ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS FLASH, WARNING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DISAPPEAR, REAPPEAR AT WILL, WONT START, SYSTEM FAILURE, LOSS OF POWER, SPEED LIMIT ACUTE LOSS OF POWER, STALLING OF ENGINE WHILE AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, STALLING OUT AT 35-40 MPH SPEEDS, NOISE AT GAS PEDAL. *TR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Caliber years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
104 reportsCAR PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2007 WITH LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. DRIVEN 99% ON INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. ALL MANUFACTURER'S MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN FOLLOWED. WHILE DRIVING APPROX 72 MPH IN FLOW OF TRAFFIC, CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATED TO UNDER 35 MPH AND LIGHTNING BOLT (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL IN…
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CAR PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 2007 WITH LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. DRIVEN 99% ON INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. ALL MANUFACTURER'S MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN FOLLOWED. WHILE DRIVING APPROX 72 MPH IN FLOW OF TRAFFIC, CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATED TO UNDER 35 MPH AND LIGHTNING BOLT (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL INDICATOR) BEGAN FLASHING. I WAS NEARLY HIT BY A TRACTOR TRAILER BARRELING DOWN ON MY CAR. I MOVED TO THE SHOULDER, GRABBED THE MANUAL AND READ ABOUT THE LIGHT. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND TURNED IT BACK ON AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND THE CAR SEEMED FINE AND I WAS ABLE TO GET HOME. THE NEXT MORNING, THE CAR WOULDN'T START. I TRIED SEVERAL HOURS LATER AND IT STARTED JUST FINE. ABOUT 1 MILE DOWN THE ROAD IN 3RD GEAR, THE CAR LOST SPEED AGAIN DROPPING FROM APPROX 40 MPH TO 10 MPH. THE LIGHTNING BOLT WAS NOT ON THIS TIME, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED INTO THE NEARBY CAR PARTS STORE AND THEY READ THE ENGINE CODES (P2110 AND P2118). I TOOK MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC AT UNDER 10 MPH ON A 55 MPH ROAD. THE MECHANIC GOT THE SAME CODES AND INDICATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY PROBABLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I THEN CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, INDICATED WHAT WAS WRONG AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NEED ME TO PAY $95 TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE BEFORE THEY COULD TELL ME WHETHER OR NOT THE PARTS WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I TOLD HER WHAT PART WAS IN QUESTION AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, DESPITE ITS DRASTIC EFFECT ON THE ENGINE. BECAUSE IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL, MY MECHANIC WORKED ON IT. HE CLEANED THE THROTTLE BODY AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH IT. HE THEN REPLACED THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSORS, WHICH FIXED THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUED THAT WILL GET SOMEONE KILLED, IF IT HASN'T ALREADY. IT'S POSSIBLE THAT IT HAS HAPPENED AND HASN'T BEEN REPORTED BECAUSE A DEAD PERSON CAN TELL THEIR VERSION OF EVENTS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD REMAIN STILL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD REMAIN STILL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V234000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO THINK OR WHAT TO DO!!!! I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY CALIBER SINCE I PURCHASED IT. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS BACK IN 2008 OR 2009 AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND IT DECIDED IT NEEDED TO SHUT OFF ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. A WHILE LATER THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIED AND I HAD NO DAS…
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I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO THINK OR WHAT TO DO!!!! I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY CALIBER SINCE I PURCHASED IT. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS BACK IN 2008 OR 2009 AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND IT DECIDED IT NEEDED TO SHUT OFF ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. A WHILE LATER THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIED AND I HAD NO DASH-LIGHTS/HEADLIGHTS/ EMERGENCY LIGHTS/ WIPERS/ JUST KEEP GOING WITH MORE ELECTRICAL NECESSARY SAFETY EQUIPMENT. THEN ANOTHER SET OF ISSUES AROSE... SINCE WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PARTS OF THE WHOLE CAR FIXED AND OR REPLACED MOST RECENTLY THE SUSPENSION, TRANSMISSION, AND THE SAME SENSORY THAT WAS FIXED EARLIER (CRANKSHAFT SENSOR). NOW ONLY 4 MONTHS SINCE ALL OF THOSE ISSUES WERE FIXED MY CAR IS WORSE THEN IT WAS BEFORE..... DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE WILL ATTEMPT TO STALL (AS AN AUTOMATIC), THE RPMS HAVE A MIND OF THEIR OWN... OH AND DON'T LET ME FORGET THAT THE DEALER CAN FIND NO ISSUES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE VEHICLE AS IT DOES NOT PRODUCE AN ERROR CODE WHEN CONNECTED TO A DIAGNOSTIC READER. (JUST A SIDE NOTE I MIGHT BE AN IDIOT BUT A MECHANICAL ERROR WILL NOT PRODUCE A ERROR CODE AS IT IS MECHANICAL AND NOT ELECTRICAL...BUT I COULD BE MISTAKEN). NOW WHAT HAPPENS THE DAY I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH MY CHILDREN AND THE VEHICLE DECIDES IT IS DONE AND SHUTS OFF.... I CAN SEE THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO MAJOR FIXES/RECALLS/STATEMENTS. IF IT IS A WELL KNOWN FACT THAT DODGE AND THEIR CVT TRANSMISSIONS HAVE MALFUNCTION ISSUES; WHY CAN'T THERE BE ONE SWIFT FIX TO MAKE THE VEHICLE SAFE TO DRIVE. OR SINCE NO ONE HAS DIED AT THE HAND OF CHRYSLER DUE TO THESE MALFUNCTIONS IT IS NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO BE ADDRESSED? *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE THE CONTACT COULD NOT ACCELERATE TO THE SHOULDER. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER WH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE THE CONTACT COULD NOT ACCELERATE TO THE SHOULDER. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT DID NOT PROVIDE A CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FRACTURED WHILE UNDER THE CONTACT'S FOOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE PEDAL WAS COMPLETELY FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFAC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FRACTURED WHILE UNDER THE CONTACT'S FOOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE PEDAL WAS COMPLETELY FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK GOING UP A HILL WHEN THE CAR SHOOK A LITTLE AND STARTED TO DECELERATE. I NOTICED THERE WAS A BLINKING SYMBOL ON THE DASH OF A LIGHTNING BOLT BETWEEN TWO LINES. I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE FAST ENOUGH TO KEEP MY SPEED GOING UP THE HILL, AND DECELERATED VERY QUICKLY. ANYTIME I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT IT TOOK ABO…
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I WAS DRIVING TO WORK GOING UP A HILL WHEN THE CAR SHOOK A LITTLE AND STARTED TO DECELERATE. I NOTICED THERE WAS A BLINKING SYMBOL ON THE DASH OF A LIGHTNING BOLT BETWEEN TWO LINES. I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE FAST ENOUGH TO KEEP MY SPEED GOING UP THE HILL, AND DECELERATED VERY QUICKLY. ANYTIME I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT IT TOOK ABOUT 5 SECONDS BEFORE I WAS EVEN ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD. DURING THE 5 SECONDS, THE CAR SEEMED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL AT THE INTERSECTION. ONCE I REACHED WORK I LOOKED UP THE LIGHT IN THE OWNERS MANUAL AND FOUND IT TO BE AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL LIGHT. I TRIED TURNING OFF THE CAR AND TURNING IT BACK ON ONLY TO REALIZE THAT NOTHING HAD CHANGED. THIS COULD EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THERE IS NO FIX, ONLY THEORIES. *TR
THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE LIGHT COMES ON IN THE 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND THEN, WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, ALL POWER IS LOST IN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER HAS ABOUT 30 FEET TO GET SAFE AND STOP. AT THIS POINT, IF YOU WAIT ABOUT 1 MINUTE AND RESTART THE CAR, IT IS DRIVEABLE. THIS HAPPENS COMPLETELY RANDOMLY AND WITH NO WARNING, CAUSING A R…
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THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE LIGHT COMES ON IN THE 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND THEN, WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, ALL POWER IS LOST IN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER HAS ABOUT 30 FEET TO GET SAFE AND STOP. AT THIS POINT, IF YOU WAIT ABOUT 1 MINUTE AND RESTART THE CAR, IT IS DRIVEABLE. THIS HAPPENS COMPLETELY RANDOMLY AND WITH NO WARNING, CAUSING A REAL ROAD HAZARD. CHRYSLER IS UNABLE, OR UNWILLING, TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS KNOWN DEFECT AND THE REPAIRS SUGGESTED DON'T APPEAR TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED FROM A DEALERSHIP DUE TO THE FACT THAT I HAVE AN HOUR DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK AND IT APPEARED TO HAVE GREAT GAS MILEAGE. WITHIN MY FIRST TWO WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP THE STARTER WAS STUCK ENGAGED AS I DROVE AND CAUGHT FIRE. THIS I REPLACED KNOWING WITH AGE, STARTERS AND ALTERNATORS DIE. A MONTH AFTER SERVIC…
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I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED FROM A DEALERSHIP DUE TO THE FACT THAT I HAVE AN HOUR DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK AND IT APPEARED TO HAVE GREAT GAS MILEAGE. WITHIN MY FIRST TWO WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP THE STARTER WAS STUCK ENGAGED AS I DROVE AND CAUGHT FIRE. THIS I REPLACED KNOWING WITH AGE, STARTERS AND ALTERNATORS DIE. A MONTH AFTER SERVICING THE STARTER, I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT A SPEED OF 67MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN A LIGHTENING BOLT (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR LIGHT) FLASHED AND THE CAR JERKED AS IF IT WERE TO STALL. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT IT PROBABLY WAS THE THROTTLE BODY AND THAT I MIGHT AS WELL DRIVE THE CAR FOR A BIT BECAUSE THE LIGHT WAS NOT STAYING LIT. EVERY SINCE THEN THE LIGHT HAS FLASHED ON ATLEAST ONCE A MONTH WITH THE CAR VIOLENTLY JERKING AS TO STALL. I STARTED THE CAR LAST WEEK AND THE IDLE WAS MISERABLE SO FIGURED THE THROTTLE BODY HAD GONE. TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO READ CODES ON THE PC. CODE WAS FOR THE THROTTLE BODY. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED BY A CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP MECHANIC. WITHIN 30 MILES AND 30MINS AFTER LEAVING THE GARAGE THE CAR WAS JERKING TO STALL AS BEFORE BUT THE LIGHT WAS NOT ON. SEEM TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM CONSIDERING STALL ON INTERSTATE AT THOSE SPEEDS AND HIT BY A SEMI WOULD CAUSE INSTANT DEATH. THE VALUE OF MY CAR IS NO LONGER HIGH BUT YOU CAN GUARANTEE THE LOAN AND PAYMENTS ARE. I AM A PRESCHOOL TEACHER AND MAKE A VERY SMALL INCOME. TOOK CAR INSTANTLY BACK TO DEALERSHIP BUT I KNOW THEY WILL FIND NOTHING, CHARGE TO MUCH, AND SEND ME ON MY WAY WITH A DEATH SENTENCE. SEEMS AS THOUGH DODGE/CHRYSLER HAS DECIDED THAT AS LONG AS NO DEATHS IT IS OK TO CARRY ON WITH THIS REFUSAL TO ADMIT THAT THEY MADE A BAD PRODUCT. HOW ABOUT ROBBING! ALL I WANT IS MY CAR FIXED BUT OF COURSE THEY WILL NOT ADMIT ANYTHING. SUPPOSE I WILL HAVE TO CALL THE NEWS, FAX THE CEO'S, AND DIE . *TR
Official recalls
417V824000 · 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
1PE10012 · 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.
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