1995 FORD CONTOUR Fuel System, Gasoline Problems

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE ALSO OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL SPILLING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FILLER PIPE IN THE FUEL TANK SYSTEM. THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 94V203000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP) FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

Mileage: 37,000

MY 95 CONTOUR STARTED FOR TWO SECONDS, THEN DIED. IT WOULD NOT START AFTER THAT. MY MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP QUIT. I ONLY HAD THE CAR TWO DAYS FROM PURCHASE, SO I CHECKED ONLINE FOR SERVICE ISSUES, RECALLS, ETC., AND FOUND OUT ALL THE VARIOUS FUEL, ELECTRICAL, EMISSION AND OTHER PROBLEMS THIS VEHICLE HAS, MY BIGGEST CONCERN BEING THAT IT COULD CATCH FIRE(I DO HAVE A FAMILY TO DRIVE AROUND), I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED ABOUT THE UNCOOPERATIVE COMING FROM THE DEALERSHIPS CONCERNING ALL THIS, I AM VERY LOW-INCOME, I SPENT $1000.00 FOR THIS CAR THINKING IT WAS A GOOD DEPENDABLE CAR, AND NOW FIND MYSELF WONDERING HOW I WILL BE ABLE TO AFFORD ALL THE REPAIRS ON MY SINGLE INCOME, FORD, SHAME ON YOU!! *JB

Mileage: 120,088

GASOLINE LEAK WHERE FILLER PIPE MEETS GAS TANK . EXCESSIVE LEAKING OF GASOLINE WHICH CAN LEAD TO A FIRE. *NM

DT: CONTACT STATES THE WIRING HARNESS IS CRACKING , CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING, GASOLINE FUMES FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR IS COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. WHEN IT RAINS OR WHEN WASHING THE VEHICLE IT GETS WATER INTO THE COMPUTER OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THIS WAS A DEFECT WITHIN THE VEHICLE.*AK

CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 95V232000 CONCERNING FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY:PIPE:FILLER:NECK. AFTER HAVING THE FUEL TANK REPLACED CONSUMER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED DETERMINED THAT FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *SC

I'M A HEARING IMPAIRED DRIVER/OWNER OF FORD '95 CONTOUR GL (LOW-INCOMER, AVERAGE $21,000 A YEAR). I'VE BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 1997 FROM A MINNEAPOLIS-AREA FORD DEALERSHIP (QUALITY AUTO DEALERSHIP IN BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA). AT THE TIME, I HAD LESS THAN $10,000 TO PAY FOR A RECENT USED CAR(ONE THAT IS WITHIN 2-3 YEARS AFTER IT CAME ON THE MARKET). I TRIED OUT FEW CARS AND THE WHITE 1995 FORD CONTOUR GL. THE DEALER INSISTED THAT '95 FORD CONTOUR GL WAS A GOOD BUY AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE. I WAS WILLING TO TRADE UP MY OLD CAR TO REDUCE THE PRICE BUT IT WAS STILL TOO HIGH FOR ME SINCE IT DIDN'T INCLUDED OTHER FEES LIKE THE TITLE AND REGISTRATION LICENSE. AFTER A SHORT, PERSUASIVE NEGOTIATION, I GOT THE DEALER TO AGREE TO MARK DOWN TO $9995 AND I ACCEPTED THAT. SO I BOUGHT THE CAR. AFTER A FEW DAYS, I WAS EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH IT, SO I HAD IT TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND LATER TOLD ME THAT THE WHOLE ENGINE WAS BAD AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS STUNNED BUT THEY WERE WILLING TO DO THE REPAIR FOR FREE. IT TOOK ME A WEEK TO GET MY CAR BACK. EVERYTHING WENT FAIRLY FINE FOR THE NEXT COUPLE YEARS. IN 1999, THE AIR-CONDITIONER IN MY CAR STOPPED WORKING AND IT WAS TOO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR AT THE TIME. I MOVED TO COLUMBUS, OH IN JAN. 2000. FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS, THAT CAR HAS BECOME A TROUBLE FOR ME. ONE REPAIR AFTER THE NEXT. THE BIGGEST REPAIR COST I'VE PAID OUT WAS $2060.43 TO REPLACE A FLYWHEEL. I HAVE TRIED TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY CAR BY TAKING IT TO JIFFY LUBE FOR OIL/CHECK-UPS EVERY 3-6 MONTHS FAITHFULLY AND I'M STILL HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY CAR. RIGHT NOW, IT IS AT ANOTHER FORD SERVICE BECAUSE THERE MAY BE DEFECTED WIRING COILS IN MY CAR (A DEALER RECALL THAT I'M NOT AWARE OF). I HAVE KEPT ALL THE SERVICE MAINTENANCE PAPERS IN FILE FOR ALL THE REPAIRS AND SERVICES ON MY CAR. I WANTED A NEW CAR AND I'M NOT VERY HAPPY. I'M TIRED OF PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

ENGINE COOLING FAN CAUGHT FIRE IN 1999 - CAR UNDER WARRANTY AND REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP. 2 MORE ENGINE COOLING PROBLEMS IN 1999 THE MOST SERIOUS PROBLEM WAS WHEN THE WATER PUMP FAILED. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. IN 2002 THE ENGINE BEGAN OVERHEATING AND WE HAD TO REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT, OTHER PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED WERE REPLACEMENT OF OXYGEN SENSOR AND FUEL PUMP DUE TO LEAKAGE. IN JUNE 2003 CAR OVERHEATING, THE COOLING FAN CONNECTION HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED. IN JULY 2003 CAR OVERHEATING, CHECKED BY MECHANIC WHO NOTED THAT THERE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING, RECOMMENDED DEALERSHIP REPAIR DUE TO COST. ON DAY ONE DEALERSHIP ESTIMATED COST OF WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT $380.00. DAY TWO DEALERSHIP CALLS - HEAD GASKET BLOWN AND FAN BELT WORN BILL NOW $1100.00. DAY THREE DEALERSHIP CALLS - ONE OF THE OXYGEN SENSORS AND ANOTHER PART NEEDS REPLACING AN ADDITIONAL $300-400.00. TOTAL BILL $1600.00. *JB

Mileage: 88,000

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THE DEFECT WITH ITS FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY AS STATED IN RECALL 94 V 203 000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK

Mileage: 127,777

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING GAS FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

THE VEHICLES GAS TANK WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL WAS SEEPING FROM THE WELD AT THE FILLER PIPE OPENING. RELATED RECALLS 94V203000, 95V228000 AND 94V184000, CONSUMER'S V.I.N. IS NOT INCLUDED. *NLM

Mileage: 46,000

I HAVE A FORD CONTOUR 1995 MANUFACTURED IN 12/94 I HAVE SOME COMPLAINTS ABOUT MY CAR. THERE ARE SOME RECALLS OUT ON THIS VEHICLE. BUT THERE ARE NOT LIST FOR MY CONTOUR VIN # BUT I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. MY CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE ROBINS FORD DELERSHIP IN GLENOLDEN,PA FOR NOT STARTING. AFTER THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT I HAVE A WIRING HARNESS DEFECT THAT CAUSED IT TO SHORT CIRCUIT MY SPARK PLUGS. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE WIRES FOR THIS VEHICLE IS OUT DATED AND FOR HAVE BEEN REPLACING THEM WITH UPDATED WIRES. BUT THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR MY VIN# BUT IT IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH THIS CAR. I ALSO HAVE SOME PROBLEMS THAT HAVE JUST STARTED THAT FORD HAVE RECALLS ON BUT AGAIN NOT MY SO CALLED VIN#. MY SEAT BELTS ON THIS CAR HAVE BEEN BREAKING OFF AT THE CONNECTION TAB AS WELL AS MY DEFROSTER NOT WORKING. BOTH HAVE RECALLS ON THEM. I ALSO HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT OTHER RECALLS THEY HAVE OPEN ON THIS CAR THAT ARE SAFTY HASZERDS ONE FOR WHICH IS A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY FILLER THAT CAN CAUSE A FLASH FIRE AND A FUEL TANK LEAKAGE THAT CAN CAUSE A FIRE THEY ALSO HAVE A RECALL FOR THEIR AIR BAGS. I HAVE CHILDREN THAT MAKES ME VERY CONCERED ABOUT THEIR SAFTY IN THIS CAR. AND THE LACK OF CONCERN BY THEIR FORD MANUFACTURER. HOW CAN I GET THIS THINGS FIX SO THEIR WILL BE NO ACCIDENTS.

