About 10,000 of the 2007 Dodge Calibers produced in spring 2006 could be impacted by the new NHTSA investigation.
Federal regulators have opened an investigation that could lead to the recall of thousands of Dodge Calibers that may be equipped with the same sticky accelerator pedal that has caused so much trouble for Toyota.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration probe is targeting 161,000 of the 2007 Dodge Caliber hatchbacks, though Chrysler officials believe that only 10,000 of the vehicles, produced during a five-week period in March and April 2006 are actually affected by the potential problem.
The probe focuses on the use of accelerator pedals manufactured by the Indiana-based supplier CTS Corp., which was also the source of sticky accelerator pedals involved in the January recall of 2.3 million Toyota vehicles. The Japanese maker recently paid a record fine of $16.4 million for failing to notify the government of the problem in a timely manner.
So far, however, there appear to be no indications of a delay on the part of Chrysler. The automaker began its own probe, on April 23 of this year, after getting notice from NHTSA that it, in turn, had received five complaints about sticking Caliber accelerator pedals.
The 2007 Dodge model is equipped with a brake override system that effectively disables the engine when the brake is applied, even if the throttle sticks, a safety feature that many Toyota’s lacked.
There are no indications of other problems with the 2007 Dodge Caliber. Federal investigators are still studying the possibility of additional mechanical and electronic problems with Toyota vehicles alleged to suffer “sudden acceleration.” The Japanese company has vigorously defended its actions and insists it has now moved to correct all defects, ruling out electronic control issues.
For its part, Chrysler claims that though the CTS pedals are used in other products the problem appears limited to a small number of 2007-model Dodge Calibers. The maker said owners can take their vehicles to dealer service departments for inspection. They also can call a special hotline, 1-800-992-1997.
The investigation could eventually lead to the recall of the affected vehicles.