DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A REAR COIL SPRING PROBLEM. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING THE TIRES REPLACED THE MECHANIC INFORMED HER THAT THE LEFT REAR COIL SPRING BROKE. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT BOTH COIL SPRINGS BE REPLACED. A RECALL ON THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS ISSUED, BUT …
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DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A REAR COIL SPRING PROBLEM. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING THE TIRES REPLACED THE MECHANIC INFORMED HER THAT THE LEFT REAR COIL SPRING BROKE. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT BOTH COIL SPRINGS BE REPLACED. A RECALL ON THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS ISSUED, BUT NOT ON THE REAR. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY COULD NOT OFFER ANY TYPE OF SERVICE UNDER A RECALL, AND THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THIS DECISION BY THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10137955
67,000 miles · Aug 26, 2005
Suspension
DT: THE CALLER FOUND A RECALL ON THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS, BUT THE MANUFACTURER SAYS IT WAS AN OWNER NOTIFICATION AND NOT A RECALL. THE CALLER HAS NOT HAD THE FAILURE YET THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A NOISE. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS SOME CORROSION ON THE COIL N SPRINGS. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLACE THE COIL SPRINGS UNT…
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DT: THE CALLER FOUND A RECALL ON THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS, BUT THE MANUFACTURER SAYS IT WAS AN OWNER NOTIFICATION AND NOT A RECALL. THE CALLER HAS NOT HAD THE FAILURE YET THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A NOISE. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS SOME CORROSION ON THE COIL N SPRINGS. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLACE THE COIL SPRINGS UNTIL THEY FRACTURED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10134326
96,000 miles · Aug 22, 2005
Suspension
JAN, 2004: 1998 FORD CONTOUR RECALL PERFORMED (BRACKETS FOR FRONT SPRINGS). AUG, 2005: REPLACED TIRES ON 1998 FORD CONTOUR SE USING P205/60R15 TIRES SUGGESTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE TIRES MADE CONTACT WITH THE BRACKET BOLTS INSTALLED DURING THE RECALL, CAUSING TIRE TO BE GOUGED (TRIED 3 BRANDS, ALL HAD SAME CONTACT PROBLE…
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JAN, 2004: 1998 FORD CONTOUR RECALL PERFORMED (BRACKETS FOR FRONT SPRINGS). AUG, 2005: REPLACED TIRES ON 1998 FORD CONTOUR SE USING P205/60R15 TIRES SUGGESTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE TIRES MADE CONTACT WITH THE BRACKET BOLTS INSTALLED DURING THE RECALL, CAUSING TIRE TO BE GOUGED (TRIED 3 BRANDS, ALL HAD SAME CONTACT PROBLEM). FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE BRACKET. I ENDED UP USING A DIFFERENT TIRE SIZE: P195/65R15, WHICH BARELY CLEARS THE BRACKED BOLTS. I BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM ON THE 1998 FORD CONTOUR SE BRACK RECALL / TIRE COMBINATION.
NHTSA ODI #10133699
36,359 miles · Aug 3, 2005
Suspension
THE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT LEFT TIRE, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM BROKE DOWN AND THE ROD IN THE SYSTEM HIT THE TIRE AND FLATTENED IT. *JB...*AK THE CONSUMER HEARD OF A RECALL ON THIS PART AND REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10108724
50,000 miles · Jun 29, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
DT: VEHICLE STARTED MAKING LOUD NOISES AND THE BRAKES FAILED. CALLER WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CALLER SAID BRAKES DID NOT WORK VERY WELL WHEN SHE TRIED TO GET THE CAR HOME. DEALER SAID THE FRONT LEFT ROTOR BROKE ,AND REAR WHEEL BEARING WORE OUT . MANUFACTURER WILL NOT OFFER ANY HELP.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10127011
77,159 miles · Jun 8, 2005
Suspension
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR INSPECTION ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND NOW THE COIL SPRING HAS BROKEN AND DAMAGED THE BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. FORD HAS RECALLED SOME OF THIS YEAR MODEL BUT NOT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE VIN. CUSTOMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE COIL SPRING, BRAKE HOSE AND CV…
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THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR INSPECTION ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND NOW THE COIL SPRING HAS BROKEN AND DAMAGED THE BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. FORD HAS RECALLED SOME OF THIS YEAR MODEL BUT NOT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE VIN. CUSTOMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE COIL SPRING, BRAKE HOSE AND CV JOINT BOOT. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10119374
91,273 miles · Jun 3, 2005
Suspension
I WENT IN TO GET NEW TIRES PUT ON AND DURING THE INSPECTION THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS ARE BORKEN. THE COIL SPRING ON THE RIGHT IS BROKEN IN TWO PLACES. I LOOKED FOR A WARRANTY AND THERE DOES EXISIT ONE FOR THE CONTOUR BUT BASED ON MY VIN IT DOES NOT COVER IT.
NHTSA ODI #10124097
Mileage unknown · May 19, 2005
Suspension
1998 FORD CONTOUR FRONT SPRING BROKE WHEN ENTERING THE GARAGE. *MR RECALL CAMPAIGN#'S: 01I013000 AND 01V255000. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE DEALER FOUND BOTH BACK SPRINGS BROKEN AND REPLACED THEM ON APRIL 27, 2005. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10122619
57,925 miles · May 6, 2005
Suspension
DURING ROUTINE INSPECTION THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT FRONT DRIVER COIL SPRING BROKE. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT REPAIRED, AND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS NOT DETERMINED. *AK *SC
NHTSA ODI #10117542
90,000 miles · Feb 9, 2005
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH FRONT COIL SPRING PUNCTURED THE FRONT DRIVER'S TIRE. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE TIRE CHANGED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
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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