Post by TonyV on May 4, 2010 10:31:36 GMT -5
NHTSA probes sticky pedal problem in Dodge Caliber
Chrysler offers affected drivers inspections and free repairs
By Justin Hyde
Free Press Washington Staff
WASHINGTON – Chrysler said today it would offer inspections to owners of 10,000 Dodge Calibers from the 2007 model year after federal auto safety regulators opened a probe into five complaints of sticking accelerator pedals -- the same problem that led Toyota to recall 2.3 million vehicles over sudden acceleration.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said its preliminary probe would cover 161,000 Calibers, but Chrysler said based on its review of the complaints and warranty data the problem affected only models built during March and April 2006. NHTSA also said the pedals in the Caliber were made by CTS Corp., the Indiana supplier that provided the pedals to Toyota.
Chrysler said the problem "appears to be a supplier manufacturing concern, which is mechanical in nature and not a design or electronic issue." It told owners of vehicles built during that time to go to a dealer for an inspection; if the dealer finds a problem, it will be repaired for free.
The automaker contends the inspection and repair program isn't technically a safety recall. But NHTSA may deem it one if the agency concludes the problem is safety-related, or orders Chrysler to cover a wider range of vehicles.
While none of the complaints reports any crashes or injuries, one owner said the vehicle hit 90 m.p.h., while another reported surging to 75 m.p.h. before the driver could slow down by pulling the pedal back by hand.
In four of the complaints, owners reported finding metal bushings on the floor of their vehicles; NHTSA said without the bushings, “the pedal arm can become misaligned and prevent it from returning to the idle position.”
The Caliber is equipped with brake override systems, which should cut off fuel if it senses both the accelerator and brake pedals are pressed.
Toyota said the same problem was one of two main causes of sudden acceleration in its vehicles. The automaker's delay in launching a recall for the problem has spurred U.S. lawmakers to propose tough new safety rules and powers for NHTSA, including requiring brake override systems and no limits on fines.
Chrysler said it would cooperate fully with NHTSA. The preliminary probe is the first legal step toward a recall, which most automakers issue before NHTSA has to legally order.
Dodge Caliber owners with questions about their vehicles can contact Chrysler at 800-992-1997.
Chrysler offers affected drivers inspections and free repairs
By Justin Hyde
Free Press Washington Staff
WASHINGTON – Chrysler said today it would offer inspections to owners of 10,000 Dodge Calibers from the 2007 model year after federal auto safety regulators opened a probe into five complaints of sticking accelerator pedals -- the same problem that led Toyota to recall 2.3 million vehicles over sudden acceleration.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said its preliminary probe would cover 161,000 Calibers, but Chrysler said based on its review of the complaints and warranty data the problem affected only models built during March and April 2006. NHTSA also said the pedals in the Caliber were made by CTS Corp., the Indiana supplier that provided the pedals to Toyota.
Chrysler said the problem "appears to be a supplier manufacturing concern, which is mechanical in nature and not a design or electronic issue." It told owners of vehicles built during that time to go to a dealer for an inspection; if the dealer finds a problem, it will be repaired for free.
The automaker contends the inspection and repair program isn't technically a safety recall. But NHTSA may deem it one if the agency concludes the problem is safety-related, or orders Chrysler to cover a wider range of vehicles.
While none of the complaints reports any crashes or injuries, one owner said the vehicle hit 90 m.p.h., while another reported surging to 75 m.p.h. before the driver could slow down by pulling the pedal back by hand.
In four of the complaints, owners reported finding metal bushings on the floor of their vehicles; NHTSA said without the bushings, “the pedal arm can become misaligned and prevent it from returning to the idle position.”
The Caliber is equipped with brake override systems, which should cut off fuel if it senses both the accelerator and brake pedals are pressed.
Toyota said the same problem was one of two main causes of sudden acceleration in its vehicles. The automaker's delay in launching a recall for the problem has spurred U.S. lawmakers to propose tough new safety rules and powers for NHTSA, including requiring brake override systems and no limits on fines.
Chrysler said it would cooperate fully with NHTSA. The preliminary probe is the first legal step toward a recall, which most automakers issue before NHTSA has to legally order.
Dodge Caliber owners with questions about their vehicles can contact Chrysler at 800-992-1997.