Sudden spontaneous braking

[Mama28Explr]

2020 Explorer Limited, 117k miles. Driving down the highway 65mph, cruise on, car makes an abrupt violent jerk forward, tires squeal, and car starts fishtailing across all lanes of traffic. Seems as if car spontaneously slammed on the brakes. Nothing crossed in front of the vehicle, nothing in the road, both hands were on the wheel, feet resting on the floorboard. Nothing displayed on the console. Once control was regained car drove per usual, no issues. What the heck happened? 5th time this has occurred in the past 10 months however this was by far the most severe. Previous times was just a quick jerking motion and then vehicle kept going. Has happened with cruise on and off, between 45-75mph. Dealership unable to replicate and has no answers. They thought maybe it was transmission related but not throwing any codes.

 

[Spacey]

Check the NHTSA website to see if others have reported something like this happening with their Explorers. Consider filing an incident report on that website so that there is a record. If others have reported this, the NHTSA can force Ford to investigate. Your post suggests that this has happened repeatedly. In the right circumstance there could be serious consequences for this happening. I would not accept the dealer's response and would insist that they elevate this to Ford. If they won't, you could contact Ford corporate yourself.

 

[peterk9]

2020 Explorer Limited, 117k miles. Driving down the highway 65mph, cruise on, car makes an abrupt violent jerk forward, tires squeal, and car starts fishtailing across all lanes of traffic. ............................

Welcome to the Forum.
You should definitely file a report with the NHTSA.
This can be a danger not only to you but those around you as well.

Peter

 

[buzzard302]

Any chance you had it driving in adaptive cruise control during this time?

 

[Rick]

I would bring it to a dealership and have them test and calibrate the vehicles sensors.