Hatchback/liftgate: support device/strutRecall 97V-079 · Chrysler and Dodge vehicles
CHRYSLER CORPORATION recall 97V-079 covers 436,000 Chrysler and Dodge vehicles for a hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut problem, reported to NHTSA on May 16, 1997.
Source: NHTSA recall 97V079000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
THE BOLTS USED TO ATTACH THE STRUT TO THE BODY AND THE REAR LIFTGATE CAN ACCUMULATE FATIGUE DAMAGE IF THREE FACTORS COMBINE. IF THE BOLT IS LOOSE, THE GAS STRUT IS OVER-PRESSURIZED, AND THE FREQUENCY OF OPENING AND CLOSING CYCLES IS HIGHER THAN FOR THE AVERAGE CUSTOMER, THE BOLT CAN FAIL.
The risk
PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR IF THE BOLTS BREAK ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL SUDDENLY.
The fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR LOOSE FASTENERS, IF THE FASTENERS ARE LOOSE, THE STRUT (AND INTEGRAL BOLTS) WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE BOLT SHOWS EVIDENCE OF TORQUE, THE BOLT WILL BE REMOVED, LARGER WASHERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING WASHER AND THE BOLT WILL BE REINSTALLED AND HAND TIGHTENED TO THE TARGET TORQUED.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING AUGUST 1997. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES 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.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from July 1, 1991 to June 30, 1992. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- ALLEGED REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURENHTSA
- ALLEGED REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURENHTSA
- REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORTNHTSA