Chrysler Recalls Dodge Caliber over Sticking Gas Pedals

Chrysler will recall 35,000 Dodge Calibers globally to remedy a possible issue with sticking accelerator pedals, the same problem that has impacted millions of Toyota vehicles.

Chrysler Group LLC announced that it will recall 25,000 Dodge Calibers in the United States from model year 2007 and a small number of 2007 Jeep Compass sport utility vehicles to inspect models built from March to May of 2006. The rest of the recalled vehicles are in Canada, Mexico, and other countries.

The gas pedals were produced by CTS Corporation, the Elkhart, Ind. that made the accelerator pedals involved in the Toyota recall of more than two million vehicles in early 2010. Addressing the NHTSA, Chrysler claimed the pedals were “a completely different design” and manufactured “with different tooling” from the gas pedals affected by Toyota’s recall.

The NHTSA began an investigation of the Chrysler accelerator pedals in April. The carmaker reported that the compact SUVs possess “smart brake” technology that allows the braking system to override the accelerator pedal and stop the vehicle safely. Chrysler said that it did not view the issue as a safety defect but has decided to issue a safety recall nevertheless.

The carmaker claimed that it had not received any reports of property damage, accidents, or injuries associated with the pedals. In reports filed with the NHTSA, Chrysler approximated that 30 percent of the Calibers affected by the recall may require the replacement of the pedal assembly.

Chrysler dealerships will inspect the recalled Calibers and replace the faulty pedals with a new unit at no cost to owners.