Early into its release, Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Admission are announcing a full recall on all initiated 2013 Ford Escape models built from March 8, 2012 through June 7, 2012.
The recall was put in effect after a Ford factory employee had noticed a potential hazard from shifting carpet padding along the center console. If the padding moves out of position, the trim may risk interfering with the driver's feet position, compromising the driver's ability to properly operate the accelerator and brake pedals. If serious, a driver might have trouble engaging the brake pedal, thus increasing the distance needed to sto the vehicle and also increase the risk of a crash.
According to a press statement [PDF], Ford will notify 2013 Escape owners to bring their vehicle into the nearest Ford dealer. A total of 8,266 affected vehicles were sold in the United States, a thousand more were sold in Canada, and finally, a handful were sold in Mexico as well. The defective carpet padding will be removed from each car and a revised panel trim has been designed to replace it. Dealers will perform the recall free of charge and is expected to begin from July 23rd, 2012.
