The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into newer Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models due to reports of underhood fires. This article will delve into the details of the investigation, including the number of vehicles being looked into, the reported incidents of fires, and the potential cause of the issue.
The NHTSA Investigation
The NHTSA is currently investigating 781,459 vehicles from the 2021-2023 model years, following reports of underhood fires in newer Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models. According to a summary by the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), there have been nine reports of fires, one report of an injury, and multiple field reports alleging fires starting in the engine compartment. The majority of these incidents occurred with the ignition off, pointing to a potential underlying issue.
Potential Cause of Fires
Upon contacting Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the automaker revealed that fires have been starting in the power steering pump connector of the affected vehicles. This component is located in the front of the car on the passenger side, aligning with the reported location of the fires in many of the incidents reported to the ODI. The ODI is currently conducting a preliminary evaluation to determine the cause, scope, and frequency of the alleged issue.
Cooperation and Recall
FCA is reportedly cooperating with the investigation, but as of now, there has been no official recall issued for the affected Jeep models. Notably, some of the reported incidents of fires occurred in vehicles with relatively low miles, such as at 1,758 and 1,900 miles. This investigation comes on the heels of FCA’s recall of 1.2 million Ram pickups due to potential issues with the stability control system.
Conclusion
As the investigation into underhood fires in newer Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models by the NHTSA unfolds, it is crucial for affected vehicle owners to stay informed about any potential developments. With reported incidents of fires starting with the ignition off and in vehicles with low mileage, understanding the cause of the issue and the scope of its impact is paramount. Stay tuned for updates on any official recalls or findings from the NHTSA’s investigation.