The contact owns a 1998 Ford Contour. While driving approximately 40 mph on a wet road, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coil springs were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred every time the road was wet. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

- Columbus, OH, USA

Vehicle experienced complete engine wiring harness failure at 74000 miles.

- Cookeville, TN, USA

My 1998 Ford Contour 4-door sedan recently experienced a devastating failure. While my daughter was driving through a parking lot at low speed, a sub-frame assembly under the dash fell down on her feet. The assembly is held in place with two bolts which had come loose. As a result of this, the steering linkage was allowed to disconnect, permitting the steering wheel to spin freely. Had this happened on the highway she would have completely loss control, and because the frame fell on her feet, she probably couldn't have applied the brake. No steering and no brake! I think this is a potentially fatal design defect. Of course, the dealer and Ford apologized but refused to correct the problem because the car is out of warranty.

- Newport News, , VA, USA

The steering wheel became stuck in one direction. Consumer had to use excessive force to get steering back to the center.

- Covington, VA, USA

The temperature gauge in the instrument panel continually reads above the red zone. The car has been checked and is not overheating. There has been a technical report filed on this and it is a known problem. This could be dangerous if the vehicle was to overheat because the driver would not be able to know.

- Norman, OK, USA

Steering uneven and seems to give when turning. Nlm

- Oceanside, CA, USA

Steering uneven and seems to give when turning. Nlm

- Oceanside, CA, USA

Steering uneven and seems to give when turning. Nlm

- Oceanside, CA, USA

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.

- Kaneohe, HI, USA

When traveling at any speed and upon hitting water in the road surface steering wheel lock up and freeze, causing poor steering control. Also, having problems with vehicle stalling when traveling at any speed. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced parts, but problem still occurs.

- Plantation, FL, USA

Possible steering failure resulted in an accident/injury to several people.

- Holbrook, MA, USA