Ford F-250 Vehicle Speed Control Problems
Owners have filed 182 complaints with NHTSA about vehicle speed control problems on the Ford F-250 across 20 model years. The 1999 model year has the most (32). The words owners use most often: “cruise control” (28% of reports).
- 182vehicle speed control complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 11mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- 59%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Cruise control: mentioned in 51 of 182 complaints (28%)
- Caught fire: mentioned in 19 of 182 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do vehicle speed control problems happen?
Based on 106 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 182 complaints, 11 mention a crash, 47 a fire, 3 an injury.
Ford F-250 vehicle speed control complaints by model year
| Model year | Vehicle Speed Control complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 F-250 | 3 | 2% | 94,727 |
| 2013 F-250 | 3 | 3% | 95,000 |
| 2012 F-250 | 3 | 1% | 35,225 |
| 2011 F-250 | 6 | 2% | 28,229 |
| 2010 F-250 | 3 | 4% | 60,000 |
| 2009 F-250 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2008 F-250 | 8 | 4% | 51,500 |
| 2007 F-250 | 4 | 7% | 1,400 |
| 2006 F-250 | 8 | 4% | 52,500 |
| 2005 F-250 | 1 | 1% | 66,817 |
| 2004 F-250 | 19 | 12% | 5,100 |
| 2003 F-250 | 8 | 7% | 138,596 |
| 2002 F-250 | 12 | 8% | 86,734 |
| 2001 F-250 | 23 | 10% | 93,000 |
| 2000 F-250 | 8 | 2% | 196,000 |
| 1999 F-250 | 32 | 6% | 93,000 |
| 1998 F-250 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 1997 F-250 | 15 | 5% | 120,000 |
| 1996 F-250 | 16 | 9% | 164,000 |
| 1995 F-250 | 7 | 4% | 115,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Vehicle speed control
Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Problem: On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
Risk: Overheating could result in smoke or burn and an underhood fire.
Fix: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on august 7, 2006. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332. (note: also see recalls 05v017 and 05v388)
Vehicle speed control
Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
Risk: A fire at the switch could occur.
Fix: By letter dated september 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. Owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to reconnect the speed control beginning in february 2006. Owners who did not have their speed control deactivated are being notified to have their system remedied beginning in february 2006. Owners are urged to avail themselves of the free disconnect service as soon as possible because of the significant risk of fire. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. (note: also see recalls 05v017 and 06v286)
Vehicle speed control
Model years: 1999
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.
Risk: If the cruise control is used and this condition is present, a stuck throttle could result, which could potentially result in a crash.
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.
Vehicle speed control:cables
Model years: 1999
Problem: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. A speed control cable may not have fully seated into the accelerator bracket at time of installation. If the cable is not fully seated into this bracket, the cable could separate from the bracket.
Risk: A loose cable can result in the throttle not fully returning to idle and cause an increase in stopping distance.
Fix: Dealers will add a retaining clip to the speed control cable fitting at the accelerator bracket.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 1994 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while renewing the registration, the contact was informed of an open, unrepaired recall associated with the VIN. The unrepaired open recall was NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V399000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The vehicle was taken to the dealer…
Clock spring frayed and uncoiled. Unknown steering issue till clockspring checked. Airbag inflator is unoperational. Current clockspring recall for Ford does not cover this vehicle. Widen your recall. Most owners would believe it to be a power steering issue with pump and fluid, like we did.
While driving on the freeway the vehicle started to shake violently. I had to pump the breaks slowly and pull to the side of the road. After checking everything we took it to the shop and they did 2k in repairs and said it was fixed. It did it again. They said they don't know what it is.
Our truck has been doing the "death wobble" several times over the last 2 years. The truck will suddenly shake violently at high speeds and go into limp mode. We have to pull over pumping the brakes slowly. It is EXTREMELY TERRIFYING to have happen and we have spent THOUSANDS trying to get it…
I have a 2008 ford f250 with 60,000 miles I bought it used about 7 years ago I only drive it to pull my trailer camping also I don't drive it much hoping a engine light will come on my vehicle has unintended acceleration it happen when I come to a stop light and my vehicle will unexpectedly tug…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford F-250s have vehicle speed control problems?
No. NHTSA has 182 owner complaints about vehicle speed control for the Ford F-250. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford F-250 vehicle speed control?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list vehicle speed control. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about vehicle speed control problems on the Ford F-250?
The most frequent phrase is “cruise control”, in 51 of 182 complaints, followed by “caught fire” (19).
Other Ford F-250 problems
- Steering problems (808)
- Suspension problems (766)
- Tires problems (460)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (387)
- Power Train problems (319)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (290)
- Electrical System problems (259)
- Engine problems (244)
See all Ford F-250 problems.