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2000 Jeep Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cherokee years

Owner complaints for the 2000 Jeep Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 113.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

132 reports with mileage · 237 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 104 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

26 crash reports40 fire reports13 injury reports

What owners actually said

369 reports
200,000 miles · Aug 26, 2019
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. AFTER INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND A MESSAGE INDICATING THE KEY WAS NOT RECOGNIZED WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. LINDSEY CHRYSLER (8100 CENTREVILLE RD, MANASSAS, VA) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. AFTER INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND A MESSAGE INDICATING THE KEY WAS NOT RECOGNIZED WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. LINDSEY CHRYSLER (8100 CENTREVILLE RD, MANASSAS, VA) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ODI #11246440

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2019
Suspension

I HAVE TRIED TO REACH OUT TO TRANSAMERICAN AUTO PARTS IN REGARDS TO RECALL 18E-072 AND AFTER BEING ON HOLD FOR HOURS AND MULTIPLE EMAILS, I AM NOT ABLE TO CONTACT THEM.

NHTSA ODI #11185411

180,000 miles · Jan 30, 2019
Air Bags

BRAKE LIGHT STARTED COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY, BUT IS NOW ON CONSTANTLY. ONCE IN A GREAT WHILE IT WILL NOT LIGHT UP WHEN STARTING THE CAR, BUT MOST OF THE TIME IT COMES ON WHEN STARTING THE CAR AND STAYS ON CONTINUOUSLY.

NHTSA ODI #11173155

237,318 miles · Nov 25, 2018
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Seats

ENGINE LEAK BAD SEAT AND BRAKE LIGHT I NEED SOME HELP PLEASE REPLACE REAR WIPE,

NHTSA ODI #11153595

173,000 miles · Nov 15, 2018
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, A LOUD TICKING NOISE EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, A LOUD TICKING NOISE EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.

NHTSA ODI #11151744

Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2018
Engine

CRACK CYLINDER HEAD .WHEN DRIVING START TO OVERHEAT.WHEN CHECK ON IT I FOUND THE PROBLEM AND I RESEARCHED AND FOUND THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CYLINDER HEAD FOR JEEP YEARS 2000,2001,2002.THEY SAY THOSE YEARS THE IRON ORE WAS VERY EXPENSIVE ON THE WORLD MARKET.

NHTSA ODI #11124030

Mileage unknown · May 13, 2018
Engine

TAKATA RECALL I OWN A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE INLINE 6 AND SINCE I GOT IT IT HAS HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD AND BLOWING THE GASKETS I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS AND THERE WASN'T ANY. THE LADY THAT WAS WORKING ASKED ME WHAT WAS GOING ON AND I TOLD HER AND SHE SAID THAT MY YEAR JEEP SHOULD'VE HAD A R…

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TAKATA RECALL I OWN A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE INLINE 6 AND SINCE I GOT IT IT HAS HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD AND BLOWING THE GASKETS I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS AND THERE WASN'T ANY. THE LADY THAT WAS WORKING ASKED ME WHAT WAS GOING ON AND I TOLD HER AND SHE SAID THAT MY YEAR JEEP SHOULD'VE HAD A RECALL FOR IT BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS REALLY THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE WITH MY JEEP AND EVERYONE I TALK TO THAT HAS A JEEP LIKE MINE AND THE SAME YEAR HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS WILL BE THE SECOND HEAD GASKETS IN 4 YEARS I WILL BE PUTTING ON NEW HEAD GASKETS. I CAN'T AFFORD A NEW HEAD FOR IT AND I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE HEADS WERE BAD ON MY YEAR OF JEEP. IT ALSO CAME WITH DEXRON ANTIFREEZE THAT AFTER A WHILE GOOKS UP IN THE RADIATOR AND LOOKS LIKE MUD

NHTSA ODI #11093518

Mileage unknown · May 19, 2017
Suspension

MONROE SHOCK ABSORBER, MODEL 550017; UNIT CODE P154H1 AFTER TWO YEARS OF LIGHT SERVICE IN CALIFORNIA THE UNIT WAS REMOVED TO INSTALL A LOAD SUPPORTING MODEL 58914. UNIT 550017 WAS FUNCTIONING WELL WITH NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE / MALFUNCTION. THIS SHOCK ABSORBER EXPLODED UPON REMOVAL FROM THE LOWER MOUNT.. THE LOWER SECTION WA…

