U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is conducting an investigation on Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ new Jeep Cherokee SUV after the watchdog received complaints regarding engine compartment fires.
Around 50,415 models are affected that were purchased on 2 January, and according to the complaints fire occurred after the vehicle was driven for less than 100 miles, within two days of purchase.
Reuters cited the complaint as saying that the vehicle was "engulfed in flames approximately 20 feet high within seconds of parking the vehicle."
Another Cherokee owner claimed that the vehicle started smoking shortly after it was purchased, reported Slash Gear.
If the regulators find a problem that needs to be addressed by the manufacturer, it might lead to an investigation.
The news agency cited Fiat Chrysler spokesman Eric Mayne as saying: "We are aware of this incident and our investigators are cooperating fully with NHTSA's preliminary evaluation. "
The new version of the Cherokee was launched in 2013, and it is an integral part of the Jeep brand.
