MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Chrysler Recalls 895,000 S.U.V.s for Fire Risk in Vanity Mirrors

July 14, 2014
2 min to read


Following an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler is recalling almost 895,000 sport utility vehicles because a wiring problem in the vanity mirror can cause a fire, the automaker said in a report posted Friday on the safety agency’s website, reported The New York Times.


The action covers 2011-14 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango models, including about 651,000 in the United States, 45,700 in Canada, 23,000 in Mexico and 175,000 outside North America.


Chrysler said that a sun visor screw could penetrate a wire for the vanity light, causing a short circuit that could lead to a fire. The automaker said it discovered the problem in 2011 at its Detroit assembly plant, following complaints from owners about “sun visor thermal damage.” It concluded that the wire was penetrated when workers at the assembly plant were repairing incorrectly installed headliners and had to remove the visor. To correct the problem, Chrysler began making a series of changes to the manufacturing process, the last one early in 2013, “to ensure a repair operation was more robust.” The company said it also discovered problems when repairs to the visor or headliner had been performed at dealerships.


In August 2013, federal regulators began an investigation, responding to owner complaints about fires near the vanity mirror. The investigation was upgraded last January to a more serious engineering analysis after N.H.T.S.A. received 41 complaints about the problem and 38 reports of fires, including three with injuries. Many of the fires were minor and involved smoldering, but some owners reported more serious problems. “In some reports the fire spread to the front seats and/or door panels of the vehicle. In one report the sunroof was damaged, causing the glass to shatter,” the agency reported.


In a March 19 letter, Chrysler told the agency that its internal investigation had concluded that the problem was extremely limited and resulted in little damage. The automaker also said that it had received no reports of injuries and that “there is no unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.”


The agency, however, pushed its case and the automaker agreed to the recall.

More Industry

Industryby StaffJanuary 6, 2026

Black Book: Weekly Market Update

The market analyst is preparing its 2026 forecast but expects a generally strong year based on observed late 2025 activity.

Read More →
gray Ford F-150 parked outside
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJanuary 6, 2026

Ford Holds Best-Seller Status in Used Market

The Detroit-area automaker's F-150 remains the No. 1 used vehicle and the best-selling used truck on the market, but it's falling in popularity on a state-by-state basis.

Read More →
Industryby Hannah MitchellJanuary 6, 2026

2026 Forecast Partly Cloudy

Cox Auto projects a modest fall from last year’s roller coaster sales that were sparked partly by consumers beating policy-powered prices. More volatility could be on the horizon.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Protective Life Corporation building
Industryby StaffJanuary 6, 2026

Protective Expands Reach With F&I Acquisition

Protective Life Corp. closed its acquisition of F&I company Portfolio Holding Inc., expanding its Asset Protection Division across the automotive, RV, power sports and marine sectors.

Read More →
Vintage convertible driving along a desert highway, capturing the freedom and cultural impact of early American car travel.
IndustryJanuary 1, 2026

Driving America Forward

As America turns 250, explore how the automotive industry shaped jobs, culture, innovation, and mobility from Detroit assembly lines to today’s EV era.

Read More →
Industryby StaffDecember 23, 2025

Black Book: Weekly Market Update

Despite the week's softening conditions, the market analyst said demand for used vehicles showed in competitive bidding for newer units in better condition.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Industryby Lauren LawrenceDecember 23, 2025

In-Vehicle AI Predicted to Spike

Frost & Sullivan expects a $238 billion market opportunity for the technology in automobiles by 2030 as AI applications shift to more mass-market applications.

Read More →
Industryby Hannah MitchellDecember 23, 2025

December Doldrums

A consumer index finds continued declines in both outlook and current conditions sentiment across nearly all demographics as big-ticket spending plans fall.

Read More →
Industryby StaffDecember 17, 2025

A Jolly Holiday Season From BBM to our Audience

The editorial team wishes you a respite from your labors and a new year full of success.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
electric vehicles charging at a station
Industryby Lauren LawrenceDecember 17, 2025

Gas Drivers Least Likely to Shop Electric

Non-EV drivers show a decreased interest in future EV buying, according to CDK.

Read More →