2015 Ford Expedition

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the throttle body. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to an independent mechanic, who again diagnosed a failure with the throttle body. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,781.

While driving through a busy intersection, the vehicle seemed as if it had shifted into neutral rendering the accelerator powerless. I was able to coast into a parking lot and noticed the wrench warning light being on. The engine was also shaking very noticeably. I turned off the engine and read up on the warning light to learn it indicated a powertrain failure. Called a mechanic who stated it could be the throttle body and/or throttle body actuator. It was suggested the engine should be turned off (already done) and restarted. I did as instructed and the engine began running smoothly again. Wrench warning light was no longer on. Without having control of the powertrain, this situation could have caused an accident as I had no ability to control the vehicle's power and could not navigate through the intersection in a safe manner. I feel like my safety and others was put at risk. I have taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who is also an Auto Mechanic Instructor at the local high school. I await his diagnostic result. There were no earlier symptoms or wrench warning light previous to this incident.

Dealer has diagnosed Throttle Body Failure which is well documented with these vehicles and known the the NHTSA even though there is no recall and no extended warranty for this particular vehicle (though there is for others). This a major safety issue as the vehicle looses all throttle response and puts its occupants at risk for a collision.