The accelerator pedal may become caught under the floor mat, causing it to remain stuck in a pressed position
Floor mats are often overlooked, but nearly two decades ago, they made headlines when Toyota had to recall nearly four million vehicles due to a similar issue—their mats could cause the accelerator pedal to get stuck. This led to a tragic incident where four people lost their lives in a crash.
Now, floor mats are once again in the spotlight. A recent recall affects 27,793 Buick Envision crossovers due to the potential danger posed by their all-weather floor mats. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the “accelerator pedal may become trapped under the floor mat, which can result in unintended acceleration.”
Although only 5% of vehicles are thought to be equipped with them, the safety recall report indicates that all-weather floor mats manufactured by Hope Valley Industries can “interfere with the accelerator pedal, trapping it beneath the liner and causing it to remain stuck in a depressed position.” The report further explains that the issue arose because the floor mat was not adjusted to account for a design change to the driver’s side carpet in the 2024 Envision.
Although the government refers to the item inconsistently as both a floor liner and a floor mat, it is actually an optional accessory. An investigation by GM uncovered nine field complaints that may be connected to the issue. However, the company has not reported any injuries or accidents related to it.
The investigation also revealed that 2,450 all-weather floor mats may be in circulation, potentially installed in one of the 27,793 Buick Envisions from the 2024 model year.
As part of the recall, dealers will inspect the vehicles for the presence of these floor mats. If found, the mats will either be discarded or modified to eliminate interference with the accelerator pedal. The modification involves cutting off part of the mat, and owners will be reimbursed for the original purchase cost.
