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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
21,000 miles · May 23, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

IN OCT 2000 LIS. A JEEP FROM DAMIOLIER CHYSLER. IN 2002 THE JEEP WAS ALL OVER THE ROAD TOOK TO THIER SHOP THEY CUT THE ROTTERS THE JEEP ONLY HAD 6,000 MILES IN THE YEAR 2003 HDA TO RETURN NOT EVEN A YEAR HAD GONE BY AND THEY RE-CUT THE ROTORS WITH ONLY 12,000 MILE ON THE JEEP[. THIS IS THE YEAR 2005 THE JEEP HAS ONLY 24,000 MIL…

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IN OCT 2000 LIS. A JEEP FROM DAMIOLIER CHYSLER. IN 2002 THE JEEP WAS ALL OVER THE ROAD TOOK TO THIER SHOP THEY CUT THE ROTTERS THE JEEP ONLY HAD 6,000 MILES IN THE YEAR 2003 HDA TO RETURN NOT EVEN A YEAR HAD GONE BY AND THEY RE-CUT THE ROTORS WITH ONLY 12,000 MILE ON THE JEEP[. THIS IS THE YEAR 2005 THE JEEP HAS ONLY 24,000 MILES AND SINCE DEC. 2004 IT STARTED AGAIN. THE PLACE WHERE I GOT THE CAR IS NO LONGER IN NJ NOW IT WILL COST ME 500.00 TO FIX SOMETHING WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIX RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

NHTSA ODI #10121861

Mileage unknown · May 11, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

ENGINE WAS KNOCKING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, DIAGONISTIC TEST SHOWED 6TH CYLINDER WAS MISFIRING LIFTER WAS DAMAGED. THE CAMSHAFT WAS REPLACED AS WELL AS THE LIFTERS AND HEADGASKET. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW A 2000 VEHICLE WITH ONLY 81000 KMS NEEDS $2000.00 WORTH OF REPAIRS DONE. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED ME THAT HE CAN'T UNDERS…

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ENGINE WAS KNOCKING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, DIAGONISTIC TEST SHOWED 6TH CYLINDER WAS MISFIRING LIFTER WAS DAMAGED. THE CAMSHAFT WAS REPLACED AS WELL AS THE LIFTERS AND HEADGASKET. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW A 2000 VEHICLE WITH ONLY 81000 KMS NEEDS $2000.00 WORTH OF REPAIRS DONE. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED ME THAT HE CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS IS REQUIRED EITHER. HE ADVISED ME TO CALL 1-800- 465-2001 TO VOICE MY COMPLAINT. HE ALSO GAVE ME THE OLD PART TO SEND BACK TO CHRYSLER. THE 1-800 # I CALLED ADVISED ME THAT THEY WILL PUT MY INFORAMTION IN MY FILE, BUT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE FOR ME NOR DID THEY WANT THE PART. I WOULD LIKE FEED BACK ON THIS COMPLAINT AS I AM NOT HAPPY WITH MY EXPERIENCES WITH CHRYSLER THUS FAR. ARE THE PARTS THEY ARE USING TO BUILD THESE VEHICLES NOT UP TO PAR? ????

NHTSA ODI #10120615

49,648 miles · Apr 28, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

BOUGHT CAR USED W/49,000MI. AS SOON AS I GOT IT ON THE ROAD, I NOTICED THE "CHECK GAUGES" LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT A WARM IDLE, ONLY TO FIND MY OIL PRESSURE GUAGE PEGGED AT 0 PSI. DID RESEARCH ON THE WEB AND APPARENTLY THE "0331 CAST" BREED OF CYLINDER HEADS THAT DC USED IN 2000-2001 XJ'S ARE NOTED FOR CRACKING AFTER AN OVERHEAT. SU…

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BOUGHT CAR USED W/49,000MI. AS SOON AS I GOT IT ON THE ROAD, I NOTICED THE "CHECK GAUGES" LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT A WARM IDLE, ONLY TO FIND MY OIL PRESSURE GUAGE PEGGED AT 0 PSI. DID RESEARCH ON THE WEB AND APPARENTLY THE "0331 CAST" BREED OF CYLINDER HEADS THAT DC USED IN 2000-2001 XJ'S ARE NOTED FOR CRACKING AFTER AN OVERHEAT. SURE ENOUGH THE VEHICLE HAD A CRACK IN THE CYLINDER HEAD, WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO MIX INTO THE ENGINE OIL. CONSEQUENTLY, MY MAIN, ROD AND CAMSHAFT BEARINGS, AS WELL AS THE CYLINDER HEAD ITSELF HAD TO BE REPLACED. LONG STORY SHORT, THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OUT THERE EXACTLY LIKE THIS ONE, DO RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY ANY CHEROKEE FROM THIS ERA USING THE 0331 HEADS. UNFORTUNATELY, DC NEVER STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE AND OFFERED A RECALL. CAVEAT EMPTOR!

NHTSA ODI #10118645

Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic

2000 JEEP CHEROKEE ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE PISTON. AFTER THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, THEY STATED THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH COOLANT IN THE SYSTEM WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT FROST PLUG HEATER TO COME OUT AND THAT THE NO 1 AND 2 PISTON MELTED DOWN. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLA…

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2000 JEEP CHEROKEE ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE PISTON. AFTER THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, THEY STATED THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH COOLANT IN THE SYSTEM WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT FROST PLUG HEATER TO COME OUT AND THAT THE NO 1 AND 2 PISTON MELTED DOWN. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WITH ONLY 42,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE RUBBER AROUND ALL FOUR DOORS SHRUNK TO THE POINT THAT WIND AND WATER WOULD COME THROUGH. PERIODICALLY, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS LOCKED THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES. THE CHROME ON THE WHEELS WAS CORRODED AND COMING OFF. THE FRONT PASSENGER ELECTRIC LOCK WAS MAKING A STRANGE NOISE WHEN THE DOORS WERE LOCK OR UNLOCKED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10117716

70,000 miles · Mar 12, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED AT ONLY 70,000 MILES ALLOWING COOLANT INTO THE OIL SUMP, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO ENGINE FAILURE OR, AS DEALER STATED, "ENGINE MAY SEIZE COMPLETELY *AK.

NHTSA ODI #10113993

Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2005
Tires

THERE ARE CRACKS ALONG THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE TIRES, WHICH HAVE DEVELOPED AND COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO HAVE A BLOW OUT ON THE ROAD. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10113050

65,000 miles · Feb 11, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

LOOSING COOLANT VERY RAPID. (FILLED EVERY 2 DAYS) VEHICLE STATED TO LOOSE HEAT. COOLANT WAS ENTERING THE OIL. CRACKED HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED AT $1300.00 WAS ADVISE HEAD GASKET WAS MADE AT THE MANUFACTURER TO THIN AND THIS CAUSED THE CRACK, AND THIS IS A COMMON CONCERN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10110336

87,000 miles · Feb 9, 2005
Seat Belts

MY 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE [XXX] PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT IS HARD TO BUCKLE UP DUE TO SOME MECHANICAL INTERFERENCE INSIDE THE BUCKLE ITSELF. BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT LATCHES ARE DIFFICULT TO RELEASE BECAUSE THE RELEASE BUTTON DOES NOT ALLOW THE STRAP BUCKLE TO COME OUT WITHOUT A LOT OF MANIPULATION CAUSING THIS TO BE A SAFETY PROBLEM. …

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MY 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE [XXX] PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT IS HARD TO BUCKLE UP DUE TO SOME MECHANICAL INTERFERENCE INSIDE THE BUCKLE ITSELF. BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT LATCHES ARE DIFFICULT TO RELEASE BECAUSE THE RELEASE BUTTON DOES NOT ALLOW THE STRAP BUCKLE TO COME OUT WITHOUT A LOT OF MANIPULATION CAUSING THIS TO BE A SAFETY PROBLEM. *JB UPDATED 07/24/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #10110229

7,000 miles · Feb 5, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

MY 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2000. SINCE THEN, MY FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED EVERY 7000 MILES. THE DEALER REPLACED THEM AT 7000 MILES AND AFTER THAT REFUSED. SAID IT WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AFTER 10,000 MILES AND NOT UNDER WARRANTY. SAID IT WAS BECAUSE I DRIVE MY VEHICLE FOR WORK (POST OFF…

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MY 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2000. SINCE THEN, MY FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED EVERY 7000 MILES. THE DEALER REPLACED THEM AT 7000 MILES AND AFTER THAT REFUSED. SAID IT WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AFTER 10,000 MILES AND NOT UNDER WARRANTY. SAID IT WAS BECAUSE I DRIVE MY VEHICLE FOR WORK (POST OFFICE) AND STOP A LOT. THERE ARE 35 PAGES OF COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET STATING EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM AT EVERY 7000 MILES AND 54 COMPLAINTS ON YOUR SITE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN THE ROTORS WARP, THE CAR IS VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP SAFELY AT 40 TO 55 MPH. APPARENTLY, CHRYSLER HAS HAD THIS COMPLAINT SINCE 1998 THRU 2003. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL? A SAFETY VIOLATION?*JB

NHTSA ODI #10109896

3,000 miles · Jan 26, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHEN BRAKING AT HIGH SPEEDS VEHICLE VIBRATES HEAVILY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BRAKES EVERY 3000 MILES. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10108938

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