The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 mph on a steep uphill grade, the bracket that supported the gas pedal suddenly broke away from the firewall and the bracket and gas pedal slid into the floor board and under the seat. The vehicle was backed down the hill in neutral and maneuvered to the side of the road in light oncoming traffic. Assistance was summoned and upon inspection the gas pedal was found with the bracket that attached to the firewall in a new like condition, except where three spot welds attached to the gas pedal bracket to the firewall had broken away. The vehicle was rigged to a running condition to travel approximately two miles or less to the owners residence where a more reliable repair was made. The repair was over seen by a licensed a&P mechanic. The manufacturer was notified by the owner of the weld failure. The approximate mileage was well over 100,00 and is currently back in service. Updated 06/18/13

- Onedia , TN, USA

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.

- Lake Elsinore, CA, USA

- 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 -

- Trevose, PA, USA

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.

- Utica, NY, USA

Accelerator pedal and bracket fell off while driving on highway. Gas cable was pulled to idle car off road. The pedal was bolted back on by auto body shop but is not guaranteed to hold.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

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

- West Harwich, MA, USA

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.

- Arlington, MA, USA

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).

- Arlington, MA, USA

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

- Sterling, VA, USA

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.

- Ontario, CA, USA

Vehicle accelerated at an unsafe speed.

- Bedford, NH, USA

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.

- Vista, CA, USA

Consumer states while driving and without warning the accelerator pedal will stick upon acceleration, dealer has been notified and has replaced pedal.

- Cahokia, IL, USA

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.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

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

- Lenoir, TN, USA

Accelerator throttle would stick when pedal is pressed. Problem only happens when at a stop light or sign, and then leaving. Have been to dealer, and mechanic indicated that throttle cable was causing the problem, and needed to be replaced.

- Hallsville, MO, USA

While driving pressed on gas pedal to accelerate, and vehicle would die. When car was in park it did not cut off. But, soon as consumer pressed gas pedal it shut off.

- Steeleville, IL, USA

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

- Marlton, NJ, USA

Accelerator pedal had stuck while driving. This increased speed of vehicle while going 60mph. Was trying stop vehicle by stepping on brakes. But, vehicle hit a building, tires were still spinning after impact. Air bags failed to deploy.

- Ellicott City, MD, USA

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

- Waxhaw, NC, USA