Federal safety agency checks problems with Toledo-built Jeep Wranglers

6/4/2007

About 35,000 Toledo-built Jeep Wranglers are being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for engine stalling and loss of electrical power.

The safety agency said there have been 53 complaints involving sudden stalls at highway speeds, and many cars had more than one stall. In 12 cases, vehicle lighting ended after the stall, the agency said.

A preliminary probe has been opened, but no recall has been requested. No injuries or crashes were reported.

Involved are 2007 models. All the vehicles are made at the Toledo Jeep Assembly complex.

The probe could pose problems for the redesigned Wrangler, which last summer launched a four-door Unlimited version that has sold well. Wrangler sales are up 85 percent this year to 54,699, said DaimlerChrysler AG, which owns the Jeep brand.

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