1996 Ford Contour transmission problems

Filed Jul 28, 2008 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. While attempting to shift the gears on the floor shift, the contact experienced incorrect gear selection. He took the vehicle to the dealer and a technician stated that they did not repair vehicles after ten years. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included the federal safety agency campaign id number 98v233000 (power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift); therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The failure and current mileages were 86,000.

Filed Feb 10, 2008 · Transmission · 81,124 miles · IA

I just got the car from used car dealer on 02/07/08 drove fine went home and in the morning I went out got kids in car and went to back up and had no reverse..the shop I took it to said the transmission is out. The car only has 81000 miles on it....and there has been alot of complaints made about this transmission in 1996 ford contours... I think some thing needs to be done ...

Filed Apr 3, 2006 · Transmission · 130,315 miles · WA

At first vehicle would indicate wrong gear and then it binded up the gear shift so eventually had to remove some plastic from gear shift just to shift the gear then the automatic gear shift indication will not indicate what gear the car is in at all. Possibly causing wrong gear selection could cause collision in parking lot.

Filed Dec 28, 2005 · Electrical, Transmission · AL

I bought a 1996 ford contour from and individual in july of this year. It ran well, for a few days, and then the od light kept coming on, and it felt like it was shifting into low. I kept mashing the button on the shift arm and the light would go out and then come back on this would go on for several days, then it would be ok for several days, just to start up all over again. Then I had the old changed in november and the would not stay cranked for me to get home. The wires under the hood are all flaking of there plastic covering. I assume this is why it will not stayed cranked. I can not drive it in this condition.

Filed Aug 12, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · MA

Consumer has had numerous problems with the 1996 ford contour.*mr there has been so many recalls on consumer's vehicle that she wasn't aware of because the manufacturer never sent notices. Since then consumer has been paying for entire full price and is asking for reimbursement. However, the biggest problem with the vehicle is the gas fumes which is leaking therefore leaving poisonous carbon monoxide fumes coming in through the heater vents. These harsh chemicals are damaging to the lungs, brain, respiratory system and its making consumer very tired among other symptoms.

Filed Jul 19, 2005 · Transmission · 68,110 miles · MI

Prndl indicator is broken, similar complaint to the federal safety agency # 98v233000, found ford recall # 98s26, dealer and manufacturer will not cover vehicle under this recall campaign.

Filed May 18, 2005 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · FL

I hope you can help me. I have a complaint I'd like to register with you about the safety of a car made by ford motor company. The VIN (vehicle identification number) is [xxx]. I am the owner of a 1996 ford contour lx and recently I became aware (on my own accord) that ford motor company has the following two safety recalls on my vehicle 1. Recall 99s14 - head light switch and wire assembly 2. Recall 98s26 - automatic transaxle shift indicator (prndl) bezel. Upon acquiring this information I contacted ford motor company's local dealer kingston industrial garage in order to ascertain whether my vehicle qualifies for these recalls. I was subsequently advised by them that while my vehicle qualified for recall 99s14-head lamp switch and wire assembly, however it does qualify for recall 98s26 - automatic transaxle shift indicator (prndl) bezel. This is occurring despite the fact that my vehicle meets one of the requirements as stated in a letter issued to dealers and customers by ford motor company's mr. A. R. Kaduk-manager of vehicle service and programs dated october, 1998 which reads "certain 1995-1998 model year contour vehicles equipped with automatic transmission built from september 1, 1994 through january 8, 1998 at the kansas city assembly plant, USA" and it is this statement that makes my vehicle eligible for this recall, and how can they justify honoring one safety recall and not another. As a consequence of their refusal to honor this safety recall I am presently forced to drive an extremely unsafe vehicle due to the fact that I am unable to determine the selection of gears as a result of the defective automatic shift indicator (prndl) bezel which if not addressed with dispatch will sooner or later result in severe damage to myself and others. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon. *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Feb 6, 2005 · Transmission · MA

Ford motor company did not send me a recall notification letter on my 1996 ford contour. I need to send my car back to ford motor asap, and ford needs to send me a brand new car. Due to also since the first day I bought my car in 1999 every part in my car is a defect fraud non ford, also newman ford in salem, nh refused and discriminated my disability and laughed at me and denied my services.

Filed Nov 9, 2004 · Transmission · FL

While driving, the transmission would down shift on its own. The transmission would hesitate then shift. The driver was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. Please fill in additional information. *jb the consumer stated that the transmission indicator deteriorated and fans out therefore can not indicate what gear the transmission is in.

Filed Jun 16, 2004 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · MA

Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl) details: automatic shift lever may not indicate correct gear (p, d, r) lever hangs up when switching between p, d, r. Problem has been occurring for appx three years.