Recall 16V401 affects 16,315 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring and Stratus vehicles for a passenger sun visor tether defect. Repair is free at franchised Chrysler dealers.
Chrysler is recalling 16,315 2001-2002 Sebring and Stratus vehicles with beige interiors after an earlier recall repair used the wrong passenger-side sun visor part. If the passenger frontal air bag deploys while the visor is folded down, the visor can detach and be propelled rearward, increasing occupant-injury risk; Chrysler dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The passenger-side sun visor in the 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring and Stratus is mounted on a rod above the windshield. A tether is supposed to keep the visor attached if the passenger air bag deploys while the visor is folded down. That small part matters because the air bag expands fast and pushes against anything in its path.
These vehicles had already been repaired under recall 15V-338, but some with beige interiors received the wrong tether. That tether does not match the visor design used on these earlier vehicles. During a passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag can hit the folded-down visor, pull it off the rod, and send the visor rearward into the cabin.
There is no warning sign before failure. The visor can look normal in everyday driving because the problem shows up only during a passenger air bag deployment with the visor folded down.
Who's affected?
Covers the Sebring and Stratus across the 2001 and 2002 model years, all tied to the passenger-side front air bag inflator module.
| 2001 Chrysler Sebring | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2002 Chrysler Sebring | front air bag |
| 2001 Dodge Stratus | front air bag |
| 2002 Dodge Stratus | front air bag |
| Units affected | 16,315 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, it increases the risk of occupant injury. Schedule the tether strap repair soon, especially if passengers use the front seat. Repair is free at any franchised Chrysler dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring or Dodge Stratus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chrysler dealer to schedule the free tether-strap replacement that keeps the passenger sun visor retained during passenger frontal air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Chrysler sent one. If not, reference recall number 16V401 when you call.
- Keep the passenger sun visor stowed until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chrysler technician installs the correct tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor if the passenger frontal air bag deploys. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you already paid expenses tied to this recall, the owner letter directs you to contact the FCA Customer Relations Department for refund instructions. Ask what receipts or repair documentation they need for the claim before you submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 3, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 1, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V401?
Recall 16V401 covers 16,315 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus vehicles with beige interiors. A prior recall repair used the wrong part, so the passenger sun visor is not properly retained during passenger frontal air bag deployment. Chrysler dealers will install the correct tether strap for free.
What should I do if my 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring or Dodge Stratus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V401. If it is, contact a franchised Chrysler dealer and ask for the passenger sun visor tether strap repair. Reference recall 16V401 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost. Chrysler dealers will install the correct tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V401?
The risk is occupant injury during a passenger frontal air bag deployment. If the passenger sun visor is folded down in the specified position, the wrong tether strap can let the visor detach and travel rearward into the cabin.
What if I bought the Sebring or Stratus used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring or Dodge Stratus is included, then call a Chrysler dealer or Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V401000 |
|---|---|
| Chrysler customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V401 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V401000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →