Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineUnknown Or Other
TAKATA RECALL I AND OTHER CONSUMERS HAVE CONTACTED FORD REGARDING THE 1998 FORD CONTOUR AND IT'S DEFECTIVE PARTS INCLUDING THE ENGINE WIRE HARNESS YET THEY ARE REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE NOR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM STATING IT'S NOT UNDER RECALL T*JBREATING EACH PERSON WHO HAS CONTACTED THEM AS IF THEY ARE …
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TAKATA RECALL I AND OTHER CONSUMERS HAVE CONTACTED FORD REGARDING THE 1998 FORD CONTOUR AND IT'S DEFECTIVE PARTS INCLUDING THE ENGINE WIRE HARNESS YET THEY ARE REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE NOR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM STATING IT'S NOT UNDER RECALL T*JBREATING EACH PERSON WHO HAS CONTACTED THEM AS IF THEY ARE AN ISLAND AND THIS IS A ISOLATED EVENT MY WATER PUMP,FLASHERS,BRAKE LIGHTS,HAVE BEEN ALL AFFECTED BY THIS ALSO MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON MAKING ME UNABLE TO REGISTER MY CAR AND GET UPDATED TAGS PLEASE CONTACT T ME REGARDING THIS MATTER AS I AND OTHER CONSUMERS NEED HELP WITH THIS .[XXX] VIA EMAIL ALSO [XXX]. VIN INVALID INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR*JB
NHTSA ODI #10808252
Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2007
Electrical SystemEquipmentUnknown Or Other
I AM THE OWNER OF A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. I BOUGHT IT USED, AND WITHIN A 1 YEAR REMAINDER OF A 3 YEAR WARRANTY. I WAS NEVER OFFICIALLY NOTIFIED OF SEVERAL DEFECTS AND NHTSA RECALLS THAT ARE STILL IN EFFECT FOR THIS CAR MODEL YEAR. ONE OF THE REPAIRS FOR THE BLOWER RESISTOR WAS PERFORMED TWICE, HOWEVER IT WAS NEVER DONE TO MY SATI…
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I AM THE OWNER OF A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. I BOUGHT IT USED, AND WITHIN A 1 YEAR REMAINDER OF A 3 YEAR WARRANTY. I WAS NEVER OFFICIALLY NOTIFIED OF SEVERAL DEFECTS AND NHTSA RECALLS THAT ARE STILL IN EFFECT FOR THIS CAR MODEL YEAR. ONE OF THE REPAIRS FOR THE BLOWER RESISTOR WAS PERFORMED TWICE, HOWEVER IT WAS NEVER DONE TO MY SATISFACTION AND IT DID NOT MEET THE STANDARDS OF QUALITY AS EXPECTED FOR THE RECALL. THERE ARE SEVERAL SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS CAR, AND I AM NOW AFRAID TO KEEP DRIVING IT AFTER WHAT I HAVE READ. THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS VERY NEGLIGENT IN FOLLOWING UP WITH CONSUMERS ON THESE ISSUES, AND THEY KEEP AN OUTDATED DATABASE OF FORMER OWNERS WHICH THEY FAIL TO UPDATE WITH THE CURRENT OWNERS IN CASES WHERE THE CAR OWNERSHIP HAS CHANGED HANDS. I AM KIND OF CLOSE TO HIRING A LAWYER TO SUE THEM OVER THESE RECALL ISSUES. WHAT SHOULD I DO? ARE THEY STILL OBLIGATED TO FIX THE RECALL ISSUES AT THEIR EXPENSE? I AM CERTAINLY NOT ABOUT TO PUT ONE DIME OF MY OWN MONEY INTO THAT CAR TO FIX ISSUES COVERED BY RECALLS. AGAIN, I DO NOT WISH TO FIGHT OR WRANGLE WITH A COMPANY THAT IS SO AWFUL WHO PUTS OUT A TERRIBLE AND CHEAP PRODUCT LIKE THE FORD CONTOUR, THEN WON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR CAR. HOWEVER, IF THERE ARE FORMAL RESPONSIBILITIES WHICH THEY ARE LEGALLY BOUND TO, I WILL RESERVE MY RIGHT TO PURSUE THIS UNDER THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW. PLEASE ADVISE. SINCERELY, MR. MCDONOUGH *TR
NHTSA ODI #10209371
Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2006
Unknown Or Other
MY 1998 FORD CONTOUR'S PAINT IS PEELING AND STARTING TO RUST ON THE ROOF. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10164147
Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2005
StructureUnknown Or Other
MY DASH ON MY 98 CONTOUR HAS BEEN WARPING / CURLING , EVEN WHILE IT KEPT IN MY GARAGE , IN A COOL CLIMATE . ALSO MY REAR BUMPER IS SAGGING FOR NO APPARENT REASON . *JB
NHTSA ODI #10142920
190,000 miles · Jul 15, 2004
Air BagsUnknown Or Other
RECALL NO.#99S23, AIRBAG SENSOR MODULE: RECALL NO.#01F22, HEATER BLOWER RESISTER: WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AT ALL TIMES. ALSO INTERMITTENTLY THE HEATER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY WHEN THE SYSTEM IS ENGAGED. THE HEATER WILL ALSO BLOW OUT A FOUL ODOR SIMILAR TO SULFUR. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS MAKE,…
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RECALL NO.#99S23, AIRBAG SENSOR MODULE: RECALL NO.#01F22, HEATER BLOWER RESISTER: WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AT ALL TIMES. ALSO INTERMITTENTLY THE HEATER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY WHEN THE SYSTEM IS ENGAGED. THE HEATER WILL ALSO BLOW OUT A FOUL ODOR SIMILAR TO SULFUR. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR VEHICLE BUT, THE CONSUMER'S IS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10082112
Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Power TrainStructureUnknown Or Other
