Recall - Passenger Airbag Replacement: Overview
October 2000Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall No. 898 -- Passenger Airbag
Models:
2001 (JR) Dodge Stratus Sedan and Chrysler Sebring Sedan
(Four-Door)
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from September 12, 2000 through September 15, 2000 (MDH 091220 through 091512).
IMPORTANT:
Most of the vehicles within the above build period have already been inspected or repaired and, therefore, have been excluded from this recall.
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to stop sale and 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. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the DIAL VIP System.
Subject:
The passenger airbag door on about 400 of the above vehicles may separate from the airbag during a deployment. Although airbag performance is not affected by this condition, a separated airbag door could injure a vehicle occupant.
Repair:
The passenger airbag must be replaced on all involved vehicles.
Parts Information:
Each dealer, to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) , will receive enough Passenger Airbags to service 100% of those vehicles.
Dealers should determine which airbag is required for each vehicle at the time appointments are scheduled to assure that the correct part is available when the customer arrives. The appropriate passenger airbag 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 above table (involved dealers);
Using the VIN and part number list electronically transmitted to DIAL System Function 53 (involved dealers); or
Entering the VIN to DIAL System VIP Function (sales code information) along with the above table (all dealers).
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use the labor operation number and time allowances shown.
Add the cost of the airbag plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Parts Return
Removed passenger airbags must be returned to the airbag manufacturer, TRW. Dealers must contact the TRW Product Return Center at 1-800-879-7145 to obtain airbag shipping materials and instructions.
Dealer Notification and Vehicle List
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the DCMMS, and the MDS2 will be updated to include this recall in the near future. 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 DaimlerChrysler are also listed. The lists are for dealer reference in arranging for service of involved vehicles.
DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP
All involved vehicle have been entered to DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP for dealer inquiry as needed.
Function 53 provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The customer name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed 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 "ORD898".
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers.
The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.
Dealers are encouraged to consider alternative scheduling and servicing approaches for this recall. This repair does not require hoists or other full service facility special equipment and is a DaimlerChrysler Mobile Service approved repair.
Vehicle Not Available
If a vehicle is not available for service, let us know by filling out the pre-addressed Owner Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:
Daimlerchrysler Corporation
CIMS 482-00-85
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2757
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Zone Service Office.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation