Ever since we bought this vehicle (1999 ford contour) last august from gsa it has squealed when the brakes are applied. It had only almost 9k on it at that time. Now with near 20k it squeals like metal and vibrates when the brakes are applied. Mostly at around less than 40 MPH that I have really noticed. The tires seem to be wearing unevenly, too after 2 alignments. Seems to be fine other than that now that the electrical problem that was recalled was fixed.
1999 Ford Contour: grinding or squealing brakes
10 of the 419 complaints about the 1999 Ford Contour describe grinding or squealing brakes.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Grinding or squealing brakes by model year
What owners say
The vehicle had poor gas mileage. The drivers window jammed. The rubber piece around the frame of the right side rear passenger's seat constantly came off. The shoulder harness on driver's side and in the rear seats twisted and jammed. The dashboard cover came loose. The radio operated poorly. The trunk latch often required multiple pulls to open the trunk. The air bag light intermittently came on. While driving there was a whining/grinding noise. *ak
Within 6 months of the purchase of my vehicle, the car started having problems with vibrations, shaking, and severe noise while driving. The engine idled rough and got more severe when the heating or cooling system was used. All tires have been replaced, a major brake job with rotors turned was completed, and the struts were replaced. Regardless of this work, the shaking in the car has gotten progressively worse. I have taken my car to the dealership five times for the same problems. They have either said that it was "normal contour" or that it was the tires. Finally, they indicate that there is a problem but they cannot determine what it is. My car makes a thumping noise and a squealing noise when I make slow right turns. On several occasions my foot has been on the brake pedal and my car surged forward. At one point I thought that the person behind me had hit me because the car jerked so hard and so unexpectedly. Again, I am told that this is normal. This is the worst car that I have ever owned.
Consumers has been to dealer for the same brake problem 7 times before and after recall 00v075001/manufacturer's recall 00s03/ rear brake valves was done. Brakes sqeual when coming to a stop. Dealer couldn't find a remedy.*ak consumer states brakes squeal and sometimes they feel like there is air in them, dealer has replaced rear brake drums, problem still continues.
The brakes make a constant grinding noise and mostly when the car is heated, the dealer states this is normal.
My vehicle has a design flaw. The vehicles stalls after splashing through water. Only 1-2 inches are necessary to cause a stall. Also, the vehicle stall when turning in the rain. The engine will squeal, the alternator light will come on, and the vehicle will become very difficult to stop and steer due to loss of electrical power. This problem was identifed in ford's technical service bulletin # tsb 97-11-2. This design flaw is only supposed to affect 1995-1998 contours. However, it must be noted that my contour is an early 1999 (manufactured in september 1998). The tsb describes that the vehicles needs to have a splash guard installed. Repeated requests to ford motor company have not lead to any action being taken. I believe that my vehicle is dangerous to drive through any amount of accumulated water. Its tendency to stall forces me to drive through puddles very slowly which creates a dangerous situation for vehicles around me. I believe that ford should fix this design defect free of charge (labor and parts). I would greatly appreciate any assistance that your agency could provide.
When braking intermittently vehicle will hear a metal to metal grinding noise. Manufacturer claims it is a normal characteristic of vehicle. Cause is unknown.
While driving consumer would feel brakes rubbing and grinding. Took vehicle to dealer, and they turned the rotors. But, problem has reoccurred.
Brakes would make grinding noises when applied. The tires are going bald. Steering wheel feels real loose whn going over bumps or turning. The front end suspension would jerk & pull to the left. Will be contacting dealer to have vehicle checked.
When brakes were applied vehicle made a grinding noise. Dealer said vehicle needed new brake pads.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Safety recall pertaining to brake pressure control reducing valve replacement
- Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material...
- Some vehicles may exhibit a groaning noise from the front brakes during city driving
- Experiencing a front brake groan during city driving
- Some vehicles may exhibit a front brake groan
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles not equipped with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). A pressure conscious reducing valve (pcrv) in the rear brakes may be subject to corrosion and result in malfunction, when operated in areas that use salt compounds on the roadway for de-icing or dust control.
- Risk
- If both pcrv's malfunction, vehicle handling could be adversely affected during braking as a result of the rear wheels locking, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install improved pcrv's in the rear brake system. This recall was expanded in september 2000 to include 1999 and 2000 ford contour, mercury mystique and cougar vehicles.
Recall number 00V075000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1999 Ford Contour grinding brakes
Is grinding or squealing brakes a common problem on the 1999 Ford Contour?
10 of 419 owner complaints about the 1999 Ford Contour (2%) mention grinding or squealing brakes. The model year with the most reports is 1998.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1999 Ford Contour?
There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1999 Ford Contour
Stalling 27Fuel pump 14No deployment 13Check engine light 13Headlights 13Coil spring 9Jerking 8Seat belt 8Fire or smoke 6Wipers 6Won't start 6Airbag light 5Hesitation 5Overheating 5
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