1995 Ford Contour: jerking or lurching

Filed May 24, 2004 · Transmission · CA

While driving at any speed vehicle jerked and changed gears on its own. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced, and replaced it. However, the problem recurred.

Filed Aug 17, 2003 · Electrical · NJ · fire

I bought a car on aug o8,2003. It broke down an hour later on the highway. I took it to tinks and the mechanic russ told me that the were 20-30 wires that need to be replace and that the car was no good. I wanted my money back and they said they would fix the car the warrany is for 30 days.they fixed the car and I got it back on aug 14,2003. It stalled 4 times after I picked it up. They also gave me 4 keys that would not open the car so I was locked out. They had to break into the car because they didn't have the key. I had to go phillipsburg to get an id I had lost. I was driving in the third lane when the car jerked and started smoking. Thats when we notice the car was on fire.I got over to the shoulder we got out. The car was on fire I couldn't believe it my kids,myself, and thier father were in danger.we I called the dealer and I told anthony what happen ,he had no remors he said I hope you had insurance. Not asking if we were ok. Can you help me please how can he cell a car that catches on fire. That was a scary situation and I never wanted my kids to have to have to go through that put yourself in my shoes how would you feel if it was you. Help me please .

Filed Jan 8, 2003 · Engine · NJ

While in motion going highway speeds, the vehicle will decelerate and jerk back and forth. *jg

Filed May 25, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · FL

First the A/C started flooding the passenger compartment. Result the condenser was replaced by plantation ford, who told me this was a common problem with these vehicles. Then the transmission started lurching in reverse. Result $2000, and again ford told me this was a common problem with the contour. Finally the engine quit on the highway, and the head gasket was blown. Much later ford issue a recall for the cooling fan fuse, aand the wiring harness. Both of which I was not informed about, but had to learn from a mechanic. And when I did take the car to plantation forn they told me they could not tell if the head gaasket was blown because of the cooling fan fuse, and that the engine wiring harness recall had expired at 100,000 making my vehicle ineligible since it had 106,000. I have e:mailed you pictures of the harness, which are so brittle, and corroded I would be scared to start any motor with it for fear of a fire.

Filed Mar 30, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · OH

Design flaw in engine is causing a vibration in steering wheel ,gear shift and down in brake pedal. It has become worse. Currently, vehicle jerks forward. *ak consumer states vehicle jerks and pulsates while braking.

Filed Aug 13, 2000 · Brakes, Engine · TX

I hvae had problems ever since I first purchased the car 8 months ago, starting with engine failure due to a missing vacuum cap. Next, I encountered a drive belt that was on the verge of breaking, it was severly cracked. The brake calipers were sticking causing major veering when stopping at speeds over 40, and this also resulted in warping my rotors. Also, for the first 7 months, my check engine light would come on periodically, but after a couple of fuel injector cleaners, it was much better. Then, on a cross country trip, the car's idle worsened, its power decreased,at a stop, the car would start having a convulsion like feel and sound, from a stop, it wouldn't accelerate until a click in the engine could be heard. Then the acceleration was very lurching and sputtery. After a diagnostic, I was informed that it was not the original engine. The mechanics sent me to the dealer who found the supposed cause of the problem. $400 later, my air mass sensor was replaced and the car seemed to do much better. However, in the past couple of weeks, the check engine light stays on the entire duration of driving, and the car has continued its lurching acceleration and convulsion like problem. The unpredictableness in my car has made me somewhat fearful to drive because I'm not sure what's going to happen next, and if I can afford to fix it. I'd like to know my buyer's rights and see if there's any resolution to be had..

Filed Jun 4, 1999 · Acceleration · TX

While stopping vehicle lurched forward and kept going forward until occupant placed vehicle in neutral position in order to stop vehicle. Replaced parts in vehicle. But problem is still occurring.

Filed May 9, 1999 · Transmission · NY

Vehicle slams into gear and jerks slightly at a constant speed.

Filed May 6, 1999 · Brakes, Engine · FL

Brakes: when turning or stopping & brakes are in use,they would make scrubbing noises. Have taken to mechanic for repairs. Problem still exists. Also, transmission would jerk when changing gears. Gear placement makes no difference when it happens. Had rebuilt transmission replaced. Problem still exists. Vehicle runs hot. Radiator makes clicking noise when turned on.

Filed Feb 5, 1998 · Suspension · NM

While stopping at an intersection, turned steering wheel to the right as to enter street, right front lurched into air and slammed back into pavement due to fron twheel comin g off. Towed to repair shop wher eit was discovered that front strut broke.

Filed Oct 23, 1996 · Acceleration · CA

Throttle hangs at shift RPM for 1 to 2 seconds before dropping, leading to jerky shifts.

Filed Apr 23, 1996 · Transmission · IL

When at a stop the vehicle will lurch foreward and kick the car out of gear. Please describe.