The contact owns a 1999 Mercury Cougar. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving 25 mph. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic for diagnostic testing. A failure code was displayed that identified the alternator as the cause of the failure. The alternator was previously replaced three times. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that they were unaware of NHTSA campaign number: 01V031000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 34,000.

- Wilmington, DE, USA

While driving 40 mph vehicle stalled. Driver tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. Vehicle was towed to a garage for inspection, and mechanic determined that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced and replaced them. However, the problem recurred.

- Ermine, KY, USA

The battery seemed low on the car, indicated by interior lights not being very illuminated, but then dashboard lights started flashing and windows rolled up very slowly. I charged the battery for many hours and it took a charge, so I could get to the Mercury dealer. It died when I got there and they were closed, so I had to jump it and move to a safe location to leave overnight. This had happened twice before in the past 2 1/2 years, so I new it was the alternator again! that's three alternators in 2 1/2 years. This time I am out of warranty and am expected to pay $550 for a recurring problem that clearly will happen again. The dealer can not tell me why this is occuring, and Ford "customer service" could care less. After researching this problem on the internet, it seems that many Cougar owners have experienced this problem continually. I have also had to have the transmission replaced, as well as the motor for the sunroof.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

Electrical problems, car is almost 5 years old, just put in 3rd alternator; now, cannot pass emmisions, cannot find a problem. Tons of electrical problems.

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

My car is a lemon. Have had a new engine put in it 2 times because the rods spun. I have had the brake lights "fixed" 3 times, the alternator replaced 3 times, new catalytic converters twice. New power steering. Transmission done 3 times. Theres definantly more I just cant think of alllllll my repairs on this 1999 Cougar. I bought it used and it has now 98000 miles cause I drive out of state.

- Elk Grove , CA, USA

I own a 1999 Mercury Cougar. I just bought the car in January of 2003 with 32,000 miles on the car. Two weeks after purchasing the car the alternator died, which is a common problem with this car, and the dealership replaced the alternator. But two or three weeks after that, my power sunroof broke, which is also a very common problem, and because the car was not under warranty anymore it cost me over $1200 with labor to fix. I have since learned that there are many Cougar owners that have had the sunroof break because the 1999 and 2000 Cougar were made with plastic rails that easily break. The 2001 and 2002 Cougar were made with metal rails and work fine. The parts that you order now for the 1999 and 2000 Cougar are metal, so my question is, why wasn't this a recall, and why should we all have to pay for a defective part that is very expensive and breaks only because it is poorly manufactured? when I bought the car I had no idea how much money I would have to put into fixing the stock parts, such as the alternator, sun roof, and fuel pump, and rear hatch door, which are also very common problems.

- Philipsburg, PA, USA

Car died all of the dummy lights came on found out it was the alternator, dealer repalced it, 8 months later same exact problem.

- Utica, NY, USA

Consumer called complaining about having problems with the alternator.also stated that while driving the vehicle it died with a warning of the panel.dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed a new alternator and a battery.

- Wantagh, NY, USA

While driving at highway speeds, vehicle suddenly accelerates. Dealer has yet to be contacted. Consumer states that when the vehicle suddenly accelerates, the lights on the dashboard and the headlights go out, then the vehicle stalls it will not cut back on, dealer replaced the fuel pump and the alternator, however vehicle continued to stall, a mechanic stated that the alternator had burned and needed replacing again, alternator continues to burn and no one can figure out why.

- Pocono Pines, PA, USA

Excessive wear of the front brake rotors and pads. Upon acceleration vehicle pulls to the right. Also, alternator fuse has blown twice, dealer has put in a larger fuse, but did not solve problem. Dealer has yet to determine the cause.

- Detroit, MI, USA

Transmission surges and hesitates upon accelleration causing unexpected increases in speed; rear hatch will not open; brakes still grind after replacement; after door latches replaced, car now makes whining noice; starter replacement makes high pitched noise; coolant light comes on--dealer's solution is to overfill coolant level.

- San Mateo, CA, USA

Persistent high pitched whine comes thru the speakers in the car. Noise intensifies with more gas. Told it was altenator but now is said to be "normal". gromets on the emergency brake cables were left off during assmebly of the car. Dealership neglects consumer in response to fixing these problems.

- Billerica, MA, USA