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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
65,000 miles · Jul 20, 2013
Engine

WE JUST BOUGHT THE CAR 2 MONTHS AGO. WHEN WE GET TO A SPEED OF 60 OR OVER IF WE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD IT STARTS TO SHAKE. WE HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE IT WILL QUITE. IT HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN A MATTER OF 15 MILES. WE TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO HELP US. THAT IT HAPPENS …

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WE JUST BOUGHT THE CAR 2 MONTHS AGO. WHEN WE GET TO A SPEED OF 60 OR OVER IF WE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD IT STARTS TO SHAKE. WE HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE IT WILL QUITE. IT HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN A MATTER OF 15 MILES. WE TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO HELP US. THAT IT HAPPENS WITH ALL JEEPS. WE TOOK IT TO TWO OTHER SHOPS AND THEY COULD NOT HELP US. THE PERSON WE BOUGHT IT FROM ONLY HAD IT A YEAR. HE TOLD US THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. WE DO NOT BELIEVE HIM. BUT NOW WHAT DO WE DO.? I BELIEVE THAT IS WHY THERE WAS SUCH LOW MILEAGE ON THE CAR. WHAT DOES JEEP SAY? IT SCARES US TOO DEATH BEFORE WE CAN PULL IT OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE BUSY HIGHWAY. WHO DO WE TURN TOO? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10525868

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2013
Air Bags

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND CHIME GOES OFF CONSTANTLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10522565

140,000 miles · Apr 3, 2013
Engine

DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60MPH AND JEEP STARTS TO OVERHEAT. HAD MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. REPLACED RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT, COOLANT SYSTEM FLUSH, AND NEW ANTIFREEZE REPLACED. THAT SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT THEN I WOULD HAVE TO KEEP REFILLING ANTIFREEZE BUT IT WAS NOT LEAKING ANY THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT A YE…

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DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60MPH AND JEEP STARTS TO OVERHEAT. HAD MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. REPLACED RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT, COOLANT SYSTEM FLUSH, AND NEW ANTIFREEZE REPLACED. THAT SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT THEN I WOULD HAVE TO KEEP REFILLING ANTIFREEZE BUT IT WAS NOT LEAKING ANY THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR THEN I NOTICED BROWN GUNK IN THE OVERFLOW CONTAINER AND HAD A MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT AND HE SAID THAT WAS DUE TO THE ANTIFREEZE MIXING WITH OIL MOST LIKELY CAUSED BY A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I FOUND IT WAS EXTREMELY COMMON THAT THE 2000 JEEP CHEROKEES WOULD CRACK THEIR CYLINDER HEADS BETWEEN THE 3 AND 4 HEADS. VERY ANNOYING TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10505552

Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control

MY DAUGHTER HAD JUST LEFT THE DRIVEWAY AND WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MILES AN HOUR WHEN HER ACCELERATOR DROPPED TO THE FLOOR. SHE MADE IT TO A PARKING LOT WHERE THERE ARE NOW BLACK RUBBER CIRCLES ALL OVER FROM HER TRYING TO STOP BY BRAKING. SHE FINALLY GOT IT STOPPED AND WE HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE. THEY INFORMED ME THA…

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MY DAUGHTER HAD JUST LEFT THE DRIVEWAY AND WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MILES AN HOUR WHEN HER ACCELERATOR DROPPED TO THE FLOOR. SHE MADE IT TO A PARKING LOT WHERE THERE ARE NOW BLACK RUBBER CIRCLES ALL OVER FROM HER TRYING TO STOP BY BRAKING. SHE FINALLY GOT IT STOPPED AND WE HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE. THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY AND THAT JEEP HAD THEM ON BACKORDER FOR AT LEAST 2 WEEKS. MY BOYFRIEND WHO OWNS A GARAGE OUT OF STATE CONFIRMED THIS. I COULDN'T WAIT 2 WEEKS FOR WHAT WAS PROBABLY ANOTHER BAD PART, SINCE JEEP SAID THAT THEY HAVEN'T EVER REDESIGNED THIS PART. INSTEAD, I PAID $506.79 FOR AN AFTERMARKET THROTTLE BODY. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT A PART IS ON BACKORDER FOR 2 WEEKS, YET NO ONE IS SAYING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH IT? MY DAUGHTER IS 18 AND NOT AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF HER CONTROL. SHE WAS TERRIFIED BY THIS. WE LIVE IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA SO IT'S AMAZING THAT SHE DIDN'T HIT SOMEONE. I HAVE KEPT THIS ORIGINAL THROTTLE BODY. UPON LOOKING AT IT, I REALIZED THAT YOUR LIFE IS AT THE MERCY OF A SPRING. A SPRING THAT OVER TIME BECOMES WORN OUT AND FAILS. I'M NO ENGINEER, BUT THERE HAS TO BE A BETTER WAY TO MAKE THESE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504231

Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2013
Air BagsElectrical System

AIR BAG LIGHT ON (DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL WORK IF NEEDED), HORN WON'T WORK, CRUISE CONTROL WONT WORK = CLOCKSPRING. SAFETY ISSUE. NO HORN NO AIRBAG. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10503020

