Vehicle safety defect with 2000 ford contour. *mr the defect involved the separation of the top of the dashboard and upward curl of the separated piece. One of the results of the defect was a deflection of all air output from the driver-side windshield defroster vent away from the glass windshield in front of the driver. The defroster/defogger utility was inoperative on the drivers side. *sc *jb the consumer was advised that ford was unwilling to assume responsibility for safety defects in the consumers vehicle. The consumer filed a civil suit against ford motor on august 23 after trying to attempt dialogue with them on vehicle safety defects of the consumers vehicle. *tc
2000 Ford Contour body complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 79, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While driving dashboard unexpectedly become unattached from the console. This caused poor visibility to the driver. The dashboard unraveled on its own. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic informed consumer that this vehicle was not on recall, and the warranty was valid.
While driving,the dashboard panel failed to stay in place. The consumer noticed while driving at any speed, the instrument panel would move from side to side on its own. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the components under the dashboard needed replacing. *jb ford program 01b78-52, instrument panel warpage repair, affected vehicles: all 1999-2000 model year contour's and mystique's.
2002 ford contour, dashboard started peeling up. It gets worse every month.
The dashboard was peeling and it was rolling into the windshield covering up the vehicle identification number. A service bulletin was discovered and the manufacture was notified and they denied the claim at the time of the bulletin.
Consumer noticed that the dashboard was curling and lifting up from the frame. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the dashboard needed to be replaced.
The vinyl covering on the dashboard is peeling away from the underlying structure. It has, over a period of about 5 months, peeled back far enough that it obstructs the view out of the windshield. The windshield defrost vent trim no longer fits into place. The defroster no longer works properly, as the vinyl now obstructs the air flow. The vinyl is also in such a position as to potentially impede the functon of the passenger-side airbag. Ford has issued a couple of 'campaigns', as they call it, but both have expired. My dash was not warped during the period of the campaign, and so was not replaced at that time. Since the extended warranty does not cover the dash, ford will not cover the full cost of the replacement (~$1200). The dash on a 3.5 year car should not warp so badly it looks like a pringles chip. This is a design flaw with potential safety concerns, and should be subject to a recall.
While driving, the dashboard unexpectedly became separated from the frame of the vehicle. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the vehicle was not on recall. *ak *sc
Consumer stated that the dashboard is peeling and the heat/air does not circulate properly. It is beginning to cover the vents, and the windshield cannot be cleared. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated they have seen vehicles worst than his. The manufacturer indicated that this was a cosmetic problem.
Ltr from doug holt (ga) re defective dashboard in his 2000 ford contour, dashboard has curled upwards 2 inches in front of the windshield obstructing wife's view when driving car, reply attn shannon bowen/toccoa dist. Ofc. Dot/I/#2004-511. *ph this occurred during the summer heat. Ford was aware of the problem and had a repair program which ended the month the consumer purchased the vehicle. The problem was classified as a non-recall issue and would possibly deny the consumer for repairs. *sc
2000 ford contour-service bulletin 01b78 was issued for warped dashboard. The warping occurs near the windshield and vents for the defroster. The warped dashboard obscures the driver's view. In addition, the defroster does not work properly. Ford has discontinued repairs.
Panel near the front windshield warped in two places. *ph since the panel was warped, it caused the heat vent to become partially blocked and subsequently the windows did not defrost.
Dash board is curling up from windshield area, defroster does not work as well, grill is detached also.
The dash board of the vehicle is curling up and away from the frame structure supporting it. The dealer informed the consumer that there is nothing that can be done. The manufacturer has been informed of the problem.
When vehicle was parked consumer noticed that dashboard was warped, and separated from panel. Will be taking vehicle to dealership to have mechanic check the interior.
I,too, have the dashboard peeling issue. I did receive a letter, but at the time there was no problem. 2 months after the expiration date, my dashboard was warping. I contacted ford and they said it was too late.the car is a 2000 and this defect was occurring 2 years later. I certainly believe ford should fix this.
Dealership will not honor the recall to replace the dash board. Dealer said that this recall was voluntary, and the time limit warranty had expired. However, owner was not notified in a timely manner. Dealer said sorry, too bad. Ford indicated that it will not pay for what needed to be done.
Dashboard warped and separated from the body of vehicle. This caused the defroster not to work properly and made it difficult for the driver to judge the distance of the vehicle in front of his vehicle. The transmission also experienced delayed shifting. *ak
Vents inside of the dashboard compartment popped out while driving on the highway. The panel fell out onto the floor. Dealer was aware of the problem.
The dashboard peeled back and caused poor visibility while driving. Please provide any additional information.
The dashboard separated from the structure and lifted upwards. Driver was unable to see clearly through the windshield. Obstruction caused poor visibility . Cause of the separation was undetermined. *ak heat may have caused the separation. *scc
The vehicle was serviced under the tsb 10001899 instrumental panel warpage repair warranty, but the failure hadn't occurred, so the part wasn't replaced. Failure occurred, and the manufacturer refused to honor the warranty based on the campaign ending. *ak *scc
The dash is lifting off where windshield and dash meet, across the length of the windshield. Consumer was told by dealer there was a customer satisfaction program but it had expired in august of 2002.
Entire dashboard is warping out of shape. Although vehicle is kept in an air conditioned garage it still seems that the dashboard is assaulted by the heat of the sun. Warping is causing the vents of dashboard to become misaligned.
2000 ford contour, 4-door sedan, VIN: [xxx] ------ entire dashboard is coming unglued/disconnected. It is raising up in front of the windshield, this is starting to obstruct the driver's view, the defrost deflectors are no longer operable to deflect the air onto the windshield and it has compromised the possible operation of the passenger airbag. Ford motor company has issued numerous recalls about this serious ford contour problem. But, the local ford dealership says that this vehicle is not on the recall list.*ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Consumer states that dashboard is buckling,causing windshield defroster vents to move out of alignment. Consumer cannot defrost front windshield when necessary. This results in poor or no visibility.
My ford contour (2000) dash is bending up where the defroster vent is. It has warped at least an inch above normal height. The ford company refuses to stand behind its vechicles and fix the dash. I have received horrible customer service from them and decided to never buy another ford.
Consumer noticed dashboard falling down. Dealer notified.
The design of the dashboard may cause the air bag not to deploy when needed.
The dash board lifted up.
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