Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Ford Contour owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Both passenger front and rear tires blew out at the sidewall, the vehicle left the road way and flipped over. One tire blew while the vehicle was sitting and the other while pulling into a parking lot. The consumer had the second failed tire in their possession.
Vibration when brakes applied. This problem started before I even pulled off the lot when I bought it used. The dealership had supposedly fixed it. Now, this was the second time that I needed to replace the rotors and brake pads. The first time I bought a set of tires, then got an alignment. Was told I needed different tires since the vibration did not stop. Bought more tires ,and was told that it had nothing to do with the alignment. Today, my car would not accelerate. The check engine light came on, and I immediately took it to a repair shop. It's going to cost $120 just to have diagnostics done. I also heard strange noises from the back of the car every time I brake. I'm shopping for a new car tomorrow. I have yet to meet someone who can tell me exactly what was wrong with my car and fix it!
Dt*: the contact stated after purchasing two continental tires, the steering wheel wobbled and vibrated so badly the vehicle could not be controlled. An independent tire dealership determined the belts frayed and one tire had a broken belt. The vehicle was properly aligned after purchasing the tires. The tires were continental, size 205/6015. Continental asked the contact to take the tires to another dealership. This dealership requested the contact send the tires to them. Updated 10/18/2006 -
Tire was purchased on 9-03-07 at walmart in north myrtle beach. Today is March 6,2008. Driving down the road and get the flat tire shudder. Jack up car, pull off tire, slit my hand on threads on the interior. The part of the tire that is closest to the car is completely bald, and threaded. Mileage at time of purchase 144,296. Mileage today, when tire blew 150,177.
While driving 40 MPH rear driver' side wheel fell off vehicle. Damage was incurred to undercarriage brake drum rim running board. Lug nuts were determined to have come loose due to failure to re-torque after changing seasonal tires (evidenced by elongated lug nut holes) wobbling and shaking occurred 3 miles prior to loss of wheel.
I have had this vibration as far back as the original tires. I paid for a balance and alignment due to unusual tire wear. The Ford dealership charged me $87 for the service. I was informed in writing that I had defective tires and would not be able to fix the vibration until I replaced the tire. Once I replaced the tires $339.96. I still had the vibration. I took the vehicle to the Ford dealer and I was informed in writing that I had 2 defective tires. I took it back to the store that I purchased the tires from and ended up upgrading to a more expensive tire since the could not remedy the problem. (cost $67.52)I went back to the Ford dealer and they rolled up 517 miles on my vehicle and informed me that I had a defect that could not be fixed. They showed me a service bulleting from Ford that stated a procedure to follow and then stop even if the vibration was not eliminated. …
After 22K miles I have to replace the original tires 185/70/r14 on my Ford Contour se '99. I contacted general tire (the tires have 70K miles warranty). I was surprised to find out that "general tire was not contracted by Ford co to put tires 185/70/r14 on Ford Contour se". I contacted tire dealers, check websites and found that the only size 205/60/r15 is listed as an original equipment. The size 185/70/r14 is downsize tires, and tire manufactures will not honor the tire warranty if I put these tires on my Contour se. This is one problem. The biggest issue is safety: do the tires 185/70/r14 provide the same safety features as 205/60/r15? I found that r15 tires could hold 400 lb more than r14 tires, provide better tracking control. And, I already know that, the r14 tires lasted only 22K miles. …
Problems started at 119miles, dealers either don't confirm problem or say it's normal for this car. Multiple repair attempts at 4 dealers. Severe vibration and pull at highway speeds are the tires (confired with my winter tires-no problem), klunking from front end when going over bumps, all dash warning lights come on during winter at idle-go out after restart or engine acceleration, front seats wobble side to side-dealer says normal for car-wan't present when new, pulsing front end shimmy on highway-not tire related-possible cv shaft issue-dealers stated npf, engine spark knocks under light loads-no change with different gas grades or brands-dealers says npf, headlamps go dim at idle-dealers says normal-not present when new, poor low beam visibility from headlamps, aluminum wheels are too porous-lose abnormal air amounts-dealer says npf. …
Several items first the dash bowed in from both sides,a month after picking the car up the air conditioner went out the dealership said my problem, the tires were bad we replaced them they are bad all the time have to be replaced more then a normal tire should , the car broke down last year on the highway again my problem the rotors and other things were bad somthing I as a consumer would not have known about , cannot get car inspected because the horn does not work and cannot be fixed due to airbag again my problem o yes was in a finder binder airbag did not work minor injries , the drivers seat rocks the rear seat belt will not work more problems this car is worth nothing I on;y drive to and from work in it and the way it is falling apart youd think I travel across country in it ...this is not a good car to ever purchase will never buy from Ford again!!! …
Since 12-15-99 I had cougar in service 3 times for water leak/ 2 times shift lock ,locked down because of brake light failure have complained about rear brake elco noise when backing up/ car hesitating at 50+ miles an hour /pulling to right when passing and giving the car more acceleration/car idling real high and wanting to take off when you first release the brake/ the windows not going up and down / the battery exploded/ the service was terrible at gateway the noise is still in the rear wheels . There is more where this came from the cougar will fall apart/ the engine or transmission is a problem .( dot number: tire size: p/215/s0r1 )
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Contour years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1999 Ford Contour?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1999 Ford Contour, 6% of the model year's 419 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Contour wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 1999 Ford Contour, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Ford Contour wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 6 injuries to wheels & tires problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.