Following Fires, NHTSA Probes Fix Used On 2011-14 Jeep Grand Cherokee & Dodge Durango

Last summer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (then known simply as Chrysler) issued a recall for Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs from the 2011-2014 model-years. As we reported at the time:

"Chrysler says Grand Cherokees and Durangos that have had repairs made to the vanity mirror and/or headliner may suffer from an electrical problem. Specifically, the wiring for the vanity mirrors in the sun visor may short-circuit, causing a fire.... To address the issue, Chrysler will install a wire guide to keep the electrical lines properly spaced." 

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Unfortunately, that fix may not have worked as well as FCA had hoped. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (PDF) has received eight complaints about fires breaking out in repaired vehicles, "with some occupants complaining of smoke sometimes followed by flames erupting in the headliner."

Thankfully, there have been no crashes or injuries linked to any of these complaints. However, the reports are substantial enough for NHTSA to launch what's called a "recall query". That query will examine FCA's fix for the recalled SUVs and determine whether it was sufficient to fix the problem -- or perhaps, whether it created an entirely new set of problems.

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Depending on NHTSA's findings, the agency could ask FCA to recall the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango again. Should that happen, 661,888 vehicles registered in the U.S. would be affected. Stay tuned.

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