Jeep Cherokee and Dodge Durango models in recall for defective wiring and potential fire risk
After an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Chrysler has been forced to recall almost 895,000 sport utility vehicles. The recall covers Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango models manufactured between 2011 and 2014. The affected models include about 651,000 vehicles in the United States, 45,700 in Canada, 23,000 in Mexico, and 175,000 outside North America.
In a report posted on the NHTSA’s website, Chrysler said a wiring problem in the vanity mirror can cause a fire risk. According to Chrysler, the recalled vehicles have all had their vanity mirrors repaired in the past, but the dealer may not have repositioned the wiring correctly, thus causing a fire risk. A nearby sun visor screw could penetrate the wires for the vanity light. This could cause a short circuit for an indefinite amount of time and eventually a fire.
Chrysler said all vehicle owners with these models are eligible for a wiring upgrade to fix the defect, but only certain models are affected and those owners will be contacted directly.
First discovered in 2011, federal investigation began 2013
This fire risk was initially discovered at the Detroit assembly plant in 2011 after car owners complained about “sun visor thermal damage.” Following the discovery, federal regulators began an investigation in August 2013. A total of 52 fires were reported to the NHTSA, including three with injuries. While many of these fires were minor and only involved smoldering, several were more serious and spread to the vehicle seats and door panels. In at least one report, the sunroof was damaged causing the glass to shatter.
Harman Law LLC lawyers represent clients across the United States who have been injured by defective and dangerous consumer products, as well as consumers affected when a product is recalled or in class action. There may be time limits for filing a claim. Call 1-888-55-HARMAN to learn your legal rights.
Recall follows widespread recall of GM vehicles over ignition defects that have caused serious injury and death
This is the second Chrysler recall in the recent months. The NHTSA announced in June 2014 that it is investigating several Chrysler Group vehicles for an ignition problem similar to the one that caused the General Motors (GM) recall crisis. Earlier this year GM recalled approximately 30 million vehicles and faced harsh criticism. The company acknowledged its failure to recall millions of vehicles with faulty ignition switches linked to at least 13 deaths, even though it knew about the issue a decade earlier. Chrysler subsequently recalled nearly 700,000 vehicles due to a problem with the ignition switch in its vehicles.
Harman Law LLC represents clients across the country who have been injured by dangerous and defective consumer products and services.
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