Ford Explorer, F Series, Mountaineer And 2 More Recall R/1999/021: Throttle May Not Return To Idle When Cruise Control Is Disengaged, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Stop driving
- How serious
- 6 Apr 1999
- Launched
- 5,363
- vehicles in the UK
- R/1999/021
- DVSA reference
Ford recalled Explorer, F Series, Mountaineer and 2 more vehicles built between 1 May 1996 and 31 March 1999. Certain of the affected vehicles could be fitted with a cruise control cable that may interfere with the cruise control servo pulley and not allow the throttle to return to idle when disengaging the cruise control. The recall notice describes the fix as: write to owners advising them to immediately stop using the cruise control system and offering them the option of dealers disabling the system should they so wish. Phase 2: As soon as replacement cruise control cables become available recall all affected vehicles for replacement of the cable. You won't usually pay for it.1
The manufacturer’s notice tells owners not to use it. Ask for collection or a home repair.
The manufacturer's notice tells owners not to drive until the repair is done. Ask Ford to collect the car. See do not drive recalls.
What’s Wrong
Certain of the affected vehicles could be fitted with a cruise control cable that may interfere with the cruise control servo pulley and not allow the throttle to return to idle when disengaging the cruise control.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: THROTTLE MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS DISENGAGED Defect: Certain of the affected vehicles could be fitted with a cruise control cable that may interfere with the cruise control servo pulley and not allow the throttle to return to idle when disengaging the cruise control. Remedy: Phase 1 - Write to owners advising them to immediately stop using the cruise control system and offering them the option of dealers disabling the system should they so wish. Phase 2 - As soon as replacement cruise control cables become available recall all affected vehicles for replacement of the cable.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: throttle may not return to idle when cruise control is disengaged.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: write to owners advising them to immediately stop using the cruise control system and offering them the option of dealers disabling the system should they so wish. Phase 2: As soon as replacement cruise control cables become available recall all affected vehicles for replacement of the cable.
Are You Affected?
Explorer, F Series, Mountaineer and 2 more built between 1 May 1996 and 31 March 1999 may be included. Ford estimates 5,363 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Ford, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Ford.
- Book with any franchised Ford dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/1999/021. See how to get a Ford recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MustangWindshield wipers and washer system potentially inoperative during freezing temperatures | Book soon | R/2026/345 | |
| RangerEngine failure | Urgent | R/2026/289 | |
| Kuga, RangerPotential exhaust gas recirculation valve failure | Urgent | R/2026/160 | |
| ExplorerPanoramic roof partial detachment | Low | R/2026/334 | |
| MustangLow pressure fuel pump potential failure | Urgent | R/2025/369 |
This is one of 378 Ford recalls in DVSA’s data. The Ford recall launched before it was R/1998/115 on 17 Dec 1998, for reduction in braking efficiency. The one launched after it was R/1999/084 on 7 Oct 1999, for door latch concern. You can also see every Ford recall and all recalls launched in 1999.
Source: DVSA recall R/1999/021, launched 6 April 1999. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.