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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
Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 2010
Seat BeltsCrashInjury

THIS REPORT IS BEING SUBMITTED BY A CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL ON BEHALF OF A PATIENT FAMILY. A 10 YEAR OLD PATIENT WAS RIDING IN THE BACK SEAT OF A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE WHEN FAMILY WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. PATIENT AND FAMILY REPORT THAT THE SEAT BELT IN HER SEATING POSITION 'POPPED' OPEN AT THE BUCKLE AT THE TIM…

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THIS REPORT IS BEING SUBMITTED BY A CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL ON BEHALF OF A PATIENT FAMILY. A 10 YEAR OLD PATIENT WAS RIDING IN THE BACK SEAT OF A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE WHEN FAMILY WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. PATIENT AND FAMILY REPORT THAT THE SEAT BELT IN HER SEATING POSITION 'POPPED' OPEN AT THE BUCKLE AT THE TIME OF IMPACT. ACCORDING TO PATIENT AND FAMILY THE SEAT BELT WAS PROPERLY BUCKLED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. PATIENT SUSTAINED INJURIES REQUIRING HOSPITALIZATION THAT ARE NOT EXPECTED TO RESULT IN LONG TERM DISABILITY. PATIENT'S 4 YEAR OLD SIBLING WAS ALSO BUCKLED IN A BOOSTER SEAT IN THE BACK SEAT; THIS SEATBELT REMAINED BUCKLED AND THE SIBLING WAS UNINJURED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10371819

124,000 miles · Oct 1, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THERE WAS MOISTURE IN THE AIR, THE BRAKES BECAME RESISTANT AND JOLTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WOULD COME TO A SUDDEN STOP; HOWEVER, SHE FELT THAT SHE WOULD HIT THE WINDSHIELD IF SHE DID NOT HAVE A SEAT BELT ON. SHE NOTICED THE FAILURE EVERY TIME TH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER THERE WAS MOISTURE IN THE AIR, THE BRAKES BECAME RESISTANT AND JOLTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WOULD COME TO A SUDDEN STOP; HOWEVER, SHE FELT THAT SHE WOULD HIT THE WINDSHIELD IF SHE DID NOT HAVE A SEAT BELT ON. SHE NOTICED THE FAILURE EVERY TIME THERE WAS MOISTURE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO REFERRED HER TO NHTSA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 126,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 124,000.

NHTSA ODI #10358614

110,000 miles · Sep 23, 2010
Air BagsElectrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES RANDOMLY AND REPEATEDLY. NOT RELATED TO ACTUAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. IT MAY RENDER AIRBAG UNUSABLE. DANGEROUS CONDITION. COMMON CONSUMER COMPLAINT. ALL PASSENGER WINDOW ACTUATOR SWITCHES ARE UNUSABLE. WINDOWS WILL ONLY WORK AT DRIVER PANEL. SAFETY ISSUE IF PASSENGERS HAVE…

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2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES RANDOMLY AND REPEATEDLY. NOT RELATED TO ACTUAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. IT MAY RENDER AIRBAG UNUSABLE. DANGEROUS CONDITION. COMMON CONSUMER COMPLAINT. ALL PASSENGER WINDOW ACTUATOR SWITCHES ARE UNUSABLE. WINDOWS WILL ONLY WORK AT DRIVER PANEL. SAFETY ISSUE IF PASSENGERS HAVE TO OPEN WINDOWS.VERY COMMON CONSUMER COMPLAINT. OBD ERROR CODES ARE INACCURATE (ESPECIALLY WHEN APPLYING TO EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS P0441, P0442). DIAGNOSIS OFTEN LEAD TO UNNEEDED REPAIRS AND COSTLY REPLACEMENT OF SENSORS AND COMPUTER WITHOUT CAUSE. COMMON CONSUMER COMPLAINT. DRIVER SEAT SUPPORT STRUCTURE BREAKS. EVEN WHEN DRIVEN ONLY IN ORDINARY DRIVING CONDITIONS AND NOT STRESSED UNUSUALLY. MUST BE REWELDED OR REPLACED. SEAT IS NO LONGER STRUCTURALLY SAFE. COMMON CONSUMER COMPLAINT ALL OF THESE ARE DESIGN ISSUES AND NOT SERVICE/MAINTENANCE RELATED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10357094

