Ford to Take Back Mustang Cobras

12 April 2006
Lemon Law Information

Prompted by persisting complaints regarding accelerator pedal problems, Ford has issued a recall order covering almost 20,000 of its Mustang Cobra sports cars.

The problem arises when the driver steps on the gas pedal. There are times, usually under heavy throttling, when the accelerator pedal gets stuck in the floor carpet. As a result, the driver loses control of the car due to the unexpected and uncontrolled increase in speed.

Ford has not concealed the defect. In January of this year, it disclosed the problem to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The car maker’s report also included the fact that it has already received around 100 complaints on the matter. It has also documented two claims of mishaps, as well as one allegation of injury caused by the faulty design of the accelerator pedal.

The problem is attributed to the nature or design of the back surface of the pedal. Ford noted that the carpeting does not fit or gets entangled with the back surface of the pedal. This is very dangerous since the pedal might not go back to its neutral position.

19,140 Mustang Cobra units made in 2003 and 2004 will be affected by the recall. Ford dealers will be required to put a bracket on the cut-out over the affected portion of the carpet at the back of the pedal.