AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 11 (UPI) — Chrysler is recalling 895,000 SUVs after an investigation by the NHTSA found that there was a wiring problem in the vanity mirror that could cause a fire.
The carmaker announced that it will recall Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs from the 2011-2014 model years, 651,000 of which are registered in the U.S. The recall relates to wiring in the vanity mirror in the sun visor that could short circuit and cause a fire, according to a report posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.
To fix the problem, Chrysler said it will install a wire guide on all vehicles, whether they have had work done to the vanity mirror or not, that will keep electrical lines adequately spaced.
Chrysler also initiated changes to its manufacturing process in 2013 to fix the problem. The problem was first detected when the visors or headliner were being fixed at dealerships.
Chrysler said that the problem was minor and resulted in no injuries and little damage. But the NHTSA forced its case and the automaker agreed to initiate the recall.
The NHTSA started an investigation in August 2013 after drivers complained of fires near the vanity mirror. The investigation was upgraded after the agency received 41 complaints about the problem and 38 reports of fires, including three with injuries. While many of the fires were small and caused only smoldering, other owners complained of more serious problems.
“In some reports the fire spread to the front seats and/or door panels of the vehicle. In one report the sunroof was damaged, causing the glass to shatter,” the agency reported.
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