Chrysler calls investigation of Jeep fires 'simply terrible'

by BILL McGINTY / NewsChannel 36 Staff

Bio | Email | Follow: @billwcnc

Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:25 PM

Updated yesterday at 11:42 PM

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Valentine’s Day 2012 did not go well for Deb Monauni when she returned home.  She got home from work and parked her 2007 Jeep Wrangler in her driveway.

“Literally, as I stopped, it exploded, full on ball of fire explosion in my driveway,” Monauni said.  “And I looked down this way and saw little flames coming out from under my jeep.”

Monauni said the fire was fast and furious. “It blew up, became totally engulfed in flames and there was an explosion.”

The fire quickly spread to the house.

“It was going up, which is my bottom floor, so it was taking out my support beams,” she added.

The fire department arrived at Deb’s mountain home west of Asheville.  They saved the damaged house, but the Jeep was a total loss and a bit of a mystery.

“I mean, I came home like I normally do, parked it and it caught fire,” she noted

Following NewsChannel 36 I-Team reports of Jeep Fires locally and around the country, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened up an investigation because of sudden fires in 2010 Jeep Wranglers.

But the catch is that Monauni’s Jeep was a 2007 Wrangler.

She said she didn’t know that 2007 and 2008 Jeep Wranglers were recalled in 2009 to address transmission problems which could, and did, lead to sudden fires in the engine compartment. The Jeep Wrangler owner’s manual says the hot oil light and a chime will warn that transmission fluid contacting the hot engine or the exhaust may cause a fire, and that if that message appears, drivers should stop.

Monauni said, “now what this warning light was supposed to do was flash ‘hot oil’ and that would let me know I was in danger of a fire.  That light never went off.”

Meanwhile, Rob Pyrock said his 2010 Jeep was driving fine when it too burst into flames in January in Indian Trail, and like Monauni, he said, “No warnings, no lights, no nothing.  It just died.”

But Chrysler told the Newchannel 36 I-Team that Pyrock’s Jeep fire was his fault, that grass under the jeep, the result of recent off-roading, was the cause of the fire and not a Jeep defect.

NewsChannel 36 challenged the “grass fire” cause in our first two stories, after which Chrysler Spokesman Michael Palese sent NewsChannel 36 an email.

“Look, your reports are simply terrible,” he wrote.  “Talk to someone who knows something about vehicle fires... You’re making a mess of this.”

The I-Team tracked down the Union County Fire Marshall who inspected Pyrock’s Jeep. The finding was “mechanical failure in the engine compartment.”  Grass isn’t mentioned anywhere in the two-page fire report.

Sean Kane, President of the consumer advocate group Safety Research and Strategies said, “We don’t have an exact origin of the fire and Chrysler has been blaming the drivers for improper maintenance or off-roading them.”

Back west of Asheville, Monauni was also asked questions about her driving and maintenance habits prior to her Jeep fire.  

“[Their] commercials have the cars climbing rocks and, you know, going through streams, doing crazy stuff. I don’t do any of that.  I just go to work and come back,” she noted.

The Federal Government is now looking at the 2010 models and getting data from model years 2007 through 2012. Is there a connection between Deb’s recalled 2007 Jeep that burned and the federal investigation of the 2010 models?

“Please refer to our previous statements,” Chrysler said.  “These vehicles meet or exceed all applicable federal safety standards and have excellent safety records.  Vehicle fires are very complex, can occur in any vehicle on the road today and are often caused by many reasons not associated with the vehicle itself.  Poor maintenance, faulty or poorly installed aftermarket equipment, etc. are common causes of vehicle fires.  NHTSA has opened a preliminary investigation into the 2010 model year Jeep Wrangler.  This preliminary investigation is limited to the 2010 model year. This is a preliminary investigation, not a recall, and Chrysler Group, as normal, is cooperating fully with the agency.”

But Monauni is still frustrated.

“I have been in shock, been angry—more angry than anything. I can’t even get a reply, not even an ‘I’m sorry this happened’.  Nothing.”

Would she ever buy another Jeep?

“No,” Monauni added.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude:

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude:

• 2012 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition to arrive in Jeep showrooms next month
• Altitude model is newest special-edition Wrangler created in response to Jeep enthusiasts looking for factory-customized vehicles
• New Wrangler Unlimited Altitude follows last month's introduction of Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models
• All 2012 Jeep Wrangler models powered by 3.6-liter V-6 engine producing 285 horsepower and up to 21 miles per gallon
• Jeep Wrangler sales up 30 percent in 2012

