(November 16, 2009) Chrysler is recalling 2007 and 2008 model year Jeep Wranglers manufactured between June 2006 through July 2008 equipped with automatic transmissions. About 161,000 Wranglers are affected.

Chrysler told National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that transmission fluid could boil over and cause a fire.

The possibility of this comes under extreme conditions.

“Operating a vehicle under rigorous off-road conditions will cause the vehicle’s transmission fluid temperature to elevate. Continuous operation under such rigorous conditions may lead to a transmission failure. In cases where the limits of the vehicle are exceeded beyond reasonable usage over an extended period, the fluid could boil over and may come into contact with a hot engine or exhaust component and cause a fire,” Chrysler said.

Dealers will inspect and install at no charge to owners a “hot oil” message in the instrument cluster and a chime indicating an elevated transmission fluid condition. The recall is expected to begin in December. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-835-1403.