IllustrationTHE VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE CONTINUEOUS AND THE CONSUMER WANTS THE MANUFACTURER TO REFUND OR PROVIDE A LONGER BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. *YH
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 reportsWHEN VEHICLE IS IN REVERSE IT WILL AT TIMES MOVE FORWARD, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
THE JEEP STARTED SHAKING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH AND UP AT MILEAGE OF 950 MILES. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BREAK IN. CLAIMED THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. I IN TURN, CONTINUED TO USE THE JEEP BUT THE PROBLEM NEVER SEEMED TO CLEAR UP. AT ABOUT 19825 MILES I WA…
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THE JEEP STARTED SHAKING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH AND UP AT MILEAGE OF 950 MILES. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BREAK IN. CLAIMED THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. I IN TURN, CONTINUED TO USE THE JEEP BUT THE PROBLEM NEVER SEEMED TO CLEAR UP. AT ABOUT 19825 MILES I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN AND I WAS FORCED TO APPLY MY BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, AND INSTEAD OF COMING TO A SAFE STOP JEEP SHOCKED VIOLENTLY AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT, ALMOST HITTING THE CAR BESIDES ME .IT WAS A VERY CLOSE CALL FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE I TOOK MY JEEP TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM CHECK .THE PROBLEM THEY TOLD ME THAT ROTORS NEEDED TO BE RESURFACED, AND IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY 117 DOLLARS AND NOT COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY WHICH IS BUMPER TO BUMPER 360000 MILES OR 36 MONTHS. I TOLD THE DEALER I WOULD TAKE THE JEEP TO MY MECHANIC AND HAVE THEM DO THE WORK EVEN THOUGH I WOULD THINK THEY SHOUD OF TOOK CARE OF IT AT THE DEALER UNDER THE WARRANTY . I TOLD MY MECHANIC THE PROBLEM I HAD WITH THE JEEP, AND HE INFORMED ME THAT HE ENCOUNTERED SEVRAL JEEPS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HE INFORMED ME THAT THE ROTORS ON THE NEWWER JEEPS WERE DEFECTIVE, AND HE EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THE ROTORS ARE MADE OUT OF COMPOSITE METALS AND EVEN IF YOU RESUFACE THEM THEY WILL WARP OUT OF ROUND AGAIN, AND I WOULD HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IN TURN, HE COULDNT GUARANTE THAT IT WOULDNT HAPPEN AGAIN. HE TOLD ME4 THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM WAS TO PUT TO NEW ROTORS ON AT THE PRICE OF 450.00 . I CALLED THE DEALER AND TALKED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER RON MATZ AND THEN THE GENRAL MANAGER BRETT ADAMS AND THEY INSISTED THEY COULD NOT DO ANY THING FOR ME.IM HOPING YOU CAN HELP ME OUT. *AK
THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AT SPEEDS OF 50-55 MPH, THE VIBRATION COULD BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGT FOR SERVICE MORE THAN SIX TIMES AND EACH TIME SOMETHING ELSE WAS REPAIRD BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALERSHIP THAT THE VIBRATION IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND…
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THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AT SPEEDS OF 50-55 MPH, THE VIBRATION COULD BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGT FOR SERVICE MORE THAN SIX TIMES AND EACH TIME SOMETHING ELSE WAS REPAIRD BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALERSHIP THAT THE VIBRATION IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO BE CORRECTED.*YD
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
WHILE DRIVING VEHILCE AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 50 MPH STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND PROCEEDS TO SHAKES UNTIL YOU ARE BELOW 50 MPH AND HAVE REMOVED YOUR FOOT FROM BRAKES. SOMETIMES IT IS SO BAD YOU HAVE TO GRIP THE STEERING WHEEL EXMTREMELY TIGHT TO TRY AND AVOID LOSING CONTROL O…
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WHILE DRIVING VEHILCE AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 50 MPH STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND PROCEEDS TO SHAKES UNTIL YOU ARE BELOW 50 MPH AND HAVE REMOVED YOUR FOOT FROM BRAKES. SOMETIMES IT IS SO BAD YOU HAVE TO GRIP THE STEERING WHEEL EXMTREMELY TIGHT TO TRY AND AVOID LOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *AK
HEAVY DUTY FRONT ROTORS...NON COMPONENT STYLE....BUILT TO RUN MAIL ROUTES..RIGHT HAND DRIVE. FRONT BRAKES CONTINUALLY OVERHEATING CAUSING ROTORS TO HAVE TO BE TURNED EVERY 3 TO 6 THOUSAND MILES. FRONT BRAKES GETTING SO HOT...ROTORS TURNING BLUE. NOW WITH A BRAND NEW SET OF ROTORS AND NEW PAD ON FRONT..NEW SHOES AND TURNED ROT…
