I purchased a 2001 Ford Focus on my way to work while pulling into my parking space the car accelerated unexpectedly then the brakes did not work. I then pulled on the emergency brakes which did not work to immediately stop the car. I crashed head on into the car in front of the parking space. Also, upon impact the airbags did not inflate. The car was supposedly to have front and side impact airbags and one in the steering when and nothing happened. My chest went straight into the steering wheel so hard there was a circular imprint around my chest and stomach. After people came to see about me one man asked if my car was off. I said yes and he pointed out the car still looked like it was trying to accelerate. The wheels were spinning full force. I took the car back to the dealership I only had it for 3 days and nothing was done to correct the failure. The owner of the dealership said since the car was in a wreck it was worthless to him and there was nothing he could do. He even threatened that he would call the police if my family and myself did not leave.

- Ellenwood, GA, USA

No event led to this failure. I was driving on the freeway when my accelerator cable broke. Luckily, I was in a lane that allowed me to coast to the shoulder; however, a defect such as this is a safety concern. This could have caused me to get into a car accident.

- Canton, MI, USA

While driving vehicle hesitated to accelerate when pressing the acceleration pedal. The cause of this was undetermined.

- Chicago, IL, USA

I am writing to you in regard to a host of problems I am currently experiencing with my 2001 Ford Focus ZX3.these problems include, but are not limited to: (1) gears not shifting properly and signs of locking up during driving -- and brake grinding sounds; (2) continuous "flickering" of headlights and dashboard panel lights; (3) air conditioning and heating systems not functioning properly; (4) large pond of water (during heavy rains) in floor on front passenger side; (5) problems with fuel module and fuel monitor; and (6) transmission failure in progress. transmission failure in progress -- ECM codes erased by dealership -- fuel monitor and bad running condition very evident. he further stated the fluid is burnt very badly, he cannot service the transmission at this point and that this vehicle is going to go downhill from here. In other words, the 2001 Focus that I purchased from Town & Country Ford, Inc. Only nine months ago is not drivable and it will cost at least $2,000 to replace the transmission. This is clearly a defect. It has to be! I cannot afford to repair this vehicle and make payments on it at the same time.

- Gastonia, NC, USA

While in motion consumer's foot slipped from gas pedal. Consumer tried to put foot back on the pedal, but there was no pedal. Consumer was able to move vehicle to the side of the road. C0nsumer had vehicle towed, and it was stated theat cable to gas pedal broke.....

- Fairfield, CA, USA

Accelerator got stuck, and the vehicle started to speed up which caused an accident. Contacted dealer.

- Westlinn, OR, USA

Accelerator pedal would stick intermittently while driving. Dealer was not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Vancover, WA, USA

Was traveling uphill at 30mph and was depressing accelerator pedal, which went to the floor. Vehicle started to drift backwards. Parked vehicle and had it towed next day. Mechanic indicated accelerator cable had broken. It went to the motor, had separated completely.

- Frankfurt, MI, USA

The cable that connects gas pedal to the engine broke off, I was driving up a hill and had no gas pedal. I called some Ford dealers but they nad never heard of this. I am worried someone might have a very bad accident because of this. I was lucky no one was behind me when it happened.

- Frankfort, MI, USA

Something caused gas pedal to stick to floor and rapidly increase speed resulting in loss of control of vehicle resulting in crash.

- Kannapolis, NC, USA

While driving 70 mph gas pedal fell to floor. Consumer had no control over accelerator, there was a sound like an explosion in gas line. Dealer stated egr valve needed replacement. Also, numerous times before when driving between 30 - 40 mph engine sounded like it was accelerating, but speed stayed the same. To dealer 5 times, could not remedy problem.

- Algood, TN, USA

When parked ifo a house, was listening to stereo, shut off stereo and looked down and noticed gas pedal on the floor. Went down to look and the cable had gone thru the eyelet, indicating to me that there was a break in the pedal cable. The sheathing was pulled back and cable pulled out freely and was frayed at the end of appx. 18" from the throttle body. The config on this design is very poor; the cable has two 90 degree turns in it above the radiator and the 90 degree turn closest to the throttle body is where the cable is frayed and snapped apart.

- Guinda, CA, USA