Mercedes-Benz is recalling all-season accessory floor mats sold inmodel year 2012 and 2013 ML-Class vehicles because they could cause the car'sgas pedal to get stuck.
Mercedes said Saturday that the mats may not conform to the contours of thecar's floor. As a result, the gas pedal may not fully retract after the driverstops applying pressure, and the car may not slow down as expected. The companyis advising ML-Class owners to remove the accessory floor mats.
A spokesman for Mercedes-Benz says the company is not aware of any crashes orinjuries caused by the floor mat problem and is not sure how many vehiclesworldwide may have the accessory floor mats. In a form filed with the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administration, the company said the problem may affect8,675 vehicles in the U.S.
The company said ML-Class models have a safety system that overrides the gaspedal when the gas and brake pedals are both applied.
Mercedes-Benz, a unit of Daimler AG of Germany, said it will notify owners ofthe cars. Dealers will replace the floor mats for free.