cars news 10: FCA Recalls Over 400,000 SUVs for Possible Fire Hazards

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has issued two separate recalls that cover more than 400,000 vehicles in the U.S. Both recalls involve the risk of fire.

Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango

The Problem: In the biggest recall, FCA seeks to fix the vanity mirror wiring in certain 2011-2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs. In less than 0.02 percent of cases, overheating occurred when the vehicle was being serviced under a related recall. If the service procedure wasn’t done correctly, the vehicles can short-circuit, and possibly catch fire. The problem has been observed only in vehicles equipped with a certain wiring package, and FCA says it’s unaware of any injuries or accidents related to the problem.

The Fix: FCA will notify customers when they can take their vehicles to a dealership to fix the problem. Here, dealers will install a new adhesive to secure the wiring in the headliner. “Measures will also be taken to help prevent the wiring from contacting potentially abrasive surfaces,” FCA also said in a recent statement. All repairs will be conducted free of charge.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: The U.S. recall involves an estimated 352,831 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durango SUVs from the 2011-2012 model years. The vehicles were all built prior to Sept. 2, 2012. FCA is also recalling 26,487 vehicles in Canada, 13,037 in Mexico, and 84,330 outside North America for the same problem.

Jeep Compass, Patriot

The Problem: This second recall involves certain 2015 Jeep Compass and Patriot SUVs because a clamp that secures a low-pressure return hose may not be in the correct position. If that’s the case, power steering fluid can leak onto hot surfaces, which can cause a fire. Alternatively, drivers may have to put in extra effort to steer the vehicle.

The Fix: FCA will notify owners of the affected vehicles, and dealerships will fix the problem free of charge.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: The recall involves an estimated 60,107 Jeep Compass and Patriot SUVs from the 2015 model year. Outside the U.S., an additional 5,755 vehicles in Canada, 3,351 in Mexico, and 23,995 vehicles around the world are affected.

Source: FCA