Ford recalls 10,000+ 2013 Escape crossovers for brake-pedal interference issue

AutoBlog: Ford recalls 10,000+ 2013 Escape crossovers for brake-pedal interference issue

A Ford factory employee noticed a potential issue with the carpet padding on the left side of the center console trim on the 2013 Ford Escape that has resulted in a recall of the hot-selling new crossover.

If the padding gets out of position, it can push the trim piece out, reducing the clearance for the driver's feet between the accelerator and brake pedal. When the driver moves his or her foot from the accelerator and brake, it foot might hit the side of the brake pedal and increase the stopping distance.

Ford has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a full recall of all 10,000 Escape models has been initiated – that's 8,266 here in the States, a couple thousand in Canada and a couple hundred in Mexico. Owners will be notified later this month, at which time they can take their vehicles to the dealer for repair free of charge.