We own a 96 SE contour. From almost the beginning we noticed the paint cracking on the hood. The engine generates so much heat that we are assuming it is because of this heat that the paint was cracking. No where else on the car do we have the problem of cracking paint. I called Ford to see if they had a program where they would give us an allowance for a better paint job. They instead suggested that perhaps we had an acid rain problem and it would be our financial responsibility to get the car repainted. I've told them no where else on this car or our other cars, previous or current, did we have a problem of cracking paint. They claim to have no complaints on file regarding the cracking paint and refuse to address the problem. Have any of you had this problem and if so were you given any help from Ford? Becky