109 of the
1,189 complaints about the 1998 Ford Contour are about the
suspension — 9% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
79,405 miles.
Vehicle won't pass inspection due to a Broken or cracked coil spring front passenger side. It was in a recall that we never received notification. And I don't feel like we should be out over $200 to get it licensed.
NHTSA complaint #11570697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesWestfield, NJ
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PARKED HIS VEHICLE OVERNIGHT AND THE NEXT MORNING HIS FRONT LEFT SPRING HAD SNAPPED IN HALF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS TIRE WAS PUNCTURED AS WELL. HE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING FOR HIM. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #10315090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesTerryville, CT
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRINGS CAME OUT OF THE SPRING CATCHER BRACKET WHILE CHANGING THE TIRES. IF A TIRE WERE THERE, IT WOULD HAVE BURST. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V255000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT WILLING TO ASSIST OR ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 127,000. UPDATED 07/28/09 *BF UPDATED 07/30/09.
NHTSA complaint #10273862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesEast Lansing, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. WHILE DRIVING 25MPH THE FRONT COIL SPRING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BROKE AND DISABLED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER. SHE STATES THAT SHE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, WHERE THEY STATED THAT HER VEHICLE VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED. THE TOTAL COST ON REPAIRS WAS $950.00. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER IS: 01V255000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 47,020.
NHTSA complaint #10213487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesLexington, MA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP FOR REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED. IN 2001, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V255000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME AND STATED THAT NO REPAIR WAS NEEDED. HOWEVER, NOW THAT THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS NO LONGER VALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 01/09/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE COILS SPRINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED REPLACED HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND CABLE IN ENGINE. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR UPDATED 06/04/08.
NHTSA complaint #10203548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesMT. JOY, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURED COIL SPRING DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE SUSPENSION: FRONT: SPRINGS: COIL SPRINGS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN #01I013000) HOWEVER HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
NHTSA complaint #10199898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesMount Hope, WV
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LEFT FRONT SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO FOUND RECALL NOTICE AND REPLACED LEFT SPRING AND LEFT TIRE AT NO CHARGE. LESS THAN A YEAR LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE RIGHT SPRING AND TIRE. CAR WAS AGAIN TOWED TO DEALER, WHO AGAIN REPLACED THE SPRING AND TIRE AT NO CHARGE AS THIS WAS A RECALL PROBLEM. DEALER COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE RIGHT SPRING HAD BROKEN BECAUSE HE CLAIMED THAT THE RIGHT SPRING HAD BEEN AUTOMATICALLY CHANGED WHEN THE LEFT ONE FAILED AS PART OF THE RECALL SPRING REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS. THAT MEANT THAT THE RIGHT SPRING FAILED AFTER BEING ON THE CAR ONLY 10 MONTHS. CAR IS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR LX. MILEAGE 75,000. THE CAR HAS PERFORMED FINE OTHER THAN THIS SPRING PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10190974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesGalion, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SPRINGS FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. ONCE THE TIRE WAS REMOVED IT WAS EVIDENT THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING HAD PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #10187576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,320 milesSaline, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT. IN THE PROCESS OF FIXING THE TIRE THE CONTACT REALIZED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING DETACHED AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING THE COIL SPRING. THERE WAS RECALL # 01I013000. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 81,320.AK
NHTSA complaint #10187314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesFranklin, NJ
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
AS OF TODAY MY CAR HAS 100250 MILES. THE PROBLEM IS THAT I TOOK MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE CHECKUP AND HE FOUND THAT THE FRONT AND BACK COIL SPRING ARE DEFECTIVE AND MUST BE REPLACED ASAP. I WENT TO THE WEB SITE (NHTSA) AND I FOUND THAT THESE CARS DON'T HAVE A SAFETY RECALL HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY REPLACEMENT FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART AT NOT COST TO THE OWNER. I NEED FORD TO CONTACT ME VIA E-MAIL OR BY MAIL TO WHERE I CAN TAKE MY CAR (A SERVICE CENTER AUTHORIZED NEAR TO MY HOUSE) TO REPAIR MY CAR AT NOT CHARGE. I USE MY CAR PRIMARILY AS A FAMILY CAR AND I NEED MY CAR IN GOOD CONDITION FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY.
