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The recall was prompted after two drivers reported problems with mats jamming the accelerator. Ford Australia spokesman, Todd Nissen, said the drivers were able to slow their vehicles and were not injured.
"We had two reports that drivers weren't able to stop the vehicle because of the mat," he said. "So we looked into and determined that it was one of three mats we sell that could have caused the problem."
The carpet mat set can be identified by its black colour with silver "Territory" lettering and rubber backing material. It is sold as an accessory with a Ford parts number 5R7J A13002 AA and is not a standard fitting on the car. Nissen said because it was an accessory, Ford dealers are being asked to contact purchasers directly.
"Unlike a vehicle recall we don't have a database of names," he said. "But what we do have is a good dealer network that can contact owners."
The mats have been available since last June.
Anyone who bought one of the 4990 mat sets as an accessory are being urged to return it to a Ford dealer in exhange for a free replacement of another design. Nissen said the mat set was one of three available. The others are not affected, he said.
Ford has placed ads in newspapers and is posting notifications with dealers to alert Territory drivers.
Earlier this year Toyota in North America was forced to recall millions of cars globally because of a similar floor mat-related problem that was found to jam the accelerator, causing cars to accelerate suddenly and uncontrollably.
"It's also important to note that there are no issues with accelerators or brakes or any other part of the Territory," Nissen said.
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