NEW YORK (CNN/Money) -
DaimlerChrysler recalled several Jeep models Tuesday, saying that the engines may collect debris that could lead to fires.
The Auburn Hills, Mich.-based automaker asked for the return of Jeep Wrangler models from 2000 to 2002, Jeep Cherokees made in 2000 and 2001, and Jeep Grand Cherokee models from 1999 to 2002 with 4.0 liter engines.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the engine's air passages were designed in such a way that debris could accumulate over one cylinder, creating the possibility of a fire.
DaimlerChrysler said no injuries had been reported.
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| Jeep Grand Cherokee |
The latest recall comes amid several efforts by Chrysler to improve its quality and reputation among consumers. It brings the total number of vehicles recalled by Chrysler in the past four months to about 3.3 million -- far more than the company will sell in the United States this year.
Customers will receive a letter in early May explaining that they can take their Jeeps to a local dealer to have a protective shield placed in the engine, said Angela Spencer Ford, a Chrysler spokeswoman.
"This is a preventative measure. If (customers) see a large collection of debris accumulating, they might want to take it in before then," she added.
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Chrysler said the recall affects 182,044 Jeep Wranglers, 293,968 Jeep Cherokees and 639,310 Jeep Grand Cherokees.
The latest recall follows a February recall for 1.6 million Jeep Grand Cherokees to fix what hundreds of owners said was a tendency for the vehicles to roll backward when their transmissions appear to be set in "park."
Shares of DaimlerChrysler (DCX: up $2.68 to $47.46, Research, Estimates) rose in Tuesday morning trading.
-- from staff and wire reports
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