2003 Ford Focus: sudden unintended acceleration

Filed Apr 18, 2008 · Acceleration · 35,000 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford focus. When the contact placed her vehicle into park, turned it off, and then started it up again, the vehicle surged forward. The contact stated that if it is in drive, the vehicle would surge forward. In addition, the air bags failed to deploy. If the vehicle is in reverse, it would surge backward. The contact only notified the insurance company. A crash occurred and an occupant was injured. The manufacturer has not been notified. The contact stated that the air bags also failed to deploy. The current mileage was 36,600 and failure mileage was 35,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2008 · Acceleration · 8,000 miles · CT · crash · 2 injuries

Car had sudden acceleration that was almost uncontrollable--aug 2004 causing crash with 1 injury & car accelerated uncontrollably in reverse causing crash with damage to house...both accidents could have been fatal..owner was accused of careless driving but was not at fault either time.

Filed Aug 26, 2005 · Acceleration, Transmission · 3,000 miles · TX

Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration. While approaching a stop sign driver began to slow down, applied the brakes, and vehicle suddenly surged forward. Driver had both feet on the brakes. Driver has to turn off the engine to get the vehicle to slow down to a stop. *ak the vehicle also jerked went the consumer reached speeds of 55 MPH and higher.

Filed Mar 8, 2005 · Acceleration, Brakes · IL

While driving vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. Driver applied the brakes, and the pedal went to the floor. Driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the problem could not be duplicated. *ak the dealer told the consumer that the brakes are not the problem.

Filed Nov 30, 2004 · Acceleration, Brakes · 6,980 miles · NJ

The temperature had become colder and the accelerator would not depress without force. The problem would occur whenever the vehicle sat overnight or for several hours. The consumer would depress the accelerator until it would move downwards. The vehicle would lunge forward. It would take 4-5 depressions until the accelerator would move downward. Other problems were the brakes squealing and the vehicle suffered from not starting at times, either the panel lights would engage or the starter would grind. *ak

Filed Sep 13, 2004 · Acceleration, Transmission · 19,000 miles · UT

Consumer can shift gears without pushing the shift release button. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak on several occasions, the consumer accidentally shifted into neutral when driving and at highway speeds. On another occasion when the vehicle was shifted from neutral to drive without knowledge of having done so until the vehicle suddenly lunged forward.

Filed Apr 8, 2004 · Acceleration · 8,000 miles · NY

Consumer complained about unexpected acceleration. Consumer stated vehicle rumbled as it accelerated. When the brakes were applied vehicle would not stop. Vehicle began to surge forward. Driver put the vehicle in park so that it would come to a stop. Vehicle was towed to the dealer. However, dealer stated there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. *ak consumer brought vehicle to another dealer for a second opinion, and was told that nothing was wrong with the vehicle.