IllustrationTHE DRIVER'S DOOR HINGES CAME OFF THE BODY OF THE JEEP WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE PASSENGER SIDE HINGES ARE ALSO LOOSE. IT LOOKS TO BE FAULTY WELDING ON THE PART OF THE MANUFACTORER.
1993 Jeep Cherokee
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Cherokee years
Owner complaints for the 1993 Jeep Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 113.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Cherokee years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 23 of 418 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 123 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 99 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
50 crash reports11 fire reports34 injury reports
What owners actually said
418 reportsMY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE DEATH WOBBLE BECAUSE OF THE OEM STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. I WAS DRIVING DOWN RONALD REAGAN PARKWAY IN DAVENPORT, FL PULLING A TRAILER AND HIT A MINOR BUMP POT HOLE IN THE ROAD WHEN MY JEEP STARTED TO EXHIBIT THE 'DEATH WOBBLE,' I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL IT, BUT BEING ON A TWO LANE ROAD AND A …
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MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE DEATH WOBBLE BECAUSE OF THE OEM STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. I WAS DRIVING DOWN RONALD REAGAN PARKWAY IN DAVENPORT, FL PULLING A TRAILER AND HIT A MINOR BUMP POT HOLE IN THE ROAD WHEN MY JEEP STARTED TO EXHIBIT THE 'DEATH WOBBLE,' I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL IT, BUT BEING ON A TWO LANE ROAD AND A TRUCK NEXT TO ME I WAS SCARED OF AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE WOBBLE.
I OWN A 1993 JEEP CHEROKEE AND THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER ON THE DRIVER SIDE LOCKED UP ON JULY 4, 2017, WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN, ABOUT 15 MINUTES AFTER BEING STARTED, WITHOUT ANY HARD BRAKING. THE NEXT DAY THE CALIPER WAS REPLACED. TODAY, 9/28/2017, WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ABOUT 20 MINUTES AFTER CAR BEING STARTED TO …
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I OWN A 1993 JEEP CHEROKEE AND THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER ON THE DRIVER SIDE LOCKED UP ON JULY 4, 2017, WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN, ABOUT 15 MINUTES AFTER BEING STARTED, WITHOUT ANY HARD BRAKING. THE NEXT DAY THE CALIPER WAS REPLACED. TODAY, 9/28/2017, WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ABOUT 20 MINUTES AFTER CAR BEING STARTED TO DRIVE TO WORK, A SHIMMY DEVELOPED. WHEN I GOT TO WORK A FEW MILES LATER, THE CALIPER WAS LOCKED AGAIN AND WAS SMOKING. IN 1998, WHILE DRIVING MY FATHER'S 1993 JEEP CHEROKEE (NOT THE SAME ONE I NOW OWN), THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER LOCKED ONTO THE TIRE AND CAUSED A LOT OF SMOKE. I ASSUMED IT WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AT THE TIME. I UNDERSTAND THAT THINGS WILL GO WRONG WITH OLDER VEHICLES IN THE NORMAL COURSE OF BEING USED AND BECOMING WORN, BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON POINT OF FAILURE ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL AND YEAR THAT STARTED HAPPENING WHEN THE VEHICLES WERE STILL RELATIVELY NEW. BRAKE PROBLEMS ARE AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS THING TO OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLES IN QUESTION, AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE, SO I FEEL THIS MERITS BEING REPORTED BECAUSE EVERYTHING ELSE ABOUT THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN STRONG AND RELIABLE, AND I STILL SEE SO MANY OF THEM OUT ON THE HIGHWAYS AND CITY STREETS. I CLICKED "NEXT" AND ONE OF THE QUESTIONS IS, "WAS THERE A FIRE?" I AM GOING TO CLICK YES BECAUSE THERE WAS A COPIOUS AMOUNT OF SMOKE BUT WANT TO CLARIFY HERE THAT THERE WERE NO FLAMES THAT I SAW.
