Update on ODI number 10208094. On the day the Mercury that I own was returned to the dealer to solve the safety problem, an accident occurred within 10 miles of my home. The vehicle was a late model Lincoln town car. One person was pronounced dead at the hospital and the driver died a few days later. The following is a quote from the next day brevard county Florida local newspaper (Florida today). "the traffic circle at the intersection of wickham road and lake andrew drive was beginning to hum with the rush of Friday evening traffic when a light blue sedan hit the curb and crashed through some bushes into a retention pond.? ?some said the car made a noise like a roaring freight train as it plunged into the water. A few said it shot off like a rocket." End of quote. It is time some one pays attention to the seriousness this safety problem. It is almost impossible with the Mercury that I have to press the brake and gas pedal at the same time. And even if you did the gas pedal would only slightly be depressed. I have searched the internet and found numerous similar incidents with Ford Motor Company vehicles. Ford Motor Company should tell their dealers to stop their service departments from giving their customers bull crap and do the sensible thing of finding out what is really wrong.

- West Melbourne, FL, USA

False acceleration of 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. On Oct. 9th, my wife and I and two friends (from pa and de) were in vehicle headed for dinner. Cranked vehicle after setting for approximately 22 hours. Engine revved up to an estimated 4000 RPM created loud rumbling sound and vibrated vehicle. I was too frightened to look at tachometer. Turned switch key off. Made 3 attempts to start engine. Finally removed key for approximately 10 to 15 seconds, car started and seemed normal. Problem has not reoccurred, however my wife will not drive vehicle. Frankly all four people in car had a '!@#$% frightening. This took place in oak ridge tn. On Oct. 9, 2007. Oct.10 drove vehicle to Lincoln-Mercury dealer in oak ridge. They stated that if the engine service light did not come on, they would not be able to find any problem. On Oct. 19 vehicle was taken to island Lincoln/Mercury dealer in merritt island fl. (vehicle was purchased there.) service manager drove vehicle on test drive and told me in a nice manner that I must have had my foot on the brakes and gas pedal at same time. Not true. I have tested starting this vehicle several times with one foot on brake and other foot on gas pedal. Engine revs up normally, no rumbling what so ever. The rumbling caused me to believe that some cylinders were not firing during this event. Dealer did not make any attempt to find or duplicate problem. Names of telephones numbers of other passengers are available.

- West Melbourne, FL, USA