WASHINGTON, D.C. – It appears the issue of shifting floor mats may not be exclusive to Toyota. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now warning owners of 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan vehicles not to place any unsecured floor mats, whether made by Ford or any aftermarket retailer, on top of the standard, carpeted floor mat in the driver’s side foot well. In addition, all owners of these vehicles should ensure that any mat used is properly secured and never stacked.

The safety agency is opening a formal investigation to examine allegations of the pedals becoming trapped in the depressed position after the driver releases the pedal to decelerate. NHTSA has verified three consumer complaints concerning the 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. This causes the accelerator pedal to remain in the depressed position without driver input, according to NHTSA. This is most likely to occur after the driver presses the accelerator pedal substantially such as when merging or passing in traffic.

NHTSA says any Ford “All Weather” optional floor mat should be placed in the driver’s side foot well only after first unfastening and removing the standard, carpeted floor mat. This is the only way to ensure that the “All Weather” optional floor mat is physically secured to the floor. The Ford original equipment floor mats have special attachment opening points to safely secure them to the floor of the driver’s side foot well.

NHTSA says there have been no complaints involving crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the floor mats.