Chrysler has recalled nearly half a million vehicles as a preemptive step due to issues with the active head-restraint function in several makes and models of their cars.
In more technical terms, the Chrysler Group said in a news release that the problem is related to a "potentially faulty microcontroller (that) entered the supply chain after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused a worldwide microcontroller shortage," CNN reports.
The defective microcontrollers found in some Chrysler vehicles is causing the active head restraints to not function properly. The active head restrains are supposed to automatically move forward when a car faces a rear-impact crash to reduce to risk of a neck injury.
According to the Chrysler Group, they don't know of any injuries or accidents that have occurred due to this issue, but the recall is being done as a precaution. The recall includes 442,000 cars sold in the United States, 25,000 in Canada, 10,000 in Mexico and 12,000 in other parts of the world.
The makes and models are are affected by the recall include 2011 to 2013 Chrysler Sebrings, Chrysler 200s and Dodge Avenger midsize cars, 2011 to 2012 Dodge Nitro SUVs and 2011 to 2013 Jeep Liberty SUVs.
This recall comes just a few weeks after the Chrysler Group resisted the federal government's request to make them recall vehicles over a potential fire hazard. The government wanted the group to recall vehicles that had a high risk of catching fire when hit in the back, but the group stated that it wasn't going to give in to this demand.
Chrysler decided to reverse its decision at the last minute. They recalled the vehicles on June 18, just hours before the government deadline. However the company still believes that the 2.7 million vehicles that were recalled, including 993 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2002 to 2007 Jeep Libertys do not have any issues.
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