U.S. probes potential Chrysler sticky pedal issue

Not sure if anyone has this year but just something to watch.



http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100503/us_nm/us_chrysler_pedals

DETROIT (Reuters) – U.S. safety regulators have opened an investigation to review a potential sticky accelerator pedal problem in Chrysler Group LLC's 2007 model-year Dodge Caliber cars.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a document posted on its website that five consumers reported that the accelerator pedal became stuck and would not return to the idle position when released.

Elkhart, Indiana-based supplier CTS Corp made the pedals involved in the Chrysler investigation. CTS is also the supplier of pedals involved in Toyota Motor Corp's January recall of more than 2 million vehicles.

Chrysler said its own review has found that consumer complaints were limited to about 10,000 Calibers built during a five-week window in March and April 2006. The NHTSA probe covers some 161,000 Dodge Calibers built for the 2007 model year.

Chrysler and NHTSA said they were not aware of any accidents, injuries or property damage related to the issue.

"It appears to be a supplier manufacturing concern, which is mechanical in nature and not a design or electronic issue," Chrysler said in a statement.

The automaker also said the vehicle is equipped with a brake override system, which allows the engine controller to reduce power and stop the car when both the brake and the accelerator are depressed.

CTS representatives were not immediately available to comment.

CTS shares rose 3 percent, or 32 cents, to $10.82 in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

Rudy????

Dodge recalls 35,000 Calibers over gas pedals. Just got a glimpse on the news, don't know exact details.

Here is what I saw on cnn this morning.

Sticky Pedal


Chrysler recalls 25,000 cars for sticky pedals

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Chrysler Group is recalling about 25,000 model year 2007 Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass cars in the U.S. because of a problem that causes the gas pedals to stick.

An additional 10,000 cars are being recalled in other countries.

In the vehicles, part of the gas pedal assembly can fall off, causing the pedal to come out of alignment and become stuck.

The pedals for these cars were made by CTS Corp. the same supplier that made gas pedals involved in a massive Toyota recall for sticking gas pedals. However, although both the Toyota and Chrysler gas pedals could get stuck, the underlying problems appear to be unrelated.

A CTS spokesman did not immediately able to respond to a request for comment.

The NHTSA opened an investigation into the problem in early May following five consumer complaints. In four of the cases, a mechanical part of the gas pedal was found on the floor of the vehicle.

The Caliber and Compass, like all Chrysler Group vehicles, have a system called "brake override" or "smart brake" which automatically cuts engine power when the brake pedal is pressed, even if the gas pedal is also pressed. That makes the vehicle easier to control if the gas pedal becomes stuck.

Because of the presence of "smart brake" technology, Chrysler does not believe the problem represents an "unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety," the carmaker said in a letter to NHTSA. But it decided to perform the recall nevertheless.

In a statement, the company said that "it is not aware of any accidents, injuries or property damage related to this issue."

Chrysler will notify owners of vehicles affected by the recall. Only some Calibers from the 2007 model year will potentially have the problem. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the gas pedal assembly.

Owners who think their car may be involved can call Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

at least chrysler is stepping up and recalling them even though they don't think it poses a serious risk. Unlike toyota, who know about the problem and ignored it. And that brake override system is why i can't smoke my tires stupid chrysler, taking away all the fun of driving. haha