NHTSA Opens Engine Fire Probes Into Chevy Cruze, Jeep Wrangler Cars

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Sunday it is opening investigations into engine fires in 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and 2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. NHTSA said it has received two complaints of engine compartment fire in 2011 Cruze cars. Both complaints were received within the last month and said engulfing fires resulted in total vehicle loss. The investigation into the Cruze covers 177,000 vehicles, while the Jeep Wrangler investigation covers 100,000 vehicles.

NHTSA also is also reviewing field reports submitted as part of Early Warning Reporting data that relate to the alleged defect. GM spokesman Alan Adler said the Detroit automaker is also investigating the fires. "We are aware of and cooperating with the government in the investigation, he said. "We are unaware of any injuries or fatalities in these cases. We are conducting our own investigation and will share any findings with the government."

One NHTSA complaint said the driver had a 2011 Cruze Eco with 11,000 miles on it when it caught fire. The driver said prior to the incident there were no warning signs - except slight smoke coming from the engine bay.

A second complaint said an owner near Smithtown, N.Y., had gotten an oil change a week before an engine fire. The owner reported flames fifteen feet high. "GM needs to find out and correct this problem before someone gets seriously hurt," the February 4 complaint said. "The Chevy Cruze is a great car that we loved driving and owning."

Separately, NHTSA said it is also opening an investigation into the 2010 Jeep Wrangler after eight reports of engine fires. Seven of the eight complaints said the fire began while driving; at least four of the complaints said the fire led to the complete loss of the vehicle. One owner reported jumping out of the Jeep to escape the fire. Another captured the fire on tape of a Jeep because his sister was filming a historic Post Office nearby. The Florida owner of a Jeep was listening to the end of a song in an underground garage when her Jeep caught fire. Many of the Jeeps had 10,000 or fewer miles on them.

Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa said the automaker is cooperating fully with NHTSA. Chrysler "is aware of a small number of incidents involving engine compartment fires in 2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Vehicle fires are very complex and can occur for a number of reasons that have nothing to do with the vehicle itself. Poor maintenance, improper vehicle use or installation of aftermarket equipment often are causes of vehicle fires, " Cappa said. "Chrysler Group is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the 2010 the Jeep Wrangler fires."

NHTSA typically takes six months or more to decide whether to upgrade a preliminary investigation into an engineering analysis - a step necessary before the government can formally ask an automaker to recall vehicles it believes unsafe.

Automakers have issued about a dozen recalls during the past year for fire risks in gasoline-powered vehicles. NHTSA has also opened or upgraded half-dozen investigations into fire problems over the last year. It has an ongoing investigation into whether more than three million Jeep Grand Cherokees pose a fire hazard.

Although vehicle fires have fallen in recent years, according to the National Fire Protection Association there were 184,500 passenger vehicle fires, including 285 deaths and 1,440 injuries in the United States in 2010. The fires caused about $1 billion in damage.

Last week, BMW AG said it is recalling 1.3 million vehicles worldwide to replace battery cables that could lead to a fire. The recall includes 367,000 vehicles in the United States. The action covers 2004-2010 5-Series and 6-Series vehicles. Most of the vehicles in the United States being recalled — 300,000 — are 2004-2010 5-Series sedans. The government and NHTSA warned owners to park the vehicles outside garages until they are repaired.

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