Recall - Front Passenger Seat Back Assembly: Overview

No.: 735

July, 1997

To: All Dealers

Subject:
Safety Recall # 735 -- Front Passenger Seat Back Assembly

Models:
1997 Model Year Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring and Eagle Talon (FJ) Vehicles Built From March 18, 1997 Through March 26, 1997 (MDH 0318XX Through 0326XX)

A weld that secures the head restraint to the front passenger seat back on the above listed vehicles, may be inadequate. Consequently, the head restraint may not properly protect a front seat passenger under certain accident conditions. This may result in increased injury to the passenger. To correct this condition, the front passenger seat back assembly must be replaced.

IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also consider this requirement to apply to used vehicle inventory, and should perform this recall on vehicles in for service as determined by using DIAL System Function 70.

Dealer Notification & Vehicle List

All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail. Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive a list of their involved vehicles. The Vehicle List is arranged in Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) sequence. Owners known to Chrysler are also listed. The lists are for dealer reference in arranging for service of involved vehicles.

DIAL System Functions 53, 70 and VIP

All involved vehicles will be entered to DIAL System Functions 53, 70 and VIP at the time of recall implementation for dealer inquiry as needed.

Function 53 provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of incomplete vehicles. The customer name, address and phone number is listed if known. Parts information is also provided. Complete vehicles are removed from Function 53 within several days of repair claim submission. To use this system, type "53" at the "ENTER FUNCTION" prompt, then type "ORD735".

Parts

IMPORTANT:
Due to the small number of involved vehicles and the number of seat back material and color combinations, no parts will be distributed to involved dealers. Parts may be ordered as needed to support customer demand.

Dealers should determine which parts package is required for each vehicle at the time appointments are scheduled to assure that the correct parts package is available when the customer arrives. The appropriate seat back assembly for the vehicle to be serviced may be determined by:





^ Using the part code in the third column of the VIN list along with the table above (involved dealers),

^ Using VIN and part number lists electronically transmitted to DIAL System Function 53 (involved dealers) or

^ Entering the VIN to DIAL System Function 69 or VIP (sales code information) along with the table (all dealers).

Owner Notification and Service Scheduling

All involved vehicle owners known to Chrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for the service with their dealers. A copy of the owner notification letter is included.

Enclosed with each owner notification is an Owner Notification Form. The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.