Feds investigate 2007 Dodge Caliber for sticky pedal problem

The 2007 Dodge Caliber is being investigated for a sticky pedal problem, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

The agency has received complaints from five consumers about the accelerator issue. The problem: The pedal does not return to the idle position when released, a NHTSA document said. Four consumers reported they found one or two bushings from the pedal assembly on the driver's-side floor. No crashes or injuries have been reported.

The pedal assemblies were made by CTS Corp., which made the parts associated some of Toyota's massive recalls.

Chrysler said in a statement on Monday that the issue appears to be a “supplier manufacturing concern," and said it will cooperate with NHTSA. The company also says it is a mechanical problem, not an issue with the design or electronics.

The Caliber is equipped with a brake-override system, and if there is a disagreement between the throttle and the brakes, the engine controller will reduce power, allowing the driver to stop the car. Chrysler says it has been using brake-override technology since 2003.

The automaker also said the problem appears to stem from a batch of Calibers made during a five-week window in March and April 2006.

Consumers who have 2007 Calibers built during that time can visit their dealerships for a free inspection. The investigation was opened on April 29. The Calibers affected have electronic throttle control.

The sticky-pedal problem has damaged the reputation of Toyota, the world's largest automaker, which has been dealing with the investigations and recalls for months. Toyota also was investigated before Congress and hit with a record fine.