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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
142,000 miles · Apr 20, 2009
Electrical SystemEquipmentFire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FACTORY INSTALLED AMPLIFIER CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH. HE HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO STOP THE SPARKS AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE AMP. HE ALSO HAD TO CUT THE WIRES THAT WERE CONNECTED TO THE AMP AND REMOVE THE FUSE FOR THE RADIO. THE VEHICLE HAS…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FACTORY INSTALLED AMPLIFIER CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH. HE HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO STOP THE SPARKS AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE AMP. HE ALSO HAD TO CUT THE WIRES THAT WERE CONNECTED TO THE AMP AND REMOVE THE FUSE FOR THE RADIO. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE AMP IS POSITIONED UNDERNEATH THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT WHERE THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT IS LOCATED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 142,000.

NHTSA ODI #10266085

151,000 miles · Feb 9, 2009
Seats

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM CLASS TODAY WHEN I HEARD MY SEAT POP. AFTER THAT MY SEAT BECAME WOBBLY AND UNSECURE. WHEN I GOT HOME I WENT TO CHECK IT OUT AND THE WELD WAS RIPPED OUT CAUSING THE PROBLEM. WHAT FRIGHTENS ME IS I DID NOT DO ANYTHING UNUSUAL AND IF I GOT IN AN ACCIDENT I COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED OR WORSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10258142

79,000 miles · Jan 14, 2009
Seats

I SAT DOWN IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND LEANED SLIGHTLY BACK AGAINST THE BACKREST AND THE SEAT BROKE WHERE IT ATTACHES TO ITS RAILS. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS BROKEN AT THREE PLACES ON THE FRAME OF THE CHAIR ITSELF. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR SAFETY INCIDENT IF IT HAD HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. JEEP SHOULD ISSUE A S…

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I SAT DOWN IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND LEANED SLIGHTLY BACK AGAINST THE BACKREST AND THE SEAT BROKE WHERE IT ATTACHES TO ITS RAILS. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS BROKEN AT THREE PLACES ON THE FRAME OF THE CHAIR ITSELF. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR SAFETY INCIDENT IF IT HAD HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. JEEP SHOULD ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL AS THIS IS A SUBSTANDARD PART. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10255082

92,000 miles · Dec 30, 2008
Seats

THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAS BROKEN AND HAS BECOME VERY WOBBLY AND UNSTABLE. I DRIVE THE VEHICLE NORMAL AND I AM NOT AN OBESE PERSON. THE SEAT STARTED OUT JUST MAKING CREAKING NOISES, THEN IT BROKE IN ONE SPOT AND HAS SINCE BROKEN IN A SECOND SPOT. AFTER DOING SOME EXTENSIVE RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAIN…

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THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAS BROKEN AND HAS BECOME VERY WOBBLY AND UNSTABLE. I DRIVE THE VEHICLE NORMAL AND I AM NOT AN OBESE PERSON. THE SEAT STARTED OUT JUST MAKING CREAKING NOISES, THEN IT BROKE IN ONE SPOT AND HAS SINCE BROKEN IN A SECOND SPOT. AFTER DOING SOME EXTENSIVE RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS, YET THERE IS NO RECALL. PRICE TO FIX IS BETWEEN $400-800 AT A DEALERSHIP. IF I WERE TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT WITH THE SEAT IN THE CONDITION IT IS IN, I COULD HAVE WORSE INJURIES THAN IF THE SEAT WAS HOW IT SHOULD BE. I THINK THAT DUE TO THE FACT OF HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE CHEROKEE/GRAND CHEROKEE, THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL SINCE IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE.*TR

NHTSA ODI #10253177

67,108 miles · Nov 5, 2008
Latches/locks/linkages

INSURED DRIVER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN HOOD FLEW UP AND SMACKED INTO DRIVER'S WINDSHIELD. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP AND AVOID STRIKING ANYTHING. DRIVER WAS INFORMED BY SHOP THAT HOOD LATCH WAS DEFECTIVE. DRIVER HAD DUCT TAPE IN CAR SO SHE TAPED HOOD DOWN AND DROVE HOME. $1703.89 IN RESULTING DAMAGES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10247778

115,000 miles · Oct 6, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

FOG LIGHT SWITCH. WENT TO THE DEALER TO GET ANOTHER SWITCH , I WAS TOLD THAT THE SWITCH # HAD BEEN CHANGED AND THE IT IS $186.00 WHICH INCLUDES WIRING" I ASKED IF THE WIRING IS RECALLED HE SAID " NO" SO I BOUGHT THE SWITCH FOR $45.00 AND IT SEEMS TO WORK. I WAS WONDERING IF DODGE KNOWS THAT THE WIRING IS BAD? I HAV…

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FOG LIGHT SWITCH. WENT TO THE DEALER TO GET ANOTHER SWITCH , I WAS TOLD THAT THE SWITCH # HAD BEEN CHANGED AND THE IT IS $186.00 WHICH INCLUDES WIRING" I ASKED IF THE WIRING IS RECALLED HE SAID " NO" SO I BOUGHT THE SWITCH FOR $45.00 AND IT SEEMS TO WORK. I WAS WONDERING IF DODGE KNOWS THAT THE WIRING IS BAD? I HAVE SEEN A JEEP IN THE JUNK YARD THAT HAS A DASH FIRE STARTING IN THAT AREA? YOUR HELP IS REQUIRED FOR OUR SAFETY & PEACE OF MIND! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10244514

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

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment

HAVE REPLACED THE EVAPORATOR, CONDENSER, COMPRESSOR, DRYER, BELTS, ETC. HAVE SPENT CLOSE TO $3K AND STILL HAVE NO AIR CONDITIONING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10238989

103,379 miles · Aug 16, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

AIR CONDITIONER FAILURE. HAD TO REPLACE COMPRESSOR, EVAPORATOR, SEVERAL LINES AND DRIVE BELT. ALSO REPLACED RADIATOR AND OTHER COOLING SYSTEM COMPONENTS. TOTAL COST $2000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10238502

65,000 miles · Aug 13, 2008
Electrical SystemVisibility

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WOULD OCCASIONALLY RESTART. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES BY LOCAL …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WOULD OCCASIONALLY RESTART. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES BY LOCAL MECHANICS, BUT THE FAILURE STILLS PERSISTS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO THE ONE MENTIONED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V059000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW UPDATED 09/15/08. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10238054

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