Chrysler recalls 2,500 Dodge Challengers including 50 in Canada for fire risk

DETROIT - Chrysler is recalling 2,500 Dodge Challengers, including 50 in Canada, due to a potential short circuit in the wiring of the muscle cars can set them on fire. The affected cars are from the 2013 model year, and have V-6 engines. The vehicles were produced during the eight-week period that ended Jan. 24.

The company says the short-circuit can cause a wire harness in the car to overheat, possibly leading to fire. It wouldn't identify exactly where the short occurs, but said it's in a place that most owners would never see. Chrysler said it's believed the problem is from a shipment of electrical components that arrived at the company's Brampton, Ont., assembly plant that weren't configured properly. Workers at the plant reworked the components, but the change caused the short circuits. Six fires have been reported, leading to damage to the cars but no injuries have occurred. A seventh incident is still being investigated.

The company is notifying owners by telephone and mail and will provide loaner cars until repairs are made, at no cost to the owners. Chrysler also will transport the cars to dealerships to make the repairs, spokesman Eric Mayne said. Challenger owners who have questions should contact their dealers, he said. The recall also affects an additional 1,900 cars on dealer lots that haven't been sold.