NHTSA complaint #10162155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesFranklin, NJ
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
AS OF TODAY MY CAR HAS 100250 MILES. THE PROBLEM IS THAT I TOOK MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE CHECKUP AND HE FOUND THAT THE FRONT AND BACK COIL SPRING ARE DEFECTIVE AND MUST BE REPLACED ASAP. I WENT TO THE WEB SITE (NHTSA) AND I FOUND THAT THESE CARS DON'T HAVE A SAFETY RECALL HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY REPLACEMENT FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART AT NOT COST TO THE OWNER. I NEED FORD TO CONTACT ME VIA E-MAIL OR BY MAIL TO WHERE I CAN TAKE MY CAR (A SERVICE CENTER AUTHORIZED NEAR TO MY HOUSE) TO REPAIR MY CAR AT NOT CHARGE. I USE MY CAR PRIMARILY AS A FAMILY CAR AND I NEED MY CAR IN GOOD CONDITION FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY.
NHTSA complaint #10162155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,300 milesBridgeville, PA
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CONTOUR. THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A REAR COIL SPRING PROBLEM. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING THE TIRES REPLACED THE MECHANIC INFORMED HER THAT THE LEFT REAR COIL SPRING BROKE. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT BOTH COIL SPRINGS BE REPLACED. A RECALL ON THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS ISSUED, BUT NOT ON THE REAR. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THEY COULD NOT OFFER ANY TYPE OF SERVICE UNDER A RECALL, AND THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THIS DECISION BY THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #10137955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesPalmyra, MO
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
DT: THE CALLER FOUND A RECALL ON THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS, BUT THE MANUFACTURER SAYS IT WAS AN OWNER NOTIFICATION AND NOT A RECALL. THE CALLER HAS NOT HAD THE FAILURE YET THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A NOISE. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS SOME CORROSION ON THE COIL N SPRINGS. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLACE THE COIL SPRINGS UNTIL THEY FRACTURED.
NHTSA complaint #10134326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesNorth Hampton, NH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
JAN, 2004: 1998 FORD CONTOUR RECALL PERFORMED (BRACKETS FOR FRONT SPRINGS). AUG, 2005: REPLACED TIRES ON 1998 FORD CONTOUR SE USING P205/60R15 TIRES SUGGESTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE TIRES MADE CONTACT WITH THE BRACKET BOLTS INSTALLED DURING THE RECALL, CAUSING TIRE TO BE GOUGED (TRIED 3 BRANDS, ALL HAD SAME CONTACT PROBLEM). FORD DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE BRACKET. I ENDED UP USING A DIFFERENT TIRE SIZE: P195/65R15, WHICH BARELY CLEARS THE BRACKED BOLTS. I BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM ON THE 1998 FORD CONTOUR SE BRACK RECALL / TIRE COMBINATION.
NHTSA complaint #10133699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesDenville, NJ
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
DT: VEHICLE STARTED MAKING LOUD NOISES AND THE BRAKES FAILED. CALLER WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CALLER SAID BRAKES DID NOT WORK VERY WELL WHEN SHE TRIED TO GET THE CAR HOME. DEALER SAID THE FRONT LEFT ROTOR BROKE ,AND REAR WHEEL BEARING WORE OUT . MANUFACTURER WILL NOT OFFER ANY HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10127011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,273 milesBurnsville, MN
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
I WENT IN TO GET NEW TIRES PUT ON AND DURING THE INSPECTION THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS ARE BORKEN. THE COIL SPRING ON THE RIGHT IS BROKEN IN TWO PLACES. I LOOKED FOR A WARRANTY AND THERE DOES EXISIT ONE FOR THE CONTOUR BUT BASED ON MY VIN IT DOES NOT COVER IT.
