Chrysler Recalls Challengers, Tells Owners to Stop Driving Them

Chrysler recalls a batch of Dodge Challengers with V-6 engines due to a wiring-harness issue that could cause a fire.

The auto maker officially is informing the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin. of the move today but alerted customers over the weekend. The auto maker says it is aware of seven fires caused by the defect, but says none have injured drivers or passengers.

Chrysler is telling owners of the affected Challengers, built during an 8-week period ending Jan. 24 at the auto maker’s Brampton, ON, Canada, plant, to stop driving them immediately.

The wire harness is specific to the V-6 Challenger. Chrysler’s other V-6, D-segment vehicles – the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 – do not have the suspect wire harness, nor does the V-8 Challenger.

Loaner cars will be provided to owners while repairs are made at local dealers.

Chrysler says 4,459 Challengers are covered by the recall, about 1,900 of which still are on dealer lots.

While recalls in the auto industry are commonplace, it is rare for an auto maker to tell owners to stop driving affected vehicles. Last year, Ford recalled several Escape cross/utility vehicles with 1.6L engines for a similar overheating issue.

WardsAuto data shows Chrysler delivered 43,119 Challengers in 2012 and 8,408 units so far this year.

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