According to the Michigan automaker, a portion of carpet padding on the bottom portion of the center console can protrude into the pedal area, reducing clearance for the brake pedal. The misaligned carpet can cause drivers to tap the side of the brake pedal rather than the full when they move their feet in the event of a braking situation. As a result, stopping distances can be increased, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says can increase the likelihood of an incident.
The recall covers 8,226 Escapes in the United States, plus an additional 2,000 vehicles in Canada and a few hundred in Mexico. Ford will begin the recall, which includes removing a portion of the carpet and padding and replacing the side panel, on July 23. Concerned owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332, where they should refer to recall campaign 12S34.
The 2013 Escape recall is unrelated to an investigation being pushed by the Center for Auto Safety over unintended acceleration issues with the 2005 Escape.
Separately, Ford is also calling back just shy of 800 2012 model year F-650 and F-750 large trucks to inspect and potentially replace windshields because a clear and black primer might be missing. As a result, the windshields might pop loose.
