Sticky accelerator pedal prompts Chrysler to recall Dodge Caliber

The recall, comprising of 34,614 Calibers and 90 Compasses, majority of them sold in the nation, are vehicles with model year 2007.

Toyota vehicles had a similar defect
The pedals in these vehicles were manufactured by the CTS Corp., an Elkhart, Indiana- based original equipment manufacturer.

The company claimed that given the throttle control technology, the accelerator pedals do not "present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety."

In fact, the same manufacturer had supplied similar parts to Japan’s Toyota Motor Co. as well. Toyota, recalled 2.3 million vehicles in a series of recalls, wherein defective accelerator pedals led to unintended acceleration.

"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.

Ditlowb was referring to the beating Toyota’s reputation took. Chrysler is wary of that and is putting all possible checks and balances in place to ensure that it does not get a negative publicity.

"Everybody has been paying much more attention since the Toyota recalls and product liability issues," said Aaron Jacoby, head of law firm Arent Fox law.

"When manufacturers and suppliers have a problem, they want to solve it in a way that best deals with the issue for consumers and shareholders," added Jacoby.

No unreasonable risk
The recall was initiated after five consumers complained to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the accelerator pedals stuck while driving.

Fortunately, no accidents or injuries related to the pedal defect have been reported so far.

The Auburn Hills, Michigan based manufacturer has employed electronic throttle control technology in these vehicles. This software essentially stops the vehicle in case both the accelerator and brake are applied.

The company claimed that given the throttle control technology, the accelerator pedals do not "present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety."

The problem
According to estimates given by Chrysler, some 30 percent of the recalled vehicles could have sticky accelerator pedals.

“Under certain conditions the pedal may not immediately return to its idle position,” said Nick Cappa, a Chrysler spokesman.

“Some vehicles have been built with accelerator pedal pivot bushings that may dislodge, causing the pedal to slowly return under limited operating conditions,” said Cappa, explaining the exact problem.

The recall, which is expected to begin this month, will entail replacement of all faulty accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recalled vehicles will be inspected by a dealer and the ones that are certified as faulty would undergo the repair process.