Alternator OEM FORD or Motorcraft

I went through 3, iirc on my 2006 mustang. Wound up with a used motorcraft (OEM) that I bought off eBay.

I had to order a motorcraft alternator which hasn't given me any problems 6 months later.

As far as replacements I've had good luck with Rock Auto Sticking to the better brands like Motorcraft, AC Delco, Remy, and Bosch.

The OEM motorcraft alternator in my focus lasted 14 years and its replacement, a Remy, lasted 6. If the difference in price between OEM and aftermarket isn't too big, and you plan on keeping the car for more than 5 more yrs, I'd go with the OEM.

RockAuto does offer Motorcraft alternators and back in 2021, I purchased one for my 2016 5.0 Lariat.

When it comes to an Alt i would spend the extra dough for an OEM model like Motorcraft. Nothing wrong with Rock Auto. I always buy there.

Go with an OEM unit by Motorcraft even if it's more expensive. Not somethin you want to do twice, learned this lesson with my Explorer. Threw on an aftermarket unit and it doesn't communicate with Ford's smart charging system correctly so it doesn't provide correct voltages as needed, therefore throwing a charging system warning constantly.

I have a shitty looking Ford Focus that I maintain myself...The alternator failed and I couldn't be bothered doing the work myself so I took it to the local dealer.

I haven't had this problem with my RX8, but I had a similar problem with my Ford. Alternator was putting out 14.4V, but I still had a light. Took it to the parts store and they hooked it up to their tester. It said the Alternator was no good.

Had issues with every single Ford alt I replaced (from autozone, Napa, Oriellys) didn’t matter. Only had luck with either dealer parts or from a local rebuilder.