127,000 miles · Feb 9, 2013
Engine

TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOWED INCREASE PAST NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND INTO RED-MARKED RANGE. AFTER LETTING ENGINE COOL AND SHUTTING IT OFF, COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. REFILLED COOLANT AND DROVE UNTIL IT BEGAN OVERHEATING AGAIN, AND COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS AGAIN EMPTY. NO SIGNS OF COOLANT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENGINE, NONE LEAK…

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TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOWED INCREASE PAST NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND INTO RED-MARKED RANGE. AFTER LETTING ENGINE COOL AND SHUTTING IT OFF, COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. REFILLED COOLANT AND DROVE UNTIL IT BEGAN OVERHEATING AGAIN, AND COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS AGAIN EMPTY. NO SIGNS OF COOLANT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENGINE, NONE LEAKING OUT BELOW. SUSPECT CRACKED HEAD AND COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10497581

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

STARTED THE CAR AND PULLED AWAY AND WHEN THE DOOR AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED THE DRIVER SIDE BACK DOOR BUZZED LOUD AND IN A 3 WEEK PERIOD THERE ARE 3 OUT OF FOUR DOORS THAT BUZZ LOUD WHEN LOCKED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10493445

123,400 miles · Oct 3, 2012
SteeringSuspension

MY JEEP FIRST STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHEN I WAS EXITING ONTO AN OFF-RAMP. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD; IT WAS AWFUL. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AS THE ISSUE DID NOT OCCUR AGAIN RIGHT AWAY. HOWEVER, AS TIME WENT ON IT DID. IT NOW HAPPENS RATHER FREQUENTLY AND IT IS TERRIFYING EVERY TIME. I HAV…

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MY JEEP FIRST STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHEN I WAS EXITING ONTO AN OFF-RAMP. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD; IT WAS AWFUL. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AS THE ISSUE DID NOT OCCUR AGAIN RIGHT AWAY. HOWEVER, AS TIME WENT ON IT DID. IT NOW HAPPENS RATHER FREQUENTLY AND IT IS TERRIFYING EVERY TIME. I HAVE TO GET IT REPAIRED (NEW TRACK BAR) BEFORE SOMETHING TRAGIC HAPPENS. PLEASE HELP! THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND YET NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED YET. BY THE TIME ONE IS, DUE TO ACCIDENTS, I WILL HOPEFULLY HAVE MINE FIXED. THEREFORE, THIS COMPLAINT IS MY PLEA ON BEHALF OF OTHER JEEP OWNERS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT HONESTLY FEELS LIKE THE FRONT WHEELS WILL LIKELY FLY OFF; IT'S RATHER DISTURBING FOR THOSE IN THE VEHICLE AND THOSE DRIVING NEARBY IN OTHER VEHICLES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10478404

98,518 miles · Jul 2, 2012
EquipmentSteering

I HAVE A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT 4X4 WITH NO LIFT KITS, ETC. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD IT GOES INTO WHAT IS TERMED A "DEATH WOBBLE." THIS IS VERY SEARCHABLE ON THE INTERNET. THE VEHICLE WILL SO VIOLENTLY SHAKE IN THE FRONT END IT IS HARD TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD AND NOT ROLL THE VEHICLE BEFORE I'M ABLE …

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I HAVE A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT 4X4 WITH NO LIFT KITS, ETC. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD IT GOES INTO WHAT IS TERMED A "DEATH WOBBLE." THIS IS VERY SEARCHABLE ON THE INTERNET. THE VEHICLE WILL SO VIOLENTLY SHAKE IN THE FRONT END IT IS HARD TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD AND NOT ROLL THE VEHICLE BEFORE I'M ABLE TO SLOW DOWN ENOUGH FOR IT TO REBALANCE ITSELF. IT IS EXTREMELY TERRIFYING. I'VE HAD THE TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED THINKING I MIGHT HAVE LOST A WHEEL WEIGHT OR SOMETHING BUT IT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. TODAY I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD I HAD A BAD STEERING DAMPER. BUT FROM WHAT I'VE RESEARCHED, OTHERS HAVE HAD THESE REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM WILL COME UP AGAIN. JEEP/CHRYSLER NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS IF NO ONE HAS BEEN KILLED YET I'D BE SURPRISED. I DID HAVE THE STEERING DAMPER REPLACED TODAY BUT AM SCARED I WILL EXPERIENCE THIS AGAIN AND EITHER WIND UP KILLING MYSELF OR SOME OTHER MOTORIST. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10464015

Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2012
Seats

I NOTICED MY DRIVER'S SEAT WOBBLING AND FOUND THAT TWO OF THE BRACKETS THAT HOLD THIS SEAT TO THE FLOOR WERE BROKEN. THE LEFT FRONT BRACKET BROKE ONCE BEFORE BUT IT WAS WELDED ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN ON THE INTERNET, THERE ARE HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS, OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE. A RECALL NEEDS T…

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I NOTICED MY DRIVER'S SEAT WOBBLING AND FOUND THAT TWO OF THE BRACKETS THAT HOLD THIS SEAT TO THE FLOOR WERE BROKEN. THE LEFT FRONT BRACKET BROKE ONCE BEFORE BUT IT WAS WELDED ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN ON THE INTERNET, THERE ARE HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS, OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED AS THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY AS WELL AS OTHERS WHO OWN JEEP VEHICLES. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE A FATAL ACCIDENT OCCURS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING FURTHER THAT I NEED TO DO; AND I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE IN THIS REGARD. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10448789

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