Chrysler Repair: plastic part between hood and windshield, 2001 chrysler concorde, windshield wiper motor

Question
I have a 2001 Chrysler Concorde LXI.  The other day, the long piece of plastic trim between the hood and the windshield just flew off the car.  I am trying to replace it, but I have no idea what that particular trim is called.  Also, have you heard of this happening before?  It sounds like a very poor manufacturing defect.
Thanks!
Scott H.

Answer
Hi Scott,
The part is called a the "cowl top" if it was attached to the cowl struture, or the "hood rear molding" if it was attached to the hood proper. I don't have a parts image for that car. I haven't heard of that problem before, but it (the cowl top) is removable to gain access to the windshield wiper motor and mechanism. The molding is just a trim piece.  It may have had some spring clips that weren't fastened tightly. or it maybe had some screws that retain it that were not applied at the time of manufacture. If you go to the dealer their parts list will identify how it was secured in place. If you are the original owner and no one ever had to remove it for servicing a component within then I would say it was a manufacturing defect. I don't know if it is still covered by warranty or not, check the owner manual and accompanying papers. You could try the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, report what happened and see if others have complained as well. They might have a recall campaign on this piece for example which will be done for free. You might be the first to complain but then maybe not.
I suspect the cost is above $200, so going to a junk yard might be the least expensive cure if you can't get it replaced under warranty.
Roland