Chrysler recalling nearly half a million vehicles with active head restraints

From ESPN

Statement: Active Head-Restraint System

July 3, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC will recall approximately 490,000 cars and utility vehicles worldwide to address active head-restraint function.

Active head restraints are designed to mitigate neck injuries by automatically moving forward during certain rear-impact collisions. Potentially faulty microcontrollers in some vehicles may prevent the systems from functioning properly.

Chrysler Group is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. Airbags and shoulder-restraint systems are not affected.

The potentially faulty microcontrollers were installed in a supplied component. They entered the supply chain after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused a worldwide microcontroller shortage.

Chrysler Group will replace the component or upgrade system software as needed, at no cost to its customers. Affected are the 2011-2013 Chrysler Sebring, 200 and Dodge Avenger midsize cars; 2011-2013 Jeep Liberty SUVs and 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro SUVs.

The campaign involves approximately 442,000 vehicles in the U.S.;