"2001 Intrepid - Reclining Seat"

The stem between the lever and the reclining mechanism on the front
passenger seat broke and local service tells me the only way to fix
the problem is to replace the entire reclining mechanism at a cost of
around $350.00 CDN. Seems like a huge cost for the sake of a minor
part. Can anyone help?

 

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.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/