(July 4, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler on Wednesday announced four separate recalls affecting 560,286 vehicles worldwide. In the largest action Chrysler said it will recall approximately 490,000 cars and utility vehicles worldwide to address active head-restraint function.

A second recall involves 69,000 4X4 pickups trucks to repair electronic stability control software. Two smaller recalls involve a track-bar fastener in 1,060 commercial trucks and airbag control modules in 226 minivans.

The hear restraint issues involves  2011-2013 Chrysler Sebring, 200, and Dodge Avenger; 2011-2013 Jeep Liberty; and 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro.

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. 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.

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

The campaign involves approximately 442,000 vehicles in the U.S.; 25,000 in Canada; 10,000 in Mexico; and 12,000 outside the NAFTA region.

The second recall involves approximately 69,000 4x4 pickup trucks worldwide to update their electronic stability control (ESC) software.

Chrysler Group received a small number of reports from dealers who noted ESC warning-lamp activation on 2013 Ram 1500 trucks equipped with four-wheel drive. A warning lamp indicates ESC is disabled.

An ensuing investigation discovered the condition may inadvertently occur when the transfer case position is changed immediately before the ignition is turned off. Software was modified to prevent ESC deactivation under such circumstances.

The total number of affected vehicles comprises approximately 45,900 in the U.S.; 21,000 in Canada; 1,400 in Mexico and 770 outside the NAFTA region.

Chrysler Group will notify affected customers. Questions or concerns on either recall can be addressed by calling 1-800-853-1403.

Also Chrysler will recall approximately 1,060 commercial trucks in North America — more than half of which are in dealer hands — to inspect and replace, if necessary, a track-bar fastener. A track bar secures the axle during suspension travel. Fastened improperly, it may compromise vehicle steering.

And Chrysler will recall 226 model-year 2013 minivans in North America — most of which are in dealer hands — to replace their airbag-control modules.

The modules were inadvertently programmed with software that may compromise airbag deployment.