Jeep Recalls over 60000 Early 2010 Wranglers for Fire Potential

From 3arf

A vehicle recall is an expensive proposition. A recall involves a modification or repair that must be done as soon as possible and at no cost to the customer. Recalls are done when a problem is likely to cause serious risk, damage or monetary harm and the event is very likely to happen.

This time, Jeep is recalling 87,000 Jeep Wranglers from the 2010 model year because of high fire hazard from a protective plate. If the car was built before July 14, 2010 and has an automatic transmission, the owner should check with the car dealer. According toAMOG, "This is due to concern that theskid platecould collect debris, which could lead to an under-vehicle fire."

The skid plate protects the transmission, engine and portions of the exhaust system. The plates were relocated to meet federal emission standards in early 2010. The new plate location created a space that could pack in plant material and other debris. The hot catalytic converter can dry out the debris and set it on fire if the debris is not cleaned out frequently enough.

According toConsumer Reports, the Wrangler is a highly popular off-road vehicle, even if it is a low rated vehicle overall. The skid plate concept was to enhance the vehicle for more challenging off road activity.

Edmunds Inside Linereported federal safety regulators were aware of at least 14 complaints where a fire started in the area around the skid plate on the 2010 Wrangler. There were no known injuries associated with the problem.

The car's manual instructs early 2010 Jeep Wrangler owners to clean out the debris from time to time, but many owners do not read that deep into the manual or realize how important the task is. The threat is not just to the vehicles, but to areas, especially in the Western United States where no one wants a vehicle problem that can start a wild fire or forest fire.

Later in 2010, the Jeep Wrangler got a new skid plate system that was not so piecemeal. The new system does not allow debris to build up in such close proximity with hot catalytic converters. But the recalled vehicles will not get the skid plate.

The earlier 2010 vehicles that are recalled will have the skid plate replaced with a skid bar. The bar promises to protect the transmission without the debris buildup.

Motor Trend recommends following the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) recall notices. The reason why theNHTSAinitiates recalls are also something to know.

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