Chrysler Recalls Nearly 842,000 Vehicles

Chrysler Group LLC is launching five recalls to repair software and hardware glitches in 841,800 cars, minivans, SUVs and commercial trucks it sold worldwide.

The largest campaign will replace a faulty microprocessor in the active head restraint systems built into 490,000 of the company's 2011-2013 Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger cars, 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro SUVs and 2011-2013 Jeep Liberty SUVs. About 90% of the vehicles are in the U.S.

Chrysler says a defect in the chip may prevent the headrests from automatically moving forward to reduce neck injuries during a rear impact. The company notes that the component came from a source that entered the supply chain after Japan's 2011 earthquake and tsunami created a global shortage of microcontrollers.

A second recall will reprogram airbag software that incorrectly inflates side curtain airbags on the side opposite the point of impact. The fix covers 281,500 of the company's 2013 model Ram Cargo Van and Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, 79% of which were sold in the U.S.

In a third campaign, Chrysler dealers will reprogram electronic stability control software in 69,000 Ram 1500 pickup trucks from the 2013 model year. The recall affects only models with four-wheel drive. Updating the software will prevent the vehicle from incorrectly deactivating the ESC if the transfer case is shifted just before the ignition is switched off.

Two other small recalls involve switching an axle track-bar mounting bolt in about 1,100 commercial trucks and replacing an incorrectly programmed airbag module about 200 of the company's 2013-model minivans.