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.

- Ofallon, MO, USA

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.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

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 since.

- Ladoga, IN, USA

Had two tires completely shreadded, both tires had the same exact problem that occurred around the same time. Heard a popping sound and the car veered off to the right, resulting in a uncontrolable issue where the vehicle went onto the gravel shoulder of the ramp.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

The first time the wheel cracked while exiting interstate and running over a small pothole. Thought it was something my daughter did. The second time a few months later, another one cracked in the same location on the wheel and caused the tire to blow out. Checked with the dealer who refused to take any action or even investigate any chance of malfunction of wheels. Several months later when having the car serviced, was told the other 2 wheels were bent causing the car to vibrate while driving at 55 to 60 mph.

- Grand Saline, TX, USA

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)

- North Miami Beach, FL, USA

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. I contacted bf goodrich with my concern from a safety standpoint but was told as long as the other 2 tires were ok they can only make an adjustment on the current defect issue, priovided I don't have another blow-out in the meantime! (tiresize: P215/50R16)

- Yankton, SD, USA

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. I just want to be sure since I will now start to travel back and fourth five hours one way that I will be safe. Thanks. (tiresize: 215/50R/16)

- Horn Lake, MS, USA

While on interstate 10 a vibration started, stopped and looked several times and didn't find anything, when I exited the interstate it appeared that I had a flat tire, when I pulled into a gas station the tire appeared to be inflated, upon further investigation I found a large section of the steel belt/tread was missing and there was bits of metal showing through side of tire. At this time I could hear air beginning to escape from the tire. I had to have the tire replaced. I have tried to deal with Firestone and have gotten no where. (tiresize: 205/60R15)

- Tallahassee, FL, USA

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)

- Waleska, GA, USA

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 )

- Cleveland, OH, USA

This is the second time that all four tires have gone bad. The first happened at 17M miles with tread separating in all four tires. This has happenned once again at 61M miles with two of the four separating and showing wires and the other two are going the same way soon. (tiresize: 215/50/16)( dot number: Tire size: 215/50/16 )

- Bourbon, MO, USA

Firestone firehawk gta tires (P215 50 R16) experienced vibration.

- Rock Port, MO, USA

After regular tire rotation at 28,000 miles, the car started to pull to the right (the side where the defective tires were on), the steering was jerky and an audible thrumming could be heard. It was noticeable as slow as 10 mph and grew increasingly worse as the vehicle sped up. When we had the vehicle inspected at three different locations, they all concluded that tire separation was the cause and was the possible cause of the car being out of alignment. We corrected the alignment and purchased four new tires (yokohama) and the problems are gone.( dot number: W2B0 tire size: 215/50R16 )

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

Tread completely separated from sidewalls. Only sidewalls remained on wheel. Dealer indicated that there was a hole in the tread but unclear whether hole occurred before or after separation. Do not have tire but have pictures. Also, service manager, nick caldaron inspected tire. Am concerned because I have 4 similar tires on car now.( dot number: Tire size: P215R1689 )

- Westport, CT, USA

Vehicle was traveling at 35mph and hit a pothole a tire blew out, and driver's side and passenger's side airbags deployed. Dealer says the pothole messed up the airbag sensor.

- Chimayo, NM, USA

While driving and exiting off highway consumer noticed a wheel had cracked which caused tire blowout. This problem has occurred two times.

- Grand Slaine, TX, USA