Speed Control Cable Problems of Ford Escape - part 2

Vehicle has begun to accelerate unexpectedly since early September. There has been at least four incidents involving vehicle suddenly accelerating when its was at low speed or stopped (with foot on the brake). The accelerations last a few seconds and lurch the car forward. The vehicle has been taken to Ford for the recall notices involving the cruise control cable (11s24b on 30 June 12 and 12s37b on 20 Sep 12). This vehicle did not experience this problem prior to the recall repairs.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Escape 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Escape 🔎.

While driving, the gas pedal sticks. It feels like there is a brick under the gas pedal and it won't budge. I mash down on the pedal and even stomp it. It will depress after several minutes or when it feels like it. This seems to be happening more as the weather gets colder. When I researched this online, I found recalls for the 2000 - 2004 Ford Escapes experiencing this issue speed control cables), but nothing for my vehicle. I have also found, through a simple internet search, that this is a common problem with Ford Escape owners, but Ford has not done anything about it.

See all problems of the 2005 Ford Escape 🔎.

I was on I-30 westbound approaching the mixmaster in downtown dallas. When I attempted to pass a slow moving vehicle the throttle cable stuck. My vehicle continued to accelerate. I tried pulling the gas pedal up, but it continued to gain speed. Reaching 80 mph in a 60 mph zone I braked but could only get down to 50 mph. I was having to weave through traffic to avoid hitting other cars. This continued for about 5 miles. I decided to try to put the car in neutral to stop it. Then car then slowed down to about 30 mph. I was in the far left lane in heavy traffic. I needed to try to get off the freeway, so I put it back in drive. The car started accelerating out control again. I made it to the right lane and put it in neutral again. The car came to a stop. The engine was severely damaged by this. I am out around $1,500. So far, Ford is not being very helpful, they are giving me the runaround when I call. They act like they are not responsible. I could have been killed or killed someone.

See all problems of the 2004 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. The contact stated that she was trying to park the vehicle when the vehicle began to accelerate independently. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer for inspection where they stated that there was a recall for the failure under NHTSA campaign id number: 12v353000 (vehicle speed control:cables). The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified but the contact did not receive a response. The failure mileage was unavailable. The VIN was unavailable.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver of the vehicle was traveling 55 mph when the vehicle began to accelerate independently. The driver shifted into neutral and turned the vehicle off. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 12v353000 (vehicle speed control:cables). The failure mileage was 100,000.

2001 Ford Escape. Consumer writes in regards to safety recall notice. Recall # 12v353000. The dealer informed the consumer, the parts were still not available, even though they were supposed to available as of August 5, 2012.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape limited. The contact stated that while traveling 70 mph with the cruise control activated, the vehicle failed to stop after engaging the brakes. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle and the air bags deployed. The police was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact received a recall notice about repairs under NHTSA campaign id number:12v353000 (vehicle speed control:cables). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 145,000.

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.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated there was a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 12v353000 (vehicle speed control: cables). The manufacturer was notified who informed the remedy part was unavailable and the expected date was mid August 2012. The dealer and manufacturer were unable to provide an arrival date. The contact had not experienced failure with the throttle.

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.

I do not own a Ford Escape but rather I'm a mechanic that has ran into this problem 2 or 3 times over the last couple years. The throttle sticks on these vehicles due to the speed control actuator to throttle cable. There is a plastic sleeve around the steel cable that allows the cable to retract freely. The plastic degrades and brakes up over time allowing the speed control throttle cable to bind and wedge its self under the engine cover causing a stuck wide open throttle condition. There should be a recall on this cable. It runs from the speed control (cruise control) actuator to the throttle body butterfly. Removal of the engine cover is the simple fix for this issue, but the speed control cable is indeed at fault.

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.

My wife was driving the Escape down residential roads around 24mph and as she let off of the accelerator it still was accelerating. She put on the brakes and the engine still wanted to accelerate but she was able to make a turn. As soon as she let off the brake it started accelerating again without her depressing the gas pedal. She pulled into our parking lot and the engine throttle was still on. She just depressed the brake as much and she could and immediate turned the car off. I looked under the hood and notice the cruise control cable appear out of place. I took the cruise control cable off of the throttle cable and took the car for a test drive around the block and it appeared to be working fine. Then I drove it later that day and the cruise control cable came off the throttle cable so the cruise control wouldn't work. I can see how if the cruise control cable came off the throttle cable it could catch the throttle cable and keep the throttle open.

While driving on interstate 4 (florida) lost all acceleration of Escape while driving middle lane (70 mph). I contacted the dealership and paid for it to get fixed (they said it was a battery cable) . I had two cars swerve to miss me as the car totally shut down as I was trying to get over to shoulder. I contacted Ford via email and received emails back indicating (and I have them on file) that there was no recall or notice of this kind of issue. The vehicle continues to have issues will accelerating and decelerating.

See all problems of the 2010 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Escape. The contact was accelerating from a traffic stop when the accelerator pedal became stuck. In addition, the engine began to rev rapidly as the rpms increased. The vehicle failed to decelerate until the contact shifted into neutral with the brakes applied. The vehicle was maneuvered to a safe location and the driver loosened the throttle body cable. The vehicle was able to resume normally for a brief moment. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that as the vehicle was shifted into reverse, the vehicle abnormally accelerated and crashed into the contact¿s home, a nearby fence and finally a tree. The failure ceased once the vehicle crashed into the tree. The contact sustained injuries to the face, neck and the right foot. The passenger sustained minor lacerations to the face and shoulder. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and located the failure at the cable throttle stick. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign id number 12v353000 (vehicle speed control cables) in August 2012. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and denied assistance with the repair. The failure and current mileage was 173,000.

I had to have the throttle cable replaced had it done at d patrick Ford Ford recalled 2001 thru 2004 models for same replacement. I contacted Ford and even though I purchased my 2005 in April of 2004they pretty much said sorry about your luck. I still think they should have reimbursed me for this due to it being the same issue with the same vehicle made at the same time frame the said they had not had enough complaints for it to be a recall. My daughter and grandchildren could have been seriously injured or worse. Please check this issue on 2005 Escapes [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal became stuck to the floorboard while the contact was attempting to merge onto the highway at approximately 35 mph. The accelerator pedal could not be released. The contact had to shift into neutral and coast to the shoulder of the road where the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the failure as the accelerator pedal cable being fractured. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and denied any assistance with the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 53,300.

See all problems of the 2008 Ford Escape 🔎.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal wire snapped while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The dealer was in the process of replacing the cable. The failure and the current mileage was 90,000.

Attorney for driver's family and media reports indicate that the vehicle was being driven immediately after purchase in the phoenix / mesa area along arizona state route 87 towards payson. The final approach to payson involves a prolonged upward grade, which would have required heavy accelerator use by the driver. Along the way, the driver was unable to disengage the accelerator or otherwise bring the vehicle to a safe stop. The vehicle struck other vehicles as it traversed an intersection, and rolled, ejecting the driver, who suffered fatal injuries. A subsequent inspection of the vehicle documented that the cruise control cable connector was lodged against the underside of the engine cover and that the throttle was open to 84%. The vehicle had received the accelerator cable replacement for recall 04v574 in January of 2005. (note: this record was received via telephone interview between odi investigators and counsel for the driver's family in late June of this year. It has been added to our complaint file to document the incident for an investigation opening. It will be updated as appropriate as more information is received).

