Speed Control Cable problems of the 2003 Ford Escape

Tl the contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. While driving 60 mph and passing another vehicle, the contact raised her foot off the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle accelerated independently to 75 mph. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle slowed down to 70 mph. When the brake pedal was released, the vehicle began to accelerated to 75 mph. The contact depressed the brake pedal again with excessive force, but the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle slowed down to 45 mph, but the engine was still revving. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road at 40 mph and quickly powered off the engine. Due to depressing the brake pedal with excessive force, there was a burning odor coming from the brake pedal. The vehicle was restarted while in the park position and the engine started to accelerate. The contact quickly powered off the engine. The contact's father inspected the vehicle and noticed that the cable connected to the throttle was caught in between the engine and the plastic engine cover. The contact's father maneuvered the cable and the vehicle drove normally. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.

On 1/19/1993, I experienced uncontrolled acceleration in my 2003 Ford Escape. I turned off the engine and coasted to a stop. Fortunately, I was on a low traffic road. After towing the Escape to my mechanic, he identified that the acceleration cable was binding against the engine cover. After further identifying a recall related to this (NHTSA campaign number:12v-353), the car was taken to my Ford service center, who performed the modification. Upon picking up the car after repair and leaving the lot of the Ford service center, I immediately experienced uncontrolled acceleration a second time. Quickly hitting the breaks and performing a u-turn back into the Ford lot, I again turned off the engine and coasted to the garage area. This time I was on a multi-lane road in a high traffic area during 5:00 traffic and suffered near collision with multiple other cars. Upon investigating the cause with the service personnel, we observed that the cruise control cable had come loose and bound with the acceleration cable, resulting in the unintended acceleration. On multiple attempts to reconnect the cruise control cable, it became apparent that it would easily come loose and bind again with the acceleration cable. The cruise control cable was disconnected and fixed into location away from the acceleration cable. The dealer did not know or recommend any other method to fix the problem. My observation is that there was significant wear on the cruise control cable connection, possibly as a result of the interference condition with the throttle cover. The current Ford recall does not appear to adequately correct the problem or look for this additional problem.

As I was driving, I pressed the accelerator approximately 3/4 of the way to pass a vehicle. When I released the pedal- the vehicle continued to accelerate. I was eventually able to get the vehicle to stop after placing the transmission in neutral and firmly applying the brakes. As I came to a stop, the vehicle was beginning to smoke, and I feared it was going to catch on fire. I immediately exited the vehicle, and the engine was still running at full throttle. After several minutes, the vehicle began to smoke worse and then I heard a loud bang. The vehicle motor stopped and a large puddle of oil and metal was on the ground under the vehicle. I have since learned that there is an active recall for this exact problem from Ford due to a throttle cable sticking. Ford has refused to repair the additional damage caused to my vehicle caused by an active recall.

Upon start-up the engine immediately reved to 4000 to 5000 rpm & would not return to idle. Gas pedal was not depressed. This happened multiple times. Moving the gas pedal had no effect. Car was shut off. Reaching by hand to the end of the pedal assembly where the throttle cable is attached, it was determined that the cable did not return to the idle position. By pushing the end of the cable the throttle returned to idle. The car was started & ran at normal idle speed.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to have NHTSA campaign id number: 12v353000 (vehicle speed control: cables) performed, however the defect was not corrected. The contact stated that while driving with out the accelerator pedal engaged, the vehicle accelerated to 45mph and the rpm increased to 1,000. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for further inspection. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 157,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for recall repairs associated with NHTSA campaign id number 12v353000 (vehicle speed control: cables). The remedy part was unavailable at the time and as an interim remedy the speed control cable was disconnected and reconnected when the recall part became available. However, the cruise control failed to operate after the remedy repair was performed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed they were not liable and the repair would be at the owner's expense. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 166,310.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 12v353000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control) . While driving at 65 mph, the cruise control failed to engage without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle speed control cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,496. Ed.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that she received recall NHTSA campaign id number: 12v353000 (vehicle speed control:cables). The contact stated she took the vehicle to the dealer for repair in August of 2012 and was told that she would have to wait until the parts were available to get the vehicle repaired. The contact stated that she called back in October and was told that the parts were still unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.

