The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) expanded its Ford stuck throttle investigation from about 360,000 Taurus sedans to another 1.56 million Fords – now totaling about 1.92 million Fords. The investigation now includes the 2001-2006 model year Taurus and Sable cars. Hopefully, this is not like the Toyota Sudden Unintended Acceleration problem with a new leading character, although Ford has had its problems with sudden unintended acceleration allegations before (see, e.g., 1990's).
NHTSA reportedly is focused on a potential issue with a stuck throttle resulting from a cruise control cable detachment. Ford says it is cooperating with the investigation.
According to a March 12, 2012, Detroit News article, there are currently 30 complaints from Taurus owners regarding high revving engines (upwards of 4,000 RPM's) after the transmission is shifted into "Park" or Neutral". NHTSA has not yet identified any crashes or injuries, but there are anecdotes of Taurus owners being terrified; one owner's car careened through a red light at about 70 mph, prompting the owner to say: "please make Ford wake up about this problem before someone is killed."
If you own one of these Ford vehicles and you believe you have encountered a stuck throttle problem, contact NHTSA. For more information, see: http://www.nhtsa.gov
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