Either way, I believe an investigation would have to take place... and from past experience with a vehicle that spontaneously combusted (with me in it - thankfully not the Jeep, and I was able to get out unscathed), I can tell you that your local Fire Dept would probably be woefully unable to pinpoint the REAL cause of the fire.

I had an old Buick that went up in flames, and my local F.D. was able to concretely state only two things: 1) it wasn't arson, and 2) it was likely a bad electrical connection under the hood. In other words, they told me what I already knew, and weren't able to figure out exactly where the issue originated.

It was an expensive learning experience for me, because I didn't have fire coverage on my ins. policy at the time... will never make that mistake again! But, chances are you signed a contract when you bought your JK (if you financed) pledging to carry full coverage on the JK while it's under loan, so if this were to happen to you, you would be covered under the fire section of your ins. policy, if nothing else.

In order to get Chrysler to cover the loss of your vehicle, I believe you'd need concrete evidence that a manufacturing defect was the root cause, and (again, from my own experience) you'd have a tough time getting a fire inspector to swear to that with any reasonable certainty. If they could prove that some work your dealership did was the reason for the fire, that'd obligate your dealership to cover the damage/replacement costs, but you'd probably have to take them to court.

In summary: Make sure you have full ins. fire coverage on your vehicle - it's MUCH cheaper in the long run that having to buy a new Jeep out-of-pocket if this happens to you!

 

Ya it is....he was on our very first run....

 

I guess he won't be going off roading for a while what a bad experience to have hope he still wants another jeep

 

I havent heard back from him but as far as I know he didnt replace it with a JK

 

I really don't think people should read anything about it, there are millions of JK running around all over the world without any automatic trans. with no problems whatsoever.

 

I wouldnt say there are "millions" but you are right, there are quite a few thats for sure.

 

When did this happen Todd?
It makes you wonder how hot it gets to catch fire in the winter!

 

Todd when did this Happen?
It makes you wonder how hot it could get if it starts a fire in the winter. I was out mounting fog lights and Id be surprised if that wind didn't cool things off very quickly.

 

Couple months ago

 

Reminds me to get the fire extingisher mounted in the JK. Still need to find a good mount for it however.

Cheers

JKDad