FOUND 8 WIRE STRANDS PROTRUDING FROM SIDEWALL OF ONE TIRE ON FRONT OF CAR WHILE WASHING THEM
HITTING BUMPS AT 55 MPH SENDS VEHICLE INTO UNCONTROLLABLE FRENZY. CANNOT CONTROL VEHICLE, MUST SLAM ON BRAKES AND PRACTICALLY COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO REGAIN CONTROL. I KNOW THOUSANDS OF JEEPS SUFFER THIS "DEATH WOBBLE" PLEASE DO SOMETHING. *JS
WIPER MOTOR NOT WORKING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, GASOLINE LEAKED FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 193,000. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GASOLINE FUEL FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE SMELL WAS MOST DISTINCT WHEN REFUELING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PERSISTE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GASOLINE FUEL FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE SMELL WAS MOST DISTINCT WHEN REFUELING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED INTERMITTENTLY FOR APPROXIMATELY SEVENTEEN YEARS AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS YET THE FAILURE WAS NEVER DUPLICATED. ON ONE OCCASION, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DISCOVERED THE FUEL FILTER SATURATED WITH GASOLINE AND THE FILTER WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,000. UPDATED 01/04/11*LJ UPDATED 01/10/11. *JB
MY CAR IS A 1993 JEEP CHEROKEE IS HAS A SAME PROBLEM AS A RECALL #97V069000 IT NEED THE REINFORCEMENT PLATES.,THE FRAME IS CRACK AND THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHING BOLTS ARE BROKEN BECAUSE OF IT, I WENT TO THE DELLER MARINO CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE LOCATION 5133 W IRVING PARK RD ,AND I SPOKE WITH THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER JORGE AL…
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MY CAR IS A 1993 JEEP CHEROKEE IS HAS A SAME PROBLEM AS A RECALL #97V069000 IT NEED THE REINFORCEMENT PLATES.,THE FRAME IS CRACK AND THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHING BOLTS ARE BROKEN BECAUSE OF IT, I WENT TO THE DELLER MARINO CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE LOCATION 5133 W IRVING PARK RD ,AND I SPOKE WITH THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER JORGE ALICEA, ABOUT THIS RECALL BECAUSE MY VIN # IS NOT IN THE LIST WELL PLEASE MAKE UNDERSTAND THIS PEOPLE MY CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM THAN THE RECALL SHOWS PLEASE ,MY CAR IS AFFECTED WITH THIS PROBLEM MY VIN MY CAR A JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT BODY STYLE CARRY ALL AND [XXX]OR MY EMAIL I USE THIS CAR FOR WORK PLEASE [XXX]. *TR
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED WHILE TRYING TO START..HARD TO TURN, THEN QUIT ALTOGETHER, HAD TO HAVE JEEP TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY. HAD TO HAVE SWITCH AND COIL REPLACED . THE COIL WAS LOCATED IN A BAD PLACE ON MOTOR. *TR
Official recalls
399V340000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor
Dec 13, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS CAN EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE "SALT BELT." IF THE ROTORS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE CORROSION CAN EVENTUALLY COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
97V069000 · Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)
Apr 28, 1997
DURING ASSEMBLY OF THE FRAME, A FILLET WELD THAT JOINS THE INNER STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT TO THE FRAME RAIL, WAS OMITTED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DUE TO HIGH STEERING LOAD EVENTS, VEHICLES CAN EXHIBIT BROKEN STEERING GEAR ATTACHING BOLTS OR FRAME RAIL CRACKING AT THE STEERING GEAR ATTACHING POINT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR CRACKS IN THE FRAME RAIL. VEHICLES THAT SHOW CRACKS WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH REINFORCEMENT PLATES. VEHICLES THAT ARE FOUND TO BE FREE OF CRACKS WILL HAVE A SLOT CUT IN THE CROSS MEMBER AND THE FILLET WELD WILL BE ADDED.
93V037000 · Equipment:other:labels
Mar 9, 1993
THE TIRE AND WHEEL SPECIFICATION INFORMATION ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL INDICATES A MINIMUM TIRE SIZE LARGER THAN THE TIRE ACTUALLY FITTED TO THE VEHICLE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: INSTALLATION OF THE WRONG SIZE TIRES TO THE RIM COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: PROVIDE CORRECT CERTIFICATION LABELS TO VEHICLE OWNERS FOR APPLICATION TO THE VEHICLES.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
15EA12005 · Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
Opened Jun 12, 2012 · Closed Nov 14, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
Additional source detail variants (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
DP02005 · Sudden Acceleration
Opened Apr 25, 2002 · Closed Sep 10, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
EA01005 · Door Hinge
Opened Jan 24, 2001 · Closed Jul 15, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
SQ00009 · Door Hinge
Opened May 26, 2000 · Closed Jan 24, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
EA99014 · Brake Roter Disc/hud Separation
Opened Jun 28, 1999 · Closed Mar 28, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
RQ98023 · Brake Rotor Disc/hub Separation
Opened Nov 13, 1998 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor
CHRYSLER CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL, 98V-005, ON JANUARY 5, 1998, INVOLVING APPROXIMATELY 225,000 1993 GRAND CHEROKEE, 1990-91 CHEROKEE, WRANGLER AND COMANCHEE, AND 1989-91 EAGLE PREMIER AND DODGE MONACO.THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE SALT BELT STATES.OWNERS IN CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSET, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WILL RECEIVE REPLACEMENT ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROPOTECTION.CHRYSLER BEGAN OWNER NOTIFICATION ON MARCH 9, 1998.ODI HAS RECEIVED 15 COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS OF MODEL YEAR 1992-95 JEEP CHEROKEE VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT ONE OR BOTH OF THE FRONT BRAKE ROTOR DISC HAD SEPARATED FROM ITS HUB, CAUSING THE VEHICLES TO SEVERELY PULL TO ONE SIDE AND/OR SIGNIFICANTLY EXTENDED ITS STOPPING DISTANCE.TWELVE OF 15 COMPLAINTS ORIGINATED FROM WITHIN THE RECALLED STATES.
RQ97004 · Steering Column Assembly
Opened Mar 20, 1997 · Closed Sep 18, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
ON JANUARY 25, 1994 CHRYSLER CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL TO CORRECT THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY IN MODEL YEAR 1993 GRAND CHEROKEE AND GRAND WAGONEER.THE RECALL POPULATION WAS 115,000 VEHICLES.THE DEFECT WAS THE MOLDED PLASTIC PIN WHICH CONNECTS THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN SHEARED/DAMAGED PRIOR TO THE INSTALLATION OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY INTO THE VEHILE.IF THIS OCCURRED, THE UPPER STEERING SHAFT WILL SEPARATE FROM THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.AS A REMEDY, CHRYSLER INSTALLED A RESTRAINING SLEEVE TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF STEERING SHAFT MOVEMENT AVAILABLE.
EA97001 · Brake Disc/hub Separation
Opened Jan 13, 1997 · Closed Jan 9, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
CONSUMER COMPLAINTS INDICATE THAT CORROSION OF THE BRAKE ROTORS HAVE CAUSED SEPARATION OF THE BRAKE DISC FROM ITS HUB, RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE.
PE96053 · Brake Disc/hub Separation
Opened Sep 5, 1996 · Closed Jan 13, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
consumer complaints indicate that corrosion of hte brake rotors have caused separation of the brake disc from its hub, resulting in brake failure.
DP95007 · Vehicle Sudden Acceleration
Opened Nov 17, 1995 · Closed Dec 5, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE95049 · Rear Axle Shaft Separation
Opened Aug 17, 1995 · Closed Jan 26, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED TO EXAMINE THE FAILURE MODE AND THE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY POSED BY ALLEGATIONS OF REAR AXLE SEPARATIONS.THE REAR AXLE SHAFT AND HOUSING DESIGN IS TYPICAL OF THOSE IN WHICH THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IS CARRIED ON THE AXLE HOUSING.THE LEFT AND RIGHT AXLE SHAFTS, SUPPORTED BY ROLLER BEARINGS, ARE SITUATED INSIDE THE AXLE HOUSING.THE INBOARD SPLINED END OF THE AXLE SHAFT RECEIVES POWER TRANSMITTED FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY, PROVIDING TORQUE TO THE REAR WHEELS.THE ALLEGATIONS ARE THAT THE AXLE SHAFT FAILS, RESULTING IN THE SEPARATION OF A WHEEL AND AXLE HUB ASSEMBLY OR THE ENTIRE AXLE SHAFT AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY, DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE AXLE SHAFT FAILURE.AS IDENTIFIED BY CHRYSLER, THE SUBJECT REAR AXLES ARE DANA 35C AND 35CM MODELS, WHICH HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SINCE THE 1990 MODEL YEAR.A SAFETY DEFECT TREND WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT AXLE SHAFTS HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.SEE HARD COPY RESUME FOR FULL TEXT OF SUMMARY.
EA93025 · Driveshaft/univ.joint Fail
Opened Oct 29, 1993 · Closed Nov 25, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
PE93057 · Driveshaft/univ.joint Fail
Opened Jun 14, 1993 · Closed Oct 29, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
There is no summary currently available
PE92083 · Steering Gearbox Blt Fails
Opened Oct 14, 1992 · Closed Jan 15, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE92080 · Brake Performance
Opened Oct 5, 1992 · Closed Feb 12, 1993
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available