Ford Contour steering lock-up problems

Filed Sep 17, 2015 · Steering · 137,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. While driving approximately 40 MPH on a wet road, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coil springs were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred every time the road was wet. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2003 · Acceleration, Steering · 74,000 miles · MS

While driving 45 MPH with foot on the accelerator pedal steering wheel locked up, then the vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over, and had vehicle towed have taken to dealership, but the problem was not resolved.

Filed Sep 12, 2003 · Steering · PA

While driving, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering. This happened only while the road was wet. Dealer stated it wasn't their problem. *ak in the past 6 years power steering froze twice during a severe rain storm. *scc

Filed Jan 30, 2003 · Steering · CA

While driving at any speed and without warning the steering wheel locked up. Dealer notified. Ts

Filed May 26, 2000 · Engine, Lights · UT

While driving on highway travelling 70mph, exited off the freeway and began to brake when engine cut off. Also, instrument lights came on, and the steering wheel locked up and was unable to turn. Engine turned back on, and was able to regain control of vehicle.

Filed Nov 3, 1999 · Engine, Steering · FL

When traveling at any speed and upon hitting water in the road surface steering wheel lock up and freeze, causing poor steering control. Also, having problems with vehicle stalling when traveling at any speed. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced parts, but problem still occurs. Please provide any further details.

Filed Aug 12, 1999 · Electrical, Steering · MS

Whenever the automobile is driven through a puddle of water or upon prolonged driving on a wet road, the power steering locks up. When this occurs, the power steering remains locked for several seconds up to over one minute before returning to normal. These conditions also cause the "battery" light to illuminate. I returned the vehicle to the dealer in approximately june 1998, but their fix action "replacing a headlight wiring assembly" did not appear to address the problem and the problem reoccurred immediately the next time that the autombile was driven on a rainy day. Upon returning the automobile a second tme, I was informed by both a service technician and a service manager that this is a problem that the ford company is aware of but is making no attempt to inform the automobile owners until they actually experience the problem.

Filed Jul 9, 1999 · Engine · GA

Vehicle has been taken to dealership 6+ times over the duration of ownership , car cuts off when driven in the rain , steering wheel locks and all power fails. Happens at low and high speeds . Told that ford is aware of problem but no protocol to fix the problem . Dealer cannot fix because they dont know cause of problem as told by ford customer service department

Filed Mar 24, 1998 · Steering · FL

While driving vehicle about 10 MPH when rainning, consumer drove over a pot of water. He lost control of steering wheel and the steering locked up to one side, making it hard to drive.

Filed Feb 13, 1998 · Steering · MA

Steering locks every time it rains and the vehicle runs through a puddle.