[FONT="]NHTSA #:[/FONT][FONT="] 40376[/FONT] [FONT="] Make: DODGE Model: RAM Model Year: 1999 MFG Campaign #: 978 Description: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR[/FONT] [FONT="]Manufacturer that filed defect/noncompliance report[/FONT][FONT="]: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION Begin Date of MFG: 12/18/1998 End Date of MFG: 1/15/1999 Vehicle, Equipment, or Tire report: V Number of units affected: 161,682 Date owner notified by MFG: 8/20/2001 Recall Initiator: OVSC MFG's of Recalled Vehicles/Products: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. [/FONT] [FONT="]Consequence Summary:[/FONT][FONT="] IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. [/FONT] [FONT="]Corrective Summary:[/FONT][FONT="] DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. 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 DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403. [/FONT] [FONT="]Recall Notes:[/FONT][FONT="] ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).[/FONT]
