After receiving eight complaints of fires igniting inside the engine bay, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation of Jeep Wranglers from model year 2010.
All but one of the 2010 Jeep Wranglers were running when the fires ignited, according to the reports. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating in August of 2009 after three Wrangler owners complained of their vehicles catching fire. In February of 2010, Chrysler issued a voluntary recall for the four-speed automatic model Wrangler due to overheated transmission fluid that might leak onto hot surfaces and potentially ignite. The risk was increased by using the vehicle for demanding off-road driving. In 2012 Jeep replaced the four-speed automatic with a five-speed transmission.
A fluid of unknown origin began burning toward the ground from the engine bay, noted one consumer report. Attempts were made to use water to extinguish the fire, but the Jeep was rapidly engulfed in flames. According to a Chrysler spokesperson, the causes for vehicle fire can be difficult to determine. Possible reasons for a vehicle fire include poor maintenance, using a vehicle improperly or customizing a vehicle with after-market accessories.
As a San Jose car accident attorney, I certainly hope the cause of these fires is determined before anyone is hurt. If you or someone close to you has been harmed in an accident involving a defective vehicle, please consider contacting a San Francisco car accident lawyer.