NHTSA complaint #10124097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Camden, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
1998 FORD CONTOUR FRONT SPRING BROKE WHEN ENTERING THE GARAGE. *MR RECALL CAMPAIGN#'S: 01I013000 AND 01V255000. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE DEALER FOUND BOTH BACK SPRINGS BROKEN AND REPLACED THEM ON APRIL 27, 2005. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10122619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Camden, NY
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
1998 FORD CONTOUR FRONT SPRING BROKE WHEN ENTERING THE GARAGE. *MR RECALL CAMPAIGN#'S: 01I013000 AND 01V255000. ON ANOTHER OCCASION THE DEALER FOUND BOTH BACK SPRINGS BROKEN AND REPLACED THEM ON APRIL 27, 2005. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10122619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,159 milesWaverly, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR INSPECTION ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND NOW THE COIL SPRING HAS BROKEN AND DAMAGED THE BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. FORD HAS RECALLED SOME OF THIS YEAR MODEL BUT NOT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE VIN. CUSTOMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE COIL SPRING, BRAKE HOSE AND CV JOINT BOOT.
NHTSA complaint #10119374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,925 milesGreat Valley, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
DURING ROUTINE INSPECTION THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT FRONT DRIVER COIL SPRING BROKE. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT REPAIRED, AND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS NOT DETERMINED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10117542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesPleasant Valley, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH FRONT COIL SPRING PUNCTURED THE FRONT DRIVER'S TIRE. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE TIRE CHANGED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10111195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesSpringfield, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TOOK THE CAR IN FOR AN ALIGNMENT AND DISCOVERED THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN. DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE SPECIAL EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS PARTICULAR PART AND PAID FOR THE REPAIRS MYSELF. FORD ADMITS THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT WON'T REIMBURSE ME BECAUSE WORK WAS DONE BY A NON-FORD AUTHORIZED REPAIR SHOP AFTER THE LETTER NOTIFYING ME OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS SENT OUT. EVEN THOUGH THE LETTER WAS SENT OUT TWO YEARS BEFORE THE PART ACTUALLY FAILED. EVEN IF FORD DOESN'T WANT TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE LABOR DONE BY THE NON-FORD SHOP, THEY SHOULD AT LEAST REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COIL SPRINGS BECAUSE THEY HAD TO BE ORDERED DIRECTLY FROM FORD!!
NHTSA complaint #10108052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,359 milesMiddlebury, CT
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
THE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT LEFT TIRE, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM BROKE DOWN AND THE ROD IN THE SYSTEM HIT THE TIRE AND FLATTENED IT. *JB...*AK THE CONSUMER HEARD OF A RECALL ON THIS PART AND REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10108724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesMilford, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
FRONT COIL SPRING ON MY 1998 SVT CONTOUR BROKE. APPARENTLY FORD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE COIL SPRINGS ON THE BASE CONTOUR BUT NOT ON THE SVT CONTOUR WHICH IS APPARENTLY ABLE TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10106010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesGirard, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
I OWN A 1998 FORD CONTOUR COVERED BY RECALLS 01S23-01M08 PERTAINING TO FRONT SPRING FRACTURE AND EXTENDING WARRANTY TO COVER 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE FALLS UNDER THE TIME AND MILEAGE REQUIREMENTS. I TOOK THE CAR TO FRED MARTIN FORD FOR NOISE IN FRONT END AND THEY TOLD ME THE PROBLEM WAS A BROKEN SPRING. THEY FAILED TO TELL ME THAT THE PARTS WERE COVERED UNDER THE FORD RECALL AND INSTEAD TOLD ME THE REPAIR WOULD COST ME OVER $500.00. AFTER WAITING A WEEK AND BEING TOLD THERE WERE NO SPRINGS AVAILABLE FOR MY MODEL ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY, I STARTED TO INVESTIGATE ON MY OWN AND FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL AND ALSO THAT THERE ARE OVER 460 VEHICLES WAITING FOR THESE PARTS IN THE UNITED STATES. I WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD BE OVER A MONTH BEFORE THE SPRINGS ARE AVAILABLE. APPARENTLY, THERE IS A DISPUTE BETWEEN FORD AND ITS SPRING SUPPLIER. FORD CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE WAS NO HELP AND I AM STILL WAITING FOR THE FORD ZONE MANAGER TO GET BACK TO ME. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT SUPPLY A LOANER OR RENTAL VEHICLE WHILE I AM WAITING FOR THE PARTS. I HAVE SINCE PULLED THE VEHICLE OUT OF FRED MARTIN FORD, 4701 MAHONING AVE. YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO 44515, AND TAKEN IT TO ANOTHER DEALER. I FEEL THAT FORD IS NOT LIVING UP TO THE TERMS OF RECALL 01S23-01M08 AND NOT REPAIRING MY VEHICLE PROMPTLY AND FREE OF CHARGE.