MY 1998 CONTOUR IS AT 128,225 MILES. THE PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THE CAR ARE THE FOLLOWING: -THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT OF AIM AND MOISTURE COLLECTS IN THE HEADLAMP AND WHEN THE MOISTURE DRIES IT LEAVES A FILM ON THE INSIDE OF THE LENS. THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE HEADLIGHTS IS TERRIBLE. I CAN BARELY SEE AT NIGHT EVEN WHEN I…
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MY 1998 CONTOUR IS AT 128,225 MILES. THE PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THE CAR ARE THE FOLLOWING: -THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT OF AIM AND MOISTURE COLLECTS IN THE HEADLAMP AND WHEN THE MOISTURE DRIES IT LEAVES A FILM ON THE INSIDE OF THE LENS. THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE HEADLIGHTS IS TERRIBLE. I CAN BARELY SEE AT NIGHT EVEN WHEN IT IS A CLEAR NIGHT. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL NEAR MISSES. I ALMOST HIT A MAN ON A BICYCLE THE OTHER NIGHT. HE HAD REFLECTORS ON HIS BIKE BUT I DIDN'T SEE HIM TILL I WAS RIGHT UP BEHIND HIM. I HAVEN'T HAD THIS FIXED BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY TWO FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR A NEW PAIR OF HEADLAMPS. I HAVE BEEN ACTUALLY LOOKING IN SALVAGE YARDS. -ANOTHER THING IS THE TRANSMISSION. IT SHIFTS OUT HARD BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEARS. NOW IT JERKS WHEN I GO UP HILLS OR WHEN I LET OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL. I FIGURE IF I TAKE IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THEY WILL TELL ME THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE IT. -THE NEXT THING IS THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE SEAT TRACK ITSELF HAS RUST ON SOME OF THE PARTS. THE DRIVER SEAT IS THE ONLY ONE WITH THE RUST PROBLEM. WHEN YOU SIT IN THE SEAT IT ROCKS SIDE TO SIDE (FROM DOOR TO CENTER CONSOLE). THIS SCARES ME BECAUSE I READ SOMEONE ELSE'S COMPLAINT AND HE SAID HE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND THE SEAT AND THE TRACK ITSELF BROKE ON HIM.
NHTSA ODI #10069777
Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2003
Unknown Or OtherFire
SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE HAS RESULTED IN CONSUMER PAYING FOR MOST OF THE RECALL REPAIRS. *MR THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE ALSO CAUGHT ON FIRE ONCE. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10042147
Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2002
Unknown Or Other
ENGINE CHECK LIGT COMES ON FOR NO REASON. HAS BEEN LOOKED AT 5 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. I RECENTLY PAID $526.00 BECAUSE THE FORD REPAIR SHOP SAID THE SENSOR WAS BAD. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STILL COMES ON FOR NO REASON. NEED HELP IN DETERMINING IF THERE IS A SILET RECALL OR ANY TYPE OF RECALL MAKING THIS SITUATION OCCUR.*AK
NHTSA ODI #763146
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2002
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND TRANSMISSION SLIPPED WHEN CHANGING GEARS WHICH WAS CAUSED BY TRANSMISSION FAILURE.*AK
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON DASH,AND BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING. DEALER HAS REPLACED REAR BRAKE PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BREAKS WERE FINE NOW SINCE REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE BRAKE VALVE. THE BLOWER MOTOR HAD NO 3RD SPEED DUE TO BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH FAILURE. IT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER…
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ENGINE CHECK LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON DASH,AND BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING. DEALER HAS REPLACED REAR BRAKE PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BREAKS WERE FINE NOW SINCE REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE BRAKE VALVE. THE BLOWER MOTOR HAD NO 3RD SPEED DUE TO BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH FAILURE. IT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE TAKES FUEL VERY SLOW DUE TO FUEL PIPE FLAPPER VALVE FAILURE. *YH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY ASSEMBLY PLANT AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS MAY FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION IN HIGH CORROSION ENVIRONMENTS. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CATCHER BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
