Unintentional Sudden Acceleration

Here are just a few complaints I found regarding sudden accleration with the Buick Lesabre.
Was the Priest telling the truth?

 
1. 1998-11-14 00:00:00
Listed vehicle was involved in 10-car crash at intersection in our jurisdiction after accelerator on vehicle stuck, following victim’s use of car wash. victim got into vehicle after car wash, put vehicle’s transmission into drive, and vehicle accelerated rapidly, reaching a maximum speed of approx. 90 mph before crashing into a large commercial vehicle, causing the crash listed above. the driver of the buick in this listed questionnaire died due to injuries received.

 
2. PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE RACING EXCESSIVELY.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE CONDITIONS OCCURRED WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IT RACED EXCESSIVELY. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *CB
 
3. SUDDEN ACCELERATION EXPERIENCED WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A TREE AND FLIPPING OVER. *MR SEVERE DAMAGES OCCURRED, DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *CB
 
4. THROTTLE VALVE PLATE STICKING. THE GAS PEDAL HAS TO BE STEPPED ON HARD WHEN YOU FIRST START UP AFTER SETTING A WHILE. I’M TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE UNIT USES ON MANY OF THEIR VEHICLES MINE IS ON A 2001 BUICK LESABRE WITH A 3800 ENGINE. WALDECKER PONTIAC, BRIGHTON, MI TOLD ME THIS ITEM WASN’T COVERED ON THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I PURCHASED (6YR/100000 MILE) I HAD 94,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE BUT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN AROUND FOR AT LEAST 10000 MILES. I NOW HAVE 101600 I’D LIKE TO KNOW WHY IT WASN’T A WARRANTED ITEM. THIS ALSO COULD BE CONSTRUED A SAFETY ITEM AS WHEN YOU STEP HARD ON THE PEDAL THE CAR SURGES FORWARD SLIGHTLY. I’M AWARE OF IT SO I AUTOMATICALLY HIT THE PEDAL AND RELEASE. *JB
 
5. CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE SURGED AND DROVE OFF. *AK

6. Consumer has had 2 accidents relating to engine acceleration. both times this happened the same way. consumer has a very steep driveway. on sept. 11-2000, vehicle was in reverse & it accelerated backwards at a maxium speed. mechanic found that thermostat ring gasket, idle air control valve & computer scan were the causes.

7. Consumer started up vehicle and engine was running a little fast. consumer had foot on brake , put vehicle in gear and it took off while foot was on brake. vehicle didn’t stop until they ended up in a creek. consumer’s insurance company contacted dealer.

 
8. 1989 BUICK CENTURY in Athens, OH
Vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control, resulting in accident, totalled.

9. 2000-04-17 00:00:00
While engine idled high, consumer shifted vehicle out of park into drive with brakes depressed, and vehicle drove off out of control, running into a creek.

10. 1999-05-06 00:00:00 New Bedfor, MA
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration when shifting from park to drive gear, resulting in accident. mjs
 

More complaints here.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/

http://www.motorbeat.com/complaint/544723/

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