68,000 Jeep Wranglers recalled for fire risk

[Foxrac]

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Chrysler Group is recalling about 68,000 Jeep Wrangers in the U.S. for a problem that has lead to fires in some cases.

In 2010 Wranglers with automatic transmissions, a skid plate -- a metal plate located under the transmission -- can trap debris. Due to a change in the exhaust system for 2010 models, the skid plate is close to the vehicles' catalytic converter.

The catalytic converter is a part of the exhaust system that removes harmful chemicals from exhaust fumes and, when a vehicle is driven, it gets extremely hot. In these Jeeps, the heat can ignite trapped debris causing a fire.

Wranglers built for subsequent model years don't have this problem because, as a weight-saving measure, Chrysler switched from skid plates to lighter skid bars that do not trap debris this way.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had been investigating reports of Jeep Wrangler fires. In a letter to NHTSA, Chrysler acknowledged at least 14 reports of fires.

To fix the problem, Wrangler owners will be asked to bring their vehicles to a Jeep dealership to have the skid plate replaced with a skid bar. Owners will be notified as soon as parts are available to make the change.

68,000 Jeep Wranglers recalled for fire risk - May. 21, 2012

 

[The Highlander]

its a jeep thing you wouldn t understand

 

[Jiro]

its a jeep thing you wouldn t understand

understand what?

 

[The Highlander]

understand what?

Google it!

 

[Frisky Feline]

what to understand?

 

[The Highlander]

what to understand?

Let me google that for you

 

[Foxrac]

Google it!

 

[The Highlander]

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[PowerON]

Waste gas

 

[Frisky Feline]

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Oh how did you know i need coffee. Thank you! *grabbin the coffee cup*

 

[diehardbiker]

LOL Glad I traded with my Superduty. Bye bye Wrangler.

If Im single, no family, no nothing then Wrangler is perfect for me. I had good experience with Wrangler, and believe it or not, the mileage on wrangler is same as my superduty, yet my superduty can haul stuff PLUS my whole family where Wrangler can't.

its a jeep thing you wouldn t understand

 

[green427]

I am more surprised that a people are actually taking these things off road and trapping stuff down there, which is nothing new.

95% of these things never see a dirt trail.

 

[diehardbiker]

Been there and I had blast time and yes I was stuck twice and the mud was about 3 feet deep.

I would do it again, but with CJ5 that I would love to buy and restore.

I am more surprised that a people are actually taking these things off road and trapping stuff down there, which is nothing new.

95% of these things never see a dirt trail.

 

[deafsmogtech]

I found "Safety Recall L42" from TSB (Technical Service Bulletins) for Jeep Wranglers w/ automatic transmissions....the date of this Safety Recall L42 was January 2012....

 

[deafsmogtech]

I am more surprised that a people are actually taking these things off road and trapping stuff down there, which is nothing new.

95% of these things never see a dirt trail.

I've seen the debris trapped inside the transfer skid plates as the Jeeps brought in for oil change services. Some Jeeps dived in the river bed and scooping wet debris inside the skid plate even frames and gas tanks :-o