NHTSA Issues Recall Report on Jeep Wrangler Exterior Power Mirrors

The exterior heated power mirrors that were introduced to the 2011 model-year Jeep Wranglers could cause smoke or fire due to a defect, according to Chrysler and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Due to the potential defect, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to July 19, 2013.

“Corrosion in the exterior heated power mirror electrical connector may result in an electrical short,” according to NHTSA.

The recall is expected to begin December 5, 2014.

On February 8, 2013, Chrysler’s Vehicle Safety Office was notified by Chrysler Canada of three Wrangler vehicles with damaged connectors.

After vehicle inspections, company officials noticed localized heat damage concentrated around the connector of the front door wiring harness for the exterior heated power mirror.

“Water testing using a bore scope camera confirmed water intrusion and path,” according to Chrysler’s report to NHTSA.

“Water dripping on the door trim panel can travel along the mirror wiring harness and into the electrical connector resulting in corrosion leading to a resistive bridge between power and ground,” officials note in the report.

Chrysler will conduct a voluntary safety recall to move the exterior mirror power feed to a separate connector via a service kit, which can help protect against a loss of function or a potential fire from such water intrusion.

Additionally, a water shield and dielectric grease will be added to the existing connector to prevent corrosion, officials write.

The mirror supplier was not identified in the report to NHTSA. No known injuries or accidents have resulted from the issue, according to Chrysler.