NHTSA probes engine fires in 2010 Jeep Wrangler SUVs and 2011 Chevorlet Cruze sedans

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched official investigations into engine fires involving 2010 Jeep Wrangler SUVs and 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sedans. The safety agency has received several reports of unexpected engine compartment fires completely destroying the vehicles made by Chrysler and General Motors, respectively.

According to NHTSA, there have been two reported incidents in the last month of engine fires with the Chevrolet Cruze, one of the best-selling vehicles in GM's line-up. No injuries or deaths have been reported, but both Chevy Cruze cars were totaled in the fires.

In the case of Chrysler's Jeep Wrangler SUVs, seven of the eight reported engine fire incidents allegedly occurred while being driven.

NHTSA's Office of Defect Investigation has already received some preliminary data related to the Cruze fires. However, it will continue to investigate with the manufacturers to determine the causes of the engine fires in the Cruze and Jeep Wrangler SUVs. If a recall for either of the vehicles are required, the alerts will be issued by NHTSA.

Consumers affected by these and any other vehicle issue can file a vehicle safety complaint on the NHTSA website, www.SaferCar.gov.

For more information, see:

• How to write a NHTSA complaint - and make it useful
• Jeep Grand Cherokee fire investigation shows how accident statistics are open to interpretation
• Fire deaths in Jeep Grand Cherokees continue to mount, safety group reaches out to Chrysler

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Engine and cooling    Action #: PE12010 [NHTSA]
2010 Jeep Wrangler - Engine and cooling     Action #:PE12009 [NHTSA]

—Paul Eng