NHTSA Complaint #11051751 — 2013 JEEP COMPASS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 JEEP COMPASS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVER SAW FLAMES IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE DRIVER SAW FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE HOOD, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED, BUT BEFORE THEY ARRIVED, THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION AND THE VEHICLE BECAME MOMENTARILY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND THE REMNANTS WERE TOWED TO A TOW YARD. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (CALIFORNIA MOTORS, SANTA ANA, CA, 714-515-6100) AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD BE SENT OUT, BUT NO ONE SHOWED UP. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V668000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED JEEP/CHRYSLER INSTEAD OF TAKING RESPONSIBLITY FOR A MALFUNCTION ON THE 2013 JEEP COMPASS THAT ENGULFED IN FLAME AND COULD HAVE TRAPPED MY SON INSIDE AFTER THE DOORS WOULDN'T OPEN AS ALSO EFFECTED MY CREDIT AMONGST THE OTHER PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE EVENT. UPDATED 8/24/18*JB