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 Mercury Cougar owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have only owned this vehicle for about 4 months and have had many problems including brake lights not working and back wheel locking up. It was raining, I was driving down the freeway about 55 MPH and suddenly the power steering went out completely, the heat/defrost stopped working and my battery light came on. I just installed a brand new battery just 6 days before incident, although this isn't the first time the power steering went out while raining. This time it was extremely scary due to the high speed I was driving and because the heat stopped working my windows started to fog up quickly causing my visibility to be reduced dramatically while trying to use all my strength to steer the car around a curve without hitting another vehicle. As soon as I was able to see an exit I got off freeway and car died completely driving up the off ramp. …
Purchased car new, in 57000 miles we have had to replace, 2 alternators, 1 starter, 2 batteries, entire rack and pinion, power steering pump, transmission torque converter, 4 set of brakes, 4 sets of tires plus two individual tires all with sidewall blow outs except one puncture and 2 headlight switches, 2 cig lighters. The entire upper engine gasket set had to be replaced to get to an intake leak. The head lights and foglights work itermittantly, engine warning lights are constantly going on and off. Currently one headlight is out (lamp is good) fog lights are not working (today) and an engine warning light is indicating a problem again.
Consumer explained that vehicle was riding rough. Took vehicle to dealer, and the dealer stated that tires were wearing out from the inside outward. There was no prior warning signs other than vehicle riding rough.
Due to vibration in steering, I had my tires rotated and balanced in May, 2001. One tire was found to have "thrown" a belt, a defect in the tire. Upon contacting bf goodrich it was found that the nearest tire inspector/adjuster was 90 miles from my hometown. I set an appointment for approximately 1 week later. In the meantime I experienced a blow-out of that tire and had to have it patched. According to the inspector/adjuster, the patch deemed any warranty void and no adjustment was made on a new tire. Then in September, 2001 I again noticeed similar vibration. I took the vehicle to another tire dealer to have the tires rotated and balanced. Another of the tires was found to have "thrown" a belt, which again was said to be a defect in the tire. 2 of the 4 original equipment tires experienced the same problem/defect. …
This is the second wheeel failure in 200 miles. The heat from the documented poor brake system May be causing the rim failure and the numerous brake and blowout related complaints posted to date. Once again, two weeks since the first sudden deflation, the front left tire suddenly deflated without warning. The brakes were extremely hot as were the tires and wheels on the fronts of both sides. The rears were "air temperature." either the proportioning valve is non-functional, or the front brakes are dragging causing excess heat to the extent that tires, brakes, and even aluminum rims are softening enough to cause blow-outs. Once agin the tire is in fine shape and is currently holding air; the rim is bent in two places on the inner bead contact and I'm left with another $500 dilema and a family safety question. …
The tires on this car were not severly worn or cupped in any way. I took my car home and roughly a week later a buldge about the size of a half dollar appeared on the right front tire, luckily my freind caught it before I did as we were about to go on a trip and it could have been bad. I took the car to the dealership and then to Firestone dealer, both said I had hit a pot hole, speaking it was my new car, I know I hadnt. The dealership and Firestone dealer said to just replace this tire. So I reluctantly bought a new set of gta02 for my car (like an idiot) and then I go home and get on the internet. I found that the size up from mine have been recalled for something quite similar. Not only that but I have found many new focus, contour, and Cougar owners who have faced the same problem. …
Purchased new tire from dealership - tire had seam-like cut on outside wall - tire lost about 2 to 10 lbs of pressure per day - took car in to dealership several times over this matter - was told by dealership that there was nothing wrong with the tire - tire was finally replaced by dealer after consumer complained multiple times. Took vehicle in to have checked out after hit by unlicensed/uninsured motorist in the side - was told by dealership (etters Ford in crawfordsville, in) that transmission desperately needed serviced - was told that it had a knock and would cause major problems if not dealt with - customer brought up that vehicle was not overdue or even due for a transmission service for quite a while and pointed to owner's manual specifications - was told, after car relooked at, that it was a mistake and that transmission was fine - have had a knock and slipping of transmission …
Shortly after exiting a left hand turn, my wife experienced a sudden deflation of her right front tire. Upon my arrival, I noticed a protruded lip on the outer rim edge. She said that she did not hit anything,and from the damage to the rim, she'd have known!. While waiting for the wrecker, we even went back and inspected the roadway for any objects that might have caused this situation. Absolutely none were found. The tire was intact and no exterior defects were(are) visible. When the wheel was pulled from the vehicle, another bent area directly opposite of the exterior bend was noted on the interior. Pictures of these bends are available. Also, as the whole assembly is being replaced, the assembly in question will be available for further investigation. Thank god my wife (and children)was not on the interstate during this event!!!! (dot number: beboat9111 tiresize: p215/50r16)
Tire has continuously lost air since day one. It has been back to the dealer at least three times for this problem, each time they find no constant problem. Once they stated that a patch was leaking. The tire is so thin in spots that a 1/4" screw punctured it, thus the patch. That was not the problem. The vehicle spends more time at air pumps that gas. Now I had it aligned and balanced, where I was informed that both front tires are separating. I have long contended there is a problem. I have complained to Ford and never received a reply. The tires are now on the rear, and I will take it back to the dealer, I also expect to get a major run around. The dealership I take it to is not where I purchased it. I am taking it to holman Lincoln Mercury in hollywood, fl. I have not taken it to the selling dealership due to distance.any advise? (tiresize: p215/50r16)
I normally buy foreign made autos. But this car was gorgeous. It has become a living nightmare. A flywheel was replaced after several times telling the dealer that it made a horrible screeching noise as if the key was already started. The next problem is that I hit a pothole in detroit and ruined a rim plus tire. I just recently had to replace 2 more tires that just seem to wear out for no reason. I don't do a whole lot of driving. Last month they replaced the iac switch. Now I need to take it in because it rides like a raggedy truck. It shakes and will not hold the road. You can feel every crack in the street. My boyfriend has a 88 olds and I would rather ride/drive his car than this Cougar. I still have 1 year on my lease and you can bet I will never by a Ford/Lincoln/Mercury car every again. (tiresize: r16)( dot number: tire size: r16 )
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Cougar years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1999 Mercury Cougar?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1999 Mercury Cougar, 7% of the model year's 454 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Mercury Cougar wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 1999 Mercury Cougar, though it has 7 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 Mercury Cougar wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 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.