1998 Ford Contour: complete transmission failure

Filed Mar 21, 2004 · Transmission · IN

I was leaving work and discovered that my car now only goes in reverse-I have not had any problems with the transmission up to this point when from out of no where it just stopped working. The automotive shop tells me I have to go to a dealer to get a new transmission put in all costing more than the car is probably worth. Ford needs to recall this part-they're obviously having problems with it that are not "rare" or "unusual" for this transmission.

Filed Aug 25, 2003 · Transmission · 121,600 miles · TN

Automatic transmission failed in 2001 (see odi # 759046 submitted 3/02). Transmission was rebuilt and remained in service until 2003. In june 2003, transmission began slipping under normal city driving conditions and was taken to independent mechanic for inspection and service. Transmission was deemed "unrebuildable" and replaced with new ford automatic transmission.

Filed Jun 6, 2003 · Transmission · 75,500 miles · PA

1998 ford contour se 4cyl VIN [xxx] - 4speed transmission. My wife was driving home from work when the transmission made sudden, erratic, jerky shifts on its own causing the car to pull from side to side and losing control and leaving the road and finally stopping in a field. I had to tow her out. The car now does not move forward, but does has reverse. Further research on the net has revealed other ford/mazda owners have experienced the same transmission failures. I am surprised the federal safety agency has not done anything about these transmissions. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 6, 2003 · Transmission · MD

The vehicle experienced premature transmission failure.

Filed May 22, 2002 · Transmission · WI

While driving engine light came on and transmission slipped when changing gears which was caused by transmission failure.

Filed Apr 29, 2002 · Transmission · CA

Automatic transmission failed without warning or symptoms while merging onto a busy freeway.vehicle could have been hit by passing traffic because of a narrow shoulder at point of failure.

Filed Jan 9, 2002 · Transmission · CA

While driving vehicle jerked forward very hard almost losing control of vehicle. Upon stopping and restarting vehicle gear went from park to reverse. Took to dealer. Transmission was replaced. Vehicle continues to do the same thing, jerking. Please provide any further information.

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 Feb 7, 2001 · Transmission · NJ

Transmission failed without warning, the consumer requested reimbursement but was denied because the vehicle was beyond warranty. Nlm

Filed Jan 31, 2001 · Airbags, Electrical · NY

After noticing a whining sound at approximately 30 MPH in second gear and an increase in vibration when the air conditioner was on, the transmission was rebuilt on 10/10/98, on 8/3/2000 the transmission was replaced because of sudden and violent slipping, on 8/28/00 check engine light came on because oxygen sensor had been disconnected while transmission was replaced, sensor reconnected/replaced. Cj

Filed Aug 21, 2000 · Brakes, Engine · MD

I was in transit to replace my braking system for the second time in 6 months when my transmission failed. My 'check engine' light stays on and the car now stalls when in a stopped position at a traffic light. These issues, amongst a list of other major failures has occurred in the last 2.5 years of ownership of this lemon ( complete A/C system has been replaced, complete fuel system has been replaced, window motor has been replaced, etc.). Neither the ford manufacturer or dealerships have responded, agreed or offered any investigation, correction, compensation or assistance in response to these previously written and verbal matters, and legal action will commence. The issues listed in this table are only the recent (last 3 months), and do not include the montage of problems in the last 2 years, some of which are mentioned in the comments section.

Filed Sep 30, 1999 · Engine, Transmission · UN

Transmission failed, rolled when in park position. Mjs