The problem
Vehicle description: certain 1997-1999 rhd explorer equipped with 4.0l ohv/sohc engines and cruise control built from May 29, 1996 through March 4, 1999; 1998-1999 explorer/mountaineers equipped with 4.0l ohv/sohc or 5.0l engines or 1998-1999 rangers equipped with 2.5l, 3.0l ffv/efi or 4.0l engines and cruise control built from January 5, 1998 through March 4, 1999; 1998-1999 mustangs equipped with 3.8l, 4.6l 2-valve or 4-valve engines and cruise control built from March 2, 1998 through March 4, 1999; 1999 f250/f350/f450/f550 (over 8,500 lbs.) trucks equipped with 5.4l or 6.8l engines and cruise control built from March 2, 1998 through March 4, 1999; and 1999 f-53 stripped chassis equipped with 5.4l or 6.8l engines and cruise control built from March 2, 1998 through March 4, 1999. A cruise control cable can interfere with the speed control servo pulley and not allow the throttle to return to idle when disengaging the cruise control.
The risk
If the cruise control is used and this condition is present, a stuck throttle could result, which could potentially result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the cruise control cables. At the present time, the replacement cables are not available. Customers are being advised not to use the cruise control system until a replacement can be made.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 99V062001 (99V062001) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 99S09 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Vehicle speed control |
| Report date | March 30, 1999 |
| Owners notified | March 27, 1999 |
| Vehicles affected | 898,739 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the speed control & acceleration
- 1997 Ford Explorer acceleration problems 202
- 1998 Ford Explorer acceleration problems 281
- 1999 Ford Explorer acceleration problems 148
- 1999 Ford F-250 acceleration problems 32
- 1999 Ford F-350 acceleration problems 15
- 1999 Ford F-550 SD acceleration problems 2
- 1999 Ford F53 acceleration problems 1
- 1998 Ford Mustang acceleration problems 21
- 1999 Ford Mustang acceleration problems 29
- 1998 Ford Ranger acceleration problems 71
- 1999 Ford Ranger acceleration problems 54
- 1998 Mercury Mountaineer acceleration problems 36
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 99V062001 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the cruise control cables. At the present time, the replacement cables are not available. Customers are being advised not to use the cruise control system until a replacement can be made.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 898,739 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.