Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford contour. The contact stated while driving at approximate speeds of 25 MPH, the vehicle abnormally accelerated without driver intent. The contact applied the emergency brake and shifted into neutral until the vehicle coasted to a stop. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where the contact was advised there was a recall on his year, make and model (the federal safety agency campaign id number: 99v194000: vehicle speed control). The manufacturer advised the contact that his VIN was not included with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000. Updated 10/27/10.
Ford Contour sudden acceleration problems
19 of the 3,151 owner complaints about the Ford Contour describe sudden unintended acceleration, most of them for the 1998 model year.
- owner complaints
- 19
- worst model year
- 1998
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Adaptive cruise 3Jerking 2Transmission failure 1Seat belt 1Hesitation 1Engine failure 1Check engine light 1Grinding brakes 1
What owners say
Within 6 months of the purchase of my vehicle, the car started having problems with vibrations, shaking, and severe noise while driving. The engine idled rough and got more severe when the heating or cooling system was used. All tires have been replaced, a major brake job with rotors turned was completed, and the struts were replaced. Regardless of this work, the shaking in the car has gotten progressively worse. I have taken my car to the dealership five times for the same problems. They have either said that it was "normal contour" or that it was the tires. Finally, they indicate that there is a problem but they cannot determine what it is. My car makes a thumping noise and a squealing noise when I make slow right turns. On several occasions my foot has been on the brake pedal and my car surged forward. At one point I thought that the person behind me had hit me because the car jerked so hard and so unexpectedly. Again, I am told that this is normal. This is the worst car that I have ever owned.
Drove into a space, before turning off the ignition, put gear shift in park, car suddenly lunged forward, accelerated out of control, ran into a tree
First day car was bought engine died, took to dealer, and they gave consumer another contour. Currently, vehcile will shut off in middle of intersection. Dealer replaced transmission, and engine was acting up. *ak consumer states vehicle has been in 3 times for transmission problems, it jerks and vibrates, consumer does not think that dealer replaced transmission like they said. 1 time for engine problems. Consumer has been in 2 accidents due to sudden acceleration. Front sway bar replaced, steering would shimmy and rattle. Blower motor assembly replaced, due to rattling noise in air conditioner, also cycling switch replaced due to air conditioner not cooling. Left front seat belt buckle assembly replaced, belt would not buckle. Starter failed and was replaced. Engine light illuminated, dealer found loose connection at act. Rear struts replaced, noisy.
Engine will surge forward either while driving or sitting still, consumer has many close calls due to vehicle surging forward, delaer has attempted to remedy the problem 5 times, however has not been successful.
While making a stop vehicle would idle high. As a result of this, vehicle surged forward. Dealer has been notified. *ak.et.
While driving and braking engine revved and suddenly accelerated and the brakes would not slow down the vehicle. Had to use the emergency brake, and run up an a curb in order to stop the vehicle. Manufacturer contacted. Please provide further information.
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.
When traveling 31 MPH consumer was involved in a head-on collsion in which neither driver's side nor passenger's side air bags deployed upon impact. Consumer has contacted the dealer, vehicle was totaled . Vehicle accelerated on its own, lost control, hit an embankment head-on
Whiledriving into garage with foot on brakes to slow down and to come to a stop,vehicle suddenly accelerated, causing driver to run through garage, resulting in total loss of vehicle.
Related recalls
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The accelerator cable may have been manufactured with a burr on or near the end of the cable sleeve interior. This burr could fray the core wire resulting in the accelerator not returning to idle when the accelerator is released.
- Risk
- This condition can result in the throttle sticking, binding, or causing high engine RPM.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a revised accelerator cable that has a flared conduit sleeve end and molded on end fitting.
Recall number 99V194000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control: cables
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the traction control option. The throttle cables were damaged during vehicle assembly leading to fraying or separation of the throttle cable.
- Risk
- This condition could prevent the engine from returning to idle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the throttle cable with a revised design that is less susceptible to bending or kinking during installation.
Recall number 97V225000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Contour sudden acceleration
Which Ford Contour years have sudden unintended acceleration problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1998 (8 complaints), 1996 (5 complaints) and 1995 (3 complaints).
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