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1999 Jeep Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cherokee years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Jeep Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 113.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

95 reports with mileage · 271 unknown

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 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

41 crash reports18 fire reports25 injury reports

Structure complaints

7 reports
Clear category filter
200,000 miles · Apr 28, 2018
StructureSuspensionWheels

MY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE UNI-BODY FRAME IS SO RUSTED OUT UNDERNEATH IT IS A HAZARD TOO DRIVE, THERE IS NOTHING ELSE WRONG WITH IT. SPECIFICALLY, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CONTROL ARMS ARE RUSTED OUT AND DETACHED AND FRAME IS SO RUSTED THEY CAN NOT BE REATTACHED. IT SEEMS IT IS VERY COMMON FOR JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE UNI-BODY UNDER …

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MY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE UNI-BODY FRAME IS SO RUSTED OUT UNDERNEATH IT IS A HAZARD TOO DRIVE, THERE IS NOTHING ELSE WRONG WITH IT. SPECIFICALLY, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CONTROL ARMS ARE RUSTED OUT AND DETACHED AND FRAME IS SO RUSTED THEY CAN NOT BE REATTACHED. IT SEEMS IT IS VERY COMMON FOR JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE UNI-BODY UNDER CARRIAGE TO RUST OUT AND BECOME A HAZARD WITH CONTROL ARMS DETACHING AND VEHICLE BECOMING UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS IS PREDOMINANTLY A PROBLEM IN NORTHERN PART OF US. HOWEVER, THESE ARE VEHICLE PEOPLE BUY TO DRIVE ON BAD ROADS SO THEY SHOULD NOT DETERIORATE AND BECOME A DANGER TO DRIVE. CHRYSLER SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL THESE JEEPS AND WELD IN NEW FRAME RAILS AND OTHER SUPPORT AND REATTACH DETACHED SUSPENSION AND OTHER NECESSARY EQUIPMENT.

NHTSA ODI #11090773

150,000 miles · Apr 30, 2015
SteeringStructureWheels

MY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE SHAKES VIOLENTLY AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH WHEN I HIT A SLIGHT UNEVENNESS IN THE ROAD. I'VE HAD MY JEEP INSPECTED BY A JEEP DEALER, PAID TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, AND IT STILL REMAINS. THIS IS A WELL-DOCUMENTED, REPEATED ISSUE, THAT I, AND MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED, DRIVING JEEPS. IT'S BEEN REPORTED ON B…

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MY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE SHAKES VIOLENTLY AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH WHEN I HIT A SLIGHT UNEVENNESS IN THE ROAD. I'VE HAD MY JEEP INSPECTED BY A JEEP DEALER, PAID TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, AND IT STILL REMAINS. THIS IS A WELL-DOCUMENTED, REPEATED ISSUE, THAT I, AND MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED, DRIVING JEEPS. IT'S BEEN REPORTED ON BY BOTH ABC NEWS (HTTP://ABC7NEWS.COM/ARCHIVE/8768540/) AND FOX NEWS (HTTP://WWW.FOXNEWS.COM/LEISURE/2012/07/09/WHAT-NEED-TO-KNOW-ABOUT-JEEP-DEATH-WOBBLE/) AND ACKNOWLEDGED BY CHRYSLER IN A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. I WENT TO MY LOCAL JEEP DEALERSHIP, CHRYSLER TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN IN-HAND, SPENT $1,000 TO REPLACE MY ENTIRE STEERING SYSTEM AT THEIR BEHEST TO CORRECT WHAT THEY CLAIMED WAS CAUSING THE VIOLENT SHAKING I EXPERIENCED WHEN DRIVING MY JEEP ON THE HIGHWAY, ONLY TO FIND, POST-REPAIR, AFTER HITTING A MINOR SEAM ON THE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF 52 MPH, THAT THE "DEATH WOBBLE" WAS WORSE THAN EVER, AND MY JEEP WAS TOTALLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FACT THAT NO ONE HAS DIED YET FROM LOSING CONTROL WHEN THEIR JEEP STARTS VIOLENTLY SHAKING WHILE THEY'RE SPEEDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY (THAT WE CAN PROVE) DUE TO AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW IN THESE VEHICLES IS A SHAMEFUL REASON FOR THE NHTSA TO DISMISS THIS ISSUE. I'VE BEEN VERY LUCKY, SO FAR THAT OTHER DRIVERS HAVE NOTICED ME RAPIDLY REDUCING MY SPEED IN TIME TO GET OUT OF MY WAY. I'VE BEEN LUCKY THAT ROAD CONDITIONS ALLOWED ME TO SLOW DOWN OR PULL OVER. I'VE BEEN LUCKY TO BE GOING SLOW ENOUGH TO REDUCE MY SPEED BEFORE I LOST CONTROL. I'VE STOPPED DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, STOPPED DRIVING LONG DISTANCES, AND PLAN TO TRASH MY JEEP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THOUGH I JUST INVESTED $1,000 IN ITS REPAIR. IS THAT RIGHT? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10713762

Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2008
Structure

I HAVE REPLACED THE BACK CLASP LATCH ONCE DRIVER DOOR AND PASSENGER DOOR PINS AND LATCHES BOTH DOORS 2X THE COST OF EACH IS ABOUT $200 EACH. THE BACK HATCH DOESN'T STAY UP WHEN COLD SO I HAVE HIT MY HEAD SEVERAL TIMES. THE FRONT AND PASSENGER DOOR WON'T STAY OPEN WHEN PINS OR MECH THAT HOLDS DOOR OPEN GOES OUT SO HAVE BEEN HIT…

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I HAVE REPLACED THE BACK CLASP LATCH ONCE DRIVER DOOR AND PASSENGER DOOR PINS AND LATCHES BOTH DOORS 2X THE COST OF EACH IS ABOUT $200 EACH. THE BACK HATCH DOESN'T STAY UP WHEN COLD SO I HAVE HIT MY HEAD SEVERAL TIMES. THE FRONT AND PASSENGER DOOR WON'T STAY OPEN WHEN PINS OR MECH THAT HOLDS DOOR OPEN GOES OUT SO HAVE BEEN HIT BY DOOR, OR SWINGS TOO FAR AND HAS DAMAGED OUTSIDE FRONT WHEEL PANEL. THE PINS AND DOOR MECH ON BOTH THE FRONT AND PASSENGER AND ONE OF THE BACK DOOR IS OUT AGAIN. I FEEL THAT IS A DEFECT, HOWEVER I CALLED CHRYSLER AND FILED A COMPLAINT THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING THIS IS ON MY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE AND ALSO ON MY HUSBANDS 1998 JEEP CHEROKEE HE HAS DRIVER DOOR AND BACK HATCH DOOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10241162

138,398 miles · Mar 2, 2008
Latches/locks/linkagesStructureVisibility

AS MY HUSBAND AND I WERE ON OUR WAY TO A RELATIVES LAST WEEKEND, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW LOWERED ON IT'S OWN. I TRIED TO ROLL IT UP WITH THE DRIVERS CONTROL, AND MY HUSBAND TRIED WITH THE PASSENGER CONTROL ( WHICH HAS NEVER WORKED WELL) BUT THE WINDOW JUST CONTINUED TO GO DOWN. I HAD MY SON LOOK AT IT AND HE TOOK EVERYTHING OF…

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AS MY HUSBAND AND I WERE ON OUR WAY TO A RELATIVES LAST WEEKEND, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW LOWERED ON IT'S OWN. I TRIED TO ROLL IT UP WITH THE DRIVERS CONTROL, AND MY HUSBAND TRIED WITH THE PASSENGER CONTROL ( WHICH HAS NEVER WORKED WELL) BUT THE WINDOW JUST CONTINUED TO GO DOWN. I HAD MY SON LOOK AT IT AND HE TOOK EVERYTHING OFF INCLUDING DOOR PANEL, AND SPEAKERS, BUT HE WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH JEEP WINDOWS AND COULD NOT DETERMINE HOW TO FIX IT. IN THE MEANTIME, I HAVE CHECKED OUT SOME WEBSITES ON THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH JEEPS. NOW IT IS GOING TO COST ME BETWEEN $250.00 AND $600.00 TO REPAIR . PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SO NO ONE ELSE WILL HAVE SUCH AN UNEXPECTED EXPENSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10219841

Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2004
Structure

WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE HOOD POPPED OPEN. THIS CAUSED CINSUMER TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10076136

Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2002
Latches/locks/linkagesStructureInjury

PISTON AND SPRINGS ARE WEAK CAUSING SOME PARTS OF VEHICLE TO FALL ON HANDS. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK CONSUMER STATES THE HOOD DOES NOT STAY UP AS THE HOOD SPRINGS OR PISTONS WERE WEAK. THE HOOD FELL ON HANDS WHILE CHECKING OIL. *YH

NHTSA ODI #8008542

Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 1999
Structure

SEAM LEAK WATER SOAKED CARPET&DASH. DEALER SEALED.LEAKS AGAIN

NHTSA ODI #714276

Official recalls

2

00V136000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor

May 10, 2000

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.

00V105000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Apr 11, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. WATER AND/OR ROAD SALT IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE COULD LEAD TO CORROSION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SUCH CORROSION CAN LEAD TO ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT OR COULD ALLOW INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE AND LOCATE THE NEW MODULE ON THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION TUNNEL.

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

1

EA12005 · 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