ON CERTAIN MY 1996-1998 PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT AT THE KANSAS CITY, CUAUTITLAN ASSEMBLY PLANTS OR ON MY 1999 PASSENGER VEHCLES BUILT AT THE AUTOMOTIVE ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY PLANTS, THE ROUGH SURFACE OF THE HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR'S STAINLESS STEEL BLADES CAN DAMAGE THE COPPER SURFACE OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR. THE DAMAGE COULD, OVER TIME, CAUSE INCREASED RESISTANCE IN THE CONNECTOR AND, DUE TO SUBSEQUENT TERMINAL RELAXATION, RESULT IN AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE OPEN CIRCUIT COULD LEAD TO ELECTRICAL ARCING THAT COULD MELT THE CONNECTOR HOUSING MATERIAL CREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEATER BLOWER RESISTOR AND A NEW WIRE JUMPER HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE BI-FUEL SYSTEM. IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF BOTH PCRV'S MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING BRAKING AS A RESULT OF THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL IMPROVED PCRV'S IN THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED IN SEPTEMBER 2000 TO INCLUDE 1999 AND 2000 FORD CONTOUR, MERCURY MYSTIQUE AND COUGAR VEHICLES.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG SENSOR WIRING PIGTAIL INSULATION CAN BECOME BRITTLE AND CRACK OVER TIME DUE TO ACCUMULATION OF WATER IN THE PIGTAIL PROTECTIVE CONVOLUTE IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES RELATED TO THE ROUTING OF THE WIRING PIGTAIL NEAR THE RADIATOR. THIS CAN RESULT IN ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACKING OF THE INSULATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN SOME CASES, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAN ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISABLED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AIR BAG SENSORS WITH REVISED WIRING INSULATION. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WHICH HAVE THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WILL HAVE A NEW AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR INSTALLED.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A BURR ON OR NEAR THE END OF THE CABLE SLEEVE INTERIOR. THIS BURR COULD FRAY THE CORE WIRE RESULTING IN THE ACCELERATOR NOT RETURNING TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE STICKING, BINDING, OR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE THAT HAS A FLARED CONDUIT SLEEVE END AND MOLDED ON END FITTING.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TERMINALS AT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN EXPERIENCE HEAT DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF OVERHEATING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN DISTORTION OF THE TERMINAL CAUSING AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, PARKING LAMP, AND TAIL LAMP CIRCUITS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLAMP SWITCH WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAINING BRONZE TERMINALS AND AN INSPECTION, AND REPLACEMENT IF NECESSARY, OF THE HEADLAMP SWITCH.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FLOOR SHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL CAN BE DAMAGED IF SUBJECTED TO CERTAIN INTERIOR CLEANING PRODUCTS. THE GEAR POSITION INDICATOR CAN DETERIORATE AND NOT CORRECTLY INDICATE THE ACTUAL GEAR POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INCORRECT GEAR SELECTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.
Remedy: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
7
RQ02006 · Incorrect Gear Indication
Opened Feb 26, 2002 · Closed Sep 12, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
EA01001 · Blower Switch/resistor Or Wiring Harness
Opened Jan 5, 2001 · Closed Jul 31, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
EA00025 · Fuel Expulsion During Refueling
Opened Oct 4, 2000 · Closed Jan 25, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE00027 · Fuel Expulsion During Refueling
Opened Jul 10, 2000 · Closed Oct 4, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE00023 · Blower Switch/resistor Or Wiring Harness
Opened Jun 14, 2000 · Closed Jan 5, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
RQ99019 · Various Intermittent Electrical Issues
Opened Sep 15, 1999 · Closed Mar 7, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
There is no summary currently available
SQ98002 · Fuel Gauge Does Not Read Below 1/4
Opened Jan 27, 1998 · Closed Jul 31, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
FORD'S SERVICE BULLETIN DATED DECEMBER 8, 1997, POINTS OUT THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WILL NOT READ ABOVE 3/4 TANK OR BELOW 1/4 TANK OF FUEL.THE ERRONEOUS FUEL GAUGE READING WILL INDICATE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE FUEL RESERVE THAN ACTUALLY PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK.ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT WHERE THE DRIVER ALLEGED THAT HIS VEHICLE RAN OUT OF GAS DUE TO A FALSE FUEL GAUGE READING.THIS INVESTIGATION WASTO ASCERTAIN FACTS CONCERNING THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE, SCOPE, AND RATIONAL FOR ELECTING NOT TO CONDUCT A SAFETY COMPAIGN.
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