IllustrationDEATH WOBBLE IN FRONT END...
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
Steering complaints
22 reportsAT 45 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND FRONT END FELT LIKE IT WAS VIBRATING APART, HIT BAKES AND SLOW VEHICLE TO 25 MPH FOR IT TO STOP. HAVE REPLACE ALMOST THE WHOLE FRONT END STEERING COMPONENTS AND STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE THAT IS BEING DESCRIBED AS A DE…
Read full complaint
AT 45 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND FRONT END FELT LIKE IT WAS VIBRATING APART, HIT BAKES AND SLOW VEHICLE TO 25 MPH FOR IT TO STOP. HAVE REPLACE ALMOST THE WHOLE FRONT END STEERING COMPONENTS AND STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE THAT IS BEING DESCRIBED AS A DEATH WOBBLE. NOW WERE GOING TO TRY REPLACE THE TRACK BAR, AS THEY ARE SAYING THAT THE BRACKETS FOR THE TRACK BAR ARE GETTING WADDLED OUT DUE TO ONLY A 3/16 BOLT TO SECURE THE TRACK BAR AND CAUSE THE HOLE IN BRACKET TO GET WADDLED OUT IN THE STEEL BRACKET. WE HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT SEAMS TO BE ON ALL JEEPS. IN SOME CASE PEOPLE HAVE REPLACED THE BRACKETS WITH AFTER MARKET PARTS THAT ARE MUCH THICKET STEEL AND USING A GRADE 8 BOLTS AND TACK WELDING THE BOLT TO BRACKET TO STOP THE HOLE FROM BEING WADDLED OUT. MY FAMILY IS RIDING IN THIS VEHICLE AND THIS ISSUE NEEDS ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GET SERIOUSLY HURT OR EVEN LOSS OF LIFE AS YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS OCCURS. *TR
WHEN DRIVING MY 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT AT 45-50 MILES AN HOUR THE JEEP VIOLENTLY SHAKES FROM THE FRONT END. I RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND COME TO FIND OUT ITS CALLED A "DEATH WOBBLE" AMONG MANY JEEP OWNERS. THIS IS A SCARY PHENOMENA AS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOBBLES BACK AND FORTH AND VIOLENTLY SHAKES. *TR
MY JEEP FIRST STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHEN I WAS EXITING ONTO AN OFF-RAMP. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD; IT WAS AWFUL. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AS THE ISSUE DID NOT OCCUR AGAIN RIGHT AWAY. HOWEVER, AS TIME WENT ON IT DID. IT NOW HAPPENS RATHER FREQUENTLY AND IT IS TERRIFYING EVERY TIME. I HAV…
Read full complaint
MY JEEP FIRST STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHEN I WAS EXITING ONTO AN OFF-RAMP. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD; IT WAS AWFUL. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AS THE ISSUE DID NOT OCCUR AGAIN RIGHT AWAY. HOWEVER, AS TIME WENT ON IT DID. IT NOW HAPPENS RATHER FREQUENTLY AND IT IS TERRIFYING EVERY TIME. I HAVE TO GET IT REPAIRED (NEW TRACK BAR) BEFORE SOMETHING TRAGIC HAPPENS. PLEASE HELP! THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND YET NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED YET. BY THE TIME ONE IS, DUE TO ACCIDENTS, I WILL HOPEFULLY HAVE MINE FIXED. THEREFORE, THIS COMPLAINT IS MY PLEA ON BEHALF OF OTHER JEEP OWNERS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT HONESTLY FEELS LIKE THE FRONT WHEELS WILL LIKELY FLY OFF; IT'S RATHER DISTURBING FOR THOSE IN THE VEHICLE AND THOSE DRIVING NEARBY IN OTHER VEHICLES. *TR
I HAVE A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT 4X4 WITH NO LIFT KITS, ETC. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD IT GOES INTO WHAT IS TERMED A "DEATH WOBBLE." THIS IS VERY SEARCHABLE ON THE INTERNET. THE VEHICLE WILL SO VIOLENTLY SHAKE IN THE FRONT END IT IS HARD TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD AND NOT ROLL THE VEHICLE BEFORE I'M ABLE …
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT 4X4 WITH NO LIFT KITS, ETC. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD IT GOES INTO WHAT IS TERMED A "DEATH WOBBLE." THIS IS VERY SEARCHABLE ON THE INTERNET. THE VEHICLE WILL SO VIOLENTLY SHAKE IN THE FRONT END IT IS HARD TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD AND NOT ROLL THE VEHICLE BEFORE I'M ABLE TO SLOW DOWN ENOUGH FOR IT TO REBALANCE ITSELF. IT IS EXTREMELY TERRIFYING. I'VE HAD THE TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED THINKING I MIGHT HAVE LOST A WHEEL WEIGHT OR SOMETHING BUT IT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. TODAY I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD I HAD A BAD STEERING DAMPER. BUT FROM WHAT I'VE RESEARCHED, OTHERS HAVE HAD THESE REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM WILL COME UP AGAIN. JEEP/CHRYSLER NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS IF NO ONE HAS BEEN KILLED YET I'D BE SURPRISED. I DID HAVE THE STEERING DAMPER REPLACED TODAY BUT AM SCARED I WILL EXPERIENCE THIS AGAIN AND EITHER WIND UP KILLING MYSELF OR SOME OTHER MOTORIST. *JS
I HAVE A 200 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT, 4WD. I ALSO HAD A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT, 4WD. BOTH HAVE THE SAME 2 PROBLEMS. #1 IS A BROKEN DRIVERS SEAT. THE BRACKET IS TOO SMALL AND SPLITS NEAR THE BOLT HOLES. YOU CAN'T DRIVE LIKE THIS, THE CURRENT ONE (2000) STARTED WITH A SMALL NOISE WHEN I WAS EXITING THE CAR. THE NEXT DAY IT LET LOOSE…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 200 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT, 4WD. I ALSO HAD A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT, 4WD. BOTH HAVE THE SAME 2 PROBLEMS. #1 IS A BROKEN DRIVERS SEAT. THE BRACKET IS TOO SMALL AND SPLITS NEAR THE BOLT HOLES. YOU CAN'T DRIVE LIKE THIS, THE CURRENT ONE (2000) STARTED WITH A SMALL NOISE WHEN I WAS EXITING THE CAR. THE NEXT DAY IT LET LOOSE ON A BUMPY ROAD ON A CORNER. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT THE FIRST TIME WITH THE 1996, WHICH I TRADED FOR THE 2000, BUT SINCE IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN, I DID SOME RESEARCH AND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I STUMBLED ONTO THIS SITE: HTTP://VLANE.COM/POLL/30/2001-JEEP-GRAND-CHEROKEE-HAS-YOUR-DRIVER-SIDE-FRONT-SEAT-BROKEN-ON-THIS-JEEP PROBLEM #2, AND MORE SERIOUS IS A HUGE WOBBLE, SHIMMY, SHAKE PROBLEM AT AROUND 50 MPH. SO MUCH SO THAT YOU FEEL AS IF THE CAR IS GOING TO BE THROWN OFF THE ROAD OR FLIP. ALSO THIS PROBLEM DEVELOPED ON MY 96 JEEP BEFORE I TRADED IT FOR THIS ONE, AND NOW HAS STARTED ON THIS 200 JEEP, SO AGAIN SEEING A PATTERN, I DID MORE RESEARCH AND FOUND MORE PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM. HERE IS JUST ONE SITE: HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F0E6F51/0 PLEASE HELP! THESE ARE SAFETY ISSUES NOT TO MENTION POSSIBLE DESIGN FLAWS THAT ARE COSTLY TO REPAIR. THANK YOU. *TR
I HAD SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE JEEP. I PURCHASED THE JEEP ON JULY 26, 2000 NEW. I TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF THE VEHICLE, HAVE IT CHECKED AND OIL CHANGED EVERY 2500 MILES. BEFORE THE THREE YEAR WARRANTY WAS UP I HAD A TOTAL OF 15,000 MILES ON IT. I COMPLAINED OF IT SHIMMYING AND GRINDING SOUND IN THE BACK, …
Read full complaint
I HAD SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE JEEP. I PURCHASED THE JEEP ON JULY 26, 2000 NEW. I TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF THE VEHICLE, HAVE IT CHECKED AND OIL CHANGED EVERY 2500 MILES. BEFORE THE THREE YEAR WARRANTY WAS UP I HAD A TOTAL OF 15,000 MILES ON IT. I COMPLAINED OF IT SHIMMYING AND GRINDING SOUND IN THE BACK, BUT THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND A THING WRONG. IN FEBRUARY HAVING ABOUT $18,000 MILES ON IT THAT I NEEDED A NEW FUEL PUMP - $900.00 WORTH. SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN DOWN HILL. I HAVE COMPLAINED SINCE DAY ONE THAT MY VEHICLE SHIMMIES OUT OF CONTROL INTERMITTENTLY, AND NO ONE COULD FIND ANYTHING WRONG, JUST PUT NEW CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS ON IT AND, STEERING PINION, TIGHT STEERING, AND A HOST OF OTHER SUCH REMEDIES, TO NO AVAIL. THIS PAST WEEKEND, I WAS ALMOST IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 94, AS I DID GO OUT OF TOWN, AFTER THE ABOVE WAS FIXED, BUT APPARENTLY IT DIDN'T HELP AS MY VEHICLE SHOOK ALMOST OUT OF CONTROL AGAIN. I PUT ON MY BREAKS IMMEDIATELY AND HAD TO GO TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I STOPPED, SAT FOR A WHILE, AND THEN DROVE OFF, AND IT WAS OKAY FOR A WHILE, BUT IN THE MEANTIME, A DRIVER FROM BEHIND ALMOST HIT ME WHEN I HAD TO PUT MY BREAKS ON TO TRY TO CONTROL IT SOME. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THIS VEHICLE AND FEEL IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CALLED BACK WHEN I FIRST COMPLAINED YEARS AGO. I WROTE DAIMLER CHRYSLER A LETTER REGARDING THE FUEL PUMP A FEW YEARS AGO, BUT THE COMPANY DIDN'T EVEN RESPOND. IN THE MEANTIME, I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO, I WANT TO TRADE IT IN, BUT FEEL I WAS SOLD A REAL LEMON AND SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR THE HASSLES, REPAIR COSTS, ETC. OF WHAT I WAS HOPING WOULD NOT HAPPEN WHEN BUYING A NEW VEHICLE, AND THE WAY I TAKE CARE OF IT. I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER BRAND NEW ONE, BUT DO FEEL THE COMPANY SHOULD HAVE CALLED THIS VEHICLE BACK FROM THE ONSET, AS IT HAS BEEN A LEMON, OF WHICH I HAVE EXPRESSED MANY TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. *AK
DT: THE CALLER SAID THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH LOST STEERING CONTROL. HE JUST GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS STARTING TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HE SAID THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SPIN FREELY INTO CIRCLES. THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. HE WAS TOLD …
Read full complaint
DT: THE CALLER SAID THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH LOST STEERING CONTROL. HE JUST GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS STARTING TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. HE SAID THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SPIN FREELY INTO CIRCLES. THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. HE WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPRESSION BOLT THAT HOLDS THE STEERING KNUCKLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SPINDLE TOGETHER CAME LOOSE AND CAUSED THE LOSS OF STEERING. THE REPAIR SHOP TIGHTENED THE BOLT. DEALER SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF THAT PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET.*AK
WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN ,THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT COME BACK AUTOMATICALLY. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE FOUR TIMES BUT WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK THE SERVICE DEALER HAD DONE EVERYTHING THAT THE MANUFACTURER SAID TO DO IN ORDER TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM BUT…
Read full complaint
WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN ,THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT COME BACK AUTOMATICALLY. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE FOUR TIMES BUT WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK THE SERVICE DEALER HAD DONE EVERYTHING THAT THE MANUFACTURER SAID TO DO IN ORDER TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINED THE SAME. *SCC *JB
SEVERE BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. *MR THERE WAS AN ONGOING BRAKING PROBLEM AND DIFFICULTY DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS THOUGHT TO BE THE ROTORS WHICH WERE CUT AND REPLACED (THE FRONT PADS). THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUED. THEN THE FRONT ROTORS WERE DIAGNOSED AS BEING WARPED AND THE BRAKES WERE 50% WORN…
Read full complaint
SEVERE BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. *MR THERE WAS AN ONGOING BRAKING PROBLEM AND DIFFICULTY DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS THOUGHT TO BE THE ROTORS WHICH WERE CUT AND REPLACED (THE FRONT PADS). THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUED. THEN THE FRONT ROTORS WERE DIAGNOSED AS BEING WARPED AND THE BRAKES WERE 50% WORN. THERE WAS A TAPPING NOISE IN THE SHIFTING AREA AS WELL AS A RUBBING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT COMES AND GOES. (UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE) THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DIAGNOSE AS THE REAR BRAKE DRUMS BEING OUT OF ROUND. THE WATER PUMP LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH THE THERMOSTAT. THE COMSUMER REQUESTED A REFUND *SCC *JB
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