The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle didn't stop until it impacted a building. Prior to the incident, the vehicle was at idle in the park gear for 5 minutes. The passenger sustained injuries. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle was continually being taken to the service dealer for the problem. When the incident occurred, there was no warning. The service dealer suggested that the throttle sensor, somehow, became stuck and the engine overrode the brakes.

- Galveston, TX, USA

My 1996 Ford Contour's (w/V6 2.5L duratec motor) engine check light came on around Jan 2 of 2001. I scheduled an appointment to have it checked out at the closest Ford dealership in modesto, ca. As soon as possible. The next available appointment was on Friday Jan 05, 2001, later on that week. Once I took it in, they had diagnosed the problem as being my (3) catalytic converters and my throttle body. The service advisor then told me that he had to check with Ford because he believed that the work was covered under a Ford recall 97E61. The next day he responded to me and told me that Ford had said that it wasn't covered and that my bill would be $1,300. I then asked him why it wasn't covered and he told me because my VIN# doesn't show it. He then asked me to take it up with Ford the actuall company. So I've been doing research on it myself and have come up with a little bit of info. Ford's customer service has told me that the reason my car is not covered is because it doesn't fall under the 97E61 criteria for recall. So I asked what actuall part does not fall undeer the criteria. They asked me to take it up with NHTSA and they can give me that info. What I have found is that cars that were built at 2 Ford plants, cautlin, and Kansas City plants are the ones that are affected. Well my car was built at the Kansas City plant. The other criteria I know about is if the car was built within March of 95 thru March of 96. Well my car was first sold in Feb. 96 and it's a 96 model so it would have to fall within that time frame. I am currently having my car fixed at a different Ford dealership but my cost is still over $1,100. Plesae help me. Cesar garcia call me any time at 408-674-9315 to let me know you have received my letter. I would also like a copy E-mailed to me of what I have written so I have a record at cgarcia1974@aol.com.

- Modesto, CA, USA

My car was in the shop 5 times in one month - all electrical problems. Alternator, battery, starter, wiring harness, speed sensor and oxygen sensor were all changed. The Ford dealership does not understand why I am having all these problems. It was also in a garage fire at the dealership in this time and I had smoke damage to my car on top of the engine problems. Needless to say, I loss money on the trade in. This is the worse car I have ever owned and will never own another Ford car or truck again.

- Lake Charles, LA, USA

Accelerator cable broke while driving. Dealer has been notified. The vehicle has steering problem too, but the dealer would not fix it unless the owner pays for the repair.

- Columbia, MD, USA

While driving vehicle would not go into reverse. Tried to go forward, hit accelerator lightly and didn't move, second time, took off and went into garage. Passenger's mirror came off. Dealer contacted, and was aware of the problem. But, couldn't remedy the problem. Problem still exists. Provide further information.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

While driving down the road and attempting to stop, vehicle would not stop, but accelerated. Ran off the road. Driver managed to pull the emergency brakes up, and she jumped out of the vehicle. Vehicle kept digging into the dirt.the rear was in the air.

- Hardinsburg, KY, USA