Redesigned Ford Escape SUV is recalled for carpet issue

Ford is recalling about 8,200 copies of the redesigned 2013 Ford Escape SUV to fix a carpeting flaw that could affect the driver's ability to use the brakes.

Ford says the affected vehicles were built between March 8 and June 7, 2012.

According to Ford, an improperly installed piece of carpet padding on the center-console trim panel could cause a driver's foot to hit the side of the side of the brake pedal when moving from the accelerator pedal. This could delay the driver applying the brakes, which would increase stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash.

Dealers will replace the carpet padding and the left-side trim panel with a new panel.

By Michael Jewett