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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
89,941 miles · Feb 1, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

ON DECEMBER 17TH OF 2003, I BROUGHT MY 200 JEEP CHEROKEE IN FOR SERVICE AT A LOCAL AUTO SHOP. HE DISCOVERED THROUGH A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK THAT THE ENGINE WAS SKIPPING ON # 3 AND # 5 CYLINDER. THEY REPLACED THE ENGINE COIL PACK AND SPARK PLUGS. THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME HAD 89,941 MILES ON IT. ON JANUARY 31ST OF 2006, THAT SAME…

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ON DECEMBER 17TH OF 2003, I BROUGHT MY 200 JEEP CHEROKEE IN FOR SERVICE AT A LOCAL AUTO SHOP. HE DISCOVERED THROUGH A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK THAT THE ENGINE WAS SKIPPING ON # 3 AND # 5 CYLINDER. THEY REPLACED THE ENGINE COIL PACK AND SPARK PLUGS. THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME HAD 89,941 MILES ON IT. ON JANUARY 31ST OF 2006, THAT SAME JEEP WAS BROUGHT TO THE SHOP AGAIN WITH A SKIP IN THE ENGINE. IT WAS ALSO DETERMINED THROUGH A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE THAT THE SAME PROBLEM WAS OCCURRING. THIS TIME THE ENGINE HAD 126,350 MILES ON IT. THAT IS LESS THAN 40K MILES IN 25 MONTHS. I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE WARRANTY IS ON THIS UNIT, BUT IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED IF SOMEONE COULD LOOK INTO THIS MANNER. I HAVE SPENT ALMOST $600 IN 2 YEARS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE MUST BE SOME SORT OF AN ISSUE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10149221

77,000 miles · Jan 8, 2006
Air BagsCrashInjury

CAR WAS IN A CHAIN REACTION ACCIDENT. I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSE AS WAS THE CAR I WAS PUSHED INTO. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10147173

110,000 miles · Nov 23, 2005
Air BagsCrashInjury

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING SOMETHING RAN IN FRONT OF DAUGHTER'S VEHICLE. SHE TURNED THE WHEEL TO AVOID THE ROAD HAZARD AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER, AND EJECTED BOTH THE DAUGHTER AND HER PASSENGER THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE POLICE STATED BOTH HAD ON THEIR SEAT BELTS. UPON IMPACT, THE…

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DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING SOMETHING RAN IN FRONT OF DAUGHTER'S VEHICLE. SHE TURNED THE WHEEL TO AVOID THE ROAD HAZARD AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER, AND EJECTED BOTH THE DAUGHTER AND HER PASSENGER THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE POLICE STATED BOTH HAD ON THEIR SEAT BELTS. UPON IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT AND INSURANCE REPORTS WERE TAKEN. BOTH THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER AND THE PASSENGER WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10143518

69,600 miles · Oct 27, 2005
Electrical System

WITH THE KEY IN THE OFF POSITION, THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN. THIS IS THE THIRD OCCURRENCE. I WILL LIST THE DATE OF FIRST OCCURRENCE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10140909

84,500 miles · Sep 27, 2005
Steering

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 …

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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

NHTSA ODI #10137859

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 · Aug 8, 2005
Seats

DT: THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAME OFF THE TRACK, IT BROKE. THE CONSUEMR WAS JUST GETTING INTO VEHICLE WHEN THE SEAT SUDDENLY BROKE ON JULY 5, 2005. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED THE THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. *AK UPDATED 2/16/2007 - *NM

NHTSA ODI #10131930

55,000 miles · Jul 31, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN LOSING COOLANT FOR QUITE SOME TIME. IT HAS RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE TO HAVE HEAD PROBLEMS, BUT I NOW HAVE COOLANT IN MY OIL. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT DAIMLER-CHRYSLER USED 0331 CAST HEADS ON THIS MODEL CHEROKEE (2000 W/ 4.0L ENGINE). IT TURNS OUT THAT THESE HEADS WERE A POOR CAST ALLOWING CRA…

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MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN LOSING COOLANT FOR QUITE SOME TIME. IT HAS RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE TO HAVE HEAD PROBLEMS, BUT I NOW HAVE COOLANT IN MY OIL. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT DAIMLER-CHRYSLER USED 0331 CAST HEADS ON THIS MODEL CHEROKEE (2000 W/ 4.0L ENGINE). IT TURNS OUT THAT THESE HEADS WERE A POOR CAST ALLOWING CRACKS TO FORM NEAR THE #3 CYLINDER AREA ALLOWING COOLANT TO FLOW INTO THE OIL. THIS RESULTS IN A DROP IN OIL PRESSURE AND EVENTUALLY BEARING AND ENGINE FAILURE. I CONSIDER MYSELF SOMEWHAT LUCKY THAT I DISCOVERED THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THE ENGINE SEIZED UP ON ME, HOWEVER I AM NOW LOOKING AT OVER $1000 IN REPAIRS THAT SHOULD NOT BE NECESSARY FOR A VEHICLE WITH JUST OVER 50K MILES. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED SINCE I BELIEVED JEEPS TO BE RELIABLY BUILT VEHICLES. I SINCERELY HOPE THAT SOMEONE FROM DAIMLER-CHRYSLER WILL READ THIS AND RECTIFY THE SITUATION BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILURE LEADS TO AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10130699

75,000 miles · Jul 7, 2005
Visibility

BOTH FRONT DOOR WINDOWS DO NOT OPERATE UP AND DOWN DUE TO THE CHEAP PLASTIC PEICE THAT HOLD THE WINDOW ON THE TRACK, POOR QUALITY .NOTHING WAS DONE BY DANBURY DODGE IN CONN.

NHTSA ODI #10127722

46,000 miles · Jul 1, 2005
Exterior Lighting

DT: CONSUMER STATED THE PLASTIC THAT GOES OVER THE HEADLIGHTS WAS ALL FOGGED UP AND IT AFFECTED DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALER COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT SINCE THEY HAD ALREADY REPLACED OVER 9,000 OF FEET THE PLASTIC COVERS . SHE NOTICED THIS ABOUT A YEAR AGO, BUT IT WAS GETTING WORSE. SHE WAS TOLD BY ONE DEALER THAT IT WAS CO…

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DT: CONSUMER STATED THE PLASTIC THAT GOES OVER THE HEADLIGHTS WAS ALL FOGGED UP AND IT AFFECTED DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALER COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT SINCE THEY HAD ALREADY REPLACED OVER 9,000 OF FEET THE PLASTIC COVERS . SHE NOTICED THIS ABOUT A YEAR AGO, BUT IT WAS GETTING WORSE. SHE WAS TOLD BY ONE DEALER THAT IT WAS COSMETIC.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10127292

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