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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

11 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 4, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK USED FROM A PRIVATE OWNER IN MARCH OF 15, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON WAS TOLD IT WAS ON BECAUSE THEY CHANGED THE GAS CAP ON IT IN JUNE OF 15 I WAS AT A STORE PARKED WENT INTO THE STORE CAME BACK OUT TRUCK WOULDN'T START NO LIGHTS NOTHING JUMPING DIDN'T DO ANYTHING HAD TO TOW IT HOME, THEN TOW IT TO THE REPAIR …

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I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK USED FROM A PRIVATE OWNER IN MARCH OF 15, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON WAS TOLD IT WAS ON BECAUSE THEY CHANGED THE GAS CAP ON IT IN JUNE OF 15 I WAS AT A STORE PARKED WENT INTO THE STORE CAME BACK OUT TRUCK WOULDN'T START NO LIGHTS NOTHING JUMPING DIDN'T DO ANYTHING HAD TO TOW IT HOME, THEN TOW IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY SAID IT WAS THE STARTER AND WE PLACED THAT ( $394.93) TRUCK RAN FINE FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS SAME THING, GOING TO TOW IT THE REPAIR SHOP AGAIN NEXT WEEK

NHTSA ODI #10731956

126,000 miles · Jan 1, 2014
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

AS WITH MANY OTHER XJ OWNERS, MY CYLINDER HEAD IS CRACKED DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE 0331 HEAD. I BOUGHT THE JEEP ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO, AND ABOUT A YEAR AGO COOLANT STARTED LEAKING INTO THE OIL. I TALKED WITH SEVERAL MECHANIC FRIENDS AND THE HEAD FLEET MECHANIC AT WORK TOLD ME THE CRACKED HEAD IS EXTREMELY COMMON. I WAS STRANDED ON TH…

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AS WITH MANY OTHER XJ OWNERS, MY CYLINDER HEAD IS CRACKED DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE 0331 HEAD. I BOUGHT THE JEEP ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO, AND ABOUT A YEAR AGO COOLANT STARTED LEAKING INTO THE OIL. I TALKED WITH SEVERAL MECHANIC FRIENDS AND THE HEAD FLEET MECHANIC AT WORK TOLD ME THE CRACKED HEAD IS EXTREMELY COMMON. I WAS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED, AND IT SITS AS A GIANT PAPERWEIGHT IN MY GARAGE AS I CANNOT AFFORD A NEW ENGINE. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE WITH 122000 MILES AND HAVE NEVER TAKEN IT OFF ROAD, MODIFIED IT, OR TRAVELED MORE THAN 60 MILES IN A DAY. IT HAS NEVER OVERHEATED UNTIL THE HEAD CRACKED. NOW I AM LOOKING AT AN ENORMOUS BILL THAT MY FAMILY CANNOT AFFORD. I FAIL TO SEE HOW SO MANY VEHICLES CAN BE AFFECTED AND THERE IS STILL NO RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10558103

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2005
Unknown Or Other

BAD LEAK COMING THROUGH PASSENGER SIDE THROUGH HEATING DUCT, 3 INCHES OF STANDING WATER COMMON ON RAINY DAYS IN PASSENGER SIDE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10136777

Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringUnknown Or Other

TEMPERATURE INTO RED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND LOWERS WHEN HEAT TURNED ON. OIL PRESSURE TO ZERO AT START UP AND WHILE DRIVING AT RANGE OF SPEEDS.ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON. BEEN FOR REPAIRS 5 TIMES. HAVE BEEN TOLD RACK AND PINION LEAKING, NEEDS NEW SHORT BLOCK, GAUGE PANEL FAULTY, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND AGAIN NEW SHORT BLOCK NEED…

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TEMPERATURE INTO RED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND LOWERS WHEN HEAT TURNED ON. OIL PRESSURE TO ZERO AT START UP AND WHILE DRIVING AT RANGE OF SPEEDS.ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON. BEEN FOR REPAIRS 5 TIMES. HAVE BEEN TOLD RACK AND PINION LEAKING, NEEDS NEW SHORT BLOCK, GAUGE PANEL FAULTY, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND AGAIN NEW SHORT BLOCK NEEDED. PROBLEM PERSISTS.

NHTSA ODI #755609

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

'CHECK GAUGES' LIGHT COMES ON MULTIPLE TIMES, TEMPERATURE GAUGE TO REDLINE FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN BACK TO NORMAL. BROUGHT IN TO BE CHECKED/FIXED 5 TIMES, 'NO LEAK', 'NO PROBLEM DETECTED', 'RADIATOR HOSE LOOSE', 'ADDED COOLANT' UNTIL THIS LAST TIME: 'CRACKED HEAD'; ALSO OIL GAUGE RECENTLY SHOWS NO PRESSURE WITH GREAT FREQUENCY,…

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'CHECK GAUGES' LIGHT COMES ON MULTIPLE TIMES, TEMPERATURE GAUGE TO REDLINE FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN BACK TO NORMAL. BROUGHT IN TO BE CHECKED/FIXED 5 TIMES, 'NO LEAK', 'NO PROBLEM DETECTED', 'RADIATOR HOSE LOOSE', 'ADDED COOLANT' UNTIL THIS LAST TIME: 'CRACKED HEAD'; ALSO OIL GAUGE RECENTLY SHOWS NO PRESSURE WITH GREAT FREQUENCY, AS WITH TEMPERATURE GAUGE. I HAD BEEN ADDING COOLANT EVERY FEW WEEKS. I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM COULD SEIZE THE ENGINE WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI #753014

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2001
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspensionUnknown Or OtherCrash

JEEP ACELERATED ON ITS OWN CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO STAND ON THE BRAKES(THINKING I HAD ABS) BRAKES DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY, CAUSING ME TO HIT THE BACK OF A 4X4 TRUCK AT THE SPEED OF ABOUT 15 MPH ALL BUMPER PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AS DID MANY OTHER PARTS AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. TODAY I TOOK THE JEEP BACK TO DEALER FOR THE 4TH TIME …

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JEEP ACELERATED ON ITS OWN CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO STAND ON THE BRAKES(THINKING I HAD ABS) BRAKES DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY, CAUSING ME TO HIT THE BACK OF A 4X4 TRUCK AT THE SPEED OF ABOUT 15 MPH ALL BUMPER PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AS DID MANY OTHER PARTS AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. TODAY I TOOK THE JEEP BACK TO DEALER FOR THE 4TH TIME TO TRY TO GET THING TAKEN CARE OF .ON THE 1ST TRIP I WAS TOLD THAT MY ABS BREAKS WERE WORKING FINE AND THAT THE MECHANIC FELT THEM KICK IN. TOOK IT BACK A WEEK LATER BECAUSE BREAK PEDDLE DROPPED TO THE FLOOR, AGAIN I WAS TOLD THAT ALL BREAKS WERE FINE AND THAT THE ABS WERE WORKING. ON 5/29/01 MY HUSBAND TOOK JEEP IN AND TEST DROVE IT W/ SERVICE MANAGER AND THEY DECIDED THE ABS WAS NOT WORKING AT ALL. AND THEN WE WERE TOLD THAT WE DID NOT HAVE ABS ( SALESMEN TOLD US THE JEEP HAD ABS). THE FRONT END NOW SHAKES AT ABOUT 45-55 WHEN GOING AROUND CURVES AND SOMETIMES WHEN MAKING TURNS AT LOWER SPEED. WHEN JCHRYSLER WAS CONTACTED THEY TRIED TO BLAME EVERYTHING ON ME. IT WAS MY FAULT THAT I DIDN'T CHECK TO SEE IF THE JEEP HAD ABS( WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT IT WOULDN'T HAVE THEM AND WE DID ASK TO MAKE SURE AND WE WERE TOLD YES IT HAD THEM) AND IT WAS ALSO MY FAULT THAT AN INSPECTOR DID NOT COME OUT TO INSPECT THE JEEP AFTER THE CRASH BECAUSE I DID NOT REQUEST ONE TO ALTHOUGH NO ONE TOLD ME THAT ONE COULD COME OUT I AM SUPOSE TO BE ABLE TO FIND THIS INFORMATION OUT ON MY OWN. AS OF TODAY THE JEEP IS IN FOR SERVICE AGAIN 3RD TIME FOR BRAKE SERVICE 2ND TIME FOR FRONT END VIBRATIONS AND 2ND TIME TO HAVE THEM FIX ALL THE THINGS THEY DIDN'T DO RIGHT THE 1ST TIME. *AK

NHTSA ODI #746229

Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2001
Fuel System, GasolineUnknown Or Other

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY, IF HITTING A BUMP ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER SAYS THAT GAS CAP KEEPS GOING TO GAS TANK. THEY HAVE TRIED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM APPROXIMATELY 3 TIMES. *AK *SLC

NHTSA ODI #883122

Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2000
Unknown Or OtherWheels

ROTORS HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES WHEELS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES AND TIRES ARE GOING TO BE REPLACE FINALLY (TIRESIZE: P22575R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P22575R15 )

NHTSA ODI #736548

Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2000
Unknown Or Other

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #727987

Mileage unknown · May 23, 2000
Electrical SystemSuspensionUnknown Or Other

WHILE TRAVELING AT 40-45 MPH VEHICLE COMMENCED TO VIBRATE/SHOOK, FOLLOWED BY ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMING ON, AND THEN VEHICLE LOST POWER. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED INTO SHOP. INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE HAD FAILED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #862370

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