latest on 2004 jeep grand cherokee recall rear gas tank fire hazard

It is quite unusual for a car maker to so openly challenge the NHTSA. We believe NHTSA’s initial conclusions are based on an incomplete analysis of the underlying data, and we are committed to continue working with the agency to resolve this disagreement.”Ĭhrysler’s statement also noted that the Grand Cherokees in question met or exceeded federal standards for fuel-system integrity, although the NHTSA responded by reminding the company that minimum standards do not allow a company or the NHTSA to ignore problems that can cause serious injury or death. In a statement released on June 4, the company said, “The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective. According to the NHTSA’s tentative assessment, the culprit in the fires was the plastic gas tanks on the Grand Cherokees, which Chrysler designers had placed behind the vehicle axles, making them far more susceptible to puncture and fire whenever the vehicles are hit from behind.Įven though Chrysler designers moved the gas tank location to the other side of the axle in later models of the Grand Cherokee, they continue to claim the design was and is safe. On June 4, Chrysler issued their reply, which was basically no thanks, adding that they stand behind the safety of their SUVs.

NHTSA’s Requests Recall, Chrysler Says No.Īfter the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a thorough investigation into a series of rear-end collisions leading to the deaths of at least 44 people, it developed the belief that some Jeep vehicles are at serious risk for a fuel tank fire, and asked that Chrysler Group LLC recall 2.7 million Jeeps Grand Cherokees with the model years of 1993-2004

Latest on 2004 jeep grand cherokee recall rear gas tank fire hazard