This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Consumer states of having problems with the engine and is also having a strong smell of burn rubber. There is a recall out on the engine but does not cover their VIN #.dealer was notified about this matter. Nlm
While driving at any speed car cut off without any indication, and will not start back up. Dealer contacted, fixed problem 3 times, but didn't inform consumer of what part. Problem still reoccurring.
- East Orange, NJ, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
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.
My Contour continues to stall while driving. I was first told by dealer service that it was the fuel pump, then the fuel filter, and finally that it was a sensor. This vehicle seems to stall when my gas gauge is close to a quarter tank of gas. I just got this car out of the service dept. 4 days ago, now it is still stalling and the engine light is on.
Engine will stall while traveling at any given speed/temperature. Dealership has examined vehicle and cannot determine a cause for this defect. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Intermittently vehicle would crank, but will not start. Dealer notified, and unable to locate cause. Please provide any further details on this matter.
Since 12-15-99 I had Cougar in service 3 times for water leak/ 2 times shift lock, locked down because of brake light failure have complained about rear brake elco noise when backing up/ car hesitating at 50+ miles an hour /pulling to right when passing and giving the car more acceleration/car idling real high and wanting to take off when you first release the brake/ the windows not going up and down / the battery exploded/ the service was terrible at gateway the noise is still in the rear wheels. There is more where this came from the Cougar will fall apart/ the engine or transmission is a problem.( dot number: Tire size: P/215/S0R1 )
Since 12-15-99 I had Cougar in service 3 times for water leak/ 2 times shift lock, locked down because of brake light failure have complained about rear brake elco noise when backing up/ car hesitating at 50+ miles an hour /pulling to right when passing and giving the car more acceleration/car idling real high and wanting to take off when you first release the brake/ the windows not going up and down / the battery exploded/ the service was terrible at gateway the noise is still in the rear wheels. There is more where this came from the Cougar will fall apart/ the engine or transmission is a problem.( dot number: Tire size: P/215/S0R1 )
Vehicle cuts off while making turns and hesitates in heavy traffic. Vehicle has been to the dealership 5 times in the last two weeks for this problem. Dealership was not able to determine what was causing this problem.
Repeated stalling, missing & loss of power appears mostly when it's very hot out & car has been driven a lot. Rough idle even under no load in neutral. No indicators light except during stall which happens even with clutch depressed. Missing is most noticeable during acceleration or steady highway speeds, even with cruise on. Car sometimes shakes at high speed (70mph). Multiple alignments never show same results. Dealer can never duplicate, says I am dumping clutch to stall & loss of power is due to A/C. they also claim excessive tire wear is due to my driving habits.( dot number: )
When driving at any time vehicle cuts off without prior warning, causing loss of all power. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer unable to determine cause of the problem.
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Mattydale, NY, USA