Mileage: 45,000

CONSUMER NOTICE GAS TANK VENT TUBE BROKE CAUSING A GAS LEAK. REPLACED A YEAR LATER PROBLEM RECCURRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

CONSUMER TOOK CAR TO FORD DEALER REGARDING RECALLS. DEALER REPAIRED 2 RECALLS BUT STATED THEY WOULD NOT FIX REMAINING BECAUSE CONSUMER HAS DRIVEN VEHICLE 105K MILES SINCE PURCHASE. CONSUMER STATES THE FOLLOWING RECALL REMEDIES WERE REFUSED 95V232000, 94V203000 AND 94V184000. TS

OWNER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SOME MINOR WORK. SHE WAS TOLD THAT FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING AT FILLER NECK. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF NHTSA RECALL 95V232000. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

FUEL IS LEAKING AT WELD OF FUEL FILLER NECK, THERE IS RECALL 95V232000, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS IS AFFECTED DUE TO VIN. *AK

WHEN TRYING TO THE FILL VEHICLE WITH GAS FUEL WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF, AND CONSUMER CANNOT FILL TANK IN THE USUAL TIME IT WOULD TAKE A PERSON. CONSUMER WILL HAVE TO STAND THERE AND CONTINUE TO PUSH NOZZLE OVER AND OVER BEFORE FILLING UP. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

THE FUEL INJECTOR HARNESS HAS DETERIORATED; THE INSULATION IS CRACKING OFF OF THE WIRES. I HAVE DETERMINED THAT FORD USED WIRE WITH THE WRONG INSULATION; THE PVC INSULATED WIRE THAT FORD USED CANNOT HANDLE THE HEAT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AS A RESULT THE INSULATION BECOMES BRITTLE AND STARTS CRACKING, FLAKING OFF WHEN THE WIRE IS FLEXED. THIS LEAVES BARE WIRE UNDER THE HOOD. MY CONCERN IS THAT A SHORT IN THIS HARNESS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. I BELIEVE ALL 95-97 FORD CONTOUR/MECURY MYSTIQUE CARS ARE AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM, EVEN IF THEY DON'T CURRENTLY SHOW ANY SYMPTOMS.*AK

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH ON HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A SMOKE SMELL COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. HE PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK PRIOR TO RECALL 00V367, ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING AND BURNING EXCESS OIL FROM OVERHEATED PISTON RINGS, AFTER RECALL REPAIRS, THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ANTIFREEZE LEAK THAT WAS GOING INTO MOTOR OIL, ENGINE COOLING FANS WERE OPERATING INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ENGINE WAS HOT, DEALER FOUND UPPER RADIATOR HOSE AT WATER PUMP HAD A PINHOLE LEAK, ENGINE COOLING FAN WIRING OVERHEATED AND BURNED OUT AT FAN RELAY AND FAN CONNECTORS, THEN CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 01I009 AND HAD THESE REPAIRS COMPLETED ON VEHICLE, AFTER RECALL REPAIRS, ENGINE AND IN-DASH WIRING OVERHEATED AND BURNED, DEALER INSTALLED RECALL PARTS FOR BLOWER MOTOR AGAIN, CONSUMER LATER INFORMED A NEW MOTOR WAS NEEDED DUE TO NO COMPRESSION DUE TO OVERHEATING DAMAGE. THIS TOOK PLACE PRIOR TO VEHICLE FIRE. HEADLIGHT AND TAILLIGHT LENSES REPLACED. OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE, SHIFT LEVER INTERNAL SLIDING BEZEL HAD A STRESS CRACK, AT TIMES IT WAS HARD TO GET OUT OF PARK WHEN TEMPERATURE WAS COLD. A/C DID NOT BLOW COLD AIR AND WAS NOISY. FUEL DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AT TIMES. SPEEDOMETER CABLE WAS REPLACED DUE TO A TICKING NOISE. *JB