I had just stepped down on the accelerator (harder than usual) to pass two semi's. The throttle stuck in full speed. I was able to stop by turning the key off and pulling off to the shoulder. After calling the Ford dealer at albert lea minnesota he suggested that I look around in the are where the rubber air intake is and if possible take the rubber intake off and feel around inside. While doing that I could see that the shaft at the end of the cruise cable had jammed up against the engine cover and locked up at full speed. I was able to force it back into drivable position and called the albert lea dealer to tell them what the issue was. Then I stopped at the Ford dealer in rochester minnesota to take a look at tell me if the car was safe. They took the engine cover off and told me it was good to drive. Later I took it to my regular mechanic and he took it one step farther by disconnecting the cruise from the throttle control shaft. I will be insisting that Ford do the fix to raise the engine cover and replace the cruise control as the cable for the cruise is bent near throttle control end.

Friend had just installed fuel filter on car. Was testing car - had car in park - floored accelerator, accelerator became stuck. Wouldn't budge. They opened up hood and had to cut cruise control cable to make shorter this auto had previously been recalled for vehicle speed control cable and been repaired. I believe the accelerator became stuck as a result of this not being done properly. I believe it was done before they corrected the way they were doing it.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle accelerated on its own. The contact had to place both feet on the brake pedal before stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer for a diagnosis. The dealer stated that they needed to replace the accelerator cable. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 98,000 and the current mileage was 103,000. Updated 8/23/12 the consumer stated the vehicle accelerated for 60mph to over 100mph in 2 miles. The engine reached 7000rpm. The brakes and parking brake locked. The vehicle was stopped by turning the ignition off. Updated 09/06/2012.

I took off on a 4 lane highway one morning and depressed the gas pedal mostly as I was merging in traffic. When I attempted to let off the pedal, the car continued to accelerate. This was the second time this has happened to this car. Currently there have been two recalls regarding a random acceleration problem. The first was repaired when it happened due to an accelerator cable problem. This time, I quickly shifted to neutral and pulled over. . . Coincidentally next to a state police officer. He assisted me in releasing the throttle body on this car as it was clearly stuck. The date I provided is not an exact date, however, I called Ford the day it happened and they said they couldn't do anything about it because the original recall was said to be fixed. I left the engine cover off up until today, which is because it's being fixed due to the current recall. This brings me to my current issue. I have called Ford once more since the incident asking them if they found the solution and if they would repair my cruise control cable, as it was damaged (which also is the description of the recall). They say it's a pre-existing condition which is very untrue because I have called twice about this issue, long before the recall. I verified that they do show record that I called. I want them to pay for this $35 cruise cable because it's their fault it broke, due from a safety issue, and I called about it long before this recall which should prove I have a legitimate complaint. Fortunately for Ford and myself, I was intelligent enough to know how to stop the vehicle prior to an accident.

2003 Ford Escape vehicle was driving down interstate highway when the vehicle began to accelerate uncontrollably. The driver accelerator pedal would not respond to being pushed/pulled while the engine revved. Brake was fully depressed and vehicle continued to accelerate through braking. Vehicle transmission was disengaged to neutral, engine revved to 5500 rpm. Vehicle was coasted to a shoulder and shut down. Vehicle continues to rev to 5500 rpm as soon as it is started without response from accelerator. Accelerator was not caught/stuck to anything just non-responsive. Vehicle behavior caused a near accident situation - failure to disengage transmission by another 10 seconds would have caused a serious collision. Vehicle has been towed & remains in a repair shop. Vehicle continues to exhibit behavior and mechanic has determined this is due to a stuck throttle cable. Ford dealer was contacted & service mechanic noted he has seen this issue before but a recall has not been issued. Dealer has refused to honor any type of warranty/coverage of repairs. Research of Ford website & NHTSA indicates no open/previous recalls regarding issue. Third-party site cites recall of throttle issue as recall id 57885 w/ Ford contact #, however.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. While driving 45 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own to 65 mph. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the brakes failed and became locked. She placed the gear into neutral and drove in the emergency lane. She shut off the vehicle and restarted it after some time. Once it was restarted, the brakes softened up and the rpms decreased to the original start position. The dealer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. She then took the vehicle to a repair shop and was informed that there were a few recalls on the vehicle; however, NHTSA campaign id number 04v574000 (vehicle speed control:cables) was related to the failures with her vehicle. Once she found the recall, the contact notified the dealer and they refused to acknowledge the recall information. She later called the manufacturer and they stated that the recall was repaired four years ago on her vehicle. The vehicle has not yet been repaired, but the failure has not recurred since the original incident. She is worried that the issue could cause future failures and that the vehicle should be repaired again since it was not done properly the first time. The current and failure mileages were 115,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. When the vehicle was started, it idled at 3,000 rpm's and would not decrease. As a result, when placed into drive, the vehicle will speed off. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 04v574000 (vehicle speed control:cables). The failure mileage was 67,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. While driving approximately 55 mph, the accelerator pedal became stuck to the floor when it was depressed. The contact applied the brakes and shifted into neutral, but the vehicle would not decelerate. She had to continuously exert pressure to the accelerator to release the pedal. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the strut throttle and accelerator cable failed. The dealer replaced the cable and throttle assemblies for a $500 service charge because the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 04v574000 (vehicle speed control:cables). The manufacturer did not provide any assistance. The current and failure mileages were 82,000. The consumer stated Ford did not consider the defect a safety issue because the vehicle was out or warranty. Updated 11/15/07.

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle improperly accelerated while driving 20 mph. A crash occurred. The vehicle also failed to accelerate when driving uphill. The contact had this failure repaired last year, but it has since recurred. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 40,000. The consumer stated the recall was performed and 18 months later the accident occured. The vehicle accelerated and hit the vehicle just in front at a stop light. The consumer stated Ford will not perform recall work a 2nd time. Officer field report provided. Updated 09/05/07.

The cruise control cable became disconnected from the throttle linkage and jammed in the throttle. This caused the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollable. Was luckily able to get out of traffic and into a parking lot without causing any damage.

In January 2005 I received a recall notice for the accelerator cable on my 2003 Ford Escape so I promptly had the cable replaced at the dealership. As I was driving home from work on June 2, 2005 the accelerator pedal stuck down to the floor of my vehicle and the brakes wouldn't engage. As the vehicle was accelerating on its own, now at about 50mph, I jerked the wheel to the right to avoid the fast approaching intersection and drove up on someone's lawn. My vehicle finally stopped when I hit a tree. I had emergency surgery to repair and close an open compound fracture and dislocation of my elbow, had additional surgery 6 weeks later to repair a torn ligament in my wrist, and have a chip fracture in my hip socket. I have been out of work on disability for 2 months already (hoping to be able to go back in September) and have to go to physical therapy 3 times a week for my elbow, wrist, and hip.

1. ) car was revving up during idling and shifting of the manual transmission. 2. ) per dealership, the accelerator cable had to be replaced due to a malfunction. See NHTSA # 04v574000 and Ford recall #04s25 3. ) dealership has to replace the accelerator cable but refuses to acknowledge mechanical malfunction and recall. Recall was only for v6 suvs while we have a v4 manual transmission even though the part is the same one that is malfunctioning in the v6 models.

The consumer received a recall notice and he brought it into the dealer to have the repair work done around January 27, 2005. The accelerator cable was replaced. On January 30, 2005, he stopped at a restaurant with his foot on the brake and the car just took off going 20-25 mph. He aimed for a snow bank and the car finally stopped. The next morning he was going to take it to the dealer. As he was slowing down for the red light the car took off through the red light. He had two people look at it, and they couldn't find anything wrong with vehicle. The head of the service department drove the car, and said he fixed it. On February 26th, 2005, the consumer was driving from georgia to virginia going 55-60 mph. While merging the consumer took his foot off of the gas pedal and the car lunged, hit some gravel and spun into the ravine. Recall campaign # 04v574000.

Consumer wants to be sure that he receiving the recall notice for 2003 Ford Escape. The recall is in reference to the accelerator cable which may prevent the throttle from returning to the idle position.

While driving from i66 to va28 n after regaining 60 mph the car kept speeding up, applied brakes but brakes overheated and car kept gaining speed. Then realized gas pedal was stuck open and would not release. Shut engine down, restarted and quickly moved to right side of road (had to, cross 2 lanes of traffic) rather dangerous situation. Had car towed to Ford dealer who said they would replace throttle cable. They said cable became jammed. I can find no recall for this problem in the online database. I think this could be a very dangerous situation to a less experienced driver and perhaps need to be investigated.

I was driving to work on a 4 lane urban street (on a rainy day) and approached as "s" curve. I lifted my foot from the gas pedal to slow down and the car just kept going forward and slid into the next lane to the left. Not realizing what was going on, I gently applied the brakes and the car continued to move forward and slid two lanes to the right. The car wouldn't slow down, made a 90 degree turn and crossed all 4 lanes and hit a concrete abutment, going up the abutment until I thought the car would go over it. The airbags deployed and then the car came down from the abutment, slid backwards so the rear end then hit the abutment and then the car flew all the way across the four lanes where it stopped, facing traffic. Only because of good luck and it being early in the morning did the car hit no other vehicles. The damage exceeded ten thousand dollars. Just last week I received the recall about the accelerator cable. The car is still in the shop (over 7 weeks later) and will then go to a dealer to have the cable replaced. However, my car's value has significantly plummeted. I will pursue this with Ford.

