16 problems related to speed control linkage have been reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1997 Ford Explorer limited. While driving gas pedal assembly broke off from firewall. Unable to accelerate. Had to reach under dash to grasp throttle linkage to get off road. (thankful my wife wasn't driving at the time).
Consumer states while driving the accelerator pedel sticks causing the vehicle to surge forward. Ph.
The throttle cable on our Explorer snapped when the car was being put on cruise control; the car accelerated to 75 mph. Our 19 yr. Old daughter put both feet on the brakes but could only get the car down to 55 mph. She was weaving in and out of traffic on the dulles access rd but was able to grab her cell phone and call 911. They asked her if she could get over to the right side of the road (which she managed to do) and told her to put the car in neutral. She followed their instructions and was able to roll to a stop without hitting any one or anything. . . A miracle. No one was injured. The car suffered $3500 worth of damage. Ford has said that they are not responsible for this.
While driving the car accellerated out of control. My brakes & other componants broke in my attempts to stop. Luckily I did not crash, flip or run someone over as it took several miles to stop. I was towed to freedom Ford in beacon, NY where they found that the Ford air filter broke and wedged the accelerator linkage causing the car to go out of control. I incurred brake damage, towing, travel expenses, and subsequent throddle repairs done at pleasantville Ford in pleasantville, NY.
While driving took foot off accelerator to slow down and car started to accelerate, then once gas pedal got stuck. Consumer had to manually pull it back up.
While in a parking lot space vehicle suddenly accelerated without a prior warning, lost control and stroke a bulding.
Light switch assembly on t cruise control on the steering column has failed twice in less than 12 months. Do not believe this should be happening & could cause problem when driving at night trying to figure out which switch to use. -- (tiresize: 235/75r15)( dot number: tire size: 235/75r15 ).
Sudden acceleration when engine is cold. Vehicle been in dealer shop on two occasions, and unable to locate the problem.
Consumer contacted the dealer regarding recall NHTSA 99v074000/manufacturer's recall 98r03, throttle linkages and control. Dealer refused to replace parts. Dealer stated that vehicle would need to be inspected to determine if parts needed to be replaced. Owner took vehicle to another dealer to have repairs done.
Vehicle experiences sudden acceleration. Mehicanic is having a hard time trying to get part in because Ford is redesigning the part.
Throttle body was sticking and defective, consumer having problem with getting part from dealer bacause of back orders.
Accelerator sticks and causes unintended acceleration due to a dirty throttle assembly.
The vehicle accelerated on its own because the accelerator linkage was frozen. Yh.
While driving 70 mph with the cruise control on, the vehicle increased its speed to 85 mph and would not decrease speed, until after having to press brakes for several seconds. Please describe details.
Consumer contacted the dealer regarding recallnumber 97v074000/mfr recall 98r03 regarding throttle linkages and control. Dealer stated parts did not need replacing.
Accelerator stuck, causing sudden acceleration. (attorney of client).