Eight problems related to car accelerates on its own have been reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer eddie bauer edition. The contact stated that while accelerating from a driving traffic stop, the engine growled loudly as the vehicle abnormally accelerated rapidly. The brakes were engaged and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact was able to resume as normal. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis but they were unable to locate a defect. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while sitting in a drive-thru with the brakes engaged, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and there was an increase in engine rpms. The contact stated that he attempted to hold the brakes but the vehicle would not stop. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 190,000.
The contact stated when attempting to stop at a stop sign the vehicle suddenly accelerated and it went through the stop sign and then came to a stop when placed into neutral. The vehicle accelerated suddenly two more times before the contact was able to take vehicle to the dealership. It occurred while at a complete stop. Again the brakes would not hold and the vehicle was placed into neutral to get it to stop. The vehicle is currently at the dealer for diagnostic testing, which has not been completed at this time. Updated 12/27/2005 - when the vehicle was started cold it would not stay on and idled erratically. The dealer informed the consumer that the acceleration problem and idle problem were due to a faulty throttle sensor. The dealer replaced the throttle valve assembly but that did not correct the problem.
Vehicle accelerated suddenly and unexpectedly while speed control was activated. Driver had to shut vehicle off to stop. Dealer has been notified. There is a recall (00v422) regarding the problem the vehicle is experiencing.
Vehicle began to accelerate rapidly and could not be controlled by driver. The gas pedal was not being pressed. The only way the car could be controlled was by turning the engine off and coasting to the side. This was a very scary incident and could have caused a crash and fatalities.
While sitting at a light vehicle suddenly accelerated with brakes being applied, and without driver stepping on the accelerator. Dealer has been contacted.
While driving the vehicle has sudden accelerations. Sometimes when this happens when applying the brakes the vehicle will still acclerate. One time, the only time, the vehicle will stop is shutting the vehicle off. There was a recall on the throttle 97v-07 000. Dealer says that there has not been any complaint on this vehicle. Ford replaced vehcle.
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration resulting in a vehicle collision.