Ford recalling Tauruses and Sables because pedals are too close

Tuesday, October 8th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 400,000 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable cars with adjustable pedals because the brake and accelerator may be so close they can cause drivers to hit the accelerator accidentally when trying to slow down.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which had been investigating the problem since March, announced the recall Tuesday. Ford spokesman Todd Nissen said the problem has caused 18 accidents, injuring two people.

The recall involves 424,164 vehicles, 369,614 of which were sold in the United States. All 2000 and 2001 models with adjustable pedals are covered, as well as a few 2002 models built before Sept. 14.

Adjustable pedals allow drivers to sit farther from the steering wheel and still reach the gas and brake pedals. The Sable comes with adjustable pedals as standard equipment, and they are optional on the Taurus.

Ford will send letters to owners of affected vehicles asking them to bring the cars to dealers for inspection. If the pedals are less than 2 inches apart, a mechanic will adjust them.

NHTSA also announced it is opening an investigation into about 700,000 Honda Accord cars because of a possible problem with the electric adjuster for the driver seat. Ten people have complained that a bracket on the adjuster can break and cause the seat to slide back without warning.

The investigation covers 1999-2002 model years of the Accord. NHTSA's investigations can lead to a recall but often are dropped without finding defects.