IllustrationROTORS WARPED VERY FAST. SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED MANUFACTURER WAS PUTTING SAME ROTORS ON CHEROKEE'S, WHICH WERE TOO HEAVY OF A VEHICLE IN COMPARISON TO WRANGLERS. STEERING VIBRATED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THIS WAS 3RD SET OF ROTORS PUT ON EVERY 7-9 MILES. ROTORS HAVE BEEN CHANGED.*AK
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 →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
170–25K
2825–50K
2450–75K
1975–100K
28100–150K
16150K+
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
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
104 reportsI HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 7-4-01 DUE TO BRAKES FAILING TO EVEN SLOW JEEP. ON 8-6-01 I MET W/ DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER, FRANK TELIOFARIO AT MARTIN JEEP SO HE COULD LOOK AT THE JEEP. HE TEST DROVE IT FOR 2 MILES, "PULLED THE WHEELS" AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE JEEP. HE STATED THAT HE THOUGHT MY PROBLEM W…
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I HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 7-4-01 DUE TO BRAKES FAILING TO EVEN SLOW JEEP. ON 8-6-01 I MET W/ DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER, FRANK TELIOFARIO AT MARTIN JEEP SO HE COULD LOOK AT THE JEEP. HE TEST DROVE IT FOR 2 MILES, "PULLED THE WHEELS" AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE JEEP. HE STATED THAT HE THOUGHT MY PROBLEM WAS THAT IT DIDN'T HAVE ABS BRAKES AS I'D BEEN TOLD. I TOLD HIM NO, MY PROBLEM WAS THE BRAKES DIDN'T WORK SOMETIMES! AN HOUR AND A HALF LATER, I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES FOR A YELLOW LIGHT AND HEARD A SCREECHING AS IF WORKING ON A METAL LATHE AND BRINGING THE CUTTING TOOL TOO DEEP, AND THE WHOLE JEEP SHOOK, FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO FALL APART. I WAS HOPING I WOULD SLOW DOWN BEFORE I WENT THROUGH THE NOW-RED LIGHT. I DID STOP BUT DIDN'T KNOW WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I CHECKED REAR-VIEW MIRROR AND ALSO TURNED AROUND AT NEXT OPPORTUNITY. NO SKID MARKS. IT WAS NOT THE TIRES AS THE DIST MGR HAD SUGGESTED. I CALLED HIM *STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP* AND HE SAID HE WOULD CHECK INTO SOME THINGS AND CALL ME BACK "TODAY OR TOMORROW". I HAVE NEVER HEARD FROM HIM AGAIN. HIRED A LAWYER, NOW MY INSURANCE COMPANY NOTIFIED ME TO NOT DRIVE THE JEEP AS IT'S NOT SAFE, AND I"M AWAITING THEIR SPECIALIST TO COME LOOK AT THE JEEP. IT IS PARKED AND I AM DRIVING ANOTHER VEHICLE. I WILL NOT TRADE IT IN BECAUSE I DON'T WANT SOMEONE TO BE KILLED DUE TO WHATEVER THIS PROBLEM IS THAT CHRYSLER IS REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE. IF WHAT THEY STATED WAS TRUE AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM, THEN I WOULD HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH STOPPING OF THIS JEEP. EACH TIME THEY TELL ME THERE IS NO PROBLEM, THE PROBLEM OCCURS AGAIN. THEY HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM W/ THESE JEEPS. WHEN I TOOK JEEP IN TO GET REPAIRED FROM ACCIDENT ON 7-4-01 AUTO BODY SHOP OWNER SAID HE'S HAD AT LEAST 4 OTHER CHEROKEES IDENTICAL TO MINE IN HIS SHOP FOR REPAIRS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE JEEPS? WHY IS CHRYSLER REFUSING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM?*AK
BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEED CAUSES VIOLENT SHIMMY AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LURCH TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS THE BRAKE ROTORS WARPED. THEY ARE NOT COVERED PAST 12MO/12KMILE WARRANTY. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.*AK
THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE CONTINUEOUS AND THE CONSUMER WANTS THE MANUFACTURER TO REFUND OR PROVIDE A LONGER BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. *YH
