When applying brake pedal to make a gradual stop front brakes grind. Vehicle was taken into repair shop, were mechanic stated that front brake pads were too soft, and rotors have wornout.

- Fountain Hills, AZ, USA

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. Consumer also had front brake pads replaced,

- Bonfield, IL, USA

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.

- Berlin Heights, OH, USA

While driving at 25 mph noticed smoke coming from the brakes. When applying the brakes there is a grinding noise. Also, front brake disc rotors and pads have been replaced.

- Benton, IL, USA

Brake pads and rotors are wearing excessively. Dealer has replaced the front brake rotors on a number of occasions.

- Laferia, TX, USA

Brakes make grinding sound when coming to a stop. Dealer has tried to correct problem on three occasions with only a temporary solution. Front pads have been replaced, rotors have been resurfaced, and after 1500 miles, the grinding reappears. Dealer says brake dust is the cause and cannot be repaired. I asked what happened during the first 18000 miles that is different from now ? problem still exists and dealer claims that they have to make three calls to their technical assistance before Ford will intervene.

- Yonkers, NY, USA

This vehicle as been under dealer service since new, the front disc are completely worn and the rotors are damaged at 24000 miles, the first service for brakes are at 30000 miles. The dealer and Ford refuses to warranty the brakes after 12000 miles. The brakes should last at least 40000 miles before service.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Rear disc brakes dragging. The rear brake pads remain in contact with the rotors even when the parking brake and service brake are released. Symptoms rear wheels will not turn freely, rear rotors appear scored from continuous pad-contact, exceptionally poor fuel economy (17-18 mpg highway vs. 29 mpg epa/doe rating). Dealer and Ford Motor Company refuse to admit existence of a problem although the rear brakes clearly fail the diagnostic 'pinpoint tests' specifield in Ford's 1998 Contour/Mystique workshop manual. The cause of problem has not been diagnosed, but it may be related to technical service bulletins tsb 97-5-2 and/or tsb 96-25-6.

- Coatesville, PA, USA