" Ford’s issue stems directly
" Ford’s issue stems directly from the bunching of floormats under the accelerator pedal" - WHAT BS! I just experienced the unintended acceleration in my 2006 Lincoln Town Car and have looked at all possibilities. Specifically, the floor carpets. I find this is not a reasonable possibility based on the configuration of the accelerator pedal. The pedal is suspended from high up on the firewall and has plenty of clearance around it. I have the factory floor mat and a protective vinyl floor mat and the and they don't even come close to interfering with the pedal.
My first incident with acceleration was not severe and was a forgettable experience. The second occurrence was just last night and was frightening. While merging with dense traffic exiting a parking facility the car suddenly accelerated and in excess of 4000 rpm was seen on the tachometer in the frenzy of slamming on the brakes and avoiding other cars.
I have a further concern. My neighbors have a 2009 Lincoln MKZ which has been identified as potentially having the problem. My neighbors are in the mid to upper 80's and I don't think would have the ability to control a severe acceleration event. My dilemmna is I don't want to alarm them by telling them about it but would feel awful if they had an accident because of it. I also checked their Lincoln and again you would have to try real hard to make the floor mat interfere with the accelerator pedal as Ford claims is the problem.
In my opinion Ford is using the floor mat as a smoke screen for the real problem with the accelerator. The usual logic: it's cheaper to pay for a few attorneys and lawsuits than it is to refit 1000's of cars.