1999 Ford Contour: windshield wiper failure

Filed Oct 21, 2008 · Visibility · 157,000 miles · MI

Happened around oct 15, 2008 at night, between marshall and olivet mi. Failure was windshield wiper linkage, causing wipers to blow off the vehicle. Part is hard to find, looking to get it fixed for safety obviously. Was not able to see well, since next exit was still miles away. No easy way to fix this in an emergency, like this. This type of linkage is unsafe, and I believe any vehicles with it should be recalled.

Filed Dec 21, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · 35,000 miles · MA

The tail lights became inoperable after four replacements. Also, the windshield wipers did not work in low gear, and the running lights malfunctioned. *ak the electrical connector splice from the headlight switch opened. (the right side tail light was inoperative) the tail lights, front running lamps were out again, a fuse was bad and found some more wires in the trunk wired incorrectly, the dashboard lights and the license plate tail lights worked intermittently, there was a wiring short in the harness in the cowl area, there was a blown fuse in the exterior lighting, on another occasion, the #33 fuse was found open, the sunroof was inoperative due to a shorted motor, bad drive gear and two cables. *sc

Filed Aug 10, 2004 · Visibility · NV

I own a 1999 ford contour. Around thanksgiving 2003 I noticed that the defrost vent on my dash came lose. Next the dash started to curl up. Then the dash started to pull away from the frame. I can see the glue used to hold it to the frame. The dash is now curled so high I can't see the wipers & part of the hood. I am fearful passenger airbag will deploy. I called my local ford company in nv & was told about a recall but it expired. I had several estimates done & have been told parts alone are approx $800 & labor at least $1000. August 9th 2004 I called the worldwide service line at ford & was told there was not a recall but a customer satisfaction program #01b78 that ran from august 2001 thru august 31 2002. I never got anything. I told them I didnt feel I should have to pay for it when they know faulty equipment is in the vehicle. They told me the program had expired. When I told them in their eyes no one has died yet so it is not serious enough to issue an actual recall. The rep acknowledged this statement saying I was correct, that it was not a safety issue. I told them they are wrong, it is a safety issue, the airbag is under that dash and could deploy. Fords only answer to me was to take it to a certified ford dealer in my area & have them inspect it. A tech will tell me the cost to fix. Then it was repeated that the program has expired. Ford is not going to do a recall for equipment they know is faulty & they are not going to pay for the repairs. I am left with an unsafe vehicle to pay for repairs that I feel I should not have to pay for in the first place. I dont know how many complaints need to be made in order for a recall to be issued but I hope it doesn't take someone actually getting seriously hurt or a fatality for them to do something about this, please let me know.. Thanks ljr

Filed May 20, 2004 · Electrical · IN

The dash on my 1999 ford contour gl began peeling away more than two years ago. Despite receiving a recall letter from ford about the problem, I was unable to have it replaced/repaired. About the same time, I started having problems with the radio cutting out. I could push in a cassette then remove it to get the radio to come back on, but nothing else would work. Just yesterday I drove my car with no problem...until I turned off the ignition. When I attempted to restart the car, I was unable to do so. When I turn the key to the first stop, the accessory position, the radio, lights, etc., all work fine. When I turn the key further, to start the car or to the second stop to power other devices (AC, power windows, etc), it behaves as if the battery is dead. The buzzer (door open, keys in ignition) is very faint, radio doesn't work, windshield wipers move one very slow pass (even though they are turned off), can't get the car out of "park". I had the car towed home, but can't afford to have it checked out. Will call the dealership, but am not hopeful of getting the car fixed.

Filed Dec 17, 2001 · Airbags, Electrical · MO · fire

Windshield wipers will come on intermittently, and air bag light illuminates while driving, causing vehicle to stall and die. Dealer has been notified. Car was on fire which burned up fuse box.

Filed Mar 9, 2001 · Visibility · GA

Cover over screw on windshield wiper came off. Consumer has a bumper to bumper warranty, and dealer wants her to pay for it. Consumer said it came from manufacturer that way.