1998 Ford Contour: seat belt won't latch or retract

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Airbags, Seat belts · 95,463 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

I was rear ended into another car on oct.29 2002 and niether the air bag worked as well as the seatbelt did not lock. I had head, neck, and back injuries at that time. I did't question these things not working because I was not hit hard. Oct. 27,2003 I was involved in the exact same type of accident only this time I was hit hard from behind and hit the car infront of me hard. Again nothing worked and this time the police even questioned the air bag. Again I have injuries to my face, head, neck, shoulder, and back but to what extent I do not know yet. I was at a complete stop in both accidents and hit straight on in the rear. In 2002 I hit the car in front straight on and now in 2003 I hit the front can with the center to passenger side. My car is said to be totaled.

Filed May 8, 2002 · Seat belts · IL · 2 injuries

I have experience defects with the seat belt buckles as well as the seat belts. The seat belts are constantly jamming. Therefore, I am unable to safely secure my children or myself when driving. Also the buckle does not fasten. Sometimes they would work and sometimes they would not. On this particular day the belt jammed for my six year old and the buckle would not lock for my three year old. I proceeded to turn left (after two cars gave my the right of way) into a parking lot while traffic was at a stand still. All of a sudden a car speeds by and forced me to brake suddenly. When I did this both my children heads hit the front passenger car seats. I began to wonder what would have happened to my children if I would have been involved in the accident. I have contacted a dealer to get them check out and fixed and I am contacting the manufacture.

Filed Mar 12, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · MO

First day car was bought engine died, took to dealer, and they gave consumer another contour. Currently, vehcile will shut off in middle of intersection. Dealer replaced transmission, and engine was acting up. *ak consumer states vehicle has been in 3 times for transmission problems, it jerks and vibrates, consumer does not think that dealer replaced transmission like they said. 1 time for engine problems. Consumer has been in 2 accidents due to sudden acceleration. Front sway bar replaced, steering would shimmy and rattle. Blower motor assembly replaced, due to rattling noise in air conditioner, also cycling switch replaced due to air conditioner not cooling. Left front seat belt buckle assembly replaced, belt would not buckle. Starter failed and was replaced. Engine light illuminated, dealer found loose connection at act. Rear struts replaced, noisy.

Filed Nov 3, 2000 · Seat belts, Seats · WA · crash · 2 injuries

Consumer's vehicle was at a intersection and another vehicle veered into it. Consumer and his wife was throwen forward. Seat was knocked at a 45degree angle. Seat belt broke and latch failed. Also, the driver's seat and passenger's seat broke. Dealership was aware of the problem. There were miner injuries.

Filed Aug 22, 2000 · Seat belts · PA

Both the driver's side and passenger's side seatbelt do not retact during normal use. The seatbelts will fold over and become jammed approximately 4-5 times during the week. Would like to have the problem taken care of before someone is killed because a seatbelt does not retract and tighten up during an accident.

Filed Sep 30, 1999 · Electrical, Locks · CA

Driver's side seat belt locked up, had to untwist belt to use it. Also, rear window fell out, nothing had hit it/ignition key switch would rattle when inserting key & taking it out, and sun roof lock was not working. Sunroof could not be opened or closed . Taking vehicle to dealer to check problems.

Filed Aug 17, 1998 · Seat belts · CA

Seat belt on the front passenger's side is not safe for adults because of the modification for child seats. The seat belt locks up which does not allow the passenger any normal movement.