2013 Dodge Challenger Recall: Models May Catch Fire

Chrysler is calling back its 2013 Dodge Challengers equipped with V-6 engines --- with a warning for drivers not to even drive them.

Owners are also are being warned not to park the cars in a garage or near a structure until the problem can be fixed.

The highly unusual move comes after Chrysler Group determined the models can overheat and lead to fires. The auto maker says it is so far aware of seven related incidents, none of which caused injuries.

A report in USA Today suggested the malfunction involved a harness system of some kind that could overheat and catch fire.

Chrysler spokesman Eric Mayne explained the problem is due to a single batch of misconfigured electrical components. He said he couldn't specify which particular parts are involved, although he did say a shipment of electrical components that weren't configured properly had arrived at the company's assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

Workers at the plant tried to fix the components, but those changes apparently caused the short circuits, Mayne said.

The company said the problem parts are located in a place most Challenger owners would never see.

Chrysler said it received reports of six fires that damaged cars, while a seventh incident is still under investigation.

The recall applies to Challengers made from the latter part of last November to Jan. 24. The recall affects 4,459 of the cars, with an estimated 2,500 of them already in the hands of owners. The rest of the affected units are still on dealer lots.

Chrysler says it is trying to reach owners by phone and mail to tell them to park their cars until they can be repaired. In addition, the automaker will provide free loaner cars to Challenger owners affected by the recall.

All related repairs will be made at no cost to the owners.

The Challenger is a performance car that is often ordered with a V-8 engine, but those models have not been included in the recall.