ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK

Feb 05, 2003 — Recall Campaign #03V035000

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.

The recall was influenced by the manufacturer with about 1,066,000 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

03V035000

Manufacturer:	Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Recall date:	February 05, 2003
NHTSA Campaign #:	03V035000
Units affected:	1,066,000

Description:: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
Consequeces:: IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Corrective action:: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Notes:: DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. C04. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Affects the following:

2001 CHRYSLER LHS Complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 CHRYSLER LHS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE DID NOT YIELD TO THE RIGHT OF WAY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR SIDE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT'S SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND BRUISING TO THE HEAD AND BOTH ARMS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THEIR LOCATION WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 159,000.*PM *TP;
2002 CHRYSLER 300M Complaints
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler 300M. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front driver's seat back fractured. The contact stated that upon sitting in the front driver's seat, the seat back collapsed and landed on the rear seat. The contact attempted to adjust the seat however, the front driver's seat failed to adjust. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V035000 (SEATS); however, the contact was informed that the recall had expired. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.;
2002 CHRYSLER CONCORDE Complaints
THIS CAR HAS AN ONGOING RECALL FOR SEAT RECLINER BOLTS. I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE SEAT BACK WENT FLAT AND I FELL BACKWARDS WHILE DRIVING. THIS WILL BE THE 4TH TIME THE SEAT BELT RECLINER BOLT BROKE. I BELIEVE I AM DUE FINANCIAL RESTITUTION EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT GET INJURED OR WORSE I COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I WAS ON A CITY STREET AT 40MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED.;
2002 DODGE INTREPID Complaints
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the seat back fell backwards onto the rear driver's side seat. The contact grabbed the steering wheel and held himself up and safely stopped the vehicle. The contact braced the seat upright and drove the vehicle to his residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched and referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V035000 (Seats) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.;