April 11, 2006
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall notice for 19,140 of the 2003 and 2004 Ford Mustangs because the carpeting may cause the accelerator pedal to fail to return to the idle position.
NHTSA says the carpeting could interfere with the pedal's ability to return to the idle position causing unexpected, continued throttle application and increased stopping distances that could result in a crash.
"On certain Mustang Cobra passenger vehicles," NHTSA warns, "the rear surface of the accelerator pedal may come into contact with the floor carpeting during heavy application. The unique surface profile of the accelerator pedal may catch the cutout on the floor carpeting behind the pedal."
Ford dealers will install a shield over the cutout in the carpet behind the accelerator pedal.
The recall will begin on April 26. Mustang Cobra owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).