Some of the ever popular Jeep Wranglers may have a defect that could generate fires. Chrysler has recalled around 68,000 Wranglers in the U.S. to eliminate the potential problem. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and throughout the county, 2010 Wranglers with automatic transmissions are involved.

Hopeful to avoid the Wrangler being classified as a defective auto, the Chrysler Group will eliminate the fire potential. As is all too common, a seemingly minor item or issue can sometimes cause grave outcomes. The 2010 Wrangler recall is a graphic example of this condition.

In these vehicles, a simple "skid plate," installed under the automatic transmission, can trap road debris. While this, by itself, poses no particular problem, when combined with 2010 changes in Wrangler exhaust systems, the skid plate is very close to the vehicle's catalytic converter. As the catalytic converter performs its job of removing harmful chemicals from exhaust gasses, it also becomes very hot.

This extreme heat buildup and its proximity to possibly trapped flammable debris in the skid plate can ignite a fire. While there have been only 14 reported fires, Chrysler and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration believe this is 14 fires too many.

The solution to the problem is both simple and effective. Wranglers built since 2010 do not have these skid plates, as Chrysler replaced them with lighter skid bars, which do not trap debris. Therefore, there should be no fire hazard with this design modification for vehicles produced in later years. 2010 Wrangler owners with automatic transmissions will have their troublesome skid plates replaced with these lighter and safer skid bars to eliminate fire hazards.

Wrangler owners will receive dealer notification when the replacement skid bars are available to be installed. Are you aware of any 2010 Jeep Wrangler fires or other consistent problems?

Source: CNN, "68,000 Jeep Wranglers recalled for fire risk," Peter Valdes-Dapena, May 21, 2012