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MONROE SHOCK ABSORBER, MODEL 550017; UNIT CODE P154H1 AFTER TWO YEARS OF LIGHT SERVICE IN CALIFORNIA THE UNIT WAS REMOVED TO INSTALL A LOAD SUPPORTING MODEL 58914. UNIT 550017 WAS FUNCTIONING WELL WITH NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE / MALFUNCTION. THIS SHOCK ABSORBER EXPLODED UPON REMOVAL FROM THE LOWER MOUNT.. THE LOWER SECTION WAS DRIVEN TO THE FLOOR BEING PROPELLED BY COMPRESSED GAS AND OIL. THE UPPER SECTION FELL HARMLESSLY TO FLOOR. THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR DAMAGES ASSOCIATED BUT THAT IS A MATTER OF FORTUNE, NOT DESIGN. THE RETENTION MECHANISM HAS NO SAFETY DESIGN FEATURE TO PREVENT THIS. THIS SHOULD NOT BE THE CASE WITH GAS CHARGED SHOCKS. INFORMATION SUPPLIED WITH THE UNITS MAKE NO MENTION OF THIS POSSIBLE FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #10990647

140,000 miles · Jul 5, 2016
Seats

DRIVING DOWN CITY STREET(35MPH),APPLIED BRAKES FOR STOP LIGHT,SEAT FRAME(DRIVERS SIDE) APPARENTLY BROKE IN 2 SPOTS ALMOST CATAPULTING ME INTO THE BACK SEAT,IF NOT FOR THE SEAT BELT.

NHTSA ODI #10882499

181,000 miles · May 24, 2016
Engine

I LOVE MY JEEP. HOWEVER, I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM MANY OWNERS OF THE 2000 CHEROKEE WITH THE 4.0 HAVE. I HAVE A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD. NO OIL IN COOLANT, OR VICE VERSA, BUIT JEEP IS PARKED AND WILL NOT MOVE UNTIL IT IS EITHER SOLD OR SCRAPPED. BODY IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND EVERYTHING WORKS ON THE JEEP. I HAVE ROD KNOCK ON START UP…

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I LOVE MY JEEP. HOWEVER, I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM MANY OWNERS OF THE 2000 CHEROKEE WITH THE 4.0 HAVE. I HAVE A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD. NO OIL IN COOLANT, OR VICE VERSA, BUIT JEEP IS PARKED AND WILL NOT MOVE UNTIL IT IS EITHER SOLD OR SCRAPPED. BODY IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND EVERYTHING WORKS ON THE JEEP. I HAVE ROD KNOCK ON START UP, AND AS THE ENGINE WARMS, OIL PRESSURE DROPS TO ZERO. REVVING ENGINE TO 2000 RPM RAISES OIL PRESSURE. THE JEEP HAS 181,000 MILES. I HAVE HEARD FROM MANY PEOPLE THAT THE CYLINDER HEAD CRACKING IS VERY COMMON IN JEEPS FOR 2 MODEL YEARS, YET JEEP HAS GOTTEN AWAY WITH A RECALL SOMEHOW. I AM NOT HAPPY. I BOUGHT THE JEEP USED AND ONLY DROVE IT A MONTH BEFORE THE KNOCKING STARTED. THE LADY I BOUGHT IT FROM DID OIL CHANGES EVERY 2 MONTHS, AND TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE WHEN EVER SOMETHING WENT WRONG

NHTSA ODI #10870467

Official recalls

1

02V104000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors

Apr 8, 2002

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L ENGINE ONLY, THE DESIGN OF THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS COULD ALLOW DEBRIS TO ACCUMULATE AT THE #3 CYLINDER LOCATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MANIFOLD SHIELD TO MODIFY THE AIR FLOW CHARACTERISTICS AND TO PREVENT THE ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS IN THE AREA OF THE #3 CYLINDER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 13, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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