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HEAVY DUTY FRONT ROTORS...NON COMPONENT STYLE....BUILT TO RUN MAIL ROUTES..RIGHT HAND DRIVE. FRONT BRAKES CONTINUALLY OVERHEATING CAUSING ROTORS TO HAVE TO BE TURNED EVERY 3 TO 6 THOUSAND MILES. FRONT BRAKES GETTING SO HOT...ROTORS TURNING BLUE. NOW WITH A BRAND NEW SET OF ROTORS AND NEW PAD ON FRONT..NEW SHOES AND TURNED ROTORS ON BACK...AFTER ONLY 30 MINUTES OF RUNNING..OVERHEATED..BLUED ROTORS AND BRAKES FADED..COMPLETELY AWAY. VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. BACK BRAKE DO NOT APPEAR TO BE HOLDING AT ALL. ONLY ONE SET OF BACK PADS NEEDED IN 26,OOO MILES WHILE 4 SETS OF FRONT PADS WORN OUT OR BROKEN FROM OVERHEATING OF ROTORS. FIRST SET OF ROTORS REPLACED AFTER TURNING 2 TIMES..THEY WARPED CAUSING SHIMMY IN FRONT END ON BRAKING. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER HAD GOOD BRAKES. PEDAL HAS FELT MUSHY FROM DAY ONE AND VERY HARD PRESSURE MUST BE APPLIED TO PEDAL IN ORDER TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. DEALERSHIP HAS ALREADY REPLACE ONE MASTER CYLINDER AND I JUST HAD ANOTHER ONE INSTALLED. DON'T KNOW WHERE THE PROBLEM IS...BUT WHEN VEHICLE IS UP ON STANDS IN REAR..AND PLACED IN GEAR..BACK WHEELS CONTINUE TO ROLL WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. SEEMS THAT THERE IS NOT NEARLY ENOUGH PRESSURE BEING SENT TO BACK BRAKES. VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE RELYING SOLELY ON FRONT BRAKES. ALL LINES HAVE BEEN CHECKED..AND WHEEL CYLINDERS AND CALIPERS ARE OKAY. DEALERSHIP SAYS...NO RECALLS OR PROBLEMS FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS. I CAN SEE FROM READING THIS FORUM...THAT IS NOT TRUE! PLEASE HELP! I DON'T WANT TO WRECK WHEN MY BRAKES FAIL AND POSSIBLY INJURE MYSELF, GRANDKIDS, OR SOMEONE ELSE. ESPECIALLY DON'T WANT TO WRECK ON THE MAIL ROUTE. THE POST OFFICE MIGHT JUST FROWN ON THAT...ESPECIALLY SINCE JEEP IS VERY MUCH AWARE THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM BUT STILL INSIST THAT THERE IS NONE! HELP!!!!*AK
WHEN IT RAINS BRAKES BECOME DEFECTIVE AND IT IS HARDER TO SLOW DOWN, AND FEEL LIKE THEY DON'T CATCH IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE HAD A CAR CRASH DUE TO FAULTY BRAKES. I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. SINCE PURCHASING THIS JEEP I HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED OR LOOKED AT BY 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS…
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WHEN IT RAINS BRAKES BECOME DEFECTIVE AND IT IS HARDER TO SLOW DOWN, AND FEEL LIKE THEY DON'T CATCH IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE HAD A CAR CRASH DUE TO FAULTY BRAKES. I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. SINCE PURCHASING THIS JEEP I HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED OR LOOKED AT BY 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS AND ONE GOODYEAR DEALERSHIP, 6 TIMES IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS IN ATTEMPTS TO GET THE VARIOUS PROBLEMS CORRECTED. MY MAIN CONCERN WAS AND IS THE BRAKES. IN DRY WEATHER THEY VIBRATE, PULL AND CAUSE THE WHOLE FRONT END TO SHAKE. IN WET WEATHER AND SNOW THEY DO NOT ALWAYS CATCH RIGHT AWAY AND ALSO I FEEL A "THUMPING" ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ALSO A "THUMPING" NOISE WHEN THEY ARE APPLIED, AS IF SOMETHING IS BROKEN INSIDE. ON JULY 4 AFTER A HEAVY THUNDERSTORM THE PERSON AHEAD OF ME FAILED TO TURN AND I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. AT ABOUT 30 FEET I REALIZED THAT MY JEEP WASN'T SLOWING DOWN, AND BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD ME THE JEEP SAID I HAD ANTILOCK BRAKES, I STOOD ON THEM, KNOWING THAT YOU SHOULDN'T PUMP ABS BRAKES. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, DAMAGING MY JEEP BUT NOT THE OTHER CAR. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO CHRYSLER, AND YESTERDAY (7/13/01) MET WITH THEIR INDEPENDENT SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR, WHO TEST DROVE THE JEEP IN DRY WEATHER. HE STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES, BUT THAT I HAVE REAR-WHEEL DRIVE AND DO NOT HAVE ABS BRAKES. I CHECKED WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE DEALERSHIP REPORTED TO THEM, THE DAY I PURCHASED THE CAR THAT I HAD ANTILOCK BRAKES. CHRYSLER HAS BEEN TOTALLY UNRESPONSIVE, AND DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE THAT THIS VEHICLE IF NOT FOR THE SLOW SPEED COULD HAVE ALREADY RESULTED IN MAJOR INJURIES OR DEATH. THEY SAY THIS VEHICLE IS SAFE BUT THE BRAKES HAVE *ALREADY* FAILED IN ONE ACCIDENT, HOW DO THEY CONCLUDE THIS VEHICLE IS SAFE WHEN NONE OF THEIR REPRESENTATIVES HAVE EVER DRIVEN IT IN WET WEATHER, EXCEPT THE ONE DEALERSHIP THAT *DID* FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. *AK
ENGINE WAS EXPERIENCING HIGH ACCELERATION WHENEVER VEHICLE WOULD COME TO A STOP, DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND REPLACEF ENGINE FAN. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.*AK
NOISE COMING FROM STEERING WHEEL WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND REALIGNED STEERING HOSE. IF PROBLEM REOCCURRED, THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY OF REPLACING GEAR BOX. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER.*AK
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