After one month of investigation, Chrysler has decided to initiate a voluntary recall of 34,631 Dodge Caliber and 90 Jeep Compass vehicles from the 2007 model year in order to address a potential issue with sticking gas pedals. While the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has been investigating the problem for over a month, Chrysler reports that no accidents, injuries or property damage linked to vehicles equipped with these pedal assemblies have been reported.
The pedal assemblies are supplied by CTS and are similar to those that triggered a recall of 2.3 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles earlier this year. The actual issue does not appear to be the same problem that afflicted the Toyota vehicles, although the end result of unintended acceleration can be similar. The Detroit Free Press reports that the issue is caused by a bearing housing that was made too large.
CTS experienced a manufacturing issue for five weeks during March through May of 2006 that affected some of the first Calibers and Compasses built. According to Chrysler, only about one-third of the recalled cars are expected to actually have an issue with their pedal assemblies. Since announcing there was an investigation in early May, Chrysler has allowed customers to bring their cars in for a free inspection. If a pedal assembly is found to be defective, Chrysler will replace the entire pedal assembly for any of the recalled vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
[Source: Detroit Free Press, Chrysler]
The pedal assemblies are supplied by CTS and are similar to those that triggered a recall of 2.3 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles earlier this year. The actual issue does not appear to be the same problem that afflicted the Toyota vehicles, although the end result of unintended acceleration can be similar. The Detroit Free Press reports that the issue is caused by a bearing housing that was made too large.
CTS experienced a manufacturing issue for five weeks during March through May of 2006 that affected some of the first Calibers and Compasses built. According to Chrysler, only about one-third of the recalled cars are expected to actually have an issue with their pedal assemblies. Since announcing there was an investigation in early May, Chrysler has allowed customers to bring their cars in for a free inspection. If a pedal assembly is found to be defective, Chrysler will replace the entire pedal assembly for any of the recalled vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
[Source: Detroit Free Press, Chrysler]
2007 Dodge Caliber and Jeep® Compass potential sticking accelerator pedal
Chrysler Group LLC statement in response to inquiry
On June 1, 2010 Chrysler Group LLC reported to NHTSA its intention to conduct a voluntary safety recall involving the 2007 Dodge Caliber and 2007 Jeep® Compass for a potential condition with accelerator pedals. Under certain conditions the pedal may not immediately return to its idle position. Some vehicles have been built with accelerator pedal pivot bushings that may dislodge causing the pedal to slowly return under limited operating conditions. The company's investigation finds this is limited to a small group of vehicles built from March 7 to May 19, 2006. The potential issue is mechanical in nature and not related to OEM design or electronics. Additionally, the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass are equipped with a brake override system. If a disagreement occurs between the throttle and the brake, the engine controller will reduce power, allowing the operator to stop the car. Chrysler Group has been using brake override technology in its vehicles since 2003. The company is not aware of any accidents, injuries or property damage related to this issue. Chrysler Group LLC will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all potentially affected vehicles to inspect and replace affected pedals with a new pedal unit which meets appropriate specifications. The improvement will be completed at no cost to the customer.
Affected Vehicles
The recall involves approximately 34,614 2007 Dodge Caliber vehicles and 90 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission (25,336 United States; 5,572 Canada; 2,260 Mexico; and 1,536 international markets) built between March 7 and May 19, 2006.
Chrysler Group LLC statement in response to inquiry
On June 1, 2010 Chrysler Group LLC reported to NHTSA its intention to conduct a voluntary safety recall involving the 2007 Dodge Caliber and 2007 Jeep® Compass for a potential condition with accelerator pedals. Under certain conditions the pedal may not immediately return to its idle position. Some vehicles have been built with accelerator pedal pivot bushings that may dislodge causing the pedal to slowly return under limited operating conditions. The company's investigation finds this is limited to a small group of vehicles built from March 7 to May 19, 2006. The potential issue is mechanical in nature and not related to OEM design or electronics. Additionally, the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass are equipped with a brake override system. If a disagreement occurs between the throttle and the brake, the engine controller will reduce power, allowing the operator to stop the car. Chrysler Group has been using brake override technology in its vehicles since 2003. The company is not aware of any accidents, injuries or property damage related to this issue. Chrysler Group LLC will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all potentially affected vehicles to inspect and replace affected pedals with a new pedal unit which meets appropriate specifications. The improvement will be completed at no cost to the customer.
Affected Vehicles
The recall involves approximately 34,614 2007 Dodge Caliber vehicles and 90 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission (25,336 United States; 5,572 Canada; 2,260 Mexico; and 1,536 international markets) built between March 7 and May 19, 2006.
Sign in to post
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Continue