Over 10000 Ford Escapes Recalled Due to Carpet Flaw
The Ford Motor Company has released notice it is recalling over 10,000 2013 Ford Escape compact sport utility vehicles (SUVs) due to a flaw discovered in the vehicles' carpets.
According to an announcement by theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA), Ford is recalling certain 2013 Escape vehicles because of mis-positioned carpet padding. The gap, which was reportedly discovered by an employee who reported the issue, could potentially lead to increased braking distance due to possible interference.
The recall campaign number associated with the 2013 Escape is 12S34.
Consumers who have purchased one of the Ford Escapes affected by the recall will be able to get a no-cost fix in the near future. NHTSA said Ford plans to notify car owners so they can get a replacement. The company plans to begin contacting consumers next week, commencing on July 23, 2012.
The carpet flaw appears to be limited in nature. At this time the Escape recall is limited to vehicles sold in North America. Ford has recalled over 10,000 SUVs in total, including 8,266 Escapes sold in the U.S., 2,193 in Canada and a "few hundred" that were sold in Mexico.
To date, there have been no reports of accidents or injury relating to the defect. However, theNew York Timeshas reported NHTSA did receive a few complaints about the carpeting issue.
“The gas pedal is too close to the brake,” one owner wrote in via the NHTSAcomplaint website. “When I wear big shoes the back left side edge of my shoe catches the back side of the brake when I lift it off the gas. Serious problem that should be corrected," the Times shared.
Another complainant wrote on July 7, 2012, "The accelerator and brake pedal are very, very close - dangerously close. The vehicles need to be recalled to have this design and manufacture flaw corrected. Otherwise, there will be multiple accidents due to this design/placement flaw."
Reuters (courtesy ofYahoo! News) reported earlier this week the Escape is Ford's second-best selling vehicle, and it ranks in as the sixth best-selling overall in the U.S. during June 12. During June, the company sold 28,500 of the compact SUV.
Consumers with any concerns or questions in connection with the Escape recall can call Ford Motor Co. at 1-866-436-7332. Additionally, Ford owners can also check their vehicle onthis Ford web pageto see if their car is one of the vehicles listed in the recall. You'll need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to do a check.
