The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is warning owners of the 2-1- Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan about the dangers that come from placing unsecured floor mats on top of the standard mats or carpets in the floor. NHTSA is launching a formal investigation into allegations that the pedals may become entrapped in the depressed position after three consumer complaints concerning the MY 2010 Fusion.
The problem may be that Ford’s optional rubber “All Weather “ mat, when laid on top of the secured, standard carpet on the floor of the driver’s side can slip forward and land on top, trapping the accelerator pedal. That causes the pedal to remain in the depressed position and causes unintended acceleration. It is most likely to occur after the driver has accelerated such as when merging or passing traffic. So far the NHTSA has received no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities. Ford says the original floor mats have special attachments to secure them to the car’s floor on the driver’s side. Make sure they are properly installed and restrained with the retention hooks to the floorboards. Drivers of all makes and models need to make sure that any driver-side floor mat is safety secured and follows the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the mats.
In case your car lurches out of control, NHTSA suggests the following:
- Brake firmly and steadily – do not pump the brake pedal.
- Shift the transmission into Neutral (familiarize yourself with where Neutral is).
- Steer to a safe location.
- Shut the engine off.
- Call your dealer or repair shop to pick up the vehicle. Do not drive it.
