The problem
The guide rail on the driver's side contains a covered cable and also an angled belt guide at the top end of the webbing. The combination of these factors can lead, over time, to the cable's movement exerting abrading force to the lower edges of the cable's chamber, sufficient to cause the cable to drop out of the chamber with the shoulder belt anchorage becoming stuck.
The risk
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained.
The fix
Dealers will install a new replacement guide rail that incorporates a double lip dust seal and an anodic oxide coating.
Contacts
Owner notification: owner notification will be phased into three mailings with the first mailing beginning during august 1997. Note: owners who take their vehicle to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Dodge, Eagle, Plymouth dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 97V073002.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.