Four problems related to accelerator pedal have been reported for the 1997 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Unintended accelleration. Within the last 12 months, on approximately 6 occasions, the vehicle would suddenly accelerate when braking to a stop. The vehicle would be placed immediately into neutral and the idle speed would return to normal. This was not caused by floormats or inadvertant pressing of the gas pedal.
Upon accelaration to 35mph, the gas pedal voluntarily dropped towards the floorboard. The tachometer was redlining with the brakes engaged, at this point the car was traveling at appox. 50mph. When the gear lever was moved into neutral the car continued to rev at 7000 rmp's until the key was shut off. Upon restarting the vehicle it began to rev at redling rpm's once again. From that point it was towed to the dealership.
Intermittently sudden acceleration occurred while driving or braking. This resulted in a rear end collision. Also, while the mechanic was test driving the vehicle, sudden acceleration occurred, which resulted in front bumper damage. Mechanic replaced several components, but the problem still occurred. Dealership was contacted and performed a eec test, in which ,the dtc code was pu1143, bad purge fuel. Intake air hose was loose. Dealership tightened the clamp, and a sensor was replaced. Sudden acceleration occurred 3 times after the dealership serviced the vehicle.
Consumer complained about transmission axle slippage and defective brake problems. Vehicle vibrated when accelerating. Consumer had the vehicle inspected by a private mechanic.