"2001 Intrepid - Reclining Seat"

There was a recall campaign a few months ago for several different LH late model cars - specifically to replace a part (bolt?) in the seat that could break and cause the seat-back to (fall backwards or collapse uncontrollably?). This was deemed a safety issue for the driver's seat but, I guess, not the passenger seat.

It sounds like maybe the problem that the recall was meant to prevent has actually happened to your passenger seat. Did you receive a recall notice about this? Are you the original owner of the car?

I think there's a Chrysler phone number you can call and tell them your VIN number and they will tell you if your driver seat qualifies for the recall.

As a last resort, you might want to swap the defective mechanism between the front seats and then drive (carefully) into another dealer and tell them you almost got into an accident when your *driver's* side seat broke. I don't think they'd argue with you for fixing it for free under this circumstance...

PS: maybe it's still under warranty?

Here is a site to check for any racalls on your car.