Ford Contour grinding brakes problems

Filed Mar 6, 2009 · Brakes, Fuel system · 87,000 miles · NC

Could not get an inspection sticker - no mechanic could find out why the check engine will not go off -very costly. It stalls when raining, the passenger door handle does not work, it has to warm up for 5 minutes before it will move, the tail lights came loose, causing melting of housing, every valve imaginable has been replaced, belt squeals when air or defrost turned on.

Filed Jun 3, 2008 · Brakes · 133,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. The contact purchased brakesafe front disc pads for the vehicle. Approximately 30 miles later, a grinding and rattling noise was heard and an outer lining on the padding fell off. The contact took the vehicle to the mechanic and was informed that the pads were defective. He purchased new pads, which he felt worked as they should have. He attempted to call the auto parts store from where he purchased the defective pads, but they would not assist. He also called the corporate office and received no assistance. The contact filed complaints with the federal trade commission and ohio attorney general. The serial number and part number were unknown. The current mileage was 135,000 and failure mileage was 134,970. Updated 06/25/08. *cn the consumer stated passenger side caliper was warped and the rotor was damaged. Updated 06/25/08

Filed May 29, 2005 · Brakes · 9,000 miles · OH

Ever since we bought this vehicle (1999 ford contour) last august from gsa it has squealed when the brakes are applied. It had only almost 9k on it at that time. Now with near 20k it squeals like metal and vibrates when the brakes are applied. Mostly at around less than 40 MPH that I have really noticed. The tires seem to be wearing unevenly, too after 2 alignments. Seems to be fine other than that now that the electrical problem that was recalled was fixed.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Body, Engine · MI

I was rear-ended earlier this year and took my car in to the dealership for bumper replacement. Dealership did not inform me that ford discontinued my bumper model, so they repaired it instead of replacing it -- without my permission! Silver plastic strip that runs through center of bumper was re-installed as-is - cracked - since bumper was not being made anymore and new part wasn't available. Both horns were replaced, in spite of rarely being used. Rubber window strips loosen, pop up easily. One power window in rear can only go down about 6 inches, squeaking terribly as it moves down; too expensive to fix. Outer gas door release sticks. Both methods of opening the door (floor lever and trunk strap) stopped working this year. Paid for repair at dealership, but both methods stopped working again after a few days. I now have to open up my trunk every time I go to the gas station, pull the release strap and rap lightly on the outer door in order for it to pop open. I am scheduled for a new repair in a few days at the dealership for rough idle and stalling. Problem involves mass air flow sensor and/or PCM, and is detailed in tsb article no. 98-20-7. Had contacts cleaned on radiator tank and driver's door panel (beeping signal for when door opens and key is left in ignition stopped working). Had complete tune-up at dealership this summer, with mileage at only 40,000. Driver's side speaker wire has loosened, with sound drifting in and out depending on bumps hit on the road. Driver's door lock collapsed inside keyhole. Lock cylinders are only available in sets of five, so all five of my lock cylinders had to be replaced by dealership. Replacement cylinder on my glove compartment vibrates too much while driving. Reverse lights stopped working. Wiring had to be repaired. Paint is thin and scratches easily, even from non-abrasive contact. Driver's window opens all the way, sliding down at a quick speed. Very indifferent treatment by dealership.

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 Aug 7, 2003 · Lights · 93,000 miles · IN

Consumer noticed a grinding noise while driving. Took to dealer, dealer stated the 2 front coil springs were broken. Please provide any further information.

Filed Apr 22, 2003 · Airbags, Body · CA

The vehicle had poor gas mileage. The drivers window jammed. The rubber piece around the frame of the right side rear passenger's seat constantly came off. The shoulder harness on driver's side and in the rear seats twisted and jammed. The dashboard cover came loose. The radio operated poorly. The trunk latch often required multiple pulls to open the trunk. The air bag light intermittently came on. While driving there was a whining/grinding noise. *ak

Filed May 23, 2002 · IL

This has got to be the worst car we ever owned. Recently the A/C compressor made a grinding noise. The dealer said it would be $1200 to fix. They then said it would only be $950 because some parts were not needed. We later found out A/C isn't fixed and the dealer is demanding an additional $1200 to fix because they said we refused to fix the A/C the first time around. I would really like to know what we paid for the first time. We will never buy another ford again!!!

Filed Feb 11, 2002 · Seats · NY

Seat was repaired because of squeaks and broken stabilizer bar under the seat base. Seat was stabile after repair with no more squeaks. I got into the car today, and as I turned to grab my seatbelt, the seat back suddenly gave way. I can no longer use the back of the seat to support myself while driving. The contour is being taken to smith-cairns ford on 2/11/2002 for repairs. I am not going to pay for the repairs becasue I think that ford shoud consider this a safety defect. I have never had a car, only 4 years old with 76,000 miles and have a problem like this with the seats.

Filed Dec 19, 2001 · Suspension · NY

Front wheel bearings failed at about 40,000 miles. One side was completely failed, other side was in need of replacement. I noticed sudden grinding noise and checked for cause. Had bearings replaced. Could have been worse if I had not recognized the problem. No warning as to failure. Wheel bearings should last more than 40,000 and should not fail suddenly.