Critical defect in the throttle linkage/cruise controls 2000 Explorer. In two incidents involving the same conditions: 1) truck, when cruise control engaged, suddenly accellerated to speeds in excess of 90 mph, on icy and snowy interstate (January 2003), between nashiville and cincinnati, Ohio. 2) truck, when cruise control engaged, suddenly accellerated to exces of 90 mph, on dry interstate (71) between cincinnati, Ohio and columbus Ohio. In both occurrences, truck totally non-responsive to braking attempts, to the extent that drivers stood on the brakes to attempt disengagement of cruise control. All other attempts at turning off also ineffective (switches non-responsive as well). Brakes have been substantially damaged. Drivers both maintain that accelleration happened without warning and only disengagement of the transmission (neutral) ceased accelleration. The RPM of the engine continued to maintain 4,000+ RPM and only could the engine be disengaged when vehicle was steered into soft ground to be slowed. This problem is repetitive and extremely dangerous as is, but egregious when mixed with icy/snowy conditions. Ford delaership non-responsive to greater issue; attempting to shif liability on drivers and expecting repairs to be shouldered by drivers/owners. Drivers maintain good driving records and now believe this problem to be life-threatening. Drivers have also noted multiple other consumers with same exact problem and are aware of recalls involving this same type of problem in other Ford products.

- Florence, KY, USA

Consumer state while traveling with speed control on speed control would not disengage cause consumer applies force to brake to stop vehicle.

- Berthoud, CO, USA

While the consumer was driving with cruise control on at 63 mph the vehicle slowed down, the check engine light came on and the engine stalled.

- Sugar Creek, MO, USA

Speed control set at 67 mph. Would not disengage when brake tapped. Hit "off" button several times and applied heavy pressure to brake pedal. Engine raced to 4000 RPM, ABS engaged, vehicle slowed to 55 mph and speed control disengaged. Serious safety concern.

- N. Huntingdon, PA, USA

Consumer states that the cruise control would not disengage and the cruise control switch would not turn off while driving 70 mph. Vehicle at the dealer. Feel free to provide any further information. Nlm

- Austin, TX, USA

While drving at 10 mph, consumer accidently activated the resume cruise control which was previously on, and vehicle suddenly accelerated, hitting a concrete wall. Minor injuries sustained.

- Houston, TX, USA

While driving 60 mph took feet off accelerator pedal and car speeded up to about 95mph, causing loss of control. Consumer had to use both feet on the brakes to try and stop the vehicle. The engine kept running full throttle pulling the vehicle thru the braking effort. Consumer dialed 911 for help. Consumer was advised to place the vehicle in neutral to aid in the slowing of the vehicle. The engine continued to wind out at full force. The vehicles momentum pulled consumer through a red light to a smoking stop. Consumer has requested the tape as evidence.

- Green Island, NY, USA

While driving with cruise control on at 55mph, and after trying to apply brakes to remove cruise control, vehicle accelerated to 70mph on two occasions. Dealer notified and is waiting for part which is not in stock.

- Pecatonica, IL, USA

Consumer was driving with cruise control on at 60 mph and vehicle started to accelerate without command from 60 to 85 mph. Consumer applied brakes, and vehicle would not slow down. Applied on off button, but it would not work, hit emergency brake, and vehicle slowed down.

- Jackson, TN, USA

While traveling rpms went way up to number six. Applied brakes and vehicle was still going. She could stop itby turning vehicle off. Dealership was aware of problem.

- Eight Miles, AL, USA

I noticed on the NHTSA website that there are 7 complaints about stalling. The dealer told me it was the I.a.C. valve. I know of 3 other instances of this problem. The last time it happened on me was at 70mph on the interstate. The dealer stated there is no recall on this problem. But, this could become a very serious safety issue.

- Spartanburg, SC, USA

Cruise control and horn has failed possibly due to electrical problems. Also brakes take longer time for vehicle to stop.

- Detroit, MI, USA

Consumer was traveling about 65mph on highwayand without prior notice vehicle started to speed up and danced across the highway. She took feet off the gas pedal and the brake pedal, and let it slow down on it's own. There were no injuries.

- Haywood, CA, USA

While driving on a dry straight road, accelerator left off and swerved terribly and unable to control. Has happened repeatedly !!!

- York, PA, USA

While son was driving, he put vehicle into overdrive before passing an intersection. When he took foot off the accelerator to step on the brakes, vehicle accelerated out of control, crashing into another vehicle.

- Aurora, CO, USA

While pulling away from a stop vehicle was speeding out of control. After gaining control the back wheels locked up, causing vehicle to speed out of control. Please provide further informaton.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA