Recall 12V319 affects 8,266 2013 Ford Escape SUVs for carpet padding that reduces brake-pedal clearance. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 8,266 2013 Escape vehicles because mis-positioned carpet padding can push the center console trim panel too close to the pedals. That reduced clearance can make the driver's foot contact the side of the brake pedal when moving from the accelerator, increasing stopping distance and crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The carpet padding in the 2013 Ford Escape sits under the floor covering near the center console. It helps fill and shape the floor area, while the center console trim panel covers the side of the console beside the brake and accelerator pedals. That trim is supposed to stay in its intended position so the pedal area has the required clearance.
On affected Escapes, the carpet padding was placed incorrectly. That misplaced padding pushes the center console trim panel outward from where Ford intended it to sit. The result is less space between the trim panel and the pedal package, which means the driver's foot and pedals have less clearance than designed.
This is a fit and clearance defect near the pedals, not a failure inside the brake hydraulic system. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Ford Escape | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2013 Ford Escape | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 8,266 |
Not every 2013 Ford Escape is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced clearance around the pedals can let the driver's foot catch the side of the brake pedal while moving from accelerator to brake. That interference increases stopping distance and raises crash risk. Leave extra space, move your foot deliberately, and schedule service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Ford Escape is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to ask about the free carpet-padding removal and left-side console trim-panel replacement that restores brake-pedal clearance.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V319 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid sudden pedal transfers where traffic allows.
- Call Ford at 1-866-436-7332 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician removes the carpet padding near the center console and replaces the left side console trim panel with a new panel. This repair addresses trim pushed toward the pedal area by mis-positioned carpet padding. Because this campaign does not list an available remedy status, the dealer repair will be free once available. Ford began owner notification on July 20, 2012.
Timeline
| July 6, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 20, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V319?
Recall 12V319 covers 8,266 2013 Ford Escape vehicles with carpet padding that can push the center console trim panel out of position and reduce clearance near the pedals. A driver's foot can contact the side of the brake pedal during pedal transfer, increasing stopping distance and crash risk.
What should I do if my 2013 Ford Escape is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Escape is included in recall 12V319. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the repair. The dealer will remove the carpet padding and replace the left-side console trim panel for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers will remove the carpet padding and replace the left-side console trim panel free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is longer stopping distance and crash risk from reduced clearance near the brake pedal. Ford reported that the driver's foot can contact the side of the brake pedal while moving from the accelerator to the brake.
What if I bought my Ford Escape used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Escape is included, then reference recall 12V319 when you call a Ford dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V319000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V319 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V319000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →