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2007 Dodge Caliber

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Caliber years

Owner complaints for the 2007 Dodge Caliber are substantially higher than the model-year median of 165.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

747 reports with mileage · 137 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 255 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 197 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 158 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

54 crash reports18 fire reports28 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

35 reports
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33,000 miles · Jan 4, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL FAILED AND THE THROTTLE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 45 MPH AND STALLED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL FAILED AND THE THROTTLE LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 45 MPH AND STALLED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 67,793. UPDATED 02/09/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, IT STALLED. UPDATED 02/24/12

NHTSA ODI #10442405

60,000 miles · Dec 20, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #10440550

42,683 miles · Nov 14, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

AT APPROX 6PM ON 11/11 WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE INTERSTATE MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK VIOLENTLY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT EXCEED 35 MPH. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL AUTOZONE TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSTIC. MULTIPLE MISFIRES ON ALL CYLINDERS. I HAD THE SPARK PLUGS REPLACED THAT WEEKEND BECAU…

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AT APPROX 6PM ON 11/11 WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE INTERSTATE MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK VIOLENTLY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT EXCEED 35 MPH. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL AUTOZONE TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSTIC. MULTIPLE MISFIRES ON ALL CYLINDERS. I HAD THE SPARK PLUGS REPLACED THAT WEEKEND BECAUSE MY DEALERS REPAIR SHOP WAS FULL. PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED SO I LEFT THE CAR AT THE DEALER FOR THEM TO CHECK THE ENGINE. THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE 50,000 MILES ENGINE AND POWER TRAIN WARRANTY BECAUSE IT IS NOT A MOVING PART. I JUST HAD TO REPLACE BOTH BALL JOINTS AND UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON THE CAR IN JUNE. IT IS CURRENTLY AT 42,600 MILES. THE ALIGNMENT IS OFF AGAIN SO I'M SUSPECTING THE BALL JOINTS ARE GOING BAD AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10435570

110,000 miles · Oct 19, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND HESITATE TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FLOW CONTROL VALVE ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE O…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND HESITATE TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FLOW CONTROL VALVE ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10430836

98,401 miles · Oct 13, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. DURING A FAILED INSPECTION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD WOBBLE WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEEDS. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING NEW STRUTS. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. DURING A FAILED INSPECTION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD WOBBLE WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEEDS. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING NEW STRUTS. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,401.

NHTSA ODI #10430040

81,000 miles · Aug 9, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE U-TURN, WHEN MY CAR WENT INTO A STALL. THE ENGINE SOUNDED TO ME, AS IF IT WAS STILL REVVING. BUT MY FOOT WASN'T ON THE PEDAL. I CAME TO A HALT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. PUT MY CAR IN PARK, TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TWICE. THEN MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE. IN SHOCK I COULD FEEL THE CAR GETTING…

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I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION TO MAKE U-TURN, WHEN MY CAR WENT INTO A STALL. THE ENGINE SOUNDED TO ME, AS IF IT WAS STILL REVVING. BUT MY FOOT WASN'T ON THE PEDAL. I CAME TO A HALT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. PUT MY CAR IN PARK, TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE TWICE. THEN MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE. IN SHOCK I COULD FEEL THE CAR GETTING HOT. SO I UNBUCKLED MY SEAT BELT, AND TRIED TO OPEN THE DOOR. IT WOULDN'T OPEN. I PANICKED FOR MY LIFE AND PROCEEDED TO TRY AND GET OUT THE CAR FROM THE TRUNK. IT WOULDN'T OPEN EITHER. BUT A WITTINESS WHO SAW MY HORRIBLE FATE HELPED ME AND OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. I WAS SAVED, AND RELIEVED. HE THEN RAN TO HIS CAR AND GOT A GALLON OF WATER AND TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. BUT THE FLAMES WERE TO STRONG FOR A GUSH OF WATER. AN OTHER WITTINESS TRIED TO HELP PUT OUT THE FLAMES WITH SOME MORE WATER. STILL THE FLAMES WOULD NOT DIE DOWN. SO I DECIDED TO CALL "911" AND TELL THEM MY REASON OF CALLING. THEN THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS CAME. THEY PUT OUT THE FIRE. I WAS RELIEVED BUT AFRAID FOR MY. NEW JOB THAT I HAD TO REPORT AN ABSENCE TOO, AND LOST WAGES FOR MY FAMILY CARE AND WELL BEING. AND MY OWN LIFE THREATENING ORDEAL, MAY HAVE TO EVALUATED FOR POST TRAUMATIC STRESS. I THEN CALLED MY FAMILY MEMBER TO PICK ME UP, AND TO ARRANGE A TOW SERVICE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MY RESIDENCE. AND IS NOW UNDERGOING AN INVESTIGATIVE DAMAGES AND INSURANCE CLAIMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10418203

80,000 miles · Aug 8, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE AND IT STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON THE LAST ATTEMPT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND NO INJURIES …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE AND IT STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON THE LAST ATTEMPT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #10417944

71,000 miles · Apr 29, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT WAS ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ECU WARNING LIGHT. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT WAS ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ECU WARNING LIGHT. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,000. UPDATED 06/13/11 *BF UPDATED 09/19/11

NHTSA ODI #10398240

53,000 miles · Apr 6, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

ENGINE HAS CONSTANT 'RATTLE'; SOUNDS JUST LIKE A DIESEL ENGINE NOW. STARTED AS A TICKING SOUND WHILE CAR IDLED, TICKING GREW INTO A GROWL AFTER STARTING THE CAR, NOW ROARS UPON ACCELERATION AND GRINDS/KNOCKS LOUDLY WHEN STOPPED WHILE IN GEAR--QUITE EMBARRASSING AT RED LIGHTS. FORUM HAS INDICATED SAME PROBLEM AS AN ALTERNATOR PUL…

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ENGINE HAS CONSTANT 'RATTLE'; SOUNDS JUST LIKE A DIESEL ENGINE NOW. STARTED AS A TICKING SOUND WHILE CAR IDLED, TICKING GREW INTO A GROWL AFTER STARTING THE CAR, NOW ROARS UPON ACCELERATION AND GRINDS/KNOCKS LOUDLY WHEN STOPPED WHILE IN GEAR--QUITE EMBARRASSING AT RED LIGHTS. FORUM HAS INDICATED SAME PROBLEM AS AN ALTERNATOR PULLEY. VISUAL INSPECTION DETECTS SOURCE OF NOISE ON LEFT SIDE OF ENGINE (LOOKING IN UNDER THE HOOD) WHERE THE 7 BELTS ARE SPINNING--HARD TO TELL WHICH ONE IS THE CULPRIT BUT THE ALTERNATOR POST MAKES SENSE. PLEASE VISIT THAT PARTICULAR COMMENT AT HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/WEBX?14@414.TYHOAEDIJXU@.F0F6BB2/187#MSG187; AND THAT WAS PAGE 20! MANY OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM, AND NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY IN FEAR OF A BREAKDOWN OR POWER LOSS (I'VE LIVED THROUGH ONE OF THOSE BEFORE BY THE GRACE OF GOD). THAT SITE RECOMMENDED THAT I POST THE COMPLAINT TO YOU, TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT FOR NOT ONLY MYSELF (I.E., JUST TAKE IT TO THE SHOP AND SPEND MONEY I DON'T HAVE FOR WORKAROUND FIXES THAT WON'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM), BUT FOR OTHERS WHO LOVED THE CAR THEY PURCHASED BUT ARE NOW REGRETTING THEIR DECISION (*THEREFORE PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL TO ENCOURAGE DAIMLER CHRYSLER TO REVIEW THEIR ENGINEERING RECRUITMENT AND PERFORMANCE). THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND PURPOSE IN THIS ECONOMY. :) *TR

NHTSA ODI #10394495

25,000 miles · Mar 13, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

DRIVING ON FAST LANE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER TURNING RIGHT, ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE CAR WAS BOUGHT, COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, CAR STARTS JITTERING, CANNOT KEEP DRIVING IT AND HAVE TO PARK CAR ON THE SIDE ROAD HOPING THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10389954

Official recalls

4

17V824000 · Equipment

Dec 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

10V234000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Jun 3, 2010

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND JEEP COMPASS PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7 THROUGH MAY 19, 2006. THE PIVOT BUSHINGS IN VEHICLES WITH OVERSIZED ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEARING POCKETS MAY BECOME DISLODGED AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BIND OR STICK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SHOULD THE PEDAL BIND OR BECOME STUCK, IT CAN BE OVERCOME BY SMART BRAKES WHICH OVERRIDE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL AFFECTED ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V196000 · Wheels:hub

May 7, 2007

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR DISC BRAKES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 135, "LIGHT VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE LENGTH OF THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS MAY PREVENT ACTUATION OF THE PARK BRAKE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL HUB MOUNTING BOLTS AND REPAIR THE PARK BRAKE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 8, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

06V493000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Dec 29, 2006

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE10012 · Sticking Accelerator Pedal

Opened Apr 29, 2010 · Closed Aug 26, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

In their Defect Information Report (DIR) of June 3, 2010, Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) notified NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall of approximately 25,265 model year 2007 Dodge Caliber vehicles and 71 model year 2007 Jeep Compass vehicles manufactured from March 7, 2006 through May 19, 2006.The recall will remedy a defect in the accelerator pedal assembly (accelerator pedal) of the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system that can cause the accelerator pedal to stick in an open position and not return to the idle position when released.As stated in the opening resume, the subject vehicles (Caliber) are equipped with an ETC accelerator pedal manufactured by the CTS Corporation, the same supplier of the ETC accelerator pedal used in the recently recalled Toyota vehicles.The ETC accelerator pedal used in Caliber and Compass vehicles is not the same as those used in the recalled Toyota vehicles.They are of a different design, were manufactured using different tooling, and fail in a different manner.According to Chrysler and CTS, oversized bearing pockets in the ETC accelerator pedal housing of the Caliber and Compass vehicles allows the accelerator pedal pivot shaft bearings to dislodge from the housing.If this occurs, the accelerator pedal can stick in an open position (i.e., fails to return to the closed position) or be slow to return.Chrysler's DIR notes that the subject vehicles are equipped with Smart Brake Technology and contends that the impact of a binding or sticking accelerator pedal can be negated by its Smart Brake system.In Chrysler's view, the system enables the brake pedal input to override the throttle control system and safely depower the vehicle and minimizes the potential for safety consequences resulting from the defect in the accelerator pedal.Further, Chrysler states, as a result of the presence of this technology, Chrysler Group LLC has concluded that the condition described in this report does not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.ODI does not concur with Chrysler's position that the Smart Brake technology employed in the subject vehicles eliminates unreasonable risks to safety stemming from the ETC accelerator pedal defect.Aside from the fact that the technology is applicable only to situations where the brake pedal is activated, the Smart Brake system implemented in the subject vehicles will override a stuck throttle under a discrete set of conditions.Because driver behaviors (e.g., kicking at the accelerator pedal to dislodge it, or pumping the brake pedal instead of steady application) may delay or prevent activation of the Smart Brake system in the subject vehicles, ODI believes that this Smart Brake system does not totally eliminate unreasonable risks to safety posed by this defect or the necessity of a safety recall in this case.See Safety Recall file 10V-234 for recall details.