Traverse City Record-Eagle

Business

March 13, 2012

Feds probe accelerator in some Ford Tauruses

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Associated Press

DETROIT — Federal safety regulators are investigating complaints that accelerators can stick in Ford Tauruses from model years 2005 and 2006.

The investigation covers an estimated 360,000 of the sedans. The probe could lead to a recall, but so far none has been ordered by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a federal safety agency. The investigation does not include a nearly identical car, the Mercury Sable.

NHTSA said on its website that 14 people have complained about the problem. No crashes or injuries have been reported. Drivers have reported that it was hard to stop the car with brakes. Several said they had to shut off the engine or shift into neutral to stop.

The agency said the cruise control cable may become detached and hold the throttle open.

Customers with concerns about their cars can call Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Text Only