Mercedes-Benz recalls floor mats from ML-Class

[August 13, 2012]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Mercedes-Benz is recalling all-season accessory floor mats sold in model year 2012 and 2013 ML-Class vehicles because they could cause the car's gas pedal to get stuck.

Mercedes said Saturday that the mats may not conform to the contours of the car's floor. As a result, the gas pedal may not fully retract after the driver stops applying pressure, and the car may not slow down as expected. The company is advising ML-Class owners to remove the accessory floor mats.

A spokesman for Mercedes-Benz says the company is not aware of any crashes or injuries caused by the floor mat problem and is not sure how many vehicles worldwide may have the accessory floor mats. In a form filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the company said the problem may affect 8,675 vehicles in the U.S.

The company said ML-Class models have a safety system that overrides the gas pedal when the gas and brake pedals are both applied.

Mercedes-Benz, a unit of Daimler AG of Germany, said it will notify owners of the cars. Dealers will replace the floor mats for free.

[Associated Press]

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