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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

What owners actually said

366 reports
920,000 miles · May 26, 2012
Suspension

HAD SOME SHAKING BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRUCK WAS OUT OF CONTROL, I COULD CONTROL THE JEEP I WAS VEERING INTO OTHER LANES, COULD NOT CONTROL THE JEEP, HOLDING ON FOR LIFE AND PRAYING NOT TO DIE. I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I WAS CRYING AND PEOPLE WERE GOING AROUND ME AND I JUST STARTED TO TRY TO SHUT DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY THEN I …

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HAD SOME SHAKING BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRUCK WAS OUT OF CONTROL, I COULD CONTROL THE JEEP I WAS VEERING INTO OTHER LANES, COULD NOT CONTROL THE JEEP, HOLDING ON FOR LIFE AND PRAYING NOT TO DIE. I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I WAS CRYING AND PEOPLE WERE GOING AROUND ME AND I JUST STARTED TO TRY TO SHUT DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY THEN I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE AT THIS POINT. I COULD HAVE DIED!!!!!!!!!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10459724

100,000 miles · May 7, 2012
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, HE FELT THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKING AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING DAMPER AND THE TRACK BAR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, HE FELT THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKING AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING DAMPER AND THE TRACK BAR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

NHTSA ODI #10457704

65,344 miles · Feb 7, 2012
Visibility

THE BLEND DOORS ON THE DUAL HEATER SYSTEM HAVE FAILED AND THERE IS NO HEAT OR AC TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10446967

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2012
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I OWN A 99 GRAND CHEROKEE LAREADO EVERY NOW AND THEN THE HAZARD LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND TURN SIGNALS GO OUT ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I CHECKED FUSES ARE ALL GOOD, LIGHT BULBS NEW, AND THIS PROBLEM STILL EXIST. ALSO THE HEADLIGHTS ARE REALLY FOGGY LOOKING MAKING IT HARD TO SEE ON DARK ROADS. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10444475

145,000 miles · Dec 6, 2011
Seats

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BROKE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10438788

33,000 miles · Jul 31, 2011
Suspension

I HAVE A 99 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. THE FRONT END BECOMES UNCONTROLLABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN DRIVEN ON ANYTHING LESS THAN PERFECTLY SMOOTH FLAT ROADWAY SURFACE. APPLYING THE BRAKES MAKES THE FRONT END SHIMMY HORRIBLE AND DANGEROUS. YOU MUST SLOW TO REGAIN CONTROL, ALSO DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAYS. ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A C…

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I HAVE A 99 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. THE FRONT END BECOMES UNCONTROLLABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN DRIVEN ON ANYTHING LESS THAN PERFECTLY SMOOTH FLAT ROADWAY SURFACE. APPLYING THE BRAKES MAKES THE FRONT END SHIMMY HORRIBLE AND DANGEROUS. YOU MUST SLOW TO REGAIN CONTROL, ALSO DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAYS. ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON FLAW WITH JEEPS THAT HAVE A COIL-SPRUNG FRONT SUSPENSION WITH A TRACK BAR OR PANHARD BAR, REFERRED TO DEATH WOBBLE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10416395

98,000 miles · Apr 8, 2011
Electrical System

NO: 08-15-99 SUBJECT: ERRATIC, INTERMITTENT CLUSTER OPERATION/INTERMITTENT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. DATE: MAY 21, 1999 THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 08-20-98 REV. A, DATED OCTOBER 2, 1998, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES AND NOTED IN THE BOUND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN BOOK, PUBLICATION NUM…