130,000 miles · Aug 25, 2010
Seats

DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT BROKE OFF THE FRAME! NEVER HAS THIS HAPPENED BEFORE TO ME. NOW I HAVE TO GET IT WELDED OR BUY A NEW SEAT. IT RIPPED RIGHT OFF THE FRAME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10351866

11,000 miles · Aug 16, 2010
Electrical System

I HAVE A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE, THAT WHENEVER IT HITS A BUMP ON THE ROAD, THE GAUGES START TO DIE. FIRST THE AIRBAG LIGHT , THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. AFTER THAT THE ODOMETER DIES, SO I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I AM GOING. SOMETIMES ALL THE GAUGES FAIL. WHEN I HIT ANOTHER BUMP ON THE ROAD EVERYTHING GOES BACK TO NORMAL. I TRIED TO…

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I HAVE A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE, THAT WHENEVER IT HITS A BUMP ON THE ROAD, THE GAUGES START TO DIE. FIRST THE AIRBAG LIGHT , THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. AFTER THAT THE ODOMETER DIES, SO I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I AM GOING. SOMETIMES ALL THE GAUGES FAIL. WHEN I HIT ANOTHER BUMP ON THE ROAD EVERYTHING GOES BACK TO NORMAL. I TRIED TO HAVE THIS FIXED, BUT UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR JEEP AND CHRYSLER, MY MECHANIC LOOKED THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE DASH. IT IS SOMEWHERE IN THE CABLES, USUALLY IT TAKES CHRYSLER A COUPLE OF DAYS(HE TOLD ME FROM HIS EXPERIENCE, FROM HIS OTHER CUSTOMERS) AND THEY CAN'T GUARANTEE THAT THEY EVEN FIND THE FAULTY WIRE. AND EVEN AFTER THEY "FIND THE PROBLEM" MOST LIKELY IT WILL COME BACK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10349750

155,000 miles · Jul 15, 2010
Seats

WE OWN A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT WITH APPROX. 155,000 MILES. WE BOUGHT IT USED 02/2004. SOMETIME IN JUNE 2010, JUST A COUPLE OF WEEKS PRIOR TO INCIDENT, THE DRIVER SEAT BEGAN TO MAKE A NOISE WHILE SITTING IN IT, DURING ACCELERATION, AND BRAKING. WE COULD NOT FIND THE SOURCE OF ANNOYING NOISE AND JUST HOPED IT WOULD GO AWAY. …

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WE OWN A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT WITH APPROX. 155,000 MILES. WE BOUGHT IT USED 02/2004. SOMETIME IN JUNE 2010, JUST A COUPLE OF WEEKS PRIOR TO INCIDENT, THE DRIVER SEAT BEGAN TO MAKE A NOISE WHILE SITTING IN IT, DURING ACCELERATION, AND BRAKING. WE COULD NOT FIND THE SOURCE OF ANNOYING NOISE AND JUST HOPED IT WOULD GO AWAY. ON FRIDAY, JULY 9, 2010 WHEN MY HUSBAND WENT TO DO ERRANDS AND SAT IN THE SEAT HE SAID IT FELT ODD AND THE NOISE WAS GONE. HAPPY THE NOISE WAS GONE HE WENT ABOUT HIS BUSINESS. WHEN I GOT INTO THE JEEP ON SUNDAY, JULY 11, 2010 I NOTICED THE SEAT WAS WOBBLING. I GOT OUT AND LOOKED UNDER THE SEAT. I FOUND THE PROBLEM....WHERE THE SEAT ATTACHES TO THE SEAT ADJUSTER THE METAL HAD RIPPED ALMOST COMPLETELY THROUGH AT THE RIGHT FRONT BOLT. WHILE SITTING IN THE SEAT IT ROCKS FROM FRONT LEFT TO RIGHT REