This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I would be driving and all of a sudden the whole vehicle would just shut down. This happened 3 or 4 times just going at 25 to 35 mph. At first, I thought it was a clogged fuel line since it would somehow reset itself after having it towed to my mechanic so I replaced the filter even though I could see nothing wrong. When it happened again on a backcountry road the mechanic said it was probably the fuel pump so I had the whole thing replaced. It happened one more time after that, I was pulling onto a major highway and had just gotten up to speed 55 mph and there was a tractor-trailer behind me when all of a sudden again everything shut down. Luckily I had enough moment built up I was able to coast to the side of the road before getting hit by the tractor-trailer. I finally looked online and found that someone had mentioned the same problem it may be the inertia switch. I called up a local dealership and had asked the parts person if the had a replacement and if he heard any problems about it. I was told it would have to be ordered because they were out of them, they had sold a few in the past months. When I explained the problem I was told oh yes we have heard about that happening but there was no recall. I explained how it could be a safety problem and was told that it must not be happening enough for it to be a recall. I recently found this site and have seen that I am not the only one who had this happen so at least I know I wasn't crazy.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Ranger. While driving, the accelerator pedal became stuck. In order to correct the failure, the vehicle was shifted into neutral as the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The dealer and manufacturer had not been contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 245,000. Consumer stated when giving vehicle fall open throttle, throttle peddle sticks and there is no control of speed. Updated 10/17/18
Engine stalled ostensibly for lack of fuel. First engine stall episode occurred while vehicle was turning leftward into driveway at about 2 mph and at approx 5 degree angle of inclination. Vehicle was towed from where it came to rest to repair shop where diagnosis was fuel pump failure resulting in replacement of the fuel pump (Ford oem part.) vehicle performed reliably thereafter for a period of approx 39 months without stalling. Second episode occurred after vehicle shut off and resting on flat driveway surface overnight. The following morning engine cranked but would not fire or start. Again towed to different repair shop where diagnosis was again fuel pump failure however upon attempt to restart following pump replacement, engine would not fire or start. Troubleshooting revealed fuel inertia switch required reset after which engine started, system tested ok and vehicle performed seemingly properly for next 10 days. Most recent (3rd) stalling episode occurred at traffic control light in heavy traffic immediately upon acceleration from full stop on level surface and attempting to travel directly forward with no turn of the wheel. Following removal from roadway, engine could not be restarted until after fuel inertia switch was reset. Vehicle then ran under its own power additional 2 miles to home where it remains pending further troubleshooting and repair.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Ranger. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stopped in the middle of traffic without warning. The vehicle was coasted to the contact's residence and the contact replaced the fuel filter. The failure recurred and the contact replaced the fuel pump. The failure recurred a third time and the vehicle was taken to an unknown independent mechanic who diagnosed and replaced the inertia switch. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was not provided.
Ford Ranger 2005 4 cylinder fuel cutoff safety switch cuts off without warning, first time in 2012 while out of state, traveling on the interstate at 70 mph, tried to pull over, but not much of a road shoulder. I had it towed 11 miles to an unfamiliar garage that, replaced the switch for $360. In 2015 switch failed, towed to a local garage and repaired. I believe they reset the safety switch and charged $70 dollars. Researched the problem and discovered hundreds of complaints, found out the switch is probably defective and can be reset. I cannot start my vehicle more than three times without resetting the switch. The Ford dealer wanted to replace my fuel pump for $850. I doubt that is the proper fix. This situation is extremely aggravating and quite dangerous. I don't know why Ford is turning away from this problem other than the number of owners that have this problem. Someone is going to get hurt. I love my truck, I hate the inconvenience. There are other models experiencing this same problem. The cutoff can occur at any time, while in motion or standing still.
- Fort Pierce, FL, USA
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The gas accident cut off switch cut out randomly during driving on a smooth flat road at highway speed as well as around town at slower speed. A less experienced driver could have had a deadly. Accident. I reset it several times and had to replace it. Ford should have had a re-call on this very dangerous problem. I have the old switch if it is needed.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that he was at a stop light when the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the fuel pump needed O be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of failure. The failure mileage was 26,400.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine what caused the failure. The contact had a mechanic look at the vehicle and it was determined that the switch that sent fuel to the engine had a short and caused the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000 and the current mileage was 60,000.
As a passenger entered my truck, their foot hit the inertia switch killing the fuel system. This has now happened approximately 15 times, 3 of which no passenger was even in the truck. This switch is placed in a commonly kicked area and once tripped the first time it becomes extremely sensitive to vibration. One time it cut off while I was idling in line at a drive-thru. It should be recalled and relocated.
Vehicle engines shuts off while at highway speed. Has happened between 20 to 30 times over the life if the vehicle. Has had 4 inertia switches installed. Ford has claimed " intermittent problems are not our problem." Multiple Ford dealerships have also said that it doesn't "throw a code" and is therefore not in need if being fixed just "a quirky vehicle." I've also been told the only way to permanently fix the problem is to buy a new truck.
Multiple shut offs from the inertia switch has been going on for 2+ years after driving for 30-40 mins truck will just shut down while driving has happened on the interstate, driving around town or sitting at stop light. Ended up melting the connection. Have replaced.
While turning a corner the truck just shut off and died. Had to push it over two lanes and into a parking lot only to find out the fuel pump inertia switch was popped. Reset it and the truck started for a few minutes but when I went to drive off it died again. Rechecked the inertia switch and this time it was not popped. Pulled the connector off of the switch and jumped the connector and the truck ran fine all the way home. This is not the first time this switch has given me trouble. About six months ago it did the same thing but thought it was the fuel pump and replaced a $400 fuel pump only to find out later that the fuel pump inertia switch had popped. This switch seems to pop in some odd and bad locations with no apparent reason. No bumps in the road, no hard braking, or hard acceleration etc. This time when I pulled the switch I found the connector slightly melted and realized that there was a loose connection in the switch itself. Had to order a switch kit which relocates it into the fuse panel kick plate of the truck. Ford should recall this as it is a good way to cause and accident if the truck was going high speed and all the sudden stalls and you loose all power steering and brakes etc. Could get someone killed. Thankfully I caught mine because I am a mechanic and know a lot about Ford.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- West Lawn, PA, USA