In most cases, a malfunctioning cruise control system will require a professional mechanic to correctly diagnose and make the appropriate repairs. In this guide, we’ll explain some of the common warning signs that can help you identify cruise control problems before they turn into expensive repairs.
Want to be sure? Join the 40,000 people who have used our AI diagnosis chatbot to diagnose their cruise control issues by downloading the Jerry app.
Real customers Jerry has helped
Costs for getting your cruise control to work again depend on your exact vehicle, where you live and the quality of parts used. With Jerry, you can quickly see what drivers are paying right now. Below are real examples of customers we’ve helped secure top prices for when they need help with restoring cruise control on their cars.
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
At-a-glance: Can I keep driving?
Most cruise control problems will not impact the safe operation of your vehicle, but there are some situations that are very serious and should be addressed immediately via a trusted local mechanic you find through the Jerry app.
- 🚨 Urgent—turn it off and get help now
- Brake lights don’t work or are stuck on: Drivers behind you can’t see when you’re slowing down, making a rear-end crash much more likely.
- Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly: A faulty sensor or software bug can cause sudden, unsafe speed changes. Turn off the cruise control system immediately and seek repair.
- ABS/ESC Lights plus “Cruise/ACC unavailable”: The car may have disabled stability control, which affects braking and handling safety.
- Airbag Light on and wheel buttons dead: A failed clockspring can disable both cruise buttons and airbag wiring, risking airbag failure.
- 🕒 Soon—OK to drive, but fix this week
- Cruise light blinks or won’t set but car drives fine: Often caused by a brake/clutch switch or speed sensor sending the wrong signal.
- ACC unavailable after windshield/bumper work or in bad weather: Radar/camera sensors are likely blocked or out of calibration, which limits convenience but doesn’t disable basic braking.
- Speed surges or hunts on hills: A dirty throttle body or small vacuum leak confuses the system, creating annoying but not dangerous speed swings.
- ✅ Monitor—safe to drive
- Cruise drops out on bumps or buttons work intermittently: Worn steering wheel buttons are the likely (annoying) culprit, but you can drive normally.
- Cruise won’t set under 25 – 30 mph: Most cars block low-speed cruise by design, so this behavior is normal.
Symptoms
Like any other mechanical or electrical failure, a damaged or malfunctioning cruise control system will display several early warning signs or symptoms.
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Risks if you ignore it
If your cruise control isn’t functioning correctly, it can lead to potential safety risks. Here are some of the key risk factors that may occur.
Rear-end crash risk:
If brake lights fail, drivers can’t see you slowing down.
Disabled safety features:
Faulty speed sensing can shut off ABS/ESC, leading to longer stops and less stability.
Airbag concerns:
A failing clockspring may leave your airbag disabled along with dysfunctional cruise buttons.
Higher repair bills:
Untreated wiring faults or corroded sensors spread, turning small repairs into costly module or harness replacements.
Fix & who should do it (DIY vs. Pro)
On modern cars, trucks and SUVs, the cruise control system is electrically operated and controlled. Due to the complexity of these systems and their link to safety components, it’s always best to defer to a professional mechanic to repair and test cruise control units.
That said, there are a few DIY inspections that Jerry customers have completed to help isolate the root issue.
DIY (easy, low risk)
You can safely try these checks at home:
- Check brake lights: Confirm all lights, including the third brake light, work properly. This points to brake switch or stopper.
- Inspect and replace fuses: Quick and inexpensive using the manual to locate cruise/stop-lamp fuses.
- Test buttons: Try both key fobs and wheel buttons; intermittent behavior suggests worn switches.
- Review vehicle settings/manual: Some systems won’t set in certain modes or below 25–30 mph.
Pro (recommended)
If the self checks don’t resolve your cruise control problem, a professional mechanic you can find via the Jerry app will complete the following:
- Scan all modules for codes/live data: Confirms switch, sensor and button status.
- Replace brake/clutch switches: Common, inexpensive fixes for “won’t set” issues.
- Inspect clockspring and wheel switch pack: Restores button function safely without risking the airbag.
- Repair/replace speed sensors or tone rings: Resolves ABS/ESC lights and restores cruise.
- Clean and calibrate ACC radar/camera: Essential after glass/bumper work; calibration typically costs $250–$600.
- Service throttle body and apply software updates: Smooths speed control and prevents surging.
- Calibrate steering angle sensor: Ensures ESC/ACC interpret steering inputs correctly.
Prevention
Routine maintenance is vital to keep your car, truck or SUV in top shape:
Clean radar/camera areas monthly or after heavy rain/snow.
Check brake lights at every oil change and replace bulbs in pairs.
Service the throttle body every 30k–45k miles to prevent speed hunting.
Keep sensors clear to avoid aftermarket grille/bumper covers that block ACC.
After glass/bumper work, schedule calibration before using ACC.
Maintain the 12V battery, as low voltage is a top cause of random cruise/ACC failures.
When I was working for a leading aftermarket automotive restyling manufacturer in San Diego a few years ago, we were testing a new paint protection film (PPF) on a Tesla Model Y. After installing the PPF on the full vehicle, the cruise control system simply stopped working. The Tesla owner assumed it was a technical issue, so he contacted a mobile Tesla service technician to stop by and diagnose the problem.
After spending two hours downloading codes and inspecting the Tesla, the technician was stumped — but once he learned about the PPF installation, he knew exactly what was causing the problem.
The PPF, although exceptionally transparent, was installed on top of 4 vehicle sensors on the front end, which blocked its monitoring signal and disabled the cruise control system. This was a huge discovery for our PPF manufacturer, as Tesla represented a significant consumer segment for this product and ceramic coatings we made.
So if you have an electric vehicle and you've recently had PPF, vinyl wrap or ceramic coatings installed on your vehicle that might be giving the cruise control problems, go back to the installer and have them check if any of their product is installed on top of those sensors. It'll save you a lot of time, money and stress.
What our customers are asking us
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Why won’t my cruise set under 25 mph?
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Can a bad brake switch really kill cruise?
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Does a Check Engine Light disable cruise?
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Is it safe to drive if cruise is broken?
Jerel Lawrence is an experienced and certified automotive technician with a strong foundation in diagnostics, repair and technical mentorship. A graduate of NASCAR Technical Institute in 2010, Jerel began his career at national automotive repair chain locations, where he earned eight certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
From 2017 to 2022, he worked as a General Motors-certified technician at a Cadillac dealership, refining his skills in manufacturer-specific diagnostics and service procedures. Today, Jerel leads as the senior technician and mentor at a family-owned repair facility, where he helps guide the next generation of technicians while ensuring top-quality service.
In addition to hands-on work, Jerel contributes to the automotive community through writing detailed articles and answering technical questions to help vehicle owners better understand and care for their cars.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
