WASHINGTON — Chrysler is recalling 161,450 2007-'08 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions because they were not equipped with a transmission fluid temperature warning system. Fluid could boil over and may come into contact with a hot engine or exhaust component and cause a fire, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In documentation filed with the federal government, Chrysler said that the transmission failures are not related to overheating by "normal operating." The automaker said that the failures were linked to "extreme and/or abusive driving conditions."
"Operating a vehicle under rigorous off-road conditions will cause the vehicle's transmission fluid temperature to elevate," said Chrysler in its explanation of the problem to NHTSA. "Continuous operation under such rigorous conditions may lead to a transmission failure."
The automaker said "there are only a few field reports alleging transmission failures resulting from elevated temperatures." It said it is not aware of any injuries or fatalities as a result of the omission of the warning system.
Jeep dealers will inspect and install a "hot oil" message in the instrument cluster and a chime indicating an elevated transmission fluid condition. The recall is expected to begin in December. Owners may contact Chrysler at 800-835-1403.
Inside Line says: If you own one of the aforementioned Jeep Wranglers, have it checked out ASAP with your dealer. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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swaneee says:
01:38 PM, 07/18/2010
Have a 08 JK unlimited. Where to begin...
Had a 2.5" lift and 35" tires from the dealer. Stock 2:73 gears would hardly put it over the top of a bridge, this is in Florida. We are currently in Colorado, knowing this installed 4:88 gears this returned it to thinking its stock, but with 35" tires.
Did ok still the power of the 3.8 mini van engine left a lot to be desired. Purchased a tuner to change computer settings, this was fantastic made it driveable. BUT stills shifts down to 2nd at 55 which results in a 4500-5000 rpm jolt on the slightest grade. How long can the mini van engine last like this? Engines are better now (higher rpm) time will tell.
These things were considered when I bought it. But when front track bar mounting bracket broke away fron the axel tube and chrysler would not warranty it due to the lift, things went down hill from there.
Have had to replace a set of tires due to accumulative mis-alignment. Ball joints and tie rod ends look like they have 70k miles with only 30k actual. So from my pocket $600. track bar support brackets, $1300 set of tires, now, looking at another $1300 for lube-able Ball joints Tie rod ends and steering damper. $3200 on my new jeep out of pocket. I have built several jeeps went to Moab all that thought wow a new Jeep no worries think again. Hoping most of the problems are corrected . HOPE SO, those Toyotas are looking pretty good.......
montman1956 says:
08:51 PM, 04/15/2010
Your right trail Rated Right, Mine 2008 shifts all the time I live in montana and Oil runs out all the time8 Thousand 20, thousand mi it boils out 30 thouand I thought it was a the seal out , it has now got 55, thousand mi Now and it leeks all the time, I carry oil all the time Jest driving it on the freeway up and down the passes in Idaho and Montana it blowes out then gets on the Exaust, and stinks, Now I know whats wrong, Crysler sead it was not Covered. Now i might Have some fuel. Thank you.Not enough power, Larry...I was going to buy something Else I have Owened Jeep all my Life This V6 sucks Too. Im very tired . The trackson control sucks Too, It shut down the engine when a rear wheel spin when I was pulling out in the trafic, allmost got me killed cars went on both sides of me thank god they had Chev 4x4's, And the Death Wobble Wow you get a shimmie in the frount end and Head it for the ditch,,,, Thanks
darkkight07 says:
04:50 PM, 04/12/2010
I own a 07 jk I agree they should put in a transmission cooler on I go off roading and they state that these jeeps are trail ready.so them stating that this only happings when off roading they should not beable to clam that they are trail rated please send on
jeepin_rob says:
03:42 PM, 11/23/2009
The solution is a 'hot oil' light? Seems to be a band aid when the real solution is additional tansmission cooler help with either additional radiator capacity or an external cooler. Am I missing something here?