Chrysler Recalls Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass for Sticky Pedals
Chrysler announced they are recalling approximately 25,000 2007 Dodge Caliber and a limited number of Jeep Compass cars in the U.S. due to a problem that can cause the gas pedal to stick.
The recall was issued because there is a risk of the gas pedal assembly falling off which could lead to the pedal falling out of alignment and becoming stuck.
Prior to the recall, an investigation had been opened by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) after five complaints were received from consumers; of the five complains, four experienced the pedal coming off and the pedal was found on the floor of the vehicle.
Chrysler equips their vehicles with "smart brakes" which are programmed to automatically cut engine power in the event the brake pedal is pressed (even if gas pedal is pressed) which gives the driver better control if the gas pedal became stuck. Due to this technology, the company does not believe the sticky gas pedal problem presents a huge risk, but decided to recall the vehicles as a precaution.
At this time no accidents, injuries or damage have occurred due to the sticky pedals.
On itsrecall page, NHTSA states the cars affected were manufactured from March 7 through May 19, 2006. The Chrysler company plans to notify owners of the 2007 Caliber and Compass vehicles and consumers can have their vehicles examined at their dealerships to see if a replacement is needed.
Ironically the pedals involved in the Chrysler recall were manufactured by the same supplier, CTS Corp., that manufactured the gas pedals for Toyota and were involved in a massive recall. At this time the problems appear to be unrelated, and CTS has not released any comments at this time.
Chrysler also plans to recall 10,000 additional vehicles in other countries.
This recall comes on the heels of the earlier recall in May 2010 when 40,000 newer model Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles were recalled to fix a problem with the ignition switch (USA Today).
Ever since the mass recall and subsequent legal ramifications Toyota is experiencing, it seems car manufacturers are not hesitating to recall vehicles when a potential problem is identified.
TheLA Times reports"Clearly, Chrysler and CTS have taken a look at what happened at Toyota and said they don't want that happening to them," said Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety".
Consumers who think they may own a vehicle that is affected by the recall can call Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.
Sources: NHTSA
CNN Money
LA Times
USA Today