On 10/15/04 I had just entered a 6 lane interstate (high speed urban traffic) and had to quickly move over 3 lanes as the right 2 lanes were exit only about one half mile from my entrance point. After accelerating to merge into a gap to the left I found that the car was continuing to accelerate even though I was not depressing the accelerator, and was about to rear end a flatbed truck. The brakes had little effect on slowing the car. After some violent maneuvering and several near collisions I was able to get to the shoulder and switch the ignition off. The car was towed to a local Ford dealership, where they found the problem was a defective accelerator cable. The plastic covering had frayed/disintegrated, jamming the cable such that the throttle return spring(s) were unable to close the throttle. The service writer said he had not seen this problem before. However, I did a cursory search on the NHTSA website and found a significant number of similar and identical incidents (only searched 2003 model year and only "vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal" component). There were 8 incidents that were clearly the result of defective accelerator cables (10068000, 10015965, 10047388, 10023519, 10051175, 10024424, 10026817 and 10082787) and 6 that were probably/possibly the result of defective accelerator cables (10018602, 10043060, 10062971, 10015506, 10092028 and 10040552). The seriousness and number of incidents would seem to warrant investigation/recall. I requested the defective cable from the service writer, but he indicated that as it was a warranty item it had to be returned to Ford. However, I did take 2 pictures if they would be of any help.

The accelarator cable on my 2003 Ford Escape stuck at 65 mph. The engine continued to rev until I was able to stop. I was only able to stop by very hard braking and then turned the engine off. The vehicle was towed to mike castrucci Ford in milford, ohio. It was like trying to brak while I have to gas floored. Very dangerous.

On my way to work yesterday, I was exiting the highway onto an off-ramp. I did not have the gas pedal pressed, yet the truck was accelerating to speeds over 70 mph. I tried pressing on the brakes, but that did not stop the truck. I finally put the truck in neutral in order to avoid an accident. While sitting at the intersection waiting for the light to change, still in neutral, the truck's engine was revving higher & higher. The truck was literally rocking back & forth. When the light turned green, I put the truck in drive & it raced on. I was very careful to allow ample space in-between my truck & other drivers. I had 2 other intersections to go through before arriving at my work location. I would continue to put the truck in neutral while sitting at an intersection. This was a very scary experience. If I hadn't of reacted so quickly, I would have crashed into other vehicles and would have caused an accident. I was lucky that this did not occur while I was in the stop & go traffic closer to my home. This experience shook me up for quite some time. I contacted the nearest Ford dealer & was told to contact Ford's roadside assistance to have the truck towed to the dearlership. Within minutes the tow truck arrived & took my truck to the dealership. The dealership replaced the throttle cable under warranty & within a few hours, I was driving my truck again. After the replacement, there seemed to be no resistance while pushing the gas pedal. Therefore, I did not notice this problem that was about to explode. After my experience, I now see there have been other cases such as mine. I was lucky. How many others won't be?.

When driving our 2003 Ford Escape, the car's engine speed would suddenly jump from 1,500 rpms to as high as 4,000+ rpms while braking. Same deal while trying to coast to a stop - the pedal seemed to be stuck in position and engine rpms would not decrease. The car was nursed to the closest town and taken to a Ford dealership first thing in the morning. The shop foreman did an on-the-spot diagnosis without taking a real look under the hood stating that the problem was most likely due to the accelerator cable binding. There was additional damage to the car's brakes. We asked for an appraisal of the brakes, and four individual Ford personnel (one shop foreman, one dealer service department manager, and two separate Ford customer service personnel) stated the damage sustained was unnecessary wear directly caused by a defective accelerator cable. However, none of the people associated with Ford were willing to replace the damaged brakes under warranty. The final person we spoke with went so far as to put the responsibility on the shoulders of the dealership that sold us the car. The analogy given was that all Ford dealerships are completely independent, and that any problems with a Ford vehicle is the direct responsibility of the selling dealership. Unfortunately this incident happened when we were relocating from the east coast to alaska. It has been our experience that Ford cares not at all about the people who spend tens of thousands of dollars on their products - people who rightly expect a safe and dependable vehicle. Ford's chief concern is lining their pockets with money, and not with the safety of the customer, their family, and the other people on the road.