Chrysler to recall 490,000 cars, SUV

Vehicles could have defective control units

7/3/2013

Chrysler Group LLC said today it will recall 490,000 cars and sport utility vehicles that could have defective control units for the active head restraint system.

Chrysler said the recall covers five models: Chrysler Sebrings, Chrysler 200s, and Dodge Avengers, from the 2011 to 2013 model years, Jeep Libertys from the 2011 to 2012 model years, and Dodge Nitros from the 2011 to 2012 model years.

Active head restraints are a safety feature aimed at reducing neck injuries in a rear collision. They're designed to move forward in the event of a crash, minimizing the gap between the passenger's head and the headrest.

Chrysler said the vehicles were built with potentially faulty micro-controllers installed in a supplied component. The company said they entered the supply chain after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which caused a worldwide shortage for the part.

The automaker said it wasn't aware of any injuries related to the recalled part.

The majority of the affected vehicles were sold in the United States. Chrysler said it will notify owners.