THE JEEP STARTED SHAKING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH AND UP AT MILEAGE OF 950 MILES. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BREAK IN. CLAIMED THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. I IN TURN, CONTINUED TO USE THE JEEP BUT THE PROBLEM NEVER SEEMED TO CLEAR UP. AT ABOUT 19825 MILES I WA…
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THE JEEP STARTED SHAKING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH AND UP AT MILEAGE OF 950 MILES. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BREAK IN. CLAIMED THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. I IN TURN, CONTINUED TO USE THE JEEP BUT THE PROBLEM NEVER SEEMED TO CLEAR UP. AT ABOUT 19825 MILES I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN AND I WAS FORCED TO APPLY MY BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, AND INSTEAD OF COMING TO A SAFE STOP JEEP SHOCKED VIOLENTLY AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT, ALMOST HITTING THE CAR BESIDES ME .IT WAS A VERY CLOSE CALL FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE I TOOK MY JEEP TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM CHECK .THE PROBLEM THEY TOLD ME THAT ROTORS NEEDED TO BE RESURFACED, AND IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY 117 DOLLARS AND NOT COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY WHICH IS BUMPER TO BUMPER 360000 MILES OR 36 MONTHS. I TOLD THE DEALER I WOULD TAKE THE JEEP TO MY MECHANIC AND HAVE THEM DO THE WORK EVEN THOUGH I WOULD THINK THEY SHOUD OF TOOK CARE OF IT AT THE DEALER UNDER THE WARRANTY . I TOLD MY MECHANIC THE PROBLEM I HAD WITH THE JEEP, AND HE INFORMED ME THAT HE ENCOUNTERED SEVRAL JEEPS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HE INFORMED ME THAT THE ROTORS ON THE NEWWER JEEPS WERE DEFECTIVE, AND HE EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THE ROTORS ARE MADE OUT OF COMPOSITE METALS AND EVEN IF YOU RESUFACE THEM THEY WILL WARP OUT OF ROUND AGAIN, AND I WOULD HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IN TURN, HE COULDNT GUARANTE THAT IT WOULDNT HAPPEN AGAIN. HE TOLD ME4 THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM WAS TO PUT TO NEW ROTORS ON AT THE PRICE OF 450.00 . I CALLED THE DEALER AND TALKED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER RON MATZ AND THEN THE GENRAL MANAGER BRETT ADAMS AND THEY INSISTED THEY COULD NOT DO ANY THING FOR ME.IM HOPING YOU CAN HELP ME OUT. *AK
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
HEAVY DUTY FRONT ROTORS...NON COMPONENT STYLE....BUILT TO RUN MAIL ROUTES..RIGHT HAND DRIVE. FRONT BRAKES CONTINUALLY OVERHEATING CAUSING ROTORS TO HAVE TO BE TURNED EVERY 3 TO 6 THOUSAND MILES. FRONT BRAKES GETTING SO HOT...ROTORS TURNING BLUE. NOW WITH A BRAND NEW SET OF ROTORS AND NEW PAD ON FRONT..NEW SHOES AND TURNED ROT…
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HEAVY DUTY FRONT ROTORS...NON COMPONENT STYLE....BUILT TO RUN MAIL ROUTES..RIGHT HAND DRIVE. FRONT BRAKES CONTINUALLY OVERHEATING CAUSING ROTORS TO HAVE TO BE TURNED EVERY 3 TO 6 THOUSAND MILES. FRONT BRAKES GETTING SO HOT...ROTORS TURNING BLUE. NOW WITH A BRAND NEW SET OF ROTORS AND NEW PAD ON FRONT..NEW SHOES AND TURNED ROTORS ON BACK...AFTER ONLY 30 MINUTES OF RUNNING..OVERHEATED..BLUED ROTORS AND BRAKES FADED..COMPLETELY AWAY. VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. BACK BRAKE DO NOT APPEAR TO BE HOLDING AT ALL. ONLY ONE SET OF BACK PADS NEEDED IN 26,OOO MILES WHILE 4 SETS OF FRONT PADS WORN OUT OR BROKEN FROM OVERHEATING OF ROTORS. FIRST SET OF ROTORS REPLACED AFTER TURNING 2 TIMES..THEY WARPED CAUSING SHIMMY IN FRONT END ON BRAKING. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER HAD GOOD BRAKES. PEDAL HAS FELT MUSHY FROM DAY ONE AND VERY HARD PRESSURE MUST BE APPLIED TO PEDAL IN ORDER TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. DEALERSHIP HAS ALREADY REPLACE ONE MASTER CYLINDER AND I JUST HAD ANOTHER ONE INSTALLED. DON'T KNOW WHERE THE PROBLEM IS...BUT WHEN VEHICLE IS UP ON STANDS IN REAR..AND PLACED IN GEAR..BACK WHEELS CONTINUE TO ROLL WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. SEEMS THAT THERE IS NOT NEARLY ENOUGH PRESSURE BEING SENT TO BACK BRAKES. VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE RELYING SOLELY ON FRONT BRAKES. ALL LINES HAVE BEEN CHECKED..AND WHEEL CYLINDERS AND CALIPERS ARE OKAY. DEALERSHIP SAYS...NO RECALLS OR PROBLEMS FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS. I CAN SEE FROM READING THIS FORUM...THAT IS NOT TRUE! PLEASE HELP! I DON'T WANT TO WRECK WHEN MY BRAKES FAIL AND POSSIBLY INJURE MYSELF, GRANDKIDS, OR SOMEONE ELSE. ESPECIALLY DON'T WANT TO WRECK ON THE MAIL ROUTE. THE POST OFFICE MIGHT JUST FROWN ON THAT...ESPECIALLY SINCE JEEP IS VERY MUCH AWARE THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM BUT STILL INSIST THAT THERE IS NONE! HELP!!!!*AK
WHEN IT RAINS BRAKES BECOME DEFECTIVE AND IT IS HARDER TO SLOW DOWN, AND FEEL LIKE THEY DON'T CATCH IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE HAD A CAR CRASH DUE TO FAULTY BRAKES. I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. SINCE PURCHASING THIS JEEP I HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED OR LOOKED AT BY 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS…
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WHEN IT RAINS BRAKES BECOME DEFECTIVE AND IT IS HARDER TO SLOW DOWN, AND FEEL LIKE THEY DON'T CATCH IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE HAD A CAR CRASH DUE TO FAULTY BRAKES. I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. SINCE PURCHASING THIS JEEP I HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED OR LOOKED AT BY 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS AND ONE GOODYEAR DEALERSHIP, 6 TIMES IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS IN ATTEMPTS TO GET THE VARIOUS PROBLEMS CORRECTED. MY MAIN CONCERN WAS AND IS THE BRAKES. IN DRY WEATHER THEY VIBRATE, PULL AND CAUSE THE WHOLE FRONT END TO SHAKE. IN WET WEATHER AND SNOW THEY DO NOT ALWAYS CATCH RIGHT AWAY AND ALSO I FEEL A "THUMPING" ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ALSO A "THUMPING" NOISE WHEN THEY ARE APPLIED, AS IF SOMETHING IS BROKEN INSIDE. ON JULY 4 AFTER A HEAVY THUNDERSTORM THE PERSON AHEAD OF ME FAILED TO TURN AND I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. AT ABOUT 30 FEET I REALIZED THAT MY JEEP WASN'T SLOWING DOWN, AND BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD ME THE JEEP SAID I HAD ANTILOCK BRAKES, I STOOD ON THEM, KNOWING THAT YOU SHOULDN'T PUMP ABS BRAKES. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, DAMAGING MY JEEP BUT NOT THE OTHER CAR. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO CHRYSLER, AND YESTERDAY (7/13/01) MET WITH THEIR INDEPENDENT SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR, WHO TEST DROVE THE JEEP IN DRY WEATHER. HE STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES, BUT THAT I HAVE REAR-WHEEL DRIVE AND DO NOT HAVE ABS BRAKES. I CHECKED WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE DEALERSHIP REPORTED TO THEM, THE DAY I PURCHASED THE CAR THAT I HAD ANTILOCK BRAKES. CHRYSLER HAS BEEN TOTALLY UNRESPONSIVE, AND DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE THAT THIS VEHICLE IF NOT FOR THE SLOW SPEED COULD HAVE ALREADY RESULTED IN MAJOR INJURIES OR DEATH. THEY SAY THIS VEHICLE IS SAFE BUT THE BRAKES HAVE *ALREADY* FAILED IN ONE ACCIDENT, HOW DO THEY CONCLUDE THIS VEHICLE IS SAFE WHEN NONE OF THEIR REPRESENTATIVES HAVE EVER DRIVEN IT IN WET WEATHER, EXCEPT THE ONE DEALERSHIP THAT *DID* FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. *AK
BRAKE ROTORS WERE GETTING WARPED AFTER 10,000 MILES. DEALER HAD BEEN CONTATCED FOR REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT REFUSED TO REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS CONSUMER'S FAULT ACCORDING TO DEALER'S REPAIR SHOP. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
DEFECTIVE BRAKES
Official recalls
102V104000 · 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
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