Accelerator Pedal problems of the 1997 Ford Explorer

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. While driving 35 mph, the accelerator pedal assembly fractured from the firewall and caused the vehicle to become stuck in the open throttle position and accelerate. The assembly fell behind the brake pedal and the contact was unable to stop the vehicle when the brakes were depressed. The contact was able to gain control of the vehicle and drive home without incident. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted; however, neither were willing to provide any assistance. The failure and current mileage was 154,000.

- the contact was driving at 5 mph under dry conditions when the accelerator pedal became detached. The contact saw that three links failed. The contact found that there was service bulletin 616531 for this failure. Updated 1/29/2007 -.

Consumer stated when brakes were applied vehicle accelerated. As a result, consumer's vehicle rear ended another vehicle.

While pulling out into traffic, accelerator pedal broke away from the firewall. Was able to roll over to shoulder. I was able to reach under the dash and pulled on the pedal to drive. Apparently the welds (3) failed (tore out). I repaired it by drilling out holes and screwing the bracket back to the firewall.

Vehicle accelerated at an unsafe speed.

Safety complaint involving a stuck accelerator on a 97 Ford Explorer. The incident occurred on a county road, while traveling a 50 mph, when a attempt was made to slow down the vehicle as it approached an intersection. After several attempts to apply brakes failed, I was able to maneuver the vehicle to the right shoulder and stop it by switching off the engine. Searching to find the source of the problem, I reached for the accelerator pedal, which was loose and subsequently dangled in my hand. The vehicle was towed to north county Ford, vista CA. , where it was revealed that"broken accelerator bracket welds" were the source of the problem. The car was then repaired at a cost of $132. 89. On Monday may 12 and again on Tuesday may 13, I called Ford motor CO. Consumer service (800) 392-3673, to report what I believe is a safety defect in the vehicle and to request a reimbursement for the repair. I was told by the Ford representatives that the "incident" would be reported to their engineering division, but since there were not any recalls on cases such as this, they would not cover the cost of repair. I certainly take exceptional to their finding and expressed my disagreement. Therefore, I request your agency to look into this incident as I feel there is a potential hazard to public safety and to help determine whether or not I am due reimbursement for the cost of the repair of this defect.

The accelerator pedal welds broke and the pedal shifted under the brake pedal while cruising at 55/60 on highway. When I approached a red light I couldn't apply the brake enough to stop the vehicle. Luckily I was n the right lane and was able to get off the road, release the brake and kick the gas pedal out from under the brake pedal and stop and avoid an accident with the car in front of me. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis***762252.

Accelerator pedal felt loose, pulled over and examined. The bracket on which the pedal was mounted had completely broken out from the firewall of the vehicle. Upon examination, the braket had been attached with three spot welds.

Gas pedal detached from the firewall, consumer lost use of accelerator. Could have been an accident because consumer was on a main highway.

I have to push extra hard on the pedal to accelerate because it feels stuck. When and when the pedal finally gets loose, the car accelerates abrubtly.

While driving andcrossing lanes had to step on accelerator pedal. It got stuck, and vehicle suddenly accelerated, hitting another vehicle.

The bracket which attatches the gas pedal to the firewall of the vehicle sheared off while driving the vehicle. It was attatched by 3 small spot welds which I feel is insufficient to hold this bracket in place.

While driving 65mph gas pedal snapped off, all three welds holding gas pedal snapped.

Gas pedal sticks intermittantly,.

After vehicle is turned on has to tap or pump gas pedal so that engine will not turn off, and could move without a problem.

While driving accelerator pedal fell off . Dealer will be notified.

Consumer was traveling about 65mph on highway, and pedal bar that was welded to throttle pedal, metal part came completely off. Dealership bolted back on, there were no injuries.

While traveling on the road throttle pedal got stuck to the floor. Vehicle flipped over and landed between two telephone poles. Vehicle was towed to repair shop to release the pedal.

The throttle body design on 1997 and 1998 Ford Explorers with the 4. 0 litre sohc engine sticks or binds in a closed position after the vehicle has been parked with the engine off. When the accelerator is depressed, the bind will result in no gas to the engine. Then the binding stops and the car lurches forward often at speeds high enough to chirp the tires. This can be a dangerious situation in traffic.

Upon touching gas pedal vehicle suddenly acceleratred, causing a collision. Driver sustained minor injuries, and vehicle was totaled. Manufacturer will be notified.

Vehicle suddendly slowed down and would not move. Upon checking the SUV, driving noticed that the accelerator pedal had fallen off and was hanging on by a string. The dealer has been notified about the problem. Dealer not willing to correct free of charge.

Brakes did not stop vehicle after gas pedal stuck. Vehicle went down an enbankment, and driver sustained some minor injuries.

Consumer was trying to accelerate when gas pedal got stuck, did not move, causing acceleration. This is a intermittent problem. Dealer cannot duplicate problem.

While driving vehicle at 70 mph the gas pedal broke, causing owner not to have control over vehicle. Dealer noted that shoulder bolt which holds gas pedal in place broke. Consumer stated the shoulder bolt did break the shoulder bolt is threaded, due to the pedal action, shoulder bolt worked loose allowing the gas pedal assembly to fall to the floor causing consumer not to have control over vehicle.

Whenever accelerator pedal is pressed down, it would stick. Would have to press hard for it to catch. Took to dealer & mechanic could not locate problem. Its an intermittent problem. Been to dealer at least 4 times.

The gas pedal sticks and will not move unless driver slams on the pedal very hard. This happens mostly after the vehicle has come to a stop. The problem has not been corrected.

Sometimes when turning a corner gas pedal will get stuck. Only way to get it back up is to bang on it or turn off vehicle. Consumer feels this is very unsafe. It seems to happen every 6 weeks. It occurs both on driving straight and turning corners, as well as at high and low speeds. .

Every once in the while the gas pedal will stick, causing the vehicle to accelerate. Vehicle was involved in an accident on April 5, 1997 because of problem. Vehicle has been to dealership (3) times; 12/96, 1/97, and 4/ 97. Dealer changed throttle body, but problem still exists.

While driving the vehicle took off and the throttle stuck and went to the floor, even when foot is on the brakes. The problem happened again.

The throttle is sticking in the closed position. Consumer must press hard on pedal in order for it to unstick which then causes the vehicle to lunge forward.

While traveling and when depressing gas pedal it was stuck ,causing vehicle not to gain any speed. Please provide further information.

Gas pedal gets stuck, will not go down , consumer has to keep stepping on pedal when suddenly pedal will go down, causing vehicle to surge forward, almost resulting in an accident.