Authorities expand Jeep investigation

Thu., April 12, 2012

DETROIT – U.S. safety regulators have expanded an investigation into 23 complaints of fires in Jeep Wrangler SUVs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn’t figured out what caused the fires, but it’s asking carmaker Chrysler for information on Wranglers from the 2007 through 2012 model years. When it began March 28, the probe centered on vehicles from the 2010 model year.

Chrysler sold more than 532,000 Wranglers from 2007 through March. It’s unknown how many are affected by the investigation.

NHTSA said on its website Wednesday that it has received 23 complaints about fires in Wranglers from the six model years. Four people were hurt, including three who received minor burns and one whose injuries were not explained in the complaints. Two houses were damaged.

The safety agency is focusing on overheated transmission fluid and electrical wiring as possible causes.

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Authorities expand Jeep investigation

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

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