WHILE FILLING VEHICLE WITH GASOLINE FILLER NECK WILL ONLY ACCEPT EIGHT GALLONS OF GASOLINE. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE OF VEHICLE. *AK *JG

A FUEL ODOR IS PRESENT IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE, STRONGEST ODORS ARE IN REAR SEATING POSITIONS. DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT RECALL 95V23200 REPAIRS FOR FUEL FILLER NECK WAS PERFORMED PRIOR TO HIS OWNERSHIP, AND THIS VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER COVERED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS. *AK

CONSUMER WAS SMELLING GASOLINE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, MECHANIC STATED THAT FUEL HOSE HAD A HOLE INSIDE OF FUEL LINE, CAUSING GASOLINE TO LEAK UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER ENCLOSED INFORMATION ON RECALL 94S97 REGARDING THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY LEAK FUEL, CONSUMER HAD REPAIR WORK DONE BEFORE LEARNING ABOUT RECALL. *TT

MY SON GIRL FRIEND HAS A CONTOUR 95 SAME AS MINE. IT DID THE SAME THING AND A DEALER TOLD HER ITS A COMMON PROBLEM. WHEN THIS HAPPENS YOU SPILL GAS ALL OVER THE THE SERVICE STATION PUMP AREA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS MATER, JAN. *AK

ENGINE/ BRAKES/ STARTER /CATALYTIC CONVERTER/ FUEL PUMP AND FUSE FAILED. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM VEHICLE WOULDN'T START, AND RADIATOR WENT OUT ALSO. *AK

AFTER STARTING VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN FUEL LINES WHICH HAS RESULTED IN FUEL LEAKAGE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

CONSUMER COMPLAINED, EXHIBITING FEATURES OF NHTSA RECALL #95V232000. THERE IS A STRONG FUEL SMELL COMING FROM VEHICLE. RANDOM OCCURRENCE, NO SPECIFIC CAUSE FOUND. *AK THE FUEL SMELL COMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE ONLY WHEN THE WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN. *YH

BEGINNING A MONTH AGO, MY CAR WILL NOT START ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. I HAVE HAD IT TOWED INTO 2 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT SHOPS, REPLACED FUEL FILTER, AND FUEL PUMP. CAR STILL WON'T START EARLY MORNINGS. HAD CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP, THE RETAINED CAR 48 HOURS, COULD NOT IDENTIFY PROBLEM. FRIENDS SUGGESTS IT MAY BE EMI CAUSING PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IN DEARBORN, MI DOES NOT RESPOND TO MY QUESTIONS REGARDING EMI (ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE WITH MY CAR'S "COMPUTER". NEIGHBORS WITH FORD AUTOMOBILES HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. WE LIVE IN A SENIOR MOBILE HOME PARK AND HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANSWERS FROM OUR LANDLORD.*AK

BEGINNING A MONTH AGO, MY CAR WILL NOT START ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. I HAVE HAD IT TOWED INTO 2 DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT SHOPS, REPLACED FUEL FILTER, AND FUEL PUMP. CAR STILL WON'T START EARLY MORNINGS. HAD CAR TOWED TO FORD DEALERSHIP, THE RETAINED CAR 48 HOURS, COULD NOT IDENTIFY PROBLEM. FRIENDS SUGGESTS IT MAY BE EMI CAUSING PROBLEM. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IN DEARBORN, MI DOES NOT RESPOND TO MY QUESTIONS REGARDING EMI (ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE WITH MY CAR'S "COMPUTER". NEIGHBORS WITH FORD AUTOMOBILES HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. WE LIVE IN A SENIOR MOBILE HOME PARK AND HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANSWERS FROM OUR LANDLORD.*AK

GASOLINE SPURTS BACK OUT OF THE FILLER LINE EVERYTIME I GAS UP. IT IS NECESSARY TO JUST LET THE GAS TRICKLE IN FROM THE PUMP TO AVOID THIS. *AK

GAS SENSOR FAILED EARLY ON, HAD IT FIXED. SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED, HAD THAT FIXED. NOW BOTH REAR SPRINGS HAVE BROKEN, ONE FRONT BEARING HAS BEEN REPLACED AND THERE MIGHT BE A PROBLEM WITH FRONT STABILISER BAR. CONTACTED FORD THIS MORNING AND WAS INFORMED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER FOR "VERIFICATION PURPOSES" UNFORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE POSES A DANGER DUE TO A LOOSE SPRING IN THE BACK. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY "GROSSE POINTE AUTOWORKS" LOCATED 1/2 BLOCK OFF MY HOUSE SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. DEALERSHIPS ARE CA 9+ MILES AWAY AND HAVE NEVER BEEN CONSUMER FRIENDLY WHEN I HAVE CONTACTED THEM. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO RECOURSE REGARDING THE IRRESPONSIVE FORD MOTOR CO.

THERMOSTAT GOES UP TO THE RED. THEN, POWER STEERING WENT OUT. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND LET CAR SIT FOR A WHILE. GAS TANK HAS BEEN REPLACED, WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM. *AK

FUEL TANK HAS DEVELOPED LEAK AT POINT WHERE FILLER NECK CONNECTS TO TANK. THIS APPEARS TO BE IDENTICAL TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 94V203000 AND RELATED TO 95V232000. FORD HAS REFUSED TO FIX STATING THAT THE RECALLS CITED DO NOT APPLY TO MY VIN. IT APPEARS THAT THEY DID NOT ESTABLISH THE RECALL BROADLY ENOUGH TO COVER ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.

RECALL 95V223000/ FUEL PIPE: FILLER:NECK. UPON RECEIPT OF THE RECALL, DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED THAT IT WAS NOT AFFECTED. SINCE THAT INSPECTION, PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. FORD WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL ( AUGUST 96) BECAUSE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION VEHICLE DID NOT SHOW A PROBLEM. *AK

WHEN VEHICLE IS STANDING STILL OR WHILE DRIVING FUEL LEAKS EXCESSIVELY FROM TANK. DEALER SAYS THAT TANK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *AK *ML

WHEN DRIVING SMELLED GAS. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACKED GAS TANK FUEL FILLER NECK. DEALER REPLACED FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. *AK *ML

A REAR END IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH CAUSED THE REAR END TO CATCH ON FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

FAILURE OF DEFECTIVE MANIFOLD GASKET CAUSED POWER ASSIST FAILURE IN ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE SITUATION. HAD I NOT BEEN ABLE TO SWERVE AROUND STOPPED CAR, VEHICLE WOULD NOT HAVE STOPPED IN TIME TO AVOID COLLISION DUE TO DRASTIC REDUCTION IN BRAKING. DEALER REPORTS THAT THIS HAS OCCURRED ON A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT MODEL YEARS RECENTLY. GASKET IS UNAVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT FOR OVER 2 WEEKS BECAUSE IT IS BEING REDESIGNED. CUSTOMER SERVICE STATED NOT TO TAKE IN PERSONAL THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THIS SAFETY DEFECT. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS DEFECT IS THAT IT IS SUDDEN AND WITHOUT NOTICE. CAR RAN ROUGH FOR A FEW DAYS, BUT GAVE NO INDICATION OF POTENTIAL BRAKE FAILURE UNTIL IT WAS ALMOST TOO LATE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED A GAS SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE. ALSO, NOTICED GAS PUDDLE ON DRIVEWAY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATON. *AK

