NHTSA Probing Dodge Durango Over Seat Fires

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation of DaimlerChrysler AG’s Dodge Durango sport-utility vehicle after reports of fires beneath the driver’s seat. The NHTSA “Action Number” for the investigation is PE06008 (http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/defect/results.cfm).

According to the NHTSA:

“COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE IS UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER’S SEAT. ODI IS AWARE OF 5 VEHICLE FIRES, AND 3 OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE OFF POSITION (KEY NOT IN IGNITION). THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE THOSE NOT EQUIPPED WITH POWER DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTMENT.”

There are 15,381, 2001 through 2003 vehicles affected by the investigation that do not have power seat adjusters. The company sold 362,531 Durangos from October 2000 through September 2003.