Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Ford create more problems

The following is a brief description of the issues that existed with our 95 Ford Contour SE, prior to and following service performed at â??Hudson Fordâ?? between Tuesday, 14th of Oct. & Thursday, 16th of Oct.

Fault description:

1. Recall â?? 00S44 (Issue Date: Jan, 2001) â?? Engine cooling fan electronic fuse install.
2. Request that mechanic investigate an issue with blower fan not operating & advise if this was a recall.

Hudson Ford Resolution:
Thursday, 16th of Oct:

Were advised by â??Hudson Fordâ?? service manager Matt, that the blower fan had been tested however was not running due to a fault with â??circuit boardâ?? & was not covered by recall. Service manager advised us that while blower motor issue had not been resolved, recall (00S44) had been completed and vehicle was ready for collection.

I was billed a total of $45.95 including tax.

Faults found after pick up:

Upon initial inspection after pick up, found that the following issues now exist:
1.Front turn signals not functioning.
2.Trip meter and KM counter not functioning.
3.Speedometer not functioning.
4.Brake lights not functioning.
5.Wipers won't shut off until the vehicle is shut off.
6.ABS light won't shut off.
7.Fuse (Relay #32) partially melted; fuse was enacted at the time of drop off.
8.Surround panel for radio & heat controls not properly secured. (Came loose while vehicle was in motion)


At no point did any representative of â??Hudson Fordâ?? inform us of any of the afore mentioned faults with vehicle before or at the time of pickup. We were permitted to drive vehicle away with essential safety components not functioning, none of which exhibited any problems prior to or at time of drop off. I believe the service depot has a general duty of care to look after the vehicle while it is in their possession, therefore if the vehicle is damaged at the garage, the cost of any repairs will be the garage's liability.


It is my opinion that the additional faults that were present in my vehicle when I picked it up from â??Hudson Fordâ?? were a direct result of the work performed by Hudson Fordâ??s staff.


I want to know everyoneâ??s thoughts on this and how they would address this issue?

You will have to call a regional service office of Ford. They are responsible for getting the Ford dealerships (which are not part of the Ford company) to provide adequate quality work on Ford recalls and regular service.

Do not just make a complaint call. Get names and demand callbacks within specific timeframes. If any employee gives you the runaround, report names and times to their superior. Keep a list of every call you make with names, times, and any promises made by that employee. Quote from this list when necessary to show them that you are both serious and recording data that can be used in a lawsuit.

Just to reiterate; this is a Problem you have with Hudson Ford, the dealer, not to be confused with Ford Motor Company at all. Contact anyone within the regional offices or Customer service hotline that will listen.

Exactly, Ford wants you to remain a customer regardless of whether or not your dealer does. I think Ford has made great strides recently in customer service as well as quality. Just look at the change in the Focus from 2001 to 2002. All recalls ceased, and the car is being compared favorably to a Honda now. That's a big change in a year's time. Now if you get a dealership run by good people, you will never have a problem with a Ford.

Contacting thier customer service will get the ball rolling. Even if your dealer is not good, chances are they hate people breathing down thier necks and will rectify the situation

How about a new Focus problem?