1997 Ford Contour Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“Trasmission failure at 48000 miles and again at 101000 miles both requiring complete rebuild. Both failures were sudden onset and the second occured at highway speed witch nearly caused a serious accident (thank god for the quick thinking driver behind me) took to 5 different shops for diagnoses. All said that the cd4e transimission was a notoriously bad transmission on both fords and mazdas”

“Cd4e transmission in 1998 Ford Contour gl (same complaint as the c4de in the mazda 626). Transmission needed to be rebuilt due to the tss sensor breaking and falling inside the transmission - which stopped the pump and caused vehicle to become inoperable. The sensor is in the driver's side fenderwell, where it is exposed to road hazards and environmental conditions. Not a good design. Furthermore, the repair costs $3000 for a new transmission and all this happened because Ford put the sensor in a position where it can break and cause significant damage. It's a lousy design. …”

“We had this vehicle for 3 yrs and during those years we have come across a number of problems with it.after the first few months of purchase the vehicle was unable to shift into the proper gear, it would get stuck on park and we were unable a drive it a number of times.we then problems with the tires in which one of the front tire split , we then replace all four. We then had problems with the heater and front lights. …”

“I believe all 1997 Ford contours should be recalled, over the past 3 years I have replaced the clutch, waterpump, blower motor, both lower control arms, bushings, sway bars, wheel bearings, front & rear brakes and rotors(both twice!!!!), axle, 2 oxygen sensors, catalytic converter, EGR valve, coil springs, battery, balljoints, door latch, almost all of the full front suspension!!!! There are more parts that I had replaced but I can't remember all the names of the parts there are too many!! …”

“The contact owns a 1997 Ford Contour. While attempting to shift gears, the gear indicator displayed an inaccurate reading. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 98v233000 (powertrain:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift). The vehicle has not been repaired. The powertrain was unknown. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 78,000. Updated 01/29/08 updated 01/29/08”