While driving at normal speeds on ice-glazed winter roads in fairbanks, ak, I approached an intersection and took my foot off the accelerator to prepare to slow down. Instead of dropping to idle speeds, the engine accelerated up to 3500-4000 rpm. I shifted the automatic transmission to neutral and was able to stop the car with the brakes, but the engine continued to race at high-throttle until I shut off the engine. When I restarted the engine it behaved normally for several days; but the problem came back intermittently several times over the next several weeks; and every time, shutting off the engine was the only way to stop it. Ford's database showed my car had undergone a recall in 2005 to fix a similar problem. In January 2012, stanley Ford in kenai, ak 'supposedly' replaced the throttle cable and throttle body assembly for $572, but it didn't solve the problem. The uncontrolled acceleration occurred several more times, as before, until a second repair in February 2012 by seekins Ford in fairbanks, which replaced a pcv and tubing, and did a complete tune-up for $992. Since then, there have been no more issues with the accelerator.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the contact noticed that the accelerator pedal was detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the accelerator pedal was repaired. The failure recurred and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer where the cable was glued to the pedal. The contact no longer felt safe driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 35,643 and the current mileage was 36,830.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving or passing approximately 55 mph, the accelerator pedal jammed. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floor, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact was then able to turn the ignition off and stop the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic and they informed the contact that the cruise control cable was the cause of the failure. The cruise control cable was disconnected to remedy the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000. Updated 04/19/2012 the consumer stated the cruise control cable was disconnected after the 4th occurrence. Updated 04/30/12.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact stated when he applied pressure to the accelerator it froze and stuck in place. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and was informed the failure was due to a throttle cable becoming detached from the pedal. The failure recurred numerous times but only whenever the weather was cold. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. After starting the vehicle, the contact attempted to accelerate and noticed that the vehicle would not respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the throttle cable was replaced. The contact was still experiencing the failure. The current and failure mileages were 56,000.

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.

2nd instance in less than one year of broken accelerator pedal cable clips in 2008 Ford Escape. The defect is known and is addressed in a Ford TSB, number: TSB-09-21-9. This is an unacceptable problem that should not be repeated. The first instance occured while attempting to pass on the freeway. The failure of the clips resulted in a complete loss of power, which was only non-life threatening because the vehicle was in the right lane. Today's instance occurred in a parking lot. . . After the car was sitting. No power was exerted on the pedal at the time of breakage. This is clearly a defect warranting recall and a more permanent and suitable repair fix. As I stated, this is the second instance in less than a year, so the original part replacement solution is not effective.

On rt. 59, just south of northwest hwy (rt. 14) in barrington, my 2002 Ford Escape XLT was involved in a bizarre incident or accident. While sitting static on level road in a line of traffic with a train-crossing barrier arm keeping traffic safely waiting for the train to pass, my vehicle lurched forward in an unintended acceleration while my foot was firmly pressing on the brake petal. The engine raced at >= 4000 rpm. With continued braking action on my part with no vehicle response, the passenger-side front end of my vehicle hit the 1988 Ford f150 truck immediately in front of me. As a side note, I had the 2005 Ford recall work performed on the defective accelerator cable, with the cable replacement at packey webb Ford dealership service center in wheaton, illinois. There is a safety-hazard risk associated with the vehicle, and I refuse to drive this vehicle even if the approximately $4000. 00 damages are repaired, which I have not authorized. I am an experience computer it software/hardware professional, as well as an engineering design controls expert in the health care industry, working for a major product manufacturer (software and hardware). There is a definite safety risk associated with this vehicle make/model, and I want to report this incident to the proper agency. The insurance company, Ford dealership, and the authorized service center have done noting to identify the root cause for the vehicle malfunction on design defect; they only treat this as a loss and did not perform initial computer diagnostics prior to compromising the vehicle in their actions to appraise damages to the vehicle. I need this incident properly investigated and reported to the pubic if a safety risk is confirmed.

