The Office of Defect Investigation has opened preliminary evaluations of Chevrolet Cruze and Jeep Wrangler engine fires. In both cases complaints made by owners to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration prompted requests for further data from General Motors and Chrysler Group respectively.
There are three steps in the NHTSA recall process: P.E. – Preliminary Evaluation, E.A. – Engineering Analysis, and then a so-called ‘voluntary’ recall or rarely a NHTSA forced recall. Usually, but not always, the automaker will recall the vehicles in question – if it hasn’t already – when NHTSA upgrades the P.E. to an E.A. based on warranty data the auto maker is required to submit when the P.E. is opened.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received two complaints of engine compartment fires in model-year 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles within the last month. In addition, ODI has field reports submitted as part of Early Warning Reporting data that relate to the alleged defect.
ODI has also received eight reports alleging fires originating in the engine compartment of 2010 model-year Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Seven of the eight complaints allege the fire or symptoms of the impending fire began while driving.
See also NHTSA Investigating Ford Taurus Runaway Throttle Complaints
