Cruise Control Malfunctions: What Happens When Your Car Won’t Stop Accelerating?

Cruise control is a convenient feature that allows drivers to maintain a steady speed on highways without constantly pressing the accelerator. However, what happens when cruise control malfunctions, causing a car to accelerate uncontrollably? In rare but dangerous cases, drivers may find themselves struggling to slow down or stop, leading to panic, potential crashes, and life-threatening situations.

Unintended acceleration due to cruise control failure can stem from electronic malfunctions, software glitches, or mechanical defects. When crashes occur because of a cruise control malfunction, determining liability can be complicated, as multiple parties—including the driver, manufacturer, or software developers—could be at fault. Seeking legal guidance from a Phoenix car accident attorney at Sargon Law Group can help victims understand their rights, navigate insurance claims, and pursue compensation after an accident caused by a vehicle defect.

How Does Cruise Control Work—and How Can It Malfunction?

Cruise control functions by automatically adjusting the throttle to maintain a constant speed. Some modern vehicles also feature adaptive cruise control, which uses sensors and cameras to adjust speed based on traffic conditions. While these systems are generally reliable, they can fail due to electrical, software, or mechanical issues.

Some of the most common causes of cruise control malfunctions include:

Software glitches – Faulty programming can cause unintended acceleration or prevent the system from disengaging.
Electronic sensor failures – Defective speed sensors or throttle controls can send incorrect signals to the vehicle.
Stuck throttle body or linkage – In some cases, mechanical issues prevent the throttle from returning to idle.
Brake system failure – Some cruise control systems rely on braking signals to disengage, and if these fail, the system may continue accelerating.

When these failures occur, drivers must act quickly to regain control of the vehicle and prevent an accident.

What to Do If Your Cruise Control Won’t Turn Off

If your car’s cruise control malfunctions and you can’t slow down, follow these critical steps to regain control:

Stay Calm – Panicking can lead to poor decision-making. Keep your hands firmly on the wheel and focus on regaining control.
Try Pressing the Brake Firmly – Most cruise control systems deactivate when the driver applies the brake pedal. If this doesn’t work, move to the next step.
Shift the Car into Neutral – Switching to neutral disengages the engine from the wheels, preventing further acceleration.
Turn Off Cruise Control Manually – Try pressing the cruise control off button or switching it off on the dashboard.
Apply the Emergency Brake as a Last Resort – If all else fails and the vehicle is still moving uncontrollably, gradually apply the emergency brake while steering to safety.
Pull Over Safely – Once you’ve regained control, move to the side of the road, turn off the engine, and call for roadside assistance.

Reacting quickly can prevent serious crashes and potential injuries in a runaway vehicle scenario.

Who Is Liable in a Cruise Control-Related Accident?

Determining liability in a cruise control malfunction accident can be complex, as multiple parties may be at fault. Potentially responsible parties include:

The vehicle manufacturer – If a design flaw or defective cruise control system caused the issue, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability laws.
The software developer – In vehicles with electronic throttle control and AI-based cruise systems, a programming error could result in unintended acceleration.
The car owner – If a driver fails to maintain their vehicle (such as ignoring recall notices or brake issues), they may share responsibility for the accident.
A mechanic or service provider – If a recent repair or modification caused the cruise control system to fail, the auto repair shop could be liable.

Recent Cruise Control Malfunction Cases

There have been multiple cases of unintended acceleration linked to cruise control failures, some of which resulted in serious injuries and lawsuits.

Toyota Sudden Acceleration Scandal (2009-2010) – A series of accidents involving Toyota vehicles led to recalls after reports of unintended acceleration due to electronic throttle issues. Some crashes resulted in fatalities, leading to a $1.2 billion settlement for Toyota.
Tesla Autopilot Glitches (2021-Present) – Some Tesla owners have reported issues where adaptive cruise control and Autopilot accelerate unpredictably, raising concerns about software failures and sensor miscalculations.
Ford Recall (2022) – Ford issued a recall for some models due to cruise control systems failing to disengage properly, increasing the risk of crashes.

These cases highlight the real dangers of cruise control malfunctions and why vehicle manufacturers must ensure proper safety measures are in place.

How to Prevent Cruise Control Issues in Your Vehicle

While cruise control failures are rare, proper vehicle maintenance can help prevent malfunctions and reduce risks.

Check for recalls regularly – Vehicle manufacturers issue recalls for defective cruise control systems. Check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or your car dealer for updates.
Keep your braking system in good condition – Since cruise control systems rely on brakes to disengage, ensure that your brake pads, sensors, and master cylinder are working correctly.
Have your vehicle’s electronic system inspected – If you experience hesitation, unexpected surges, or dashboard warnings, have a mechanic inspect your throttle and cruise control system.
Avoid using cruise control in bad weather – Rain, snow, and icy roads can increase the risk of skidding, making cruise control more dangerous to use.

Taking these precautions allows drivers to reduce the likelihood of cruise control malfunctions and drive with more confidence.

Protect Yourself Against Cruise Control Malfunctions

Cruise control makes driving easier, but when it fails, it can make a simple trip frightening and dangerous. If it causes unintended acceleration due to electronic issues, mechanical problems, or faulty software, it can put lives at risk. Knowing how to respond in an emergency—by shifting to neutral, pressing the brakes, and staying calm—can help you regain control and avoid a crash.

Keeping your vehicle well-maintained and being aware of recalls can help prevent cruise control failures. However, drivers aren’t the only ones responsible. Automakers and software developers must be held accountable when their technology fails and endangers consumers. If you or a loved one has experienced a cruise control problem, it’s important to know your legal options. Don’t wait too long—get legal advice, seek answers, and make sure those responsible are held accountable. Your safety and the safety of others on the road depend on it.