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.
The dashboard was peeling and it was rolling into the windshield covering up the vehicle identification number. A service bulletin was discovered and the manufacture was notified and they denied the claim at the time of the bulletin.
Consumer noticed that the dashboard was curling and lifting up from the frame. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the dashboard needed to be replaced.
The vinyl covering on the dashboard is peeling away from the underlying structure. It has, over a period of about 5 months, peeled back far enough that it obstructs the view out of the windshield. The windshield defrost vent trim no longer fits into place. The defroster no longer works properly, as the vinyl now obstructs the air flow. The vinyl is also in such a position as to potentially impede the functon of the passenger-side airbag. Ford has issued a couple of 'campaigns', as they call it, but both have expired. My dash was not warped during the period of the campaign, and so was not replaced at that time. Since the extended warranty does not cover the dash, Ford will not cover the full cost of the replacement (~$1200). The dash on a 3.5 year car should not warp so badly it looks like a pringles chip. This is a design flaw with potential safety concerns, and should be subject to a recall.
While driving, the dashboard panel failed to stay in place. The consumer noticed while driving at any speed, the instrument panel would move from side to side on its own. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the components under the dashboard needed replacing. Ford program 01B78-52, instrument panel warpage repair, affected vehicles: All 1999-2000 model year Contour's and Mystique's.
- Grand Island, NY, USA
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Consumer stated that the dashboard is peeling and the heat/air does not circulate properly. It is beginning to cover the vents, and the windshield cannot be cleared. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated they have seen vehicles worst than his. The manufacturer indicated that this was a cosmetic problem.
While driving, the dashboard unexpectedly became separated from the frame of the vehicle. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the vehicle was not on recall.
Ltr from doug holt (ga) re defective dashboard in his 2000 Ford Contour, dashboard has curled upwards 2 inches in front of the windshield obstructing wife's view when driving car, reply attn shannon bowen/toccoa dist. Ofc. Dot/I/#2004-511. This occurred during the summer heat. Ford was aware of the problem and had a repair program which ended the month the consumer purchased the vehicle. The problem was classified as a non-recall issue and would possibly deny the consumer for repairs.
2000 Ford Contour-service bulletin 01B78 was issued for warped dashboard. The warping occurs near the windshield and vents for the defroster. The warped dashboard obscures the driver's view. In addition, the defroster does not work properly. Ford has discontinued repairs.
Panel near the front windshield warped in two places. Since the panel was warped, it caused the heat vent to become partially blocked and subsequently the windows did not defrost.
Dashboard separated from structure and rose upwards about two inches in front of the windshield. As a result, defroster was not functioning properly and the windows were not being cleared.
When vehicle was parked consumer noticed that dashboard was warped, and separated from panel. Will be taking vehicle to dealership to have mechanic check the interior.
I, too, have the dashboard peeling issue. I did receive a letter, but at the time there was no problem. 2 months after the expiration date, my dashboard was warping. I contacted Ford and they said it was too late.the car is a 2000 and this defect was occurring 2 years later. I certainly believe Ford should fix this.
Dealership will not honor the recall to replace the dash board. Dealer said that this recall was voluntary, and the time limit warranty had expired. However, owner was not notified in a timely manner. Dealer said sorry, too bad. Ford indicated that it will not pay for what needed to be done.
Dashboard warped and separated from the body of vehicle. This caused the defroster not to work properly and made it difficult for the driver to judge the distance of the vehicle in front of his vehicle. The transmission also experienced delayed shifting.
The dash is lifting off where windshield and dash meet, across the length of the windshield. Consumer was told by dealer there was a customer satisfaction program but it had expired in August of 2002.
The dashboard separated from the structure and lifted upwards. Driver was unable to see clearly through the windshield. Obstruction caused poor visibility. Cause of the separation was undetermined. Heat may have caused the separation.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Wilmington, MA, USA