2002 Ford Expedition: jerking or lurching

Filed Dec 1, 2008 · Engine · TX

On three separate occasions, my 2002 ford expedition has blown a spark plug. This is a well documented, albeit unacknowledged by ford, issue with the triton engines. Each time, I incurred the direct cost of an independent mechanic correcting the issue using after market repair kits. Websites such as consumeraffairs.com are replete with others encountering the same problems. Why ford has not been forced to recall and fix these vehicles is beyond me. There is a very real danger with the blown spark plug igniting vapors and starting an engine fire. Each time the spark plug blew, it was while the car was in motion, causing rapid deceleration and jerking of the car. I am using the second date of incident for purposes of this report. The most recent occurrence happened on sunday, nov 30, 2008.

Filed Dec 27, 2005 · Engine · 63,000 miles · FL

Dt: the contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH heard a loud boom. The vehicle sputtered and jerked. He pulled the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, where they found the problem to be a blown out spark plug. No repairs were made.

Filed Nov 10, 2004 · Fuel system · 48,000 miles · NC

My 2002 expedition 4.6 has for the past year stalled out on an incline with 1/4 tank of gas. It will also revved up and lurch forward when restarted, even while standing on brakes. The dealership has replaced many things and has no reason why it does this. I have had enough. This is a 2002 automobile and the 21st century, this shoudl not be happening to a new car. A dealership should not be unable to correct this problem. Ford needs to find the problem and issue a recall, before a lawsuit ensues.

Filed Dec 12, 2003 · Acceleration · 27,165 miles · CA

We purchased our 2002 5.4l expedition on october 13,2001. On approximately 5 occasions, we have been at a stop with the brake pedal depressed. The engine suddenly accelerated, causing the vehicle to lurch forward requiring you to apply additional pressure to the brake pedal to avoid collision or further unwanted movement of the vehicle. It is very stressful to drive, thinking that it will happen again. We have brought this problem to the attention of our dealer several times. They cannot detect the problem and indicated that there were no similar complaints on file. The last incident occurred on on dec. 4, 2003. After contacting the customer service department at ford motor company, we requested that the dealer install a flight recorder. I we fear for the safety of ourselves, of our children, and of others. To further aggravate the situation, service staff from our ford dealer have suggested that it is driver error (suggesting that we are applying pressure to the brake and gas pedal simultaneously. We are certain this is not the case). Please let us know of your findings and any additional steps to take. Thank you.

Filed Dec 1, 2003 · Acceleration · 24,980 miles · AR

Suv will suddenly idles at a very low speed - mostly when coming to a stop or yield. The brakes are applied with much force in effort to keep vehicle from lurching forward into the rear end of another vehicle. Vehicle's engine will then 'die' and I will have to put it in neutral or park to restart. Does not matter what the temperature is. The vehicle does the spiradically about once a week. I'm afraid this will cause an accident in which my 5 year old is precious cargo - daily.

Filed Oct 22, 2003 · Acceleration · 30,000 miles · AR

While at a complete stop with foot on brake, engine "revs" and lurches forward. This has happened 5 times over the past 2 years. No accidents have occurred. Took vehicle to shop after the 4th time but they found nothing.

Filed Jun 2, 2003 · Acceleration · TX

While at a busy intersection, the vehicle engine revved and lurched forward requiring extra brake pressure to avoid collision. The rpms were over 1500 at a stop. This is the second incident and the dealer has been contacted.

Filed May 21, 2003 · Acceleration · 7,850 miles · CA

While at a stop vehicle revs up and lurches forward even though you have your foot on the brake. Also while driving the tachometer revs up for about a minute then goes back to normal.

Filed May 1, 2003 · Acceleration, Engine · 21,500 miles · CA

On several separate occasions the engine has revved upon depression or release of the brakes. This causes the vehicle to lurch forward unexpectedly. The radio also becomes louder as if the speed sensitive volume is affected as well. I have notified the dealer but as they have been unable to duplicate the problem, they have not responded. Please help as I fear that this will eventually cause an accident.

Filed Jul 15, 2002 · Acceleration, Electrical · OK

Dealer said the ingnition switch sticking between start and run was the cause of many problems but the safety issue is that the vehicle suddenly lurched when at a stop. Engine raced and much pressure was required on the brake to restop vehicle. If there had been a stopped vehicle in front of me - I would have struck it.