AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -

Chrysler group revealed a series of recalls last week, dealing with a total of more than 842,000 vehicles worldwide.

The largest recall will include 490,000 cars and utility vehicles worldwide to address active head-restraint function.

Affected models are the 2011–2013 Chrysler Sebring, 200 and Dodge Avenger midsize cars; 2011–2013 Jeep Liberty SUVs and 2011–2012 Dodge Nitro SUVs.

The campaign involves approximately 442,000 vehicles in the U.S.; 25,000 in Canada; 10,000 in Mexico; and 12,000 outside the NAFTA region, the company shared.

Active head restraints are designed to cut down on neck injuries by automatically moving forward during certain rear-impact collisions.

But in the affected vehicles, these systems may contain potentially faulty microcontrollers that may prevent the systems from functioning properly, the company shared.

Chrysler Group is unaware of any related injuries or accidents, and airbags and shoulder-restraint systems are not affected, the company said.

The potentially faulty microcontrollers were installed in a supplied component. They entered the supply chain after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused a worldwide microcontroller shortage, the company explained.

Chrysler Group will replace the component or upgrade system software as needed, at no cost to its customers.

282K Minivan Recall to Correct Airbag-Control Software

The next  largest recall will include 282,000 model-year 2013 minivans to correct airbag-control software.
Affected models are the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country and Ram Cargo Van.

The campaign involves 224,000 vehicles in the U.S.; 49,300 in Canada; 2,900 in Mexico and 5,300 outside the NAFTA region, Chrysler explained.

The investigation that led to this recall was sparked by a customer complaint. The investigation determines the “affected minivans are equipped with a component inadvertently programmed to deploy side airbags on the opposing side of the vehicle,” the company shared.

Of course, if working correctly, side airbags are intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle that corresponds with the impact.

The company said that front-row airbags and that deploy from the steering wheel and passenger-side dashboard are unaffected.

The component will be reprogrammed at no cost to customers.

Chrysler Group is aware of three related accidents and one minor injury.

Small Airbag-Control Module Recall in Minivans

In a similar recall, though on a much smaller scale, Chrysler announced it will also be recalling 226 model-year 2013 minivans in North America to replace their airbag-control modules.

The company shared that 180 of these vehicles are still in dealer hands.

The campaign, which is limited to the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country models, involves 184 vehicles in the U.S.; 40 in Canada and two in Mexico.

The company shared that the modules were inadvertently programmed with software that may compromise airbag deployment, but shoulder restraints and other safety systems are unaffected.

Chrysler Group is not aware any related injuries, accidents, customer complaints or dealer reports.

Chrysler Group will notify affected customers and replace the modules at no cost.

69K 4×4 Truck Recall for Electronic Stability Control Issue

Chrysler will also be recalling approximately 69,000 4×4 pickup trucks worldwide to update their electronic stability control (ESC) software.

The total number of affected vehicles comprises approximately 45,900 in the U.S.; 21,000 in Canada; 1,400 in Mexico and 770 outside the NAFTA region.

This recall was initiated because of a small number of reports from dealers who noted ESC warning-lamp activation on 2013 Ram 1500 trucks equipped with four-wheel drive, the company said.

The Chrysler investigation showed the condition may inadvertently occur when the transfer case position is changed immediately before the ignition is turned off.
Software was modified to prevent ESC deactivation under such circumstances.

Chrysler Group is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.

Commercial Truck Track-Bar Fastener Issue

Lastly, Chrysler will also recall approximately 1,060 commercial trucks in North America — more than half of which are in dealer hands — to inspect and replace, if necessary, a track-bar fastener.

The campaign is restricted to trucks equipped with four-wheel drive. Affected are 747 model-year 2013 Ram 4500/5500 trucks in the U.S., and 311 in Canada. Approximately 600 are in dealer hands.

“A track bar secures the axle during suspension travel. Fastened improperly, it may compromise vehicle steering,” officials said.

Chrysler Group is unaware of any related accidents or injuries.

Affected customers will be notified directly and their trucks will be inspected. If equipped with an incorrect bolt, the appropriate fastener will be installed at no cost.

For all recalls, Chrysler Group will notify affected customers.

Customers can also call (800) 853-1403.