Important addendum to o. D. I. # 10407083: (June 16, 2011) the contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape. The contact was driving approximately 25 mph when the vehicle suddenly accelerated to higher speeds. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a barrier before rolling over. The contact sustained minor scratches. The police were called and a report was filed. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was pending investigation. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were approximately 31,000. ******** car had ongoing mechanical issues which were brought to the attention of our Ford dealer: chief complaint was the gas pedal dropping to the floor by itself-had to be manually coaxed back up to normal operating height; the dealer checked at 1st complaint, said it was at 2nd complaint of the same: they installed a new throttle cable & gas pedal. The car was in a roll over accident which totalled the car shortly after the visit to the mechanic. The car accelerated out of control by itself. Ford has 2 other passenger vehicles on recall now for a similiar problem: throttle body issues leading to runaway acceleration (free style & free star).

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. The contact was pulling into a parking space when the brakes were applied and the vehicle surged forward causing a crash. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle until it crashed into a barrier. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop. The mechanic stated that they could not confirm if the crash was caused by the accelerator cable. The vehicle was repaired for NHTSA campaign 04v574000, vehicle speed control cables on 2/7/2005; however, it has now failed. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileage was 60,000. Updated 5/2/11 updated 05/11/jb.

Accelerator pedal freezing up while driving or a stop sign/traffic light. Engine is 2. 3l, 4 cylinder with a 3-speed automatic with overdrive, front wheel drive, cruise control, power steering and a/c. The temperature was six degrees and it was snowing with five inches on the ground. Started car and the pedal would not moved, after 15 minutes of warming it up, it began to work, but kept sticking. Got to a stop sign and went to hit pedal to go; nothing, I just coasted into the intersection with cars approaching both ways. Finally, I let go and went. It did the same thing at two lights on the way home. On the way home, which is 10 miles from work, the pedal kept freezing up every time I gave it gas. The speed limit was 65 mph and the road was clear at the time. Got home and pulled the vehicle into the garage where I keep it when not being used and turned the heat on and started to work on it. I cleaned the speed control cable and accelerator at the throttle body connection point. Disconnected both and checked the throttle body and hooked it back up. I put wd-40 on the cable and it started to work like new. I put everything back together and pulled it outside to get cold again. The next morning, I started the vehicle and the pedal was frozen again. This time it was worse than before. After 5 minutes it started to work some, I put the vehicle back in the garage. I arrived home the next morning, and it would not work at all. I checked under the hood and all was ok. This time I went under the dash and sprayed some dw-40 on the pedal bracket assembly. I sprayed a long burst of wd-40 onto the cable and it started to work again. It looks like the cable is fraying on the shield. Updated 02/14/11.

Throttle cable sticks when the 2001-2004 was recalled I questioned Ford they said too bad even though I purchased the vehicle in April of 2004 it is a 2005 and they would not cover me on the recall gas pedal sticks a lot using brakes at same time when in park it won't go until you do gas and brake.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Escape. While driving 65 mph with the cruise control on as he depressed the accelerator pedal to past another vehicle there was sudden acceleration and the vehicle speed increased more than it should. He had to depress the brake pedal with extreme force in order to get to move onto the side of the road and turn the engine off. The vehicle was towed to the closest dealer and after inspection he was told that the vehicle speed control cable broke and caused the vehicle to accelerate. The vehicle speed control was disconnected; yet, the vehicle was driven to his residence. He then took the vehicle to another dealer where they replaced the cable at his expense for $160. The manufacturer was notified and also offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 107,394.

My gas pedal just stopped working while I was driving 65 mph on a highway. It was flat on the floor - I could not even feel it with my foot. Thankfully I was able to get it off the road safely since it was early in the morning with no other cars around - it could have caused a major accident. We had the car towed to the dealership, and they told us that the throttle cable had broken. They refused to cover any expense of fixing it or towing it because our warranty of 36,000 miles has expired. This is a 2008 vehicle with 67,000 miles on it - the gas pedal should not just stop working! I have reviewed other complaints and it appears that at least 4 others have filed complaints for the same problem for 2008 Ford Escapes. I am very disappointed in how Ford is handling these issues.