Wheel & Tire complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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!
This car has been nothing but problems, springs, brakes last 4 months,water pumps went at 63,000, tires wear out in less than a year, temperature gauges do not read right. Engine races, solenoid went....very expensive to fix. I do not understand why everyone is having the same problems but no help?
On January 15, 2000 I had my tires rotated on my 98 Ford Contour at a tire dealer. They informed me that the right rear wheel on my car was cracked all the way through and was dangerous to drive. They advised that I talk to the dealer from which I purchased this car. On January 19,2000 I took my car into sunset Ford to have recall work done. At that time I informed them of the cracked wheel. They told me that wheels are not covered under warranty. I have an invoice from the dealer to verify their position. I left this same car at a repair shop on 5-1-00. They called me the following day to inform me that 3 of the wheels on this car are cracked all the way through. I contacted Ford at their corporate headquarters on 5-3-00. They informed me that they have no recall notices out on this car for defective wheels, and therefore I am obligated to replace these wheels at my own expense. …
Extreme inside shoulder wear on the front tires has gone undetected until actual tire failure. Alignment has been checked 3 times by different specialists and I have been told that the Ford mondeo (Contour) and fiesta are well known for this defect. I feel that this has very serious potential and need to get my concerns across to the Ford motor company. I am currently living in europe and obviously this is a european car. The french Ford dealers are not enthusiastic especially as my french is not brilliant. Please help provide a contact either at Ford us or possibly Ford gb or some european community agency. Many thanks.( dot number: )
Consumer experienced vibration while driving and was advised by repair shop that there was a flaw with the tire and it was replaced, consumer is noticing vibration again and feels that safety is compromised with these tires on the vehicle and wants them replaced with another brand. Nlm
All four studs on right front tire, sheared off. Resulting in loss of control of vehicle and tire traveling loose through traffic. Tire completely destroyed front fender and rotor assembly was broken when car came crashing down onto it. Studs showed no signs that they hadn't been tightened to specs. (rounded out stud holes on rims or rounded out threads.) complete simualtanous stud failure on all four studs.
I have a loud clicking noise from rear of car only when four people in car.when inspecting wheels and tires found wheel to be cracked from hub center to rim edge between lug nut holes.inspecting other wheels found 2 more with same crack in length and location.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Contour years have wheel & tire problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (27), 1998 (25), 1995 (17), 1996 (10) and 1997 (10) model years. Wheel & Tire complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Ford Contour wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for any Ford Contour model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Contour wheel & tire problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles; 20% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the tread/belt (7 mentions), followed by the lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (7).
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.