1997 Ford Contour steering problems

Filed Feb 2, 2005 · Steering · OH · crash · 1 injury

22 yr. Old son matt crashed his 1997 ford contour into utility pole-feels bearings caused him to lose control of steering. Inner windshield driver's side post at corner came apart, plastic on interior-which stopped at top of post and wasn't connected to anything on inside of roof-popped out and lacerated his left eyeball. The eyeball interior was protruding and surgery was necessary to stitch the eyeball back together. He will eventually need a cornea transplant to get decent vision from that eye. The right eye sustained blunt trauma which caused a hematoma to develop which caused blindness until it's recent removal. Restoration of eyesight in the right eye is a slow progress.

Filed Nov 4, 2003 · Acceleration, Steering · 74,000 miles · MS

While driving 45 MPH with foot on the accelerator pedal steering wheel locked up, then the vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over, and had vehicle towed have taken to dealership, but the problem was not resolved.

Filed Sep 12, 2003 · Steering · PA

While driving, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering. This happened only while the road was wet. Dealer stated it wasn't their problem. *ak in the past 6 years power steering froze twice during a severe rain storm. *scc

Filed Jan 30, 2003 · Steering · CA

While driving at any speed and without warning the steering wheel locked up. Dealer notified. Ts

Filed Jan 28, 2003 · Steering · 110,652 miles · OK

The power steering line is routed under the front wheel drive axil and has rub a hole in the line. And has caused a leak.

Filed Apr 13, 2000 · Body, Engine · CA

Took my car in for rattling when driving and steering. They ordered tack shield and bolts. Took it back in, they installed parts and said it didn't fix the problem. Had to order rack and pinion. Kept the car until that came in and installed it. A few days later it started squealing and smoking. Took it back in and they said it was leaking power steering fluid but they didn't know why. They kept it for a week, decided it was a defective part and installed another rack and pinion. Got it back and it was still rattling and now it has a low growl sound at an idle. Took it back. They had to replace the idler pulley and the right swade bar link. The growl is still there but they're saying that is now normal. It is not normal. It was not there until they started screwing around in there. This car is a piece of junk!

Filed Mar 5, 2000 · Steering · OH

After driving through puddle, power steering assist is lost, drive belt squeals, and it becomes impossible to turn steering wheel for several seconds which causes lack of control. Ford has issued a tsb on this problem, but will not pay for repair.

Filed Sep 16, 1999 · Electrical, Steering · CA

There is a short within the battery, and the consumer has to get someone to give her a jump. Also, alarm system isn't working. When driving at any speed the vehicle is stalling and cutting off. Dealer can't determine cause of the problem.

Filed Aug 19, 1999 · Steering, Tires · CA

Steering problem has cost consumer alot of money. Also, needs to replace the tires.

Filed Aug 10, 1999 · Brakes, Steering · CA

Consumer experienced steering problem at 61000. Also, had to change tires and brakes.