NHTSA Probes Recent Mustangs
ConsumerAffairs.com

07/13/2005 - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating complaints that in some 2003 and 2004 Ford Mustangs the carpet may interfere with accelerator pedal return following wide open throttle applications.

NHTSA has received 11 complaints describing these sorts of incidents. During the preliminary evaluation, the agency will assess the scope and frequency of the alleged defect.

No crashes, fatalities or injuries have been linked to these complaints.

The vehicles that will be targeted include the 2003-2004 Mustang Cobra as well as the 2003 Mustang Convertible and the 2003 Mustang GT. There are about 20,546 vehicles are subject to the investigation.

In seven of the 11 complaints, consumers reported that the problem was related to the carpet's position, design or installation. NHTSA also said it observed the potential for interference between the gas pedal and carpeting during an inspection of a vehicle that was not linked to the complaints.