NHTSA Complaint #11453955 — 2014 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

While traveling with 2 small children on the highway a very strong burning smell starting coming through the ventilation system along with a small amount of smoke. Immediately exited the highway and left the vehicle overnight. Upon returning to the vehicle the next day, a large amount of liquid (oil) was leaked out under the vehicle as well as oil all over the components underneath the vehicle. Took vehicle to nearest mechanic and without even inspecting it, the mechanic (non dealership) stated it was likely the oil filter housing as he had replaced a # of these in recent memory due to the plastic melting and/or cracking. The mechanic confirmed the next day that this was in deed the issue and the oil filter housing had to be replaced due to mine being cracked. There appears to be thousands of these cases reported to nhtsa, yet the manufacturer is yet to recall this, which is a significant safety hazzard. Allowing a manufacturer to use a piece of plastic that is known to fail, to store and/or transfer a highly flammable liquid such as oil is a tragedy in the making. Oil leaking onto the engine and other components of the vehicle can cause a fire without the vehicle occupants knowing anything about it. If the manufacturer is unwilling to proactively recall this flawed part, then the nhtsa needs to step in and force a recall before a vehicle catches fire and there is a loss of life.