Ford Motor Company of Detroit, Michigan has recalled more than 8,000 of its 2013 Escape compact SUVs because of a potential hitch affecting the brake pedal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are 8,266 Escapes involved in the recall made between March 8 and June 7, 2012. Ford said mispositioned carpet padding in the corner console trim panel may be pushed onward, reducing clearance with the pedals, according to NHTSA.
The reduced clearance could mean the driver’s foot could brush the side of the brake pedal when going from the accelerator to the brake, increasing stopping distances and the risk of a crash. NHTSA said Ford dealers will remove the carpet padding and replace the left-side console trim free of charge to its customers.
