2000 Ford F Series: adaptive cruise control problems

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · CA · fire

Regarding the federal safety agency Recall Number 05V017000; * Component: Speed control deactivation switch. Available for inspection. * Safety Risk: Spontaneous fire occurred on 07/20/2026 at apx 1am destroying the vehicle, damaging two other vehicles, and nearly burning down our home. *Problem Reproduced: Unknown * Component Inspected: Yes, by HOI claims adjuster. * Any warning lamps/ messages?: I had been dealing with a engine light about 1 year earlier that popped up again about 3 months ago. The codes indicated "Lean bank-Right" and "Lean bank-Left". Facts: On July 20, 2026, at approximately 1:00 AM, my 1997 Ford F-150 spontaneously caught fire while parked in my garage. The vehicle had not been started for well over a week. The fire raged directly under our bedroom for over 40 minutes before the fire department was able to attempt containment, nearly burning our house to the ground. There were also two other vehicles in the garage at the time. We are currently in the early stages of a major Homeowners Insurance (HOI) restoration claim. Fortunately, the fire scene in the garage remains intact as of this date while the HOI conducts their investigations. We have learned that the likely cause is a poorly designed, defective cruise control system—a known Ford issue that has resulted in many spontaneous fires. Despite owning this vehicle since 1999, I never received notice from Ford, and was unaware of the associated manufacturer recall (the federal safety agency #05V017000).

Filed Mar 31, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 135,000 miles · CA · fire

On march 30, 2014, at approximately 3:00 p.m. (pst) my 2000 ford f-150 unexpectedly caught on fire. The truck was stationary in my driveway when suddenly black smoke and fire could be seen coming out of the driver side wheel well. The fire engulfed the driver side of the engine compartment melting all the plastic, wiring and the air intake area. The fire melted everything near the master cylinder and the cruise control housing.

Filed Feb 1, 2010 · Acceleration · 209,000 miles · AR · fire

I have a 2000 model ford f-150. My cruise control went out and maybe a month or less later I came home one night and about 30 minutes after I went into the house I heard a loud bang. When we looked out the door my truck was a ball of flames. The loud bang I had heard was the tire popping. I never received a recall notice for the cruise control switch and knew nothing about it shortly after I got the truck I had it at the dealership and they told me nothing about this recall when I asked if the truck had any. All I was told is that there was one on the parking brake.

Filed Jul 13, 2005 · Electrical · 86,000 miles · IN · fire

On june 26 2005 around 8:15 pm my 2000 ford 150 had a under hood fire that was later determined to be caused by the cruise control switch. The truck was deemed totaled by progressive the next day. I called ford and they said to call my insurance co.

Filed Nov 2, 2004 · Engine · 118,972 miles · IL

A few weeks back, I noticed a slight ticking sound. In checking into this, it was thought to be a lifter or rocker arm. Two weeks ago while traveling on a two lane highway with the cruise control set at 55 MPH, I blew the #4 plug right out of the cylinder head. The vehicle was towed to sutton ford in matteson, il, where I was quoted a price of $3668 plus tax to fix the engine. This is ludicrous! I am expected to pay this much money for a ford design issue! I can get another engine for slightly more than that! Heck, I can get a decent commuter car for that much money! In researching this issue, I have found that this is a somewhat common problem with fords triton engines. I also found an alternative method of fixing the engine which only cost me $350, of which $300 was in the cost of the tools. I cannot believe that ford will not admit to this engineering design problem and assist those of us who have loyally supported them for years. I guess if people are not dying, it is just seen as an easy way to overcharge people and make extra money via their service departments!