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.
Spontaneous fire in engine compartment. Vehicle last driven about 12 hours before, and had been off since that time. During a downpour, and while parked in the driveway, the vehicle ignited shortly after 6am - 02/06/10. Events and remaining evidence closely match those described in the cruise control switch fires for other Ford models (including same model-year town cars).
Vehicle accelerates by itself. I have had the car in the shop approx. Every year for this since 2005 and as recent as June of 08. The dealership usually replaces the idle air control valve but this problem will again service after about one year. I have paid for a complete fuel induction cleaning (10-05-07). The only thing that works is replacing the idle control valve but like I said the problem resurfaces. The car will idle at 500 RPM for normal but idle at 1000 RPM in drive when the problem occurs, if I put the car in neutral it will take off at a high rate of speed and I have to turn it off in order for it to reset itself. During normal operation the car will want to take off by itself at a stoplight and jerk when I release the brake. I particularly notice this to occur when I come off the freeway but it also occurs during normal operation. I took my car in June of this month for this problem but they could not get it to accelerate on it's own. It is now Oct. 2008 and the problem is getting worse meaning this happens now about 4 to 6 times a day. The dealership is aware of my situation and they have the history on my car but I'm the one stuck with the bill of getting it fixed. The dealership has the last couple of times worked out a discount because this is a recurring problem but I still have to pay because the warranty has usually run out. They do show me taking it in before the warranty runs out but they can never seem to find the problem until it is so bad to the point of dangerous and the car is doing it all the time, usually after the warranty.
Auto accelerates when attempting to stop or when in drive and standing still. I have reported this defect for service and was informed that no defect was found. Problem has occurred on many occasions. I was also informed by the service department that no technical support memos were issued on this problem.
Auto accelerates when attempting to stop, or when in drive and standing still. I have reported this defect to for service and I was informed that no defect was found. Problem has occurred on many occasions. I was also informed by the service department that no technical support memos were issued on this problem.
Vehicle was left in idle while it was parked, but then it started to rev up until it reached 1200 rpms, and then it got stuck on 3000 rpms contacted dealer.
- Woodbridge, VA, USA
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Intermittently when coming stop vehicle surged, causing it to continue traveling. Vehicle was taken to the dealership. Dealer was not able to determine what was causing this problem.
Ongoing problems: Whenever vehicle is going down hill with speed control engaged it causes vehicle to speed up to 10-20 mph more then the setting. Dealer notified and replaced contact valve and speed cable and condition still occurring. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter.
Consumer started engine, it made a loud noise and vehicle suddenly accelerated. Consumer stepped on the brakes and turned off key, but vehicle did not stop until consumer hit a pole.
Vehicle intermittently experiencing unusual acceleration at a stop position with brakes applied. Vehicle would jump into motion; consumer would have to change gear to neutral in order to get vehicle to stop. Dealer notified, and infomed consumer that problem cannot be duplicated.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Chino, CA, USA