NHTSA Probes Chrysler SUV Recall Remedy Over Fire Concerns

May 06, 2015 03:55 PM EDT | Matt Mercuro

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into a wire related fire risk from repairs completed as part of a recall issued by Chrysler last year.

In 2014, the Detroit automaker recalled 900,000 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVS around the globe to replace wiring for the vanity mirror lights in sun visors, according to NHTSA documents.

Safety regulators decided to open a "recall query" to analyze the effectiveness" of the recall remedy, after receiving reports that eight fires broke out in affected vehicles after repairs were made.

Most of the fires took place while vehicles were in motion, according to the NHTSA documents.

Vehicles were recalled last year due to an electrical short in the vanity lamp wiring. Dealers were told to install plastic guideways to route the wiring away from three metal screws to prevent a short from occurring.

NHTSA officials have not called for another recall yet, but if they find an issue with the current recall remedy all affected Dodge Durango and Grand Cherokee vehicles will have to be serviced once again.

So far, no crashes or injuries have been reported to the automaker or the safety administration yet after the 2014 recall began in July.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles spokesman Eric Mayne said in a statement on Wednesday that the company is cooperating with the new probe and "reiterated service instructions for dealership technicians," according to Reuters.

Owners: If you think something is wrong with your car contact your local dealer as soon as possible. If there's nothing wrong with your ride then just wait out the probe for now.  

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