Government investigating Ford floor mats

FILE – In this Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, file photo, Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, introduces the 2013 Ford Fusion during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Ford said on Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, it will update software on 2013 Escape SUVs and Fusion cars to fix a coolant problem that can cause fires. Last month the automaker recalled more than 89,000 of the vehicles after getting complaints about overheating and fires. It urged owners to get loaner cars from dealers until Ford found a fix.(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

DETROIT – The U.S. government is expanding an investigation into floor mats that interfere with pedals in Ford, Mercury and Lincoln cars.

 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was initially investigating 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan vehicles. Late last week, it said it also would look at those 2008 and 2009 models and the Lincoln MKZ.

 

NHTSA has gotten 52 complaints of accelerator pedals getting trapped by unsecured or stacked floor mats. No injuries have been reported. The investigation now covers around 480,000 vehicles. NHTSA investigations often lead to recalls.

 

Ford said it’s disappointed that NHTSA is upgrading the investigation, because it involves aftermarket floor mats that were improperly installed. But the company said it will cooperate.

 

NHTSA said not all 2010 models are affected, since Ford introduced new pedals partway through that year.

 

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