REAR DOORS CREAK VERY LOUDLY - HAVE TO APPLY OIL MONTHLY, ENGINE CONSTANTLY RUNS HOT - HAD THERMOSTAT REPLACED, OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED CAUSING VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS, ALTERNATOR HAS FAILED TWICE WITHIN A YEAR -VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS BOTH TIMES, WINDSHIELD MOLDING SHIFTING OUT OF PLACE, HAVE TO REPLACE BRAKES AND ROTORS REPEATEDLY, GAS SPILLS OUT OF NECK OF TANK WHEN REFUELING. SEATBELT COVER ON DOOR PANEL POPS OFF ON DRIVER SIDE AND BROKE OFF ON PASSENGER SIDE. OFF

1) THE ELECTRICAL SWITCH/ROLLER DIAL CAUSED A SHORT AT 45,000 MILES AND MY DASH BOARD LIGHTS IN TOTAL HAVE BEEN OUT EVER SINCE. 2) THE REAR/BACK SEAT RESTRAINT BELT ON THE RIGHT SIDE NO LONGER RETRACTS INTO THE HOUSING. 3) THE BACKSEAT RESTRAINT HOUSING IN THE SEAT HAS COME APART MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO FASTEN THE BELT 4) THE GAS CAP RELEASE LEVER ON THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR DOES NOT FUNCTION(DOES NOT OPEN GAS TANK)THE GAS CAP HAS TO BE OPENED BY OPENING THE TRUNK AND PULLING THE MANUAL CORD.

FUEL IS LEAKING FORM THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK. THE FUEL TANK HAS BEEN REPAIRED PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

WHEN VEHICLE IS SITTING IN PARKING LOT FUEL LEAKS EXCESSIVELY FROM TANK . DEALER SAYS TANK HAS TO BE REPLACED. *AK

THE FUEL TANK FILLER WOULD LEAK OUT FUEL. CAN NOT PUT OVER 1/4 TANK OF FUEL IN TANK WITHOUT IT SPILLING OUT ON GROUND. HAPPENS EVERY TIME TANK IS FILLED. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER TO CORRECT PROBLEM. *AK

FUEL PUMP AND WATER PUMP LEAKAGE CAUSED VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT, AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A GAS LEAK AT THE JOINT OF THE FUEL PIPE AND GAS TANK CREATING A PUDDLE OF GAS UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. I DISCOVERED A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON MANY 95 CONTOURS DUE TO DEFECTIVE GAS TANK ASSEMBLIES. I TOOK OUR VEHICLE DOWN TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME OUR VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. HE CALLED ME WITH AN ESTIMATE OF $578 TO REPLACE THE GAS TANK ASSEMBLY. I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ASKED FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE THEY SAID THEY WOULD TRY TO HELP AND THAT I WOULD HERE FROM THE DEALER WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS. I RECEIVED NO CALL. I THEN CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE A SECOND TIME ONLY TO BE TOLD BY ANOTHER PERSON THERE THAT MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL 36000 WARRANTY AND THAT IT WAS "BLACK AND WHITE" THAT I HAVE NO COVERAGE UNDER FORD AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY!! THIS WAS NOT VERY REASSURING AN I EXPLAINED WHAT A SAFETY ISSUE A LEAKING GAS TANK POSSESSED NOT ONLY TO MY FAMILY BUT TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AS A WHOLE. I ALSO ASSERTED THAT A GAS TANK SHOULD NOT FAIL ESPECIALLY ON A WELL MAINTANED CAR WITH UNDER 50000 MILES ON IT. I ALSO INDICATED THAT THIS HAD TO BE A FAULTY COMPONENT AND THAT FORD SHOULD STAND BEHIND THE PRODUCT EVEN IF IT IS OUTSIDE OF THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY AFTER ALL THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND IT WOULD SEEM THAT FORD WOULD WANT TO COVER THIS AS A SAFETY AND LOYAL CUSTOMER ISSUE. INSTEAD I RAN INTO A VIRTUAL BRICK WALL AFTER CONTACTING FORD THE SECOND TIME. THE PERSON SUGGESTED I CONTACT THE DEALER DIRECTLY AND SEE WHAT I COULD WORK OUT. I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER AT HOMER HELLER FORD IN ESCONDIDO, HE WAS VERY NICE AND UNDERSTANDING AND SAID THAT HE WOULD CALL FORD AND TRY TO WORK OUT A COMPROMISE. HE WAS ABLE TO GET FORD TO LOWER THE PRICE OF A NEW GAS TANK ASSEMBLY FROM $278 DOWN TO $50 BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY ALL THE LABOR (APPROX. $270) THIS WAS A NICE GESTURE AND WAS CERTAINLY BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL NEARLY $600 ESTIMATE. STILL I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD HAVE COVERED 100%. *AK

