My 2000 Ford Contour is plagued with the "dashboard curl" problem which, after much research on the internet, I have found to be a very common problem among 1998-2000 model year Ford Contour. Basically, at the base of the windshield (around the defroster vent), the dashboard has come loose and is curling up. Beside the fact that this is annoying as I like to keep my vehicle in good shape, it could also pose a major safety problem of blocking the view of the road while driving. I am truly surprised this problem has not yet been addressed by a manufacturer recall, as this is a major safety concern.

- Macclenny, FL, USA

The dash in my 2000 Ford Contour has warped near the windshield. It is now ~4 inches higher than it should be, and is blocking the heater vent in the windshield. This is a safety hazard as the window can no longer be defrosted because the warpping has blocked the heat.

- Huber Heights, OH, USA

Fax fm consumer who is attempting to get assistance re a warped dashboard on his wife's 2000 Ford Contour, dissatisfied w/NHTSA's prev. Responses, reply East Georgia reg. Ofc., dot/I#2005-6046

- Social Circle, GA, USA

Ford Contour svt dash warpage.

- Racine, WI, USA

The contact stated the plastic dashboard delaminated from the foam. The dashboard laminate was pushing upward, thus hindering the contact's vision through the front window. He contacted the manufacturer, and they said it was under review, and that it was cosmetic. Also, he is also experienced fuel pump and water pump problems. Under hard acceleration the fuel pump shut off. The dealership stated the contact's vehicle needed a new fuel pump. The bearings on the water pump failed and the vehicle overheated..

- Plattsburgh, NY, USA

1) no event yet. 2) the dash is curled and pulled away from windshield to the point the defrosters can't work. The entire front dash assembly has twisted until there is tension on the airbags, steering wheel, stereo has fallen out, no venting works. So much distortion that we are fearful of the air bags releasing any time the vehicle hits a bump. 3) I took the car to the dealer for other maintenance issues the first year and asked him about the dash, why it was pulling away from the car. He couldn't explain it. Three times the first year we had this discussion. The following year he mentioned a recall on my vehicle for the dashboard, but stated "it's too late now, it ended in October". I went to the owner of the community Ford where we purchased the car and he told me I had to "go to the manufacturer, Ford" and get the dash replaced." I've contacted Ford motors via-E-mail, and get no response. 4) the defrosters can't operate because the dash has curled and blocks air from reaching the glass. Visibility is obstructed. Very dangerous to drive. The movement and distortion of the entire front dash is dangerous for my family for fear of the air bags releasing or the dash just simply falling into our laps while we are traveling. 5) I purchased the car new and these problems started within three months of owning the vehicle. I've heard other similar complaints about this particular model of vehicle. 6) I like the car, has good gas mileage, etc., and can't afford a new one. The safety issues need to be dealt with. 7) someone will be killed driving this car.

- Price, UT, USA

Ltr fm douglas holt (ga) 2nd attempt w/additional information to get NHTSA to require Ford to replace his defective warped dashboard that now causes the window defroster to be rendered ineffective.

- Social Circle, GA, USA

The dashboard material curled up. It pushed the vents up and they were coming loose. It was blocking the visibility of the windshield. It was on the driver's and passengers side.

- South Boston, VA, USA

The dashboard has separated and causing visibility problems as well as problems with the venting system. The defroster air flow is diverted and essentially useless. I am concerned that the air bags could not deploy if needed. I also did not get the recall, found out about it too late. Local dealer said call Ford. Customer service suggested I get it repaired since it is a safety issue but that they would provide no help at this time. She said reports like these are what get the engineers to consider recalls---when?

- Riverton, WY, USA

My dashboard separated from the windshield and causes a visibility problem and the vent came detached from the dash

- Camp Hill, PA, USA

The dashboard is separating after being repaired on a recall. Windshield is very hard to defrost because of this condition.

- Monticello, AR, USA

My 2000 Ford Contour dash cap is lifting from heat its getting worse I find it as a distraction I have been waiting for a recall I have been doing some research and found a lot of forums stating that the dashes are being warped the years are 96 and up.

- Pueblo, CO, USA

Dash is separated from the car and is curling up. The defrost vent has popped out and visibility is now poor. Called Ford and was told that an advisory was put out with I never received. That they were aware of the defect but would not fix it.

- Rome, GA, USA

We own a 2000 Ford Contour SE. The top of the dashboard near the windshield separated and curled up, causing poor visibility. I have check for a recall or reported other problems an found only a handful of compliants. We believe this to be a manufacturer's defect. Visually the glue used to secure the dashboard failed. What is our next step to fix this problem?

- Petaluma, CA, USA

Dashboard cracked open and was blocking the vents in the vehicle. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, who stated there was a customer campaign at one time, however, the time expired. Consumer was not experiencing a problem with the dashboard at the time. The consumer stated that her defrosters do not work properly due to the problem. The entire vent is out. The consumer stated that she can not see out of the windsheild properly.

- Windsor Locks, CT, USA

The dash panel pad curled up causing poor visibility.

- Orange, CT, USA

The dashboard separated the windshield. This is a distraction to the consumers view.

- Antioch, TN, USA

The consumer stated the dashboard is beginning to buckle up. As a result, the defroster is blocked and visibility is impaired.

- Ore City, TX, USA

Vehicle safety defect with 2000 Ford Contour. The defect involved the separation of the top of the dashboard and upward curl of the separated piece. One of the results of the defect was a deflection of all air output from the driver-side windshield defroster vent away from the glass windshield in front of the driver. The defroster/defogger utility was inoperative on the drivers side. The consumer was advised that Ford was unwilling to assume responsibility for safety defects in the consumers vehicle. The consumer filed a civil suit against Ford motor on August 23 after trying to attempt dialogue with them on vehicle safety defects of the consumers vehicle.

- Harwich, MA, USA

While driving dashboard unexpectedly become unattached from the console. This caused poor visibility to the driver. The dashboard unraveled on its own. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic informed consumer that this vehicle was not on recall, and the warranty was valid.

- Wilmington, MA, USA