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NO: 08-15-99 SUBJECT: ERRATIC, INTERMITTENT CLUSTER OPERATION/INTERMITTENT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. DATE: MAY 21, 1999 THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 08-20-98 REV. A, DATED OCTOBER 2, 1998, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES AND NOTED IN THE BOUND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN BOOK, PUBLICATION NUMBER 81-699-99003. THIS IS A COMPLETE REVISION TO THE PROCEDURE. OVERVIEW: THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES INSTALLING A REPAIR HARNESS CONTAINING A REVISED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONNECTOR. SYMPTOM/CONDITION: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT OR AN INTERMITTENT TACHOMETER OR SPEEDOMETER DROP OUT. AN AIRBAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (AECM) FAULT CODE -"NO CLUSTER CCD BUS " MESSAGE WILL BE PRESENT. DIAGNOSIS: USING THE DRB III, READ AND RECORD ALL ACTIVE AND STORED FAULT CODES IN THE AECM. THIS CONDITION IS CAUSED BY MINOR OXIDATION OF THE BUS CIRCUIT TERMINALS AT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONNECTOR. ELECTRICAL TERMINALS WILL SHOW SIGNS OF OXIDATION, WHICH WILL APPEAR AS DARKENED LINES OR MARKS ON THE CLUSTER MALE TERMINALS. THESE OFTEN APPEAR AS GRAY OR BLACK MARKS RATHER THAN THE APPEARANCE OF OXIDATION OR CORROSION USUALLY ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER CURRENT CARRYING CIRCUITS. THIS CONDITION WILL SET A "NO CLUSTER CCD BUS" MESSAGE. THE FAULT CODE WILL USUALLY BE STORED AND NOT ACTIVE. THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WILL NOT ADDRESS FUEL OR OIL PRESSURE GAUGE ISSUES. IF THIS FAULT CODE IS PRESENT, EITHER ACTIVE OR STORED PERFORM THE REPAIR PROCEDURE. THIS SERVICE BULLETIN IS COMMON WITH ALL JEEPS. THERE ARE MANY JEEP OWNERS WITH THIS VERY PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10395285

133,000 miles · Apr 7, 2011
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FRAME BROKE. SEAT WOBBLES BACK AND FORTH. OBVIOUSLY AN UNSAFE SITUATION BEING STRAPPED INTO A SEAT THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED TO VEHICLE. WILL FORCE OF PUSHING BRAKE PEDAL TOTALLY SEPARATE SEAT FROM VEHICLE? THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE RELATIVE TO PASSENGER RESTRAINT (ME) AND BRAKING OR STOPPING OF THE VEHI…

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DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FRAME BROKE. SEAT WOBBLES BACK AND FORTH. OBVIOUSLY AN UNSAFE SITUATION BEING STRAPPED INTO A SEAT THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED TO VEHICLE. WILL FORCE OF PUSHING BRAKE PEDAL TOTALLY SEPARATE SEAT FROM VEHICLE? THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE RELATIVE TO PASSENGER RESTRAINT (ME) AND BRAKING OR STOPPING OF THE VEHICLE(OTHERS). I HAVE READ WHERE THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE ON JEEPS OF THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR AS MINE. CLEARLY, THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I HAVE NEVER HAD A SEAT FRAME FAIL ON ANY OTHER VEHICLE THAT I HAVE OPERATED. THIS IS NOT RUST RELATED. IT IS SIMPLY A FAILED VEHICLE WEIGHT REDUCTION PROGRAM THAT HAS BLOSSOMED INTO A FULL BLOWN SAFETY CONCERN FOR BOTH THOSE IN THE VEHICLE AND ANYONE ELSE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IN ITS GENERAL PROXIMITY. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE AS VEHICLE OWNERS WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE THESE VEHICLES UNTIL THE SEAT TOTALLY SEVERS ITS COMPROMISED MOUNTING AND BECOMES TOTALLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. IN THE MEAN TIME, ANYONE IN ITS PATH IS AT SERIOUS RISK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10395211

Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2011
Seats

DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE. THE METAL THAT THE SEAT IS BOLTED TO IS TOO THIN. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10390188

101,249 miles · Mar 1, 2011
Seats

DRIVER'S SEAT BROKEN........HAPPENED ABOUT A WEEK AGO.........SEAT IS NOW LOOSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10386099

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