The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into a possible defect with the Toledo-built Jeep Wrangler that could cause the vehicle to catch fire. The probe, which began Aug. 12, followed complaints from three owners of the vehicles.
All the complaints involved over-heating of the transmission of the Chrysler Group LLC models from 2007 and 2008. The problem has the potential to force transmission fluid out of the vehicle, causing a fire, the federal safety agency said.
The investigation involves 220,000 Wranglers.
One complainant claimed that the vehicle caught fire, while a second reported heavy smoke after fluid spilled onto the catalytic converter
“A preliminary evaluation has been opened to determine the frequency, scope, and potential safety consequences of the alleged defect,†the federal agency wrote in a report announcing the investigation.
The vehicles are made at the Toledo Jeep Assembly complex. The transmissions are made at a Chrysler plant in Kokomo, Ind., the company said.
Chrysler said in a statement that it is aware of a small number of alleged fires in China involving the Wrangler but not aware of any U.S. cases. There have been no injuries and the automaker is working with regulators in the United States and China on the issue.
Vehicle investigations can lead to product recalls.
The last recall of the Wrangler came last year, and involved 62,000 vehicles, all 2007 models, which stemmed from an electrical part that could cause engine stalling.
