NHTSA Complaint #10471732 — 2012 JEEP PATRIOT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 20 MPH WHEN BLUE FLAMES AND BLACK SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT THE PLASTIC REAR BUMPER CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE REAR BUMPER AND CONFIRMED THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A HANGER IN THE MUFFLER THAT WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE BUMPER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,200. ....UPDATED 10/11/12 *BF UPDATED 10/15/2012 *JS