Risk of transmission fluid boiling over in heavy use and possibly causing a fire prompted Chrysler to recall more than 160,000 model year 2007 to 2008 Jeep Wranglers equipped with automatic transmissions.
These vehicles were not equipped with a transmission fluid warning system, and the operation of these vehicles beyond the limits of reasonable usage over a period of time could result in transmission failure and in some cases transmission fluid expulsion, Chrysler informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Nov. 3. The expelled fluid could come in contact with a hot engine or exhaust component and cause a fire.
The recall, expected to begin in December, applies to 161,450 Jeep Wranglers manufactured between June 2006 and July 2008.
Dealers will inspect and install a hot oil message in the instrument cluster and a chime that indicates elevated transmission fluid temperature. Chrysler said it will also provide an owners manual addendum stating the purpose of the hot oil message and chime, and including caution and warning statements.