1999 Ford Contour: jerking or lurching

Filed Apr 1, 2005 · Engine · FL

1999 ford contour, check engine" light came on, car jerking/stalling, took it to local mechanic who could not diagnose problem, then had to have car towed to local ford delaership (key scales ford, lessburg, florida), they kept car for 2 days, charged over $800 to replace the timing belt, attempted to charge an additional $165 to replece spark plugs (service declined, spark plugs replaced by local mechanic for $50), "check engine" light still on, car still jerking/stalling. Afraid to drive car out of immediate neighborhood. Local mechanic suggested possibly catalytic converter problem but said it could not even be tested because of the position of the converter is in the middle of the manifold and is inaccessible. Local ford dealership has not replied to email requesting additional investigation.

Filed Nov 22, 2004 · Acceleration · NY

When driving, the consumer took her foot off of the gas pedal and could see the rmp's and speed of the vehicle went up. The vehicle actually jerked forward as the hit brakes. *bf the consumer was told that there was no problem with the vehicle.

Filed Jun 24, 2004 · Acceleration, Visibility · 68,000 miles · TX

Vehicle hesitates and jerks violently on acceleration, feels like it wants to stall.dashboard curled up in front by windshield, obstructing view and popped out vent trim. Dealer wouln't fix it because they said the recall on it had expired. Had to try to glue it down ourself.

Filed Mar 18, 2003 · Fuel system · TX

The vehicle has not worked properly in a year, the vehicle had 5 new fuel pumps put on within a 8 month period, towed 3 times and periodically jerks and dies . The dealers service department can not find the cause of the problem.

Filed Feb 28, 2003 · Airbags, Seat belts · 50,000 miles · OH · crash · 1 injury

While wearing my seat belt which I always check to be sure it is fastened I fell asleep at the wheel. I hit the left barrier and jerked the wheel. That is all I remember. When I woke up the car was upside down and I was laying on the roof on my stomach facing forward. The seat belt came unbuckled and the air bag did not deploy. It appears I was thrown into the empty passenger seat as it was broken. I am upset the belt came unbuckled. The car was a 1999 ford contour se. I had no buckle problems in the past.

Filed Sep 12, 2001 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

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.

Filed Aug 22, 2001 · Transmission · IL

In addition to the other defects I have listed on the questionaire, my vehicle occasionally does not go into forward gear, and then violently jerks into gear.

Filed Aug 5, 1999 · Brakes, Steering · MI

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.