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1996 Ford Contour lights complaints

Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 72, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1996 Ford Contour lights problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Oct 15, 2002 · Lights · LA

The turn signals do not flash and the stearing wheel column smokes when the flasher is in place. Mr

Filed Jun 28, 2002 · Electrical, Lights · MD

This car is a lemon - it is not safe.

Filed Jun 14, 2002 · Lights · NE

Multi-function turn signal switch in the steering column failed and caused brake lights to fail. The part # is: sw-5042.

Filed Apr 9, 2002 · Electrical, Lights · SC

While driving headlights/ tail lights, and dash lights completely stopped working, there was no warning. Took vehicle to dealer. Also, vehicle has had three alternators within three months. Problem has not been remedied as of yet. Please provide any further information.

Filed Mar 15, 2002 · Lights · CA

Consumer received a recall notice and made an appointment with the dealer to have repairs, the dealer stated that the vehicle was not in their computer to have this work done, consumer has paid for the repairs. (99v10300)

Filed Dec 12, 2001 · Lights · NY

Consumer states received recall 99v103000 notification. Dealership repaired other recalls, but informed consumer parts were not available to repair headlight switch recall, and he should return in 7 days. When consumer returned to dealership he was informed that vehicle had already been serviced for this recall, and any work would be performed at consumer's expense. Please provide any additional information / documentation.

Filed Nov 28, 2001 · Lights · MO

When the light switch is turned to park lights, none of the park lights work--front or back, left or right. Additionally, the dash lights do not work. When the light switch is turned to head lights, only the headlights and bright lights work--there are not tail lights or dash lights. All other lights work, such as the brake lights and turn signals. This occured during the thanksgiving holiday at night while driving through kansas city. We could not see our speedometer, and cars approaching from the rear could not see us until they approached and their lights shown on our car--very dangerous.

Filed Oct 22, 2001 · Lights · CA

Consumer stated that instrument panels were inoperative, consumer's received safety recall 99s14 regarding instrument light failure, consumer took vehicle and recall notice to dealership, dealership was reluctant to honor recall, after speaking with management,dealership finally honored recall, when consumer returned home with vehicle, they noticed a leak which resulted in recall repair.

Filed Sep 5, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

Problems with the engine light coming on and the servicing dept at the ford dealer and other auto servicing center could not figure out why to this day it is on. At one time the entire interior lights and rear brakes lights went out. It currently shut its self off ( stalls) and get hot. The engine sounds revved up and shortly after the AC unit went out.everything has been checked out/ the alternator was replaced the crankshaft was replaced some wiring had to be replaced all the fluids are where they should be and it still stalls and overheats for no reason. Both front windows electrical motors have gone out.

Filed Apr 6, 2001 · Electrical, Lights · MA

Recall 99v103000. Remedy did not correct problem. While vehicle was being driven instrument panel and tail lights completely went out. Please give any further details.

Filed Feb 25, 2001 · Lights · PA

The right and left tail lights and instrument panel lights failed. The terminals on the headlight switch show signs of heat damage. This is the same symptoms as the federal safety agency campaign id # 99v103000 (mfg campaign # 99s14) applicable to certain 1995-1998 ford contour vehicles. This recall does not apply to my ford contour (VIN # [xxx]) according to two ford dealers. The symptoms of this recall exactly describe the current symptoms of my ford contour and it is questionable as to why this recall is not currently applicable to my VIN #. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 12, 2001 · Electrical, Lights · IL

While driving with headlights on tail lights and dashboard lights went out without a prior warning. Dealer had been contacted, and cause could not be found.

Filed Feb 5, 2001 · Lights · NY

Panel lights and tail lights failed, part (f5rz-14a411-ba) was replaced in 8/99 according to recall (99v‑103), part failed 1 year and 5 months later, owner would like to be reimibursed for repairs on 1/12/01. Cj

Filed Jan 31, 2001 · Lights · FL

Headlight cover turned yellow in color, causing poor visiblility.

Filed Jan 18, 2001 · Electrical, Lights · NY

Whenever starting vehicle or even driving electrical system would start acting up. Windshield wipers would go on by themselves, have not been turned on. Lights, interior & exterior, would go out. Ignition will not start vehicle sometimes.also, would hear a clicking noise. Did not have a battery problems. Heater blower failed to work. No recalls on vehicle for electrical problems.

Filed Jan 4, 2001 · Lights · NY

Both headlight lenses are dirty due to headlight assembly seal failure. Night time illumination unsafe. This complaint is consistent with other the federal safety agency consumer complaints, odi id 864545, 734106, 531407 and 532479. Dealer states the problem is not covered by extended warrenty purchased along with vehicle.

