1996 Ford Contour steering problems

Filed Sep 10, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 20,000 miles · SC

Corrosion under the car (police inceptor ). Car was purchase from a local dealer in bamberg, sc that sell many crown victorias. He indicated my car came from up north, pennsylvania.

Filed Nov 24, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · NH

Problems with 1996 ford contour front brakes, transmission, fuse box, heater blower motor, electrical and steering and suspension. *mr for the second time, the vehicle had problems with the brakes making a loud rubbing sound, the stabilizer bar was replaced and needs to be replaced again. The transmission was leaking, water was inside of the headlight seals, which made the lights very dim, the selector mode switch on the heater motor blower did not work properly, which made the heat not work at a 100%. The upper ball joints, rack and pinion and wheel bearing were all defective. *jb

Filed Jul 29, 2002 · Steering · WI

While attempting to make a right turn steering wheel was hard to turn. Brake pedal was hard. Consumer restarted vehicle, and vehicle went back to normal. Consumer feels it is dangerous to lose power. Please provide any further information.

Filed Aug 10, 2001 · Steering · MN

Tie rod broke just pulling out of a parking space. Lucky it was'nt on the freeway.

Filed Jun 13, 2001 · Steering · FL

When driving vehicle in wet conditions, water is backsplashed by front right tire into the engine compartment, specifically where the main drive belts are. This causes the power steering pulley to slip and sieze, thereby causing a lock up on the steering mechanism. This has occurred numerous times and creates a hazardous situation because you loose control of vehicle momentarily. We lost control of vehicle recently in the expressway, while traveling on wet pavement and puddles. Steering siezed and car went out of control. Fortunately we brought the car under control before causing major accident.

Filed Dec 7, 2000 · Electrical, Fuel system · FL

Since purchase of vehicle when driving through a puddle of water or in rain, power steering will go out. At that time alernator light comes on, has been to dealer numerous times for this , seems to be a design flaw. Also, filling up with gasoline vehicle will smell for long time.

Filed Aug 29, 2000 · Steering · GA

Steering wheel, column, dash board, and now I can feel it in the drivers seat ,vibrate when car is at a complete stop. Vibration lessens slightly when the car is placed in park. The ford service dealer in warner robins, ga diagnosed the problem as "correction diag and needs air bag, radiator support and steering wheel damper" I was also advised none of the repairs were covered under my esp plan as these were external probalms and the warranty only covers internal. My warranty runs at at either 72000 or on nov 10, 2000. I am concerned about the air bag specifically. Will it deploy when it should, or shouldn't or not at all? I asked the service department if their records indicate any serious damage would be done if I did not have the repairs done and they told me no. This I don't beleive as I feel the problem getting worse. How will I be able to control the car if this problem continues to get worse? I feel ford should look into this problem, if it is a major defect it could result in a major lawsuit.

Filed Feb 14, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · LA

Occasionally, when the vehicle rolls through a puddle, the steering will fail and the battery light will appear, with the engine almost stalling. This has happened with the car going as fast as 35 MPH and as slow as 5 MPH. The problem has been reported to the dealer on several occasions, and the dealer has reportedly contacted the manufacturer regarding this particular problem. Additionally, the first time the vehicle was taken back to the dealer to report the problem, the service personnel was aware that the problem existed with the specific model. After repeated returns to the dealer (at least three separate complaints), the dealer informed us that the problem was fixed and that the car was even "driven through several puddles" without any steering failure. The last time the vehicle was taken in was approximately august, 1999. The warranty has since expired, and the dealer says that it is our responsibility to pay to have the problem fixed. Unfortunately, we have taken the car back several times, and the problem still exists. On 02/13/00, the vehicle again experienced steering failure.

Filed Aug 25, 1999 · Steering, Transmission · MI

Vehicle shuts off in gear at 25 MPH. Overheated upon acceleration. Dealer contacted, and stated the alarm was the cause. Problems still exists. *ak

Filed Jul 21, 1999 · Steering, Suspension · AR

Idler arm and front control arm failed.