Remember Toyota's recall-woes over specific floor mats that could slip forward and snag the gas pedal? Well, we could be heading for a second round of recalls on the same issue but for a different automaker.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a formal investigation into the 2010MY Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan models to examine allegations about pedals becoming trapped in the depressed position by unsecured floor mats.
NHTSA said that it has verified three consumer complaints concerning the current 2010 Fusion stating that Ford's optional rubber "All Weather" mat, when laid on top of the secured, standard carpeted floor mat in the driver's side foot well, can slip forward and trap the accelerator pedal.
The safety agency added that it has not received any complaints involving crashes, injuries or fatalities in the FoMoCo vehicles.
All in all, the investigation covers a total of 249,301 2010MY Ford Fusions, Mercury Milans.
And for those of you that are unfortunate enough to get into a 'sticky' situation, here's the NHSTA's advice to consumers:
Actions Consumers Can Take If They Cannot Stop Their Vehicles
-- 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.
