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1996 Ford Contour: brake failure

8 of the 562 complaints about the 1996 Ford Contour describe brake failure.

owner complaints
8
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 22 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Brake failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 2, 2008 · Acceleration · 121,562 miles · WI

Several times during the past 3 months the gas pedal/accelerator seemed to "stick" or race and I could not get the car to idle to back down until I put it in gear. July 3, while driving in busy traffic, the accelerator/gas pedal went to the floor and fortunately I was able to steer the car around a corner to the side of the road. The police were able to push the car into a car repair place where the mechanic suggested I call ford about a recall. The speed control cable had just snapped right off! I called from the repair place and ford said there was no recall on my VIN vehicle. I had the car towed to my home as I was leaving town the next day. I have returned now and after searching your site have found what seems to be the recall for the very problem I have with my 1996 ford contour. I called a ford dealership and was told my VIN did not have the recall problem. What is my next step, please? Lucy hocking [email protected] 414‑541‑2326 414‑520‑8323 make : ford model : contour year : 1996 manufacturer : ford motor company mfr's report date : dec 03, 1997 the federal safety agency campaign id number : 97v225000 component: vehicle speed control:cables potential number of units affected : 38000 summary: vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the traction control option. The throttle cables were damaged during vehicle assembly leading to fraying or separation of the throttle cable. Consequence: this condition could prevent the engine from returning to idle.

Filed Oct 10, 2001 · Brakes · TX

Abs failed to stop vehicle after brakes were applied. Vehicle started slowing up after ABS light came on. Brake pedal went to the floor. Eventually was able to stop vehicle. Been to mechanic 4 times, master cylinder proprtional valve was replaced to correct problem, which still was present. *ak consumer stated this has been an reocurring problem.

Filed Sep 10, 2001 · Brakes · MI

Rear calipers locked uo, causing overheating of brake rotors, odor and potential to boil hydralic fluid leading to brake failure.

Filed Oct 30, 1998 · Brakes, Suspension · WI

When turning could hear a bumping sound in steering. Took vehicle to dealer. Nothing was found. Noise was louder. Could not control vehicle during rain. The brakes failed to slow & stop vehicle. Had cracked front end. The front suspension sway bar also broke.

Filed Jun 9, 1998 · Acceleration, Brakes · CA

Emergency hand brake failed.

Filed Sep 3, 1997 · Brakes, Steering · CA

Brakes failed.

Filed Feb 26, 1997 · Brakes, Transmission · IL

Antilock brakes failed.

Filed Feb 20, 1997 · Brakes · WI · crash

On three different occasions applied the brakes and brakes failed, the third time brakes failed and vehicle hit another car, took to dealer on each time, dealer said the drumd were dirty.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation componentsReported March 9, 2000 · 436,200 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 00V075000 · Recall details

Questions about the 1996 Ford Contour brake failure

Is brake failure a common problem on the 1996 Ford Contour?

8 of 562 owner complaints about the 1996 Ford Contour (1%) mention brake failure. The model year with the most reports is 1995.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Ford Contour?

There is 1 recall and 22 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1996 Ford Contour

Headlights 54Stalling 34Overheating 24Fire or smoke 21Check engine light 17Engine failure 11Loss of power 11Transmission failure 10Won't start 9ABS 8Warning lights 7Ball joint 6Power windows 6Seat belt 6Grinding brakes 5Door locks 5Sudden acceleration 5Tire blowout 5

All model years of the Ford Contour

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