This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
This vehicle experienced uncontrolled (runaway) acceleration after driving approximately 40 miles at highway speeds in 20 degree F temperature. Upon exiting the interstate highway, I proceeded through the first light (green) with out needing to brake or stop. The second (immediate) light was also green and I proceeded through it with slight acceleration (no braking). The next light was red with a line of cars waiting to proceed and I applied the brakes. At that point, the car started to slow and then began to accelerate and was at wide open throttle within a second or so. I braked as hard as I could and moved the shift lever to neutral as fast as possible, but the vehicle had enough momentum to crash into the rear car in line, which, in turn crashed into the vehicle ahead of it. Both other drivers were injured and taken to the hospital by ambulance. This accident is covered in the brighton, NY police report #100220. I contacted Ford Motor Co. After exploring the NHTSA database and discovering NHTSA campaign 97V07400. My vehicle, according to Ford customer service was not recalled under this campaign, although the criteria described in the NHTSA campaign summary appear to be met by my vehicle. Note: I am very sure that I did not mistakenly apply the accelerator pedal rather than the brake pedal.
Acceleration continued after releasing pedal. Occurred while in the process of making a left-hand turn, and pressed down on brake fully with no effect. Engine still 'revved' at full throttle, with brake at full pressure, causing a squealing turn. Only after shifting to neutral did engine stop racing and acceleration stop. This occurred to a lesser degree a week or two earlier, but could not definitively identify if acceleration problem at that time.
During routine brake inspection, master cylinders were found to be leaking. Brake pads were found to be in good condition. This concerns me as '95 Explorer were recalled for problems with master cylinders, not to mention the numerous other problems with this vehicle.
Consumer was driving at 55 mph on expressway when vehicle started to accelerate on its own, reaching speeds of 90 mph. Consumer put both feet on brake pedal, but vehicle did not stop. Consumer had to shift into neutral and turn off ignition, and it took about 2 miles before vehicle stopped.
- Elburn, IL, USA
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When starting vehicle it makes a clanking noise underneath on right side of wheel. When consumer applies brakes, pedal goes all the way down to the floor. Also, pedal is very soft.
Intermittently braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance. It feels like "driving on ice" which may result in a crash. Dealer couldn't determine the cause.
While driving, vehicle suddenly accelerated unexpecetedly in which the throttle was stuck, and the braking system did not slow the vehicle down which almost caused a crash. The occupant had to shift the vehicle in neutral and turn off the engine in order to stop vehicle. This occurred twice.. dealer could not duplicate the problem or determine the cause.
When driving at any speed vehicle accelerated on its own. Consumer applied the brakes and vehicle would not slow down, and continued to race. Consumer put vehicle in neutral, ranched down and pulled pedal with her hands, stopping acceleration, and vehicle came to a stop.
While driving at about 65 mph and using cruise control, consumer tried to slow down, but cruise control locked up. When attempting to stop by hitting the brakes nothing happened. So consumer tapped on the gas pedal, and car accelerated all to 90mph. Consumer then put car in neutral and shut car off. Turned car back on, and rpms went up to 5, and sounded as though car was about to take off at full speed if foot had been taken off the brakes.
When driving at any speed and applying the brakes, the brakes worked intermittently, and pedal was hard. Vehicle coasted to the side of the road/ slowed down, and came to a stop.
While driving at 40 mph apply the brakes and they went straight to the floorboar vehicle slowed down, but didn't come to a stop, causing the consumer to rear end another vehicle. Caused damage to the fender.
While driving about 65 mph consumer tried to reduce speed of cruise control by applying brakes pedal, but ABS locked up, making the vehicle turn/roll over. Upon impact, air bags did no tdeploy, and vehicle was totaled.
When driving at any speed in cold weather the throttle pedal sticks. When applying the brake's or shifting the transmission to neutral, will incresaed the brake pedals efforts or some increase in stopping distance can resultin a problem.
Brakes applied at 45 miles/hr, car slowed to 20 miles/hr but did not stop eventhough brake petal was depressed fully. Engine sounded louder then normal just before collision.
Crossed intersection & applied brakes to slow down. Vehicle failed to slow down. Used emergency brakes & vehicle kept going. Finally shifted into park & vehicle stopped. Towed vehicle to home. Noticed thick hem of carpeting had moved over accelerator pedal.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Tom River, NJ, USA