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
What owners actually said
369 reportsSTOCK STEEL WHEELS 15X7 RIMS ROT AND CAUSE AIR LEAKS WHICH CAN CAUSE BLOWOUT. LOSS OF AIR IN TIRE GAVE ME BLOW OUT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE CONTACT WAITED UNTIL THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READ NORMAL AND THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIELD INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE SHIELD …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE CONTACT WAITED UNTIL THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READ NORMAL AND THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIELD INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE SHIELD EXHAUST MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,889.
I BELIEVER THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH MY JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT 2000 4.0L V6 HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE COME A THREAT IF SUCH WIRES SHOULD CREATE A FIRE OF SOME SORT... FOR YEARS THE ONLY WAY TO OPERATE THE WINDOWS ON THE VEHICLE IS BY DRIVERS SIDE CONTROLS, THE PASSENGER CANNOT OPERATE THE WINDOW WITH THEIR CONTR…
Read full complaint
I BELIEVER THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH MY JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT 2000 4.0L V6 HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE COME A THREAT IF SUCH WIRES SHOULD CREATE A FIRE OF SOME SORT... FOR YEARS THE ONLY WAY TO OPERATE THE WINDOWS ON THE VEHICLE IS BY DRIVERS SIDE CONTROLS, THE PASSENGER CANNOT OPERATE THE WINDOW WITH THEIR CONTROL. STRANGE THING, IS IF ON THE DIVERS SIDE YOU HIT THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK SWITCH BACK AND FOURTH THE PASSENGER CAN GAIN CONTROL OF THE WINDOW OPERATION IE UP/DOWN, ONLY ON A TEMPORARY BASIS. THE TIME FRAME OF PASSENGER OPERATION IS VERY SHORT... THE OTHER ISSUE IS THE DOOR LOCKS, THE LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF WHEN USING THE FOB TO LOCK AND UNLOCK, AND SOMETIMES THE LOCKS WORK AND YOU HEAR THE CLICK OF THEM LOCKING. OTHER TIMES THE LIGHTS WILL FLASH BUT THE DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT OPERATE AT ALL, AND IF YOUR SITTING IN THE JEEP AND HIT THE LOCKS YOU CAN HEAR A CLICK BUT NOT IN THE DOORS BUT IN THE HEADLINER JUST ABOUT WHERE THE DOME LIGHT IS... I FEEL ALL OF THESE ELECTRICAL ISSUES ARE CONCERNING, AND SHOULD BE SOMETHING JEEP CORP SHOULD TAKE SERIOUSLY..... PROBLEMS IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COULD BE A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD....
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 …
Read full complaint
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
FIRE STARTED IN LEFT REAR QUARTER OF VEHICLE. IT WAS CAUSED BY WIRING TO REAR DEFOGGER, LIGHTS & REAR WIPER HARNESS. DAMAGE TO WIRING, TRIM PANELS MELTED, HEAD LINER DAMAGE, OUTER BODY PAINT BLISTERED ABOVE FUEL FILLER DOOR. IT WAS JUST LUCK THAT IT WAS SNOWING SO I USED THE SNOW TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. ESTIMATED DAMAGE TO VEHICLE…
Read full complaint
FIRE STARTED IN LEFT REAR QUARTER OF VEHICLE. IT WAS CAUSED BY WIRING TO REAR DEFOGGER, LIGHTS & REAR WIPER HARNESS. DAMAGE TO WIRING, TRIM PANELS MELTED, HEAD LINER DAMAGE, OUTER BODY PAINT BLISTERED ABOVE FUEL FILLER DOOR. IT WAS JUST LUCK THAT IT WAS SNOWING SO I USED THE SNOW TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. ESTIMATED DAMAGE TO VEHICLE BY INSURANCE CO. WAS $2961.00. *TR
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 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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: (AIR BAGS) AND…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: (AIR BAGS) AND 15V046000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS STAYING ON ALL THE TIME. I'M CONCERNED THE AIRBAGS WILL GO OFF UNNECESSARILY OR WILL NOT WORK WHEN THEY ARE NEEDED TO. THIS WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A LONG TIME. I'M JUST NOT SURE OF THE DATE I FIRST NOTICED IT. *TR
I HAD A PASSENGER SIDE REAR FLAT TIRE AFTER LEAVING MY JEEP AT AN AIRPORT PARKING LOT.I PUT ON SPARE AND NEXT DAY TRIED TO FIND WHAT PUNCTURED MY TIRE ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT THE RIM HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND THE AIR WAS LEAKING THROUGH THE RUSTED STEEL. I BOUGHT A NEW MATCHING RIM AND PUT TIRE BACK ON JEEP. THREE MONTHS LATER, SAME…
Read full complaint
I HAD A PASSENGER SIDE REAR FLAT TIRE AFTER LEAVING MY JEEP AT AN AIRPORT PARKING LOT.I PUT ON SPARE AND NEXT DAY TRIED TO FIND WHAT PUNCTURED MY TIRE ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT THE RIM HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND THE AIR WAS LEAKING THROUGH THE RUSTED STEEL. I BOUGHT A NEW MATCHING RIM AND PUT TIRE BACK ON JEEP. THREE MONTHS LATER, SAME PROBLEM ON DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL, AIR LEAKING THROUGH RUSTED RIM. I REPLACED THAT RIM AND NOTICED RUST ON BOTH FRONT RIMS. KNOWING IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME I REPLACED THEM AS WELL. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS IN MY LIFE, I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR ALMOST 50 YEARS, AND I NEVER HAD A RIM RUST THROUGH CAUSING AIR TO ESCAPE. I LOOKED AT THE RIMS AND DISCOVERED THE CAUSE. BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE RIMS ARE DESIGNED, WHENEVER IT RAINS, OR THERE IS SLUSH ON THE ROAD OR WHEN THE JEEP IS WASHED THERE IS ALWAYS A SMALL QUANTITY OF WATER THAT GETS TRAPPED AND SETTLES ON THE BOTTOM OF RIM WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED. THERE IS NOWHERE FOR THE WATER TO DRAIN. NOW IF THAT WATER ALSO CONTAINS DISSOLVED ROAD SALT AND THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY FOR DAYS IT IS ONLY ACCELERATING THE DETERIORATION. EVEN AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MILES THE CENTRIFUGAL FORCE HOLDS THE WATER IN PLACE AND AGAIN RETURNS TO REST ON THE BOTTOM OF RIM ONCE PARKED. I REALIZE IT IS AN OLDER VEHICLE WITH HIGH MILEAGE, BUT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW NO WHEELS SHOULD RUST OUT LIKE THIS, AND PERHAPS OWNERS OF SIMILAR JEEPS WILL CHECK OUT THEIR WHEELS AND REPLACE RIMS BEFORE THEY WIND UP STUCK SOMEPLACE WITH A FLAT TIRE.
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