NHTSA complaint #10086608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesBlacksburg, VA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH A POPPING NOISE WAS PRODUCED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. WHEN DRIVER LOOKED OUT SHE DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING SO SHE CONTINUED TO DRIVE. SUDDENLY DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE TIRE. SHE PULLED OVER. AS A RESULT THE COIL SPRING BROKE, PUNCTURING THE TIRE. NO IMPACT REPORTED. TWO WEEKS LATER THE PASSENGER'S SIDE COIL SPRINGS FAILED, PUNCTURING THE SECOND TIRE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10087157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,997 milesApex, NC
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALLS 01I013000 & 01V255000 CONCERNING FRONT COIL SPRING FAILURE. CONSUMER LEARNED THAT THE COIL SPRING ON THE RIGHT SIDE BROKE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP AND THEN TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE COIL SPRING WAS COVERED UNDER THE RECALLS, AND NEEDED TO ORDER THE PART. CONSUMER WAS WAITING FOR THE PART TO ARRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10087222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLittleton, IL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
RECALL 01V255000, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE CONSUMER HEARD A RUMBLING SOUND COMING FROM BENEATH THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION SPRINGS BROKE. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10083548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesChagrin Falls, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
THE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT IT COULD BE MID AUGUST, 2004 BEFORE THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE, IN THE MEANTIME, THE CONSUMER COULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. *AK *SC
NHTSA complaint #10079591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,600 milesCuyahoga Falls, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
I NOTICED I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I TOOK IT OFF WENT TO HAVE IT REPAIRED,THEY TOLD ME IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE SIDE WALL HAD BEEN PUNTURED.I THEN HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRE ONLY TO FIND OUT THE NEW TIRE WOULD NOT WORK, THERE WAS A LOUD CLANKING SOUND WHEN YOU TRIED TO MOVE THE CAR. I THEN PUT THE SPARE (PONY) ON AND TRIED TO MOVE THE CAR THE TIRE GOT HOT AND SMOKED.SO WE TRIED TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE COMPANY WE BOUGHT THE TIRE FROM,IN THE PROCESS WE HAD A BLOW OUT AND HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED IN. ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE SPRING HAD BROKEN ,PUNCTURED THE TIRE ON TH INSIDE SIDEWALL AND WRAPPED AROUND THE STRUTT AND BENT IT..BECAUSE OF YOUR DEFECTIVE SPRINGS.. WE ARE FORCED TO BUY NOT ONLY A NEW TIRE BUT A SET OF SPRINGS AND NEW STRUTTS. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT FORD PRODUCTS ARE KNOWN FOR THIS. THAT IT HAPPENS ON A DAILY BASIS. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME FIVE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS AT THE VERY LEAST.....WHY HAS THE'RE BEEN NO RECALL ON THESE SPRINGS????? THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DISASTROUS SITUATION HAD IT HAPPEN AS WE WERE GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. I FEEL THAT SOME TYPE OF COMPENSATION IS IN ORDER....MY CAR IS A FORD CONTOUR A 1998 WITH ONLY ROUGHLY 50,000 MILES ON IT. THE SERVICE WORK IS BEING DONE BY SEARS AUTO CENTER BECAUSE THAT IS WHERE WE PURCHASED THE NEW TIRE. YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE AND SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM WOULD ENCOURAGE MY CONTINUED FAITH IN FORD PRODUCTS, WHICH HAS BEEN SOMEWHAT SHAKEN. RESPECTFULLY YOUR, RACHEL G MILLER.
NHTSA complaint #10075308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.