Ford Contour ball joint problems

Filed Apr 29, 2005 · Acceleration, Electrical · 30,000 miles · OH

Well I had the worst experience ever in my life since I bought this car. I had this car repaired so many time I cant start to name off dates. I do know less than 6 months after I bought this car I drove to the beach less than 30 minutes always and it cut off. It started back up, but cut off 4 time before I got home. Next day I had to take it to the dealer to repair it. Since I had this car it has been nothing but a burden. I had to replace the ball joint once before, and as I write this letter it is being done again for a 2nd time. My heat and air stop working. Heat only works on high, and my defrost take for ever to clear my windows. My door just wont stay closed it pops open while driving. On my passengers side on the floor. It gets soaked with rain everything. If its rainy and im driving my car makes a loud scratching noise. My brakes have to be changed every 3-4 months. Shocks gave out less than a year after buying my car. My engine light wont go off. I took my car to over 3 ford dealers and many shops, and no can say why the light keep popping on. So today I dropped my car off to the shop to have brakes,door,engine light, ball joints and to see why the over drive off light keep blinking while im driving. This is the worst car ever made by ford. I know its nothing on my behalf why this car is so horrible because is know 4 other people who have or had the same problems as me. They were smart enough to get rid of this piece of '!@#$%, I just cant afford it. Well I know this summer if I do have the pleasure and jungian this car, im going to push it off a bridge myself, and never ever by a ford again. I think ford should be assumed for putting out such a bad model. How dare u try and make a quick buck instead of building a reliable car for families.

Filed Feb 9, 2004 · Brakes, Lights · WI

Dash was replaced, but it was installed improperly. Also, air conditioning system has leak, and will be replaced next spring. *la vehicle has had the following repairs or replacements: wheel bearings, brakes, tie rods, dashboard, intake manifold, passenger rear struts, left front dome lamp switch, left front speakers, and oygen sensor.

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 Nov 24, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · NH

Problems with 1996 ford contour front brakes, transmission, fuse box, heater blower motor, electrical and steering and suspension. *mr for the second time, the vehicle had problems with the brakes making a loud rubbing sound, the stabilizer bar was replaced and needs to be replaced again. The transmission was leaking, water was inside of the headlight seals, which made the lights very dim, the selector mode switch on the heater motor blower did not work properly, which made the heat not work at a 100%. The upper ball joints, rack and pinion and wheel bearing were all defective. *jb

Filed May 14, 2003 · Steering · OH

While driving, the tie rod snapped.

Filed Aug 10, 2001 · Steering · MN

Tie rod broke just pulling out of a parking space. Lucky it was'nt on the freeway.

Filed Aug 25, 2000 · Steering · TX

On july 8, vehicle was vibrating. Took to dealer they said it was a known problem. Consumer noticed problem again on july 11 when backing out of drveway and coming up to a stop sign. Consumer let off brake, and car was bouncing and vibrating. Entire tire was flipping around. Towed to dealer, and they said tie rod was broken.

Filed Sep 26, 1999 · Steering · MO

Left outer tie rod failed. Mjs

Filed Aug 2, 1999 · Suspension · MS · crash · 4 injuries

Driving 60mph. Heard popping noises. Vehicle uncontrollable. Went off road & down 30ft embankment & flipped over twice. Mechanic checked & noticed left front lower ball joint had fallen out. This caused a loss of control. 4 people were injured & everyone was wearing seat belts.

Filed Jul 29, 1999 · Suspension · MS · crash · 4 injuries

Was traveling 60mph & driver lost control of vehicle. Had swerved first left & went off road & then swerved to the right into 30ft ditch. Vehicle towed to mechanic & was informed the left ball joint had broken which caused loss of vehicle control. The vehicle was totaled. Driver/passengers suffered injuries.