The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into almost 150,000 2012 model year Jeep Grand Cherokees after three vehicles caught fire.
The three complaints said the vehicles caught fire near the passenger-side sun visor.
"The customers reported a burning odor and visible smoke coming from the headliner while the vehicle was being driven," said NHTSA in its summary. "This was followed by flames from the headliner itself.
The NHTSA said the fire also caused the sunroof to "shatter" in one complaint. In another complaint, the fire spread to the passenger seat when the burning sun visor fell on the seat.
No fatalities were reported to the NHTSA.
"Customers lowered the windows in an effort to clear the smoke but this increased the fire's intensity," the NHTSA said. "All three vehicles had to be extinguished with a fire extinguisher or by the fire department as they continued to burn after the vehicle was turned off."
Chrysler said it is cooperating with the federal safety regulators.
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee has yet to be recalled as of press time. Federal safety regulators have started a "preliminary evaluation" to check the frequency and consequence of the possible defect.
"Customer safety is paramount at Chrysler Group," said Eric Mayne, a Chrysler spokesman, according to Edmunds. "Accordingly, our engineers are investigating this concern while also fully supporting the preliminary evaluation opened by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is among the safest vehicles on the road today."
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