WHEN DRIVING THERE IS A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE GAS TANK. *AK

I LEFT THE CAR RUNNING AND IN PARK WHILE I WENT IN THE HOUSE TO GET SOMETHING. I HEARD AN EXPLOSION. I LOOKED OUTSIDE AND MY CAR WAS IN FLAMES. THE HOOD WAS BLOWN OFF AND NOW THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF MY CAR. THE FIRE CHIEF SAID THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE FUEL INJECTOR LINE AND ALSO SAID SOMETHING ABOUT THE FIREWALL AREA. I WAS TI SHAKEN UP TO REMEMBER EVERYTHING. NOW I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO FIND OUT IF THIS WAS IN FACT A DEFECT IN THE CAR OR WHAT. CAN YOU HELP?

FUEL TANK REPLACED DUE TO RECALL NOTICE (#95S30), HOWEVER REPLACEMENT TANK FAILED DUE TO SAME DEFECT.

THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED SMELLED GAS FUMES. IN ADDITION, THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE GAS STATION TO FILL UP VEHICLE AND THE GAS PUMP CUTS OFF AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS FULL, EVEN WHEN IT WAS NOT. THE DEFECTS DESCRIBED COMPLY WITH RECALL NUMBERS 94V203000 AND 94V184000. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

WHEN PUMPING FUEL INTO GAS TANK, THE FUEL WOULD LEAK FROM THE NECK AREA. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & MECHANIC COULD NOT LOCATE FUEL LEAKAGE PROBLEM. *AK

FUEL LINE CLAMP FAILED, CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK ALL OVER THE STREET AND UNDER THE VEHICLE.

GAS TANK LID OPENER BROKE.

DEALER DID NOT DO RECALL REPAIR ON THE GAS TANK AS PROMISED.

VEHICLE "BUCKED AND CHUGGED" AND THEN ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. PROBLEM FIXED AFTER THIRD ATTEMPT BUT VEHICLE CONTINUES TO PERFORM ERRATICALLY DURING WET WEATHER CONDITIONS.

DIFFICULTY SCHEDULING FUEL FILLER RECALL REPAIR DUE TO UNAVAILABILITLY OF PARTS.

RECALL RELATED, 94V203000, AIR PRESSURE BUILD UP IN FUEL TANK AND CAUSES LOSS OF FUEL, WHEN OPENING TANK, BACK FUEL WILL SPILL OUT. *AK

FUEL TANK REPAIRED PRIOR TO RECALL. *SD

RECALL RELATED, 95V232000, AND 95V228000, RECEIVED NOTICE IN FEB AND TOOK VEHICLE IN MARCH. *AK

RECALLS 95S31 & 95S30; PARTS ON ORDER FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. OWNER REPORTS VEHICLE IS PERFORMING ERRATIC SHUTTING DOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

VEHICLE HESITATES/MAKES GRINDING NOISE BETWEEN 20/25 MPH.

