Forty-nine consumers complained the mats slid out of position on some of the popular pickups from model years 1997 and 1998, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a monthly report on its auto investigations released yesterday.
There are an estimated 1 million of the best-selling pickups on the road. However, Ford spokesperson Karen Shaughnessy said only about 15 percent of those pickups have the mats.
There were no reported crashes or injuries, the report said.
"Were aware of the investigation and were cooperating with NHTSA," said Shaughnessy.
Ford Motor Co. officials told the agency that their floor mats are made so there is enough clearance between the mat and the gas pedal. Ford also said floor mats that are not produced by the company are often bought by consumers and 11 of the complaints involve those mats.
Ford documents given to the agency show company concern that mechanics at dealerships or consumers may not be properly installing the mats, the report said.
Ford made a design change in July 1997 to minimize the likelihood the floor mat could interfere with the pedal and Ford issued two service bulletins to mechanics to emphasize proper floor mat installation, the report said.
09-22-98
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