NHTSA Complaint #10229008 — 2002 FORD EXPLORER

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND ACCELERATING TO 60 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY ROARED AND BEGAN RACING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED OTHER VEHICLES TO SWERVE AROUND HER TO AVOID CRASHING. SHE ACTIVATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD. SHE ATTEMPTED TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT EVEN WITH THE KEYS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE STILL RACED FOR APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER 30 SECONDS UNTIL IT FINALLY STOPPED. THE CONTACT GRABBED HER CHILDREN, EXITED THE VEHICLE, AND WAITED FOR SOMEONE TO COME PICK HER UP. SHE LATER CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HER HOUSE. THE VEHICLE REMAINS AT HER RESIDENCE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 51,761. UPDATE 06/10/08 *BF