The federal government is sounding the alarm after multiple Jeep owners filed complaints alleging that their cars are spontaneously bursting into flames, even while the vehicle's ignition appears to be off.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report released Monday, Sept. 6, calls for an investigation to "assess the cause, scope, and frequency of the alleged defect."
The preliminary evaluation will cover Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models from 2021 through 2023; An estimated 781,459 vehicles.
No recall has been issued at this time, but Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety recommended Jeep owners exercise caution. Brooks omniously told the Associated Press, "If I owned one of these vehicles, I certainly wouldn't want to park it in a garage."
The spontaneous nature of the engine fires "can result in an increased risk of occupant injury, injury to persons outside of the vehicle, and property damage, with little or no warning," according to the NHTSA report.
Based on the reports being investigated by the NHTSA, fires are suspected to originate on the passenger front side of the engine compartment. So far only one report involved injury, and there have been no fatalities.
When contacted by the Associated Press, Jeep parent company Stellantis said it was cooperating with the investigation.
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