Ford Contour adaptive cruise problems

Filed Aug 26, 2010 · Acceleration · 91,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 ford contour. The contact stated that the vehicle would independently accelerate when driving with the cruise control activated at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure started intermittently but progressively became worse over time. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 91,000.

Filed Sep 29, 2004 · Acceleration · 140,000 miles · KY

Whenever foot was released from brake pedal vehicle accelerated when slowing down. This problem happened when cruise control was engaged. Vehicle continued to move while trying to slow down for stop signs or lights. Consumer did not take vehicle to dealership.

Filed Jul 11, 2004 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · CA

I purchased my vehicle at 88,000 miles from the federal government at an auction. The fed gov. Is required to meet manufacturer standards on maintenance. However, the vehicle has had major electrical problems which numerous mechanics can not fix. There is a voltage drain, which makes fuses blow. The cruise control, blinkers, and AC don't work, and it is impossible to shift out of park without using a manual override.

Filed Dec 2, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · OR

I believe all 1997 ford contours should be recalled, over the past 3 years I have replaced the clutch, waterpump, blower motor, both lower control arms, bushings, sway bars, wheel bearings, front & rear brakes and rotors(both twice!!!!), axle, 2 oxygen sensors, catalytic converter, egr valve, coil springs, battery, balljoints, door latch, almost all of the full front suspension!!!! There are more parts that I had replaced but I can't remember all the names of the parts there are too many!! My check engine light will not turn off, seat belt light will not turn off, short in the drivers side power window, the engine will (rev) up by itself when it's in gear and when it's not, short in the drivers side power seats, water leakage in the trunk, A/C leaks onto the passenger side floor, all doors squeak no matter what you do, carpet is falling out, horn will not work most of the time, same for the cruise control, windshield wiper sprayer does not work, knocking noise coming from the engine, ended up in very bad debt because of this and no one will take it, I still owe money on the piece of crap. Contacted ford motor at one time regarding all the parts I replaced after the first year I had it, they say it's not there problem. Dealership who sold it to me says it was just fine, bull crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I believe that those are too many items for a 1997 to go wrong on.

Filed Dec 3, 2002 · Acceleration · IL · crash

Insured reports cruise control would not disengage, vehicle reportedly accelerated, and could not be controlled. Driver lost control and struck another vehicle and guard rail. Dt

Filed Sep 6, 2001 · Acceleration, Electrical · NJ

Speedometer needle fluctuated wildly, then it registered zero. Ten seconds later the car's driveablity went down due to the on-board computer receiving zero speed input: limited accelleration, no cruise control, etc. End result: both speed cable and speed control sensor broken; connection pin from transmission to sensor stuck or snapped --> will need to drop transmission and tear it open just to get at a $25 part!

Filed May 16, 2001 · Acceleration, Airbags · NY

Airbag light is on/ horn, and cruise control are not working. Consuemr stated this was same problem as stated in recall 99 v 243 000. Consumer was scared that airbag may deploy in face.

Filed Apr 7, 2000 · Acceleration · KY

A potentially leathal condition exists with regard to the cruise control.this system has not worked properly since purchase of the vehicle, despite numerous repairs. On 9/10/99, during heavy acceleration(left turn), the throttle stuck wide open, on investigation I found the cruise control cable caught on the throttle arm. Apparently on wot conditions, the clip holding the cable to the throttle makes contact with its housing disconnecting the cable from the throttle arm. The cable then hangs loose in the engine compartment, causing the afore mentioned problem. Fortunately, this is a manual trans. Vehicle and I was able to rapidly disengage the clutch, avoiding any serious injury (although creating an over-rev condition).this vehicle is equiped with traction control. Please contact me for additional information.

Filed Nov 18, 1999 · Acceleration · OK · crash · 1 injury

While backing out of a parking area the vehicles engine began to accelerate until the rear bumper struck a light pole. Driver then placed the transmission into drive and the car surged forward at an uncontrollably high speed, jumping the curb and striking a concrete pillar, resulting in considerable damage to the front area of the vechicle and bruising the drivers left arm. Pressing hard on the brakes seemed to have little or no effect. It appears that the throttle linkage/cruise control or some related mechanism malfunctioned.

Filed Sep 8, 1999 · Acceleration · IL · crash

Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration while traveling on the highway. At approx. 50 or more MPH when vehicle got out of control and hit a guardrail before stopping; also cruise control was not engaged at that time. Dealer notifed. Can the federal safety agency help or provide additional information on this matter.