Chrysler Recalls Jeep Wranglers On Fire Hazard Risk

By Benjamin Reeves | May 21 2012 12:19 PM

Chrysler Group LLC will recall 67,872 model year 2010 Jeep Wrangler cars equipped with automatic transmissions because of fire hazards associated with the transmission skid plate, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported Monday.

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Chrysler will recall more than 67,000 Jeep Wranglers from 2010 because of fire hazards.

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Skid plates are fitted to the underside of Jeep Wranglers to prevent components such as the oil pan from scraping on rocks or other obstructions. However, the skid plate which is near the catalytic converter on the affected 2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles, can collect debris which can ignite without warning, resulting in a vehicle fire, according to a Chrysler filing with the NHTSA.

Detroit-based Chrysler, which is owned by Italian Fiat S.p.A. (Milan: F), will replace the automatic transmission skid plate with an automatic transmission skid bar on all affected 2010 Jeep Wrangler cars. The affected vehicles are equipped with an exhaust system with less than optimal clearance to the transmission skid plate, which can ignite debris caught on the skid plate.

The recall was initiated when Chrysler identified an elevated level of fire events on 2010 Jeep Wranglers with automatic transmission. There have been several high profile instances of Jeep Wranglers bursting into flames in recent months. Chrysler said it's aware of at least 14 complaints of Jeep Wranglers catching on fire due to the skid plate flaw.

Chrysler will replace the skid plate free or reimburse owners who've already had the repair made. The recall number assigned to the 2010 Jeep Wrangler skid plate flaw is M22.

Fiat S.p.A. (Milan: F) shares rose 8.72 percent to €3.64 ($4.64) on Monday.