1995 Ford Contour Steering Problems

“My '95 Ford Contour has been overheating, smelling hot, with the steering column heating up to the point of the car key, in the ignition, getting too hotto handle--for some time, now. Fearing that there might be a fire hazard, I took it to my local Ford dealer. He said my car, per it's VIN no., has not been recalled; so he did nothing about my concerns. Now, a week ago today (12/3/09), and a week or so after bringing my car in for the first time, I was driving 20-30 MPH, down a city street in my small town, when, suddenly, I heard a popping sound; and the electricity in the car turned off. …”

“Abrupt loss of steering power when driving through puddles, recurring issue. Found description after internet search (TSB 97-11-2). Date cited is most recent event. Dealer and Ford acknowledge issue but will not install kit to prevent recurrence at their expense.”

“When driving through water there is a loss of steering for a short time.has been this way since new.we are older now & it is much more difficult to control the vehicle.I read where you had had the same complaint several times.when you look under lright front of car you can see why this happens.the belt drive pulley is exposed so that water is splashed on it.wonder how many fatal accidents this has caused.”

“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 have had an ongoing problem with my steering wheel becoming loose. The nut that holds the steering wheel on loosens every 5 to 6 months.I have called Ford motor company recall dept. And they dont really care about my problem.I feel this is a very big safety issue.I am very fortunate to have a mechanic in the family,so it doesnt cost me $300-$400 dallars every time this occurs.but it is still a waste of my time and my mechanics time every time this problem arises. …”