Ring a Bell? Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Probed for Floor Mats After Complaints About Sticky Accelerators...

Remember Toyota's recall-woes over specific floor mats that could slip forward and snag the gas pedal? Well, we could be heading for a second round of recalls on the same issue but for a different automaker.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a formal investigation into the 2010MY Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan models to examine allegations about pedals becoming trapped in the depressed position by unsecured floor mats.

NHTSA said that it has verified three consumer complaints concerning the current 2010 Fusion stating that Ford's optional rubber "All Weather" mat, when laid on top of the secured, standard carpeted floor mat in the driver's side foot well, can slip forward and trap the accelerator pedal.

The safety agency added that it has not received any complaints involving crashes, injuries or fatalities in the FoMoCo vehicles.

All in all, the investigation covers a total of 249,301 2010MY Ford Fusions, Mercury Milans.

And for those of you that are unfortunate enough to get into a 'sticky' situation, here's the NHSTA's advice to consumers:

Actions Consumers Can Take If They Cannot Stop Their Vehicles
-- Brake firmly and steadily – do not pump the brake pedal.
-- Shift the transmission into Neutral (familiarize yourself with where Neutral is).
-- Steer to a safe location.
-- Shut the engine off.
-- Call your dealer or repair shop to pick up the vehicle. Do not drive it.

Ford to Provide NYPD with Fusion / Escape Hybrid Patrol Cars

Not to be left behind in the quest to clean up our planet, the NYPD announced that it will be adding 200 hybrid vehicles to its fleet in the form of Ford Fusion and Escape Hybrids.

The announcement comes after officers across the five boroughs began testing copped-out Nissan Altima hybrids this time last year.

NYPD spokesman John McCarthy explains, "These [Altimas] were the first hybrids outfitted with a police package being used for patrol. We wanted to see how they held up after being subjected to use on patrol. After a year of use, the feedback has been positive."

With the new purchase, hybrid fleet vehicles in the Big Apple will number more than 400. The result is saving money on a variety of levels: the hybrids' brakes last twice (or even three times) as long as those of standard cruisers, and the vehicles are two to three times more efficient.

By Phil Alex

Via: NYT [Opening Photo: flickr /av8pix]