On the heels of the popular Jeep® Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 and Arctic models – and in response to Wrangler enthusiasts' continued desire for limited-edition vehicles – Jeep is introducing its new, 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition. The Wrangler Unlimited Altitude is the latest Altitude model in the Jeep lineup, following the introduction of the Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models last month.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120423/DE91149 )
Based on the 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara model, the Altitude edition offers Jeep enthusiasts a Wrangler with a unique appearance that includes a body-color hardtop combined with a variety of black-gloss exterior appointments, and a distinctive black-and-red interior theme.
"With sales up more than 30 percent year over year, Jeep Wrangler continues to show the special place it has in the hearts and minds of the American public," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "One of the many things Jeep enthusiasts love is the series of limited-volume, special-edition Wrangler models we produce. The new Wrangler Unlimited Altitude builds on the previous models and delivers consumers yet another fun and distinctive Jeep vehicle straight from the factory.
"With a production run of only 4,500 units, we expect the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude to sell out very quickly," Manley added.
Jeep Wrangler sales were up 43 percent in March 2012 versus March 2011, and are up 30 percent for the year (through March). The new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition arrives in Jeep showrooms next month.
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude The new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition includes a body-color hardtop with matching painted center sections on the front and rear bumpers. Unique eighteen-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels with black-painted spokes and polished wheel rings combine to give the Altitude model a one-of-a-kind appearance.
Wrangler Unlimited Altitude's exterior appointments are completed with the inclusion of a Mopar® black fuel fill door, a matte black "Jeep" grille badge and a black tone-on-tone hood graphic.
A black-and-red theme is found inside the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude. Specifically, red accent stitching adorns black leather seats, door panels, center arm rest, floor mats and steering wheel. Vent rings, steering-wheel spokes, door pulls and passenger-side dashboard grab handle and berber floor mats all appear in black, to provide the contrasting and one-of-a-kind interior.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude models are available in Deep Cherry Red, Black, Bright White and Bright Silver Metallic, and will be available at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $33,740.
2012 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Jeep Wrangler – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – is even more capable both on- and off-road for 2012, courtesy of an all-new, more fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine, and a new automatic transmission – both of which it shares with the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine – winner of the prestigious Ward's 10 Best Engines award – delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, while delivering up to 21 miles per gallon highway in the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The improvement, when compared to the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine, is 40 percent in horsepower and 10 percent in torque.
2012 Jeep Wrangler interior highlights include a recently redesigned instrument panel and storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated, power mirrors are available, and drivers and passengers enjoy enhanced visibility courtesy of large rear windows.
Jeep Brand Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.
The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all six Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.
SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/23/4434781/jeep-introduces-new-limited-edition.html#storylink=cpy

Jeep Forward Control (FC) Review

This is by far the best review I've seen for the FC to date. Posted on Expedition Portal, Scott Brady has nailed his summery of this vehicle and has provided some very nice photos too. Pay attention to the pics, there are some nice surprises in there.

FIRST DRIVE-  I am finishing this article less than two hours after driving the Forward Control concept vehicle from the Jeep design team. We will add more images and detail in the coming days, but I wanted to give those interested an initial drive review.
The F-C is another important project for the Jeep design team as it continues to push and reinforce the brand emphasis on utility and brand heritage. While other US brands have bloated and softened their product lines at nearly the same rate as American waistlines, Jeep has actually become more capable and more purposeful (no, I will not use the word authenticity, which now has as much meaning as synergy or excellence. . . puke). The point here is that Jeep's design team gets it - and not just at the level of enthusiasts, but even beyond that by making concepts that even the enthusiasts get all giddy about. This is an important distinction. Mark Allen and his team do not have focus groups or customer 'needs' pow wows, they are thinking of extremely cool vehicles that even the most die-hard Jeep enthusiast hasn't dreamed up. Now understandably, vehicles like the NuKaiser and the F-C will never go into production, but real, breathing and desirable vehicles will be constructed from the DNA of these lustful objects.
There is also another critical result from these concept vehicles - they actually work. They are not just some clay, plastic and chicken wire rendition that needs to be viewed from 30 feet, these Jeeps actually run, drive and 'wheel' like a fourwheeler's best daydream. It is shocking to me, but Jeep unleashes the media on these trucks, and based on what we can see, only 1 out of 10 of these people know a locker switch from a seat heater switch. Within a few minutes of arriving at our play area, I had jumped in several new concepts, but saved the F-C for last, most importantly so I could have a little more time. Ever patient, one of the Jeep design team members hopped into the seat next to me and said "I know you Scott - lets have some fun with it"; and off we went, trundling down the trail barely able to see because I was laughing and smiling so much. 30 seconds in and I had declared the F-C to be Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, a fanciful combination of 'Tonka truck fantasy' and 'I cannot believe they are letting me drive this'.
 
Immediately, I was taken by two things: 1. You are WAY up in the air 2. This things drives WAY better than it should. My test loop started with a cambered sand track that forced several of the other concepts to drift down slope and require a bit of throttle and counter-steer to correct. The long wheelbase and wide track of the F-C held the line and even at about 20 degrees of side slope, it felt stable. Sitting just above the front tires, I expected the truck to bounce uncontrollably, but it didn't, so long as you didn't push the speed to much. Given that the F-C is a one-off concept, the spring rate and shock valving was 95% there.  I would rate the ride as comfortable, mostly a contribution of the soft front spring rate and nearly perfect compression valving. I just ambled along, climbing long slickrock fins and over various ledges and cross-axle obstacles. None felt odd or even difficult - we never turned on a locker. Descending a 35% slope felt a little unusual, and not because the rear got light, but because all you see is the bottom, and all you can think about is that your face would be the crumple zone in any endo. Climbing was effortless. However, given all the F-C's capability, all I could think of was how fun it would be to drive in the deserts of Africa, the bed loaded with a few drums of fuel, a live goat or two for dinner and some Tuareg, holding on to the roof and pointing east. Concept or not - this is one fun truck!