THE DEALERSHIP WILL HONOR THE RECALL LETTER AND WILL NOT SET UP AN APPOINTMENT DATE 94V184000. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

RECALL RELATED, 95V228000 AND 95V232000 CONTACTED DEALERSHIP ON 3/11/95, WILL ORDER PARTS BY APR.20,1995, NO PARTS AVAILABLE AS 4/3/95. *AK CONSUMER WAS ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT TRACK, DRIVER;S SIDE AIR BAG, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW, AND WAS ALSO TOLD A NEW FILLER NECK WS NEEDED FOR GAS TANK, ALSO NEEDED NEW WIPER, STARTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED,SWITCH FOR WINDSHIELD WIPER ON STEERING WHEEL WAS COMING OFF AND WOULD NOT SNAP BACK INTO PLACE.*JB

THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT GIVE A RENTAL CAR WHEN HIS LETTER STATES THAT HE SHOULD RECEIVE ONE 94V184000. PLESE DESCRIBE. *AK

THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT GIVE A RENTAL CAR WHEN HIS LETTER STATES THAT HE SHOULD RECEIVE ONE 94V184000. PLESE DESCRIBE. *AK

NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR RECALL OF FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY FILLER PIPE NECK 94V184000. *AK

RECEIVED RECALL LETTERS #95V228000,AND #95V23200 ON THE FUEL TANK ,INTERIOR SYSTEM RESTRAINT IN FEB CALL DEALER KEEP ON ORDER THE PARTS. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

CRYSTAL FORD ISUZU SILVER SPRING MD; RECALL 94S92 & 95S06; DID NOT PROVIDE LOANER AND HER APPOINTMENT FELL OFF SCHEDULE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

CRYSTAL FORD ISUZU SILVER SPRING MD; RECALL 94S92 & 95S06; DID NOT PROVIDE LOANER AND HER APPOINTMENT FELL OFF SCHEDULE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

FUEL TANK REPAIRED DUE TO LEAK. *SD

TOM WOOD FORD; OWNER MADE APPOINTMENT SEVERAL WEEKS IN ADVANCE. ON 2/22/96, DEALER IS NOW ORDERING PARTS. RECALL 95S30 NHTSA 95V23200 FILLER NECK. *AK

TOM WOOD FORD; OWNER MADE APPOINTMENT SEVERAL WEEKS IN ADVANCE. ON 2/22/96, DEALER IS NOW ORDERING PARTS. RECALL 95S30 NHTSA 95V23200 FILLER NECK. *AK

DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE AS THE LETTER STATES THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT

RECALL 95S30 FILLER NECK; OWNER QUESTIONS IF RECALL WAS DONE BY GENE MESSER FORD LUBBOCK TX BECAUSE OF RECEIVING REMINDER NOTICE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

DIFFICULTY SCHEDULING FUEL TANK RECALL REPAIRS. *SD

WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN THROUGH WATER IT SHUTS OFF. TT

GAS WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE TANK, THERE WAS A RUPTURE IN THE TANK. TT

DRIVER'S SIDE GAS COVER DOES NOT RELEASE. *AK

PROBLEMS WITH GAS TANK DOOR. *AK

GAS TANK RUPTURED WHILE FILLING. *DSH

GAS CAP FAILED. *DH

CAR WAS PARKED AND THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING . TT

BLACK SMOKE/BURNING SMELL EMMINATED FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. *AK

FUEL TANK FAILURE, GAS LEAKS FROM THE FILLER NECK. *AK

WHEN REFUELING, CAN NOT REFUEL PROPERLY TAKES A LONG TIME. TT

FUEL PUMP FAILED, CAUSING INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK