Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - CRUISE CONTROL | |||||
| 17281 | 10/01/2003 | 10004925 | Surge at cruise. *tt | 01/20/2004 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | ||||||
| PE12033 | Ford Motor Company | 10/24/2012 | Stuck throttle | |||
| Odi has received 50 complaints alleging incidents of stuck throttle due to fractured speed control cable collars in model year (my) 2000 through 2003 ford taurus and mercury sable vehicles equipped with 4-valve 3.0l v6 duratec engines (figure 1).the speed control cable assembly is unique to the subject vehicles and the subject failure mode has not been observed in my 2000 through 2003 taurus/sable vehicles equipped with the 2-valve 3.0l v6 vulcan engine or in any of the my 2004 through 2007 taurus/sable vehicles.the fractured cable allows the cable ferrule to move relative to the collar.this may result in a stuck throttle condition if the ferrule hangs up on the shoulder of the collar when the throttle is closing (figure 2).this condition has resulted in throttles stuck at approximately 26% open.a preliminary evaluation has been opened to determine the scope, frequency and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.the voqs associated with the opening of this investigation are:10478091, 10474454, 10474161, 10470961, 10469448, 10467920, 10467238, 10466606, 10463903, 10460322, 10460032, 10458061, 10458045, 10457969, 10457652, 10457002, 10456928, 10454596, 10454249, 10453061, 10453032, 10452403, 10451751, 10451684, 10451558, 10451501, 10451409, 10451398, 10451389, 10451186, 10451172, 10451167, 10448591, 10424613, 10408634, 10404525, 10364001, 10322447, 10315965, 10312195, 10284692, 10275904, 10228631, 10228233, 10220414, 10181769, 10122020, 10114193, 10089056, 10002901. | ||||||
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - CABLES | ||||||
| PE12033 | Ford Motor Company | 10/24/2012 | Stuck throttle | |||
| Odi has received 50 complaints alleging incidents of stuck throttle due to fractured speed control cable collars in model year (my) 2000 through 2003 ford taurus and mercury sable vehicles equipped with 4-valve 3.0l v6 duratec engines (figure 1).the speed control cable assembly is unique to the subject vehicles and the subject failure mode has not been observed in my 2000 through 2003 taurus/sable vehicles equipped with the 2-valve 3.0l v6 vulcan engine or in any of the my 2004 through 2007 taurus/sable vehicles.the fractured cable allows the cable ferrule to move relative to the collar.this may result in a stuck throttle condition if the ferrule hangs up on the shoulder of the collar when the throttle is closing (figure 2).this condition has resulted in throttles stuck at approximately 26% open.a preliminary evaluation has been opened to determine the scope, frequency and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.the voqs associated with the opening of this investigation are:10478091, 10474454, 10474161, 10470961, 10469448, 10467920, 10467238, 10466606, 10463903, 10460322, 10460032, 10458061, 10458045, 10457969, 10457652, 10457002, 10456928, 10454596, 10454249, 10453061, 10453032, 10452403, 10451751, 10451684, 10451558, 10451501, 10451409, 10451398, 10451389, 10451186, 10451172, 10451167, 10448591, 10424613, 10408634, 10404525, 10364001, 10322447, 10315965, 10312195, 10284692, 10275904, 10228631, 10228233, 10220414, 10181769, 10122020, 10114193, 10089056, 10002901. | ||||||
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - CRUISE CONTROL | ||||||
| PE12033 | Ford Motor Company | 10/24/2012 | Stuck throttle | |||
| Odi has received 50 complaints alleging incidents of stuck throttle due to fractured speed control cable collars in model year (my) 2000 through 2003 ford taurus and mercury sable vehicles equipped with 4-valve 3.0l v6 duratec engines (figure 1).the speed control cable assembly is unique to the subject vehicles and the subject failure mode has not been observed in my 2000 through 2003 taurus/sable vehicles equipped with the 2-valve 3.0l v6 vulcan engine or in any of the my 2004 through 2007 taurus/sable vehicles.the fractured cable allows the cable ferrule to move relative to the collar.this may result in a stuck throttle condition if the ferrule hangs up on the shoulder of the collar when the throttle is closing (figure 2).this condition has resulted in throttles stuck at approximately 26% open.a preliminary evaluation has been opened to determine the scope, frequency and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.the voqs associated with the opening of this investigation are:10478091, 10474454, 10474161, 10470961, 10469448, 10467920, 10467238, 10466606, 10463903, 10460322, 10460032, 10458061, 10458045, 10457969, 10457652, 10457002, 10456928, 10454596, 10454249, 10453061, 10453032, 10452403, 10451751, 10451684, 10451558, 10451501, 10451409, 10451398, 10451389, 10451186, 10451172, 10451167, 10448591, 10424613, 10408634, 10404525, 10364001, 10322447, 10315965, 10312195, 10284692, 10275904, 10228631, 10228233, 10220414, 10181769, 10122020, 10114193, 10089056, 10002901. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | |||
| 01/10/2013 | 143000 | 1 | |
| I have a 2002 mercury sable i stepped on the accelerator i got my speed up to about 50 mph, i then took my foot off the accelerator but the accelerator was stuck, the speed started climbing by in itself it got up to 70mph. i taped the accelerator a few times to try to get it to release, i also tried to lift pedal with my foot. i had to ride the brakes and that brought me down to about 50 mph, it finally let loose and slowed down. my husband had the same thing happen to him today january 22,2013, he stepped on the brakes to slow the car down as much as possible he then put the car in neutral the engine was revving he had to shut the car off then turn the key back to the on position so he could steer the car and coast to the side of the road to get out of traffic. *tr | |||
| 01/10/2013 | 143000 | ||
| I have a 2002 mecury sable i stepped on the accelerator i got my speed up to about 50 mph, i then took my foot off the accelerator but the accelerator was stuck, the speed started climbing by inself it got up to 70mph. i taped the accelerator a few times to try to get it to release, i also tried to lift pedal with my foot. i had to ride the brakes and that brought me down to about 50 mph, it finally let loose and slowed down. my husband had the same thing happen to him today january 22,2013, he stepped on the brakes to slow the car down as much as possible he then put the car in neutral the engin was reving he had to shut the car off then turn the key back to the on position so he could steer the car and coast to the side of the road to get out of traffic. | |||
| 12/12/2012 | 120000 | 1 | |
| While i was driving to work, my car suddenly began to accelerate by itself. it was full throttle, and i could not stop it from speeding up. thank god i was entering the highway when this happened, because i could not slow the car down. while on the highway, i held my foot all the way down on the brake, and the car would still not go below 65 mph. without my foot on the brake, it got up to 95 mph and would have kept getting higher. so i drove with my foot on the brake at 65 mph, weaving in and out of traffic. i tried switching into neutral, but this had no effect. i called 911 and they sent a police officer out to follow me. i was driving like this for 10-15 minutes with my life constantly flashing before my eyes. eventually, i was instructed by 911 to turn off the ignition off while in neutral (which i did not know could be done until they told me). if there had been traffic on the highway at any point, i would have gotten into a terrible accident and could have injured/killed myself and others. it was a very traumatic experience, and i am extremely shaken up. according to the auto shop that is working on my car, the incident occurred because the cable that runs from the cruise control to the throttle body broke. *tr | |||
| 12/12/2012 | 120000 | ||
| While i was driving to work, my car suddenly began to accelerate by itself. it was full throttle, and i could not stop it from speeding up. thank god i was entering the highway when this happened, because i could not slow the car down. while on the highway, i held my foot all the way down on the brake, and the car would still not go below 65 mph. without my foot on the brake, it got up to 95 mph and would have kept getting higher. so i drove with my foot on the brake at 65 mph, weaving in and out of traffic. i tried switching into neutral, but this had no effect. i called 911 and they sent a police officer out to follow me. i was driving like this for 10-15 minutes with my life constantly flashing before my eyes. eventually, i was instructed by 911 to turn off the ignition off while in neutral (which i did not know could be done until they told me). if there had been traffic on the highway at any point, i would have gotten into a terrible accident and could have injured/killed myself and others. it was a very traumatic experience, and i am extremely shaken up. according to the auto shop that is working on my car, the incident occurred because the cable that runs from the cruise control to the throttle body broke. | |||
| 05/07/2012 | 99000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated. the contact removed her foot from the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle continued accelerating. the air conditioning unit also began to operate independently. as the contact applied the brakes, the vehicle continued to accelerate. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where the idle was adjusted however, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the failure and current mileage was 99,000. | |||
| 05/07/2012 | 99000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated. the contact removed her foot from the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle continued accelerating. the air conditioning unit also began to operate independently. as the contact applied the brakes, the vehicle continued to accelerate. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where the idle was adjusted however, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. the failure and current mileage was 99,000. kmj | |||
| 05/07/2012 | 99000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated while driving 20 mph the vehicle independently accelerated. the contact took her foot off of the accelerator pedal and the vehicle continued accelerating. the air condition also began to operate independently. when the contact applied the brake the vehicle continued to attempt to accelerate. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the idle was adjusted. the failure recurred. the manufacturer was notified but they offered no assistance. the failure and current mileage was 99,000. dt | |||
| 10/29/2003 | 10000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that the vehicle was sitting idle when it lunged forward abnormally with the illumination of the check engine warning light. the failure recurred multiple times. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the problem. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 10,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. kmj | |||
| 10/11/2012 | 121000 | 1 | |
| I was driving on route 31 west in medina ny and the car would not stop i had to put my car in park and my transmission was really grinding. thank god no one was in the area or someone would have been really hurt ? i brought the car to the repair shop and the cause was the cruise control and it was removed. *tr | |||
| 06/16/2011 | 145000 | 1 | |
| While driving at 35 mph, gas pedal was stuck down to floor, rpm and speedometer controls were at the maximum and the engine revved up. vehicle started to accelerate so i depressed brake pedal slowing the vehicle down enough to shift it into park and shut the vehicle off. a passerby stopped by and taped the cruise control cable back together. *tr | |||
| 10/29/2003 | 10000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that while the vehicle was idle it lunge forward and the check engine warning lamp illuminated. the contact stated that the failure occurred multiple times. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the problem. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 10,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. pm | |||
| 10/11/2012 | 121000 | ||
| I was driving on route 31 west in medina ny and the car would not stop i had to put my car in park and my transmission was really grinding. thank god no one was in the area or someone would have been really hurt ? i brought the car to the repair shop and the cause was the cruise control and it was removed. | |||
| 06/16/2011 | 145000 | ||
| While driving at 35 mph, gas pedal was stuck down to floor, rpm and speedometer controls were at the maximum and the engine revved up. vehicle started to accelerate so i depressed brake pedal slowing the vehicle down enough to shift it into park and shut the vehicle off. a passerby stopped by and taped the cruise contol cable back together. | |||
| 10/11/2012 | 121000 | ||
| I was driving on route 31 west in medina ny and the car would not stop i had to put my car in park and my transmission was really grinding. thank god no one was in the area or someone would have been really hurt ? i brought the car to the repair shop and the cause was the cruise control and it was removed. | |||
| 06/16/2011 | 145000 | ||
| While driving at 35 mph, gas pedal was stuck down to floor, rpm and speedometer controls were at the maximum and the engine revved up. vehicle started to accelerate so i depressed brake pedal slowing the vehicle down enough to shift it into park and shut the vehicle off. a passerby stopped by and taped the cruise contol cable back together. | |||
| 09/07/2012 | 131000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that while driving 40 mph the vehicle suddenly accelerated. the contact mentioned that he was able to merge to the shoulder of the road, shifted into neutral in order to stop the vehicle. once the vehicle was turned back on the failure recurred. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle speed control cable snapped and threw the vehicle into a full throttle. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 131,000. | |||
| 09/07/2012 | 131000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that while driving 40 mph the vehicle suddenly accelerated. the contact mentioned that he was able to merge to the shoulder of the road, shifted into neutral in order to stop the vehicle. once the vehicle was turned back on the failure recurred. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle speed control cable snapped and threw the vehicle into a full throttle. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 131,000. pmb | |||
| 09/07/2012 | 131000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated while driving 40 mph there was sudden acceleration. the vehicle was merged to the shoulders put in neutral to stop and then in park. the vehicle was turned off and waited a couple of seconds turned back on but the engine was making noise and wanted to accelerate again. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic shop who stated the vehicle speed central cable snapped and threw the vehicle into a full throttle. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 131,000. mw | |||
| 08/06/2012 | 131000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that while driving 25 mph there was an increase on engine rpms and the vehicle suddenly accelerated. the contact mentioned the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. however, once the vehicle was shifted into neutral and then park he was able to turn the engine off. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnose that the cruise control cable failed. the contact had the cable disconnected. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 131,000 and the current mileage was 132,000.pmb | |||
| 08/06/2012 | 25 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated while driving 25 mph the engine rpm started to increased over 45 mph causing the vehicle to have sudden acceleration. the vehicle was put into neutral and then park before turning the engine off. the brake was ineffective. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic who determined the cruise control cable failed. the contact had the cale disconnected. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 131,000 and the current mileage was 132,000.rl | |||
| 08/05/2012 | 50000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that the vehicle would sporadically accelerate independently. the contact was able to apply the brakes to stop the vehicle from accelerating further. the vehicle had not been inspected. the failure and the current mileage was 50,000. kmj | |||
| 08/05/2012 | 50000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated the vehicle had a sudden acceleration. the contact stated that the vehicle was able to be slowed by using the brakes. that was the first time the contact ever experienced the failure. the vehicle had not been inspected. the failure mileage and current mileages were 50,000.rl | |||
| 06/12/2012 | 86000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that while driving 25 mph with the cruise control activated, the vehicle began to accelerate abnormally. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis where the contact was informed that the cruise control cable was broke and caused the vehicle to accelerate. the contact requested the cruise control be disconnected. the manufacturer was notified and stated that the case was under investigation. the failure and the current mileages were 86,000. | |||
| 06/12/2012 | 86000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that while driving 25 mph with the cruise control activated, the vehicle began to accelerate abnormally. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis where the contact was informed that the cruise control cable was broke and caused the vehicle to accelerate. the contact requested the cruise control be disconnected. the manufacturer was notified and stated that the case was under investigation. the failure and the current mileages were 86,000. kmj | |||
| 06/12/2012 | 86000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that while driving 25 mph the cruise began to accelerate on its own. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis and was informed that the cruise control cable broke and caused the the accelerate to open all the way. the contact requested the cruise control be disconnected. the manufacturer was notified and stated that the case was under investigation. the failure and current mileages were 86,000. dt | |||
| 07/08/2012 | 144000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that the vehicle abnormally accelerated while driving 40 mph. the accelerator was released, the brake was depressed and the vehicle continued to accelerate. the gear was placed in the neutral and the contact was able to coast the vehicle onto the shoulder as the rpms increased to 4,000. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 144,000. | |||
| 07/08/2012 | 144000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that the vehicle abnormally accelerated while driving 40 mph. the accelerator was released, the brake was depressed and the vehicle continued to accelerate. the gear was placed in the neutral and the contact was able to coast the vehicle onto the shoulder as the rpms increased to 4,000. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 144,000. kmj | |||
| 07/08/2012 | 144000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated while driving at 40mph. the accelerator was released, the brake was depressed and the vehicle continued to accelerate. the gear was place in the neutral to be able to coast the vehicle onto the road side. the vehicle rpm increased to 4,000. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 144,000. li | |||
| 07/01/2012 | 86668 | 1 | |
| My daughter had just merged onto the highway going approximately 65mph. initially it felt difficult to get the car up to speed. she noticed she was edging up on the vehicle in front of her and took her foot off the accelerator to slow down but instead the car sped up. she applied the brakes which did not slow the car down. she applied pressure to the accelerator in an attempt to unstick it which had no effect on the speed of the car. she then attempted to apply the brakes further at which time the brakes began smoking. the car had reached 90mph at this point and was shaking. while continuing to keep her foot on the brakes, she was able to pull into the breakdown lane and put the car into neutral but the vehicle only slowed down minimally at which time she put the car into park. the vehicle then stopped but she kept her foot on the brake because the engine continued to rev between 3,000 - 4,000 rpms and she could feel resistance as if the car wanted to continue to move forward despite being in park. at that time she shut off the engine and called for assistance. when my husband and i arrived on scene my husband verified that the accelerator was not stuck on anything, such as a floor mat. once he saw that the accelerator appeared to be in a normal position he started the vehicle and immediately the engine was reving with rpms again between 3,000 - 4,000. the engine was again shut off and the vehicle was towed to the local ford dealership. *tr | |||
| 05/13/2012 | 106586 | ||
| We were backing out of a parking space & the car accelerated as though i had pressed the gas pedal. this is the third time this has happened, but the first time going in reverse. both other times the car was in drive. the first time i was on the freeway and i assumed my foot had accidentally pushed the gas, so i ignored it. the second time i was on a county road, and again i assumed it was my fault. this is the first time i could have really hurt someone, and this could potentially be very dangerous. | |||
| 05/08/2012 | 87510 | ||
| The cruise controll gascabel broke off the holder by the drotel valve, resulting in jaming the drotel valve in open position, the car became out of controll as the brakes are not able to slow down the car, only turning off the ignation helpt slowing down the car so no brake booster. one very dangerous situation. the design and material are of substandard. i have it documented with pictures | |||
| 05/13/2012 | 106586 | ||
| We were backing out of a parking space & the car accelerated as though i had pressed the gas pedal. this is the third time this has happened, but the first time going in reverse. both other times the car was in drive. the first time i was on the freeway and i assumed my foot had accidentally pushed the gas, so i ignored it. the second time i was on a county road, and again i assumed it was my fault. this is the first time i could have really hurt someone, and this could potentially be very dangerous. | |||
| 05/08/2012 | 87510 | ||
| The cruise controll gascabel broke off the holder by the drotel valve, resulting in jaming the drotel valve in open position, the car became out of controll as the brakes are not able to slow down the car, only turning off the ignation helpt slowing down the car so no brake booster. one very dangerous situation. the design and material are of substandard. i have it documented with pictures | |||
| 10/01/2011 | 81000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that he heard a banging noise while driving 50 mph and the vehicle suddenly accelerated. the contact shifted into neutral and shut off the engine. the vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the cruise control cable was damaged and caused the failure. the mechanic disconnected the cruise control cable. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 81,000. kmj | |||
| 10/01/2011 | 81000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that he heard a banging noise while driving 50 mph and the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. the contact shifted into neutral and shut off the engine. the vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the cruise control cable was damaged and caused the failure. the mechanic disconnected the cruise control cable. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 81,000. sm. | |||
| 12/14/2010 | 105000 | ||
| When cruise control is on and active and gas pedal manually depressed ( to pass car) throttle will stick open. ball on throttle plate comes out of saddle on cruise control cable. when foot taken off gas ball on throttle plate does not return to original saddle position at end of cruise control cable. ball on throttle plate gets stuck on edge of enterance to cable saddle. throttle sticks partway open with amount open depending on cruise control cable position / amount of throttle commanded by cruise control. i fixed by placing a piece of 1/2 o.d. tube over cable (slit along length and then over cable, cable tie in position). this is enough to keep ball on throttle from coming out of saddle on cruise cable. basically snap lock in saddle is wearing out after repeatedly pressing on gas while cruise control is on and active. no more problems for 20,000 miles. | |||
| 08/31/2011 | 86448 | ||
| Cruise control cable broke or came loose causing throttle return spring to fall off. i could not stop car no matter how hard i pushed the brake pedal. the engine ran at full speed. the cruise control was not on. i was able to quickly put car in neutral and turn off the engine. i started the engine again and it revved up to full speed immediately. it was very difficult to move the car off the main road without starting the engine. we were fortunate there were no cars in front of us when this happened. we were about 50 yards from having to make a sharp left turn to go onto the main highway and traffic. we never would have been able to make the turn without crashing or the car turning over. my wife and i had just picked up two of our dogs at the vet and were returning home. the car was towed to the nearest ford garage in the next town. i believe ford has a bigger problem than they are admitting. the mercury's should be included in their problem. | |||
| 12/14/2010 | 105000 | ||
| When cruise control is on and active and gas pedal manually depressed ( to pass car) throttle will stick open. ball on throttle plate comes out of saddle on cruise control cable. when foot taken off gas ball on throttle plate does not return to original saddle position at end of cruise control cable. ball on throttle plate gets stuck on edge of enterance to cable saddle. throttle sticks partway open with amount open depending on cruise control cable position / amount of throttle commanded by cruise control. i fixed by placing a piece of 1/2 o.d. tube over cable (slit along length and then over cable, cable tie in position). this is enough to keep ball on throttle from coming out of saddle on cruise cable. basically snap lock in saddle is wearing out after repeatedly pressing on gas while cruise control is on and active. no more problems for 20,000 miles. | |||
| 08/31/2011 | 86448 | ||
| Cruise control cable broke or came loose causing throttle return spring to fall off. i could not stop car no matter how hard i pushed the brake pedal. the engine ran at full speed. the cruise control was not on. i was able to quickly put car in neutral and turn off the engine. i started the engine again and it revved up to full speed immediately. it was very difficult to move the car off the main road without starting the engine. we were fortunate there were no cars in front of us when this happened. we were about 50 yards from having to make a sharp left turn to go onto the main highway and traffic. we never would have been able to make the turn without crashing or the car turning over. my wife and i had just picked up two of our dogs at the vet and were returning home. the car was towed to the nearest ford garage in the next town. i believe ford has a bigger problem than they are admitting. the mercury's should be included in their problem. | |||
| 12/14/2010 | 105000 | ||
| When cruise control is on and active and gas pedal manually depressed ( to pass car) throttle will stick open. ball on throttle plate comes out of saddle on cruise control cable. when foot taken off gas ball on throttle plate does not return to original saddle position at end of cruise control cable. ball on throttle plate gets stuck on edge of enterance to cable saddle. throttle sticks partway open with amount open depending on cruise control cable position / amount of throttle commanded by cruise control. i fixed by placing a piece of 1/2 o.d. tube over cable (slit along length and then over cable, cable tie in position). this is enough to keep ball on throttle from coming out of saddle on cruise cable. basically snap lock in saddle is wearing out after repeatedly pressing on gas while cruise control is on and active. no more problems for 20,000 miles. | |||
| 08/31/2011 | 86448 | ||
| Cruise control cable broke or came loose causing throttle return spring to fall off. i could not stop car no matter how hard i pushed the brake pedal. the engine ran at full speed. the cruise control was not on. i was able to quickly put car in neutral and turn off the engine. i started the engine again and it revved up to full speed immediately. it was very difficult to move the car off the main road without starting the engine. we were fortunate there were no cars in front of us when this happened. we were about 50 yards from having to make a sharp left turn to go onto the main highway and traffic. we never would have been able to make the turn without crashing or the car turning over. my wife and i had just picked up two of our dogs at the vet and were returning home. the car was towed to the nearest ford garage in the next town. i believe ford has a bigger problem than they are admitting. the mercury's should be included in their problem. | |||
| 01/01/2008 | 60000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with adjustable pedals that would intermittently become stuck. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 60,000. the vin was unavailable. kmj | |||
| 01/01/2008 | 60000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. the contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with adjustable pedals that would intermittently become stuck. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 60,000. the vin was unavailable. sm. | |||
| 04/23/2009 | 38500 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. while at a stop light, the vehicle began moving forward while the contact's foot was depressing the brake pedal. the vehicle began to accelerate and was taken to the dealer, but they could not find any failures. the vehicle has been to the dealer approximately three times for the same failure. the contact believes that the brakes may not be the cause of the failure. the vehicle will be taken to the dealer on june 4, 2009 for another diagnosis. the failure mileage was 38,500 and current mileage was 39,000. updated 07/24/09. *lj | |||
| 03/09/2007 | 2 | 01/15/2003 | |
| We have a 2002 mercury sable ls premier model. this failure has happened several times now, but neither of us communicated to the other about it until today. it is an intermittent surge of the car when braking. the latest time was today, and it happened to my wife. it happened to me also several weeks ago as well. i stepped on the brakes and instead of stopping, the car seemed to go faster and not want to stop. extreme force was needed to stop the car. then it was fine. *jb | |||
| 12/01/2006 | 100000 | 1 | 01/01/2005 |
| Tl*- the contact owns a 2002 mercury sable. while driving 15 mph and due to heavy traffic the cruise control cable jumped out of its socket and the vehicle started to accelerate. the contact applied the brakes, but the vehicle did not respond. the driver had to turn the vehicle's power off completely to stop it from accelerating. the contact scheduled an appointment with a repair facility. the failure mileage was 100,000. *ak the consumer stated he experienced unwanted acceleration. updated 02.27.07.*jb | |||
| 05/08/2005 | 43000 | 1 | 09/01/2003 |
| I put my foot on the brake, and the car accelerated and i was unable to stop causing an accident. this has also happened on several other occassions causing near miss accidents. *nm | |||
| 7000 | 1 | 05/29/2002 | |
| While driving vehicle suddenly veered into traffic. driver had to press hard on the brakes to stop the vehicle. dealer had been contacted. *ak | |||
| 01/19/2004 | 18029 | 1 | |
| While driving brakes proceeded to the floor and the vehicle surged forward. as a result, driver had to put the vehicle into neutral. dealer stated theat battery voltage was low. *ak | |||
| 7000 | 1 | ||
| Consumer started vehicle and placed gear in drive. rpms increased to the danger level as the engine raced. consumer had to keep brakes applied so that vehicle would not suddenly accelerate. dealer has reprogrammed computer twice, but problem still occurring.*ak | |||
| 04/15/2003 | 17000 | 1 | 06/28/2002 |
| When the vehicle was started, it made a loud noise and automatically accelerated. the consumer took the key out of the ignition to make the vehicle stop. the vehicle was restarted and there was no further problem. *jb the dealer couldn't find the problem. (model ls)scc | |||
| Consumer state while driving with speed control on without any indication vehicle speeded up causing consumer to loss control in result of a vehicle crash. please provide further information. mr | |||
| 09/04/2002 | 1 | ||
| Consumer states that while pulling up to an intersection with foot on brake vehicle suddenly started to accelerate. consumer states engine was racing like it was going to take off. consumer is afraid of rear ending someone. please provide any further information. | |||
| 09/04/2002 | 1 | ||
| While applying the brake the vehicle suddenly surge forward. and the consumer foot wasn't on the gas pedal. the dealership is aware of the problem. | |||
| 07/07/2002 | |||
| Upon shifting into gear vehicle suddenly accelerated and took off out of control,causing a vehicle crash. feel free to provide any further information.*ak | |||
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - ACCELERATOR PEDAL | |||
| 03/08/2005 | 35900 | 10 | |
| While driving at 35 mph vehicle hesitated when attempting to accelerate . consumer was concerned that she will be rear ended. vehicle had be repaired ten times, however the problem recurred. *ak | |||
| 02/05/2004 | 2 | ||
| While driving 20 mph vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. consumer applied the brake pedal and was able to maintain control of the vehicle. it was taken to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak | |||
| 01/15/2004 | 25000 | 1 | 07/01/2002 |
| While applying the brakes the vehicle accelerated. *ak mercury suggested that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. *sc | |||
| While traveling 5 mph and attempting avoid a crash consumer depressed brake pedal with force to floorboard resulting in accelerator pedal being depressed at the same time. this caused a crash. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| 1 | 03/14/2002 | ||
| While driving 30 mph and upon stopping, consumers foot got stuck between brake and accelerator, almost causing an accident. *ak manufacturer contacted. *tt | |||
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - CABLES | |||
| 03/04/2004 | 38000 | 1 | 11/03/2002 |
| 1) sudden no warning, 2) accelerator cable broke, i was in the middle lane of a busy interstate hwy (i-96)during morning rush hour traffic. the vehicle de-accelerated rather quickly. i avoided an otherwise fatal ending by turning into oncoming, right lane traffic, and making it to the shoulder of the road. 3) the dealership was eager to replace the broken cable, at a cost to me of $260.00. yes i do have the original (broken cable) if you would like to inspect it. thank you. *ak | |||
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - CRUISE CONTROL | |||
| 05/02/2003 | 8530 | 1 | 08/23/2002 |
| Dt: the consumer said that he got out of the car to go get a hair cut, and when he came out the car was running although he had the keys in his hands. when the consumer popped the hood, the engine was running, and when he closed the hood it stopped all of a sudden. the consumer had no idea that this was going to happen. the consumer saw on cnn news about ford. the consumer had become concerned and wanted someone to help him. the dealer said that they could not find anything wrong with the car. the manufacturer said that the car was not on recall. the caller was very concerned because he needed the car and wanted someone to help him. *ak the problem may be due to the cruise control switch. *sc *jb | |||
| 08/24/2004 | 40950 | 1 | 12/03/2003 |
| I had the cruise control set in my vehicle while i was traveling on the expressway (2002 mercury sable). as i started to approach the vehicle in front of me i pressed on the brake pedal to slow down and disengage the cruise control. my vehicle slow down but when i took my foot off the brake pedal it started to accelerate. i press on the brake pedal again and it slowed down. when i took my foot off it accelerated again. this time i let it accelerate to see when it would level off or maintain a speed. it stopped at the previous cruise setting. i noticed there was no cruise light on. when the cruise control is activated there is a green lighted display saying cruise on the instrument panel. there was no light and the cruise was still engaged. i put my foot under the accelerator pedal and lifted the pedal to try and slow the vehicle and that did not stop disengage it. my next thought was to put the vehicle in neutral and coast onto the shoulder of the road. before i did that i stompped on the accelerator pedal about 3 times and that finally disengaged what ever was stuck. i took the vehicle into the mercury (sesi lincoln-mercury in ypsilanti,mi.) dealership where i purchased the vehicle. they inspected it and could find no problem. i called ford motor co. customer service and reported the incident. they said they would look into it. i heard back from them and their response was they could not find where a recall had been issued for this problem so there was nothing they could do. i know ford or any of the auto companies don't voluntarily issue recalls unless it's a major problem, it costs lots of money. whether this is a large or small incident, relating to the number of occurrences, anything that has to do with braking, not braking or acceleration to me is a major major problem. ford breaks it down into dollars and cents.*ak | |||