Filed Nov 20, 2000 · Lights, Visibility · VA

Vehicle has been at the dealership for a nine week period waiting for the recall component part to arrive (99v‑103).

Filed Nov 17, 2000 · Lights · GA

Received recall notice 99v103000; took vehicle to dealer last year. Mechanic barely looked at switch & declared okay. Now having problems as recall indicated. Took vehicle back. Informed by mechanic switch just suppose to be inspected & not replaced. Recall notice indicated to replace switch & then inspect it later.

Filed Nov 8, 2000 · Lights · OH

While driving tail lights/odometer lights, and parking lights went out. Consumer took vehicleto dealer, and they replaced a switch. Consumer did not know which switch, on nov 1, 2000 same problem occurred. Took vehicle to another dealer, and they replaced headlight switch, and a f5rz14a411 *ba, head lamp switch.

Filed Oct 30, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · TN

Right rear light continued to go out. Replace bulb few times. Right wheel bearing had to be replaced. Major fan belt replaced. Alternator replaced. Light on radio goes off when head lights turned on. This happened after they fixed my recall for lights. Gas cap cover is very hard to open. Takes several times to try and open. When air is on smells come through really strong from other cars. Owner notification recalls are not taken care of until they actually happen. These are coil can break and car go down blow out tires. Also electrical harness can break and wires will connect with other parts of the car and cause a fire. I have sent a letter to the president of ford and explained how I felt this car was unsafe and if anything happened to me or my family they would be held responsible. I never received a response from anyone. They should be made to take back all contours and give us a safer car for us and our families to drive. I am a single parent and cannot afford to finance another car. They need to provide a loan and new car for us. I will be contacting ford again in the near future to see if they will help with taking my car back and giving me another car/loan. As I told them in the letter they just wanted to sell and make money they didn't think of the family and or families that this car as it fell apart would effect. I appreciate that you have this web site that I can voice my concerns,problems with the ford and feel someone may pay attention before someone is hurt in these cars as have been many with the tire situation. I will help you in any way I can to clear up all of these problems. I keep the letter I sent ford in my car in case something happens someone will be able to read it and know I did try to get this problem dissolved before it was to late. Thank you so much for your help. Debbie jennings hewitt

Filed Oct 12, 2000 · Lights · CA

The plastic lens in the headlight assembly degraded to the point that light coming from the headlight was hardly distinguishable from the light coming from the amber parking lights. Vehicles behind my car, while driving would cast a shadow in front of my car. I replaced the light bulbs on the front of my car to no avail. The problem remained the same. I just recently purchased new headlight housings and installed them to replace this serious problem. Ford used a very inexpensive or untested plastic which failed/degraded quickly.

Filed Aug 30, 2000 · Lights · DE

Light on the dash and tailight will go out intermittently due to headlight switch. The federal safety agency recall 99v103000/ manufacturer's recall 99s14 repairs were performed in november 1999 ,but defect has reoccurred. Dealer or manufacturer have refused to fix it again.

Filed Jun 29, 2000 · Lights · KY

Headlights were fogged up which affected visibility. Consumer tried to wipe off the lenses. But they were stained with some type of milky substance. Dealer stated that consumer had to replace headlights at her own expense. *ak

Filed Jun 6, 2000 · Electrical, Lights · UT

While driving tail lights and instrument panel lights went out. Dealer was notified about the problem. The problem was corrected at owner's expense. Problem due to water condensation in the fuse box. *ak

Filed Mar 27, 2000 · Lights · PA

Consumer has defective parts , such as. Headlight switch is ticking noise inside of the vehicle, and all dashboard lights are out.

Filed Mar 23, 2000 · Lights · TN

The terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connectors failed prior to recall notice 99v‑103 causing the vehicle to shut down. Nlm

Filed Feb 15, 2000 · Fuel system, Lights · MA

Recall 99v‑247 filler neck not completed due to lack of parts. Yh

Filed Feb 3, 2000 · Lights · FL

Consumer contacted dealer in reference to recall 99v103/manufacturer's recalls 99m07, 99m03 and 99s14 concerning headlight failure. Dealer refused to correct recall problem dealer has been contacted on a number of occasions.

Filed Jan 27, 2000 · Electrical, Lights · MS

Battery not able to hold the current. Also, headlights and interior lights are not working.

Filed Dec 21, 1999 · Lights · DC

Recall # 99v103000 lighting: switch:button:ring:head lights; owner received recall notice in july, 1999. Owner has brought vehicle to dealership twice for recall. Once in july, and again on december 4th. Dealer does not have parts to correct recall. Told consumer to come back in 6 weeks.

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