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Reports of unintended acceleration have a long and uneasy history in the automotive world, which is why a recent post from a 2022 Ford F-150 PowerBoost owner landed with such force in the Ford F150 PowerBoost Owners group. The claim is stark and frightening. According to the owner, the truck accelerated on its own, braking had no apparent effect, and the incident ended only after the vehicle slammed into a propane tank and pushed it more than 60 feet before coming to rest between two large trees.
The owner’s description is raw and immediate. This was not a high-speed highway event or a prolonged runaway situation, but something that happened violently and quickly, within a very short distance. He describes being in shock, convinced that the brakes were applied the entire time, yet feeling powerless as the truck surged forward. The fact that the incident occurred on private property, and not on a public road, is likely what prevented a far worse outcome.
“Anyone out there experienced out-of-the-ordinary acceleration without the foot on the gas pedal? Sad day here with my ‘22 Powerboost and still in shock and lucky to be alive after my truck decided to do its own thing this evening..! Braking did nothing to stop the inevitable! Crashed into my propane tank, pushing it 60’+ feet and coming to a rest between 2 large oak trees to stop any further damage or lives."
Community reactions followed a familiar pattern. Some expressed relief that no one was hurt. Others questioned the mechanics of the event, pointing out that modern braking systems, especially on a full-size pickup, should at least slow the vehicle significantly if the brakes are fully applied. Several F-150 commenters raised the possibility of pedal misapplication or a floor mat interfering with the accelerator, scenarios that have explained many similar incidents over the years. The owner pushed back firmly, stating there were no floor mats and that his foot was on the brake the entire time.
Ford F-150 Powerboost: Engine & Performance
- Body-on-frame construction supports towing and payload demands but contributes to a firmer ride when the truck is lightly loaded.
- A wide range of engine options allows buyers to prioritize efficiency, torque, or long-distance cruising, depending on configuration.
- Cabin layouts vary significantly by trim, ranging from work-oriented controls to more feature-rich, comfort-focused interiors.
- Driver-assistance systems are tightly integrated with trailer functions, aiding visibility and maneuvering under load.
What complicates the discussion is the nature of the PowerBoost itself. The hybrid F-150 blends a turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor and complex control software that manages throttle input, regenerative braking, and engine response. To the driver, it feels seamless. Under the skin, it is anything but simple. When something unexpected happens, the speed and torque available can feel shocking, especially at low speeds and short distances.
One commenter offered an important reminder that cuts through speculation. If authorities or an insurance company decide to investigate, the truck’s electronic control modules can be interrogated. Modern vehicles record throttle position, brake application, gear selection, and other parameters leading up to an event. That data, not memory or instinct, is what will ultimately determine whether the truck was commanded to accelerate or whether something truly anomalous occurred.
Others pointed out emergency actions that are easy to discuss after the fact and much harder to execute in the moment. Shifting to neutral, pressing the start-stop button, or shutting off the vehicle entirely can all interrupt propulsion. In a sudden, terrifying situation that unfolds in seconds, expecting a calm, textbook response from a startled driver may be unrealistic. As one commenter pushed back, it is easy to imagine the “right” move when you are not the one unexpectedly launching across your own property.
It is also notable that at least one other owner chimed in with a vague sense of déjà vu, describing a strange acceleration experience that had previously been dismissed as imagination. That does not establish a pattern, but it does explain why posts like this unsettle owners. Even rare, unverified incidents carry weight when they involve loss of control and near-miss consequences.
At this stage, the story remains an allegation, not a diagnosis. There is no fault code, no forensic data, and no official determination. What exists is a damaged property, a shaken owner, and a truck that behaved in a way that defied expectations. That alone is enough to justify careful investigation rather than casual dismissal.
Incidents like this sit at the uncomfortable intersection of human factors, mechanical complexity, and trust. Modern trucks are extraordinarily capable machines, blending power, software, and automation in ways that would have seemed implausible a generation ago. With that capability comes a responsibility to understand not just how they perform when everything goes right, but how they fail when something goes wrong.
For now, the most important outcome is the simplest one. No one was injured, and a potentially catastrophic situation ended without loss of life. Whether this turns out to be pedal misapplication, a rare system malfunction, or something else entirely, the event is a sobering reminder that when things go sideways in a powerful vehicle, they do so very quickly. That reality deserves attention, restraint, and facts before conclusions.
Image Sources: Ford Media Center
Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.
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