1995 Ford Contour: engine failure

Filed Jun 14, 2002 · Engine · NM

Was driving 60mph on highway when engine check light came on. 30 seconds later, I heard noise which sounded like bicycle chain switching gears. 90 seconds after that, the oil light lit , temperature gauge registered hot suddenly and simultaneously engine died. Ford dealer service dept. Diagnosed "water pump failure". Removed water pump. The plastic impeller has multiple cracks and no longer spins with shaft. Ford dealer has service bulletin acknowledging problems with water pumps on my type vehicle, and extends warranty to 6 years/75,000 miles. My car is "too old" to qualify for coverage, although it is under the mileage limit, and I think it is unfair. One of the major reasons I purchased this car was the 2.5l engine that doesn't require a tune-up until it reaches 100,000 miles. This engine blew at 70,381 miles because of a little piece of plastic that was supposed to keep it from overheating. In my opinion, it is irresponsible of the manufacturer to use plastic in such an environment without fail-safe warning systems that allows vehicle operator the opportunity to slow down, get off the road and prevent total destruction of a very expensive motor. The estimated repair costs of $6,700.00 exceed the value of the car which would have been $6,435 (kelly blue book dealer retail) before the water pump went out and caused engine failure. The current value of the car according to regional salvage yards, wholesalers and the local ford dealer is a generous $250.00. Thank you for registering my complaint. Any information or assistance you could provide me regarding this matter is greatly appreciated.

Filed Jan 9, 2002 · Engine · IL

We currently own a 1995 ford contour 2.5 v-6. Our car overheated for the 1st time ever due to a failure of the water pump. We contacted ford to evaluate the damage for repair. They contacted us back and stated that the failure of the water pump caused damage to the engine and now they say we need to replace the engine at a cost of $4200.00. They contacted the manufacturer of the water pump and they will cover the replacement of the water pump due to failure but they will not cover the damage to the engine due to the failure of the water pump. I would like to know if you have received other complaints similar to this for a water pump failure. I can't understand why they would take responsibility for the cost of replacing only the pump when this was the cause of the engine damage per ford motor co..

Filed Oct 10, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · MO

Vehicle developed a noise and dealer replaced the power steering pump, however noise did not go away, dealer stated noise was due to pulley that had rusted and corroded, recall 00v367, regarding the fan motor, caused the pulley to rust and corrode, therefore causing the noise, vehicle had overheated and dealer had to replace the engine and many other components due to the failure of the recall component, consumer states the engine light has illuminated.

Filed Sep 4, 2001 · Engine · TX

Consumer states that due to recall 00s44 he had to replace the engine in his vehicle, at the dealership the service manager stated that the cooling fan had been checked and it was fine, 1500 miles later consumer asked the same service manager how the cooling fan could be checked without the motor running and he informed consumer that this vehicle was not included in the recall.

Filed Jun 22, 2001 · Engine · MI

Car has overheated on numerous occassions, engine light on constantly, blown head gasket the last time car overheated, resulting in engine failure. Dealer is trying to say that the recalled cooling fan didn't result in destruction of engine. Extremely frustrated with the dealer service and in ford customer relationship dept.

Filed May 22, 2001 · Engine · OK

Recall component failed, 00v367, causing head gasket to blow, now engine needs replaced.

Filed May 10, 2001 · Engine · TX

Vehicle was overheating. Took vehicle to dealer who replaced engine cooling fan. This happened again in june of 2000. At this time, engine cooling fan needed replacement again. Vehicle not affected by recall.

Filed Feb 5, 2001 · Engine · KY

While driving on highway at about 65 MPH engine cooling system started to act up, and temperature gauge inside vehicle started to reach the overheating area, and then engine blew. Contacted dealer, and dealer said they will take a look at vehicle. *ak thermostat had been replaced twice and gallons of water and antifreeze had been put into the radiator several times before the incident occured.

Filed Jan 16, 2001 · Engine, Visibility · TX · crash

Consumer was traveling on highway, and vehicle started to overheat. Pulled over to the shoulders, and vehicle cooled down. About 25 minutes later, there was a burning smell inside of vehicle coming through the vents. Also, engine was replaced. *ak the manufacturer had issued recall notice and the vehicle was fixed. Recall # 00v‑367.

Filed Jan 7, 2001 · Engine · TX

Car overheated without warning and stalled. Car would not crank back up and had to get towed. Compression test revealed zero pressure in 2 cylinders thus meaning complete engine failure. Currently, car is at repair shop where engine is being completely torn down to determine cause of engine failure.

Filed Jan 5, 2001 · Engine · IL · fire

Consumer was traveling on highway and smelled smoke coming from engine compartment. Vehicle cut off in middle of highway. It ws raining and engine was a v-4. Recall was for a v-6 engine. Vehicle caught on fire. Vehicle had to be towed. Vehicle had a new engine. Consumer stated that engine was defective from beginning, and engine was replaced at his expense. *ak

Filed Oct 1, 2000 · Engine · NC · fire

Cooling fan motor replaced by autopact car service in charlotte nc, but engine still overheated. Car then towed to harrelson ford in charlotte where I was told engine was "burned up" due to engine cooling fan failure. They recommended engine replacement and components at cost nearly $5000. In 1999, cooling fan ran erradically and required battery to be replaced according to ford dealership in greensboro, nc. The dealership also replaced engine thermastat. Rather than a thermastat problem, I suspect engine cooling fan was defective and caused damage to engine over time. Despite history of failure, ford did not make any offer to replace.