my tire and damaged the rim of it. The mechanic says it was just worn out even though the car is only 3 years old. The check engine light stays on all the time, and there is nothing wrong. The engine rumbles when it idles. The brakes grind all the time, and I have replaced the left rotor 3 times in less than a year. The carpet comes out from under the rear seats an the passenger's side.

- Davis, CA, USA

While parking vehicle, the engine suddenly revved up for no reason & then shot forward. Applying brakes, did not stop vehicle. It went over small embankment. Air bags did not deploy.

- Northport, NY, USA

The vehicle's defective braking system causes extended stopping distance which almost cause an accident. Dealer cannot determine problem.

- Littlenton, CO, USA

Antilock brakes failed.

- East Molin, IL, USA

Brakes: Brakes make a loud scraping sound. Front rotors have been changed twice.when driving and applying the brakes, there's a loud scraping noise and the vehicle is very hard to stop. Has been in shop so many times the dealer indicates that there is nothing else they can do for it.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA