As we reported on Friday, Chrysler recalled a small number of Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass vehicles for the same type of sticky accelerator-pedal problem that plagued some of the huge number of recalled Toyota vehicles. As the Los Angeles Times reports, the recall happened after only five complaints and an initial probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration -- and Toyota's recent troubles have much to do with the Chrysler's decision to order the early call back. According to the article:
"Chrysler is recalling its vehicles after some drivers complained that when they released the gas pedal it did not return to the idle position. Four of the complaints said the drivers found parts from the pedal assembly loose on the driver's side floor."Notice, of course, that there were no deaths, injuries -- even complaints that the accelerator malfunctioned. Simply that the pedal didn't return to its resting or "idle" position, and that parts were loose. And only in five cases.
Of course, given the seriousness of the problems that might arise from faulty accelerators, one would hope that auto manufacturers taking such early precautions would be the rule, not the exception. Sadly, this isn't the case. The silver lining from the Toyota debacle, which cost as many as 89 people their lives, according to some reports, is that other automakers will be hypersensitive to bad press from safety issues, and will be equally hypervigilant about policing, recalling and fixing whatever issues pop up.
Let's enjoy it while it lasts, because soon enough it will be back to business as usual.
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