Chrysler Cries Foul

02/27/96

Reuters reported that Chrysler Corporation is complaining that National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests that found seat belt anchors in 90,000 Chrysler vehicles inadequate were unfair. Chrysler faces a possible recall of 90,00 Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Cirrus cars made between 1994 and May, 1995.

For years Chrysler has placed test dummies flush up against the rear seat of the cars for crash testing. The seat belts generally pass that test. The NHTSA positions dummies four inches away from the rear seat--a typical position for children and shorter people. The extra space proved that the Chrysler seat belts were unsafe.

Chrysler says that all new cars have a different seat belt anchor design since last May when seat belt anchors began failing tests in their Sebring Convertibles. All Chryslers made since May have seat belt anchors that withstood further testing for the Sebring.

Chrysler says that the agency notified automakers that seat belts must meet safety standards at any adjustment in 1991, but that that requirement was disregarded as being to broad. The automaker is complaining that holding Chrysler to the federal agency's tests and requirements is unfair because federal car safety laws allow auto manufacturers to use their own judgment when performing tests that are unspecified by the federal government.

The NHTSA will rule on whether to require a recall of the 1994 and 1995 Cirrus and Stratus within several months of the due date for public comments on the issue (March 8).

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel