IllustrationSTOLEN MARCH 3RD, MCDONALDS OLD SPARTANBURG ROAD AROUND 2PM, BLACK JEEP WITH LIFTKIT, LOWER BACK BECAUSE SHOCKS NEEDED FIXED, ANY INFO WILL HELP.
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 →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
70–25K
1225–50K
2450–75K
1775–100K
21100–150K
14150K+
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
What owners actually said
366 reportsMY CAR HIT A BUMP ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE FRONT END WOBBLED SO BADLY THAT I HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND STOP. "DEATH WOBBLE"
I WAS AT A STOP SIGN, PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE, ARRIVING AT A STOP-LIGHT WHEN VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP, BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR, PEDAL SEEMED TO HAVE NO LEVERAGE TO IT. I COASTED TO A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER, HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. CHECKED ALL FLUIDS AND PADS, THOSE COMPONENTS SEEMED TO BE FINE. AN…
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I WAS AT A STOP SIGN, PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE, ARRIVING AT A STOP-LIGHT WHEN VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP, BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR, PEDAL SEEMED TO HAVE NO LEVERAGE TO IT. I COASTED TO A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER, HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. CHECKED ALL FLUIDS AND PADS, THOSE COMPONENTS SEEMED TO BE FINE. AND HAD TO GET VEHICLE TOWED IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
HIT A BUMP OR POT HOLE OR A MAN COVER AT 45 MPH AND THE CAR STARTS TO SHAKE AND GOES OUT OF CONTROL. ALMOST BEEN HIT OVER 5 TIMES BECAUSE I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO STOP THE ISSUE. TIRES A NEW AND I'VE BEEN TO THE SHOP THEY SAY EVERYTHING GOOD FOR SAFETY INSPECTIONS BUT IT'S NOT GOOD. IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT JEEP IS JUST TRY TO K…
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HIT A BUMP OR POT HOLE OR A MAN COVER AT 45 MPH AND THE CAR STARTS TO SHAKE AND GOES OUT OF CONTROL. ALMOST BEEN HIT OVER 5 TIMES BECAUSE I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO STOP THE ISSUE. TIRES A NEW AND I'VE BEEN TO THE SHOP THEY SAY EVERYTHING GOOD FOR SAFETY INSPECTIONS BUT IT'S NOT GOOD. IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT JEEP IS JUST TRY TO KILL IT'S CAR DRIVERS I WON'T HAVE BUY THE THING.
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND BUZZER, GO ON AND OFF EVERY 5 MINUTES. DEALER SAYS NO RECALL. WHAT DO I DO? UPDATED 09/09/15*LJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP TO AVOID A COLLISION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS A RECURRING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR D…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP TO AVOID A COLLISION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS A RECURRING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 340,000.
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
NO CRASH, NO ACCIDENT THIS IS A COMPLAINT ON SAFETY AND LACK OF AVAILABILITY TO A "DO IT YOURSELF" (DIY) CERTIFIED MECHANIC ON BRAKE BLEEDING. I AM A CERTIFIED AVIATION MECHANIC AND WELL VERSED ON BLEEDING BRAKES. ON THE JEEP LISTED THERE IS A REQUIREMENT TO USE A SCANNER (THE CHRYSLER DRB III SCAN TOOL) WHICH PLUGS INTO THE …
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NO CRASH, NO ACCIDENT THIS IS A COMPLAINT ON SAFETY AND LACK OF AVAILABILITY TO A "DO IT YOURSELF" (DIY) CERTIFIED MECHANIC ON BRAKE BLEEDING. I AM A CERTIFIED AVIATION MECHANIC AND WELL VERSED ON BLEEDING BRAKES. ON THE JEEP LISTED THERE IS A REQUIREMENT TO USE A SCANNER (THE CHRYSLER DRB III SCAN TOOL) WHICH PLUGS INTO THE OBD-2 SYSTEM TO RUN THE PUMP IN THE ABS SYSTEM. THIS RUNNING OF THE ABS PUMP SHOULD MOVE ANY AIR WITHIN, INTO THE LINES SO THAT SUBSEQUENT BLEEDING OF THE WHEEL LINES WILL REMOVE THE AIR. THE SCANNER COST IS PROHIBITIVE FOR THE DIY MECHANIC AND THE OWNER IS FORCED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR PROPER BLEEDING OF THE BRAKES. EVEN A USED SCANNER IS VALUED AT $3977 ON EBAY THIS DATE. THERE ARE VARIOUS "TRICKS" TO GET THE ABS PUMP TO RUN, SUCH AS A PANIC STOP ON A SLICK GRASSY SURFACE AND THAT WILL GET THE PUMP TO RUN, BUT THE BRAKES MUST BE BLED IMMEDIATELY TO GET THE DESIRED RESULTS, ON THE SLICK, GRASSY SURFACE. THIS COMPLAINT IS ABOUT THE DISSERVICE TO THE MECHANIC IN THE FIELD AND THE GREAT SAFETY ISSUES THAT COULD ARISE WITH IMPROPERLY BLED BRAKES. WITHOUT THE ABS BLED PROPERLY, THE BRAKES ARE MUSHY AND EVEN AFTER PUMPING, ARE NOT THE BRAKES THEY SHOULD BE FOR THE SAFETY OF NEARLY A TWO TON VEHICLE. THERE SHOULD BE AN AFFORDABLE SCAN TOOL THAT WILL DO THE JOB FOR THE BASIC MECHANIC WHO WANTS TO DO THEIR VEHICLE HIM/HER SELF AND THOSE SAME FOLKS SHOULDN'T BE FORCED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER JUST TO ACHIEVE THE PROPER SAFETY STANDARDS. *TR
THE REAR BRAKE LINE (STEEL) NOT THE RUBBER LINE FAILED WHILE PULLING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE GARAGE. IT WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED THROUGH, DESPITE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE (BLEEDING OF OLD FLUID) BEING PERFORMED. IT WAS DETERMINED BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR LINES NEEDED REPLACEMENT DUE TO SEVERE ROT. THESE SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE OUT OF A C…
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THE REAR BRAKE LINE (STEEL) NOT THE RUBBER LINE FAILED WHILE PULLING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE GARAGE. IT WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED THROUGH, DESPITE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE (BLEEDING OF OLD FLUID) BEING PERFORMED. IT WAS DETERMINED BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR LINES NEEDED REPLACEMENT DUE TO SEVERE ROT. THESE SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE OUT OF A CORROSION RESISTANT METAL. *TR
I'M HAVING MORE PROBLEMS WITH MY JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM, I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED IT (2) TIMES LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON THIS. I HAVE LOOKED ON THE SITE AND THERE IS A RECALL ON IT SINCE 2002 BUT I HAVE NEVER RESEVED ANYTHING ON IT. THE RECALL SAYS TO CONTACT LOCAL DEALER ON THIS MATTER AND IT WILL BE TAKEN CAR…
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I'M HAVING MORE PROBLEMS WITH MY JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM, I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED IT (2) TIMES LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON THIS. I HAVE LOOKED ON THE SITE AND THERE IS A RECALL ON IT SINCE 2002 BUT I HAVE NEVER RESEVED ANYTHING ON IT. THE RECALL SAYS TO CONTACT LOCAL DEALER ON THIS MATTER AND IT WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF FOR FREE. I NEED A PAPER TO TAKE WITH ME ON THIS MATTER. IT ALSO SAYS IT COULD CATCH FIRE IF IT IS NOT TAKEN CARE OF!! CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME ON THIS MATTER. I HAS GO OUT AGAIN NO FUEL AGAIN! *TR
Official recalls
200V136000 · 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
1EA12005 · 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