Recall - Right Steering Knuckle Inspection/Replacement: Overview
December 2004Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall D55 - Right Steering Knuckle
Models
2005 (JR) Dodge Stratus Sedan and Chrysler Sebring Sedan/Convertible
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from September 8, 2004 through November 5, 2004 (MDH 090806 through 110519).
IMPORTANT:
Many 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 VIP inquiry process.
Subject
The right steering knuckle on about 26,000 of the above vehicles may have been improperly manufactured and could break. This may cause a loss of steering control and result in a crash without warning.
Repair
The right steering knuckle must be inspected and replaced if necessary.
Alternate Transportation
Dealers should attempt to minimize customer inconvenience by placing the owner in a loaner vehicle if inspection determines that steering knuckle replacement is required and the vehicle must be held overnight.
Parts Information
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DealerCONNECT Claim Entry Screen located on the Service tab. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use one of the labor operation numbers and time allowances shown.
Add the cost of the parts package, if necessary, plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Dealer Notification
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the DCMMS. To view this recall on DealerCONNECT, select TechCONNECT on the Service tab, click on "Search Bulletins/Recalls", enter the recall code and then click on the "Search" button.
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. A generic copy of the owner letter is included.
Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification postcard to allow owners to update our records if applicable.
Vehicle Lists, Global Recall System, VIP and Dealer Follow UP
All involved vehicles have been entered into the DealerCONNECT Global Recall System (GRS) and Vehicle Information Plus (VIP) for dealer inquiry as needed.
Involved dealers were also mailed a copy of their vehicle (VIN) list with the dealer recall notification letter.
GRS provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The owner's name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from GRS within several days of repair claim submission.
To use this system, click on the "Service" tab and then click on "Global Recall System." Your dealer's VIN list for each recall displayed can be sorted by: those vehicles that were unsold at recall launch, those with a phone number, city, zip code, or VIN sequence.
Dealers must perform this repair on all unsold vehicles before retail delivery.
Dealers should also use the VIN list to follow up with all owners to schedule appointments for this repair.
Recall VIN lists may contain confidential, restricted owner name and address information that was obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles of various states. Use of this information is permitted for this recall only and is strictly prohibited from all other use.
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Service and Parts District Manager.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation