Fire risks spark car recall

Fiat Chrysler Group Australia has recalled more than 1100 of its 2010 Jeep Wrangler models over concerns about underbody fires following investigations in the US for similar issues. Earlier this year more than 67,000 2010 Jeep Wranglers were recalled in the US to replace the skid plate with a skid bar.

The company said in a statement then that the catalytic converter was relocated to a new location closer to the skid plate as part of exhaust emissions compliance for the 2010 model. "If an excessive amount of debris collects in the underbody, the catalytic converter could ignite it, causing an underbody fire without warning," the recall notice said.

A spokesperson at Fiat Chrysler Group said 1156 vehicles in Australia may be effected by the safety recall. "The transmission skid plate may allow debris to collect in the undercarriage of the vehicle under certain driving conditions. 

The spokesperson said if an excessive amount collects in the undercarriage, the catalytic converter could ignite the debris and cause an underbody fire without warning. "It is applicable to off-road driving and the voluntary fix is to replace the transmission skid bar, there have been no reported incidences in Australia," the spokesperson said.

The skid bar is fitted to later models as part of a design change implemented in late 2010, which Jeep says was as "a weight-savings measure." The company will contact owners of all effected vehicles in writing or owners are advised to contact their nearest Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealership to have the protective plate replaced free of charge.

The Wrangler range was also the subject of a recall in March last year over possible loose suspension components. The off-roader was also the subject of a recall in late 2010 for a possible hydraulic leak that could reduce brake performance, as well as a May 2010 recall due to a transmission fluid overheating issue that could potentially cause a fire.

Porsche Cars Australia has also issued a recall notice for the Panamera Turbo S and the Cayenne Turbo S over sub-standard turbochargers and engine failures. The recall notice said the Borg Warner turbochargers did not meet quality standards and in extreme cases a turbo failure could result "in an engine bay fire."

Porsche Cars Australia spokesman Paul Ellis said there were only three Panamera Turbo S cars in customer hands - the fourth was unsold and still in PCA yard - and no Cayennes sold in Australia were effected by the recall.

"The Cayenne Turbo with a power kit would be the only models effected but we haven't sold any of those with a power kit. "We have had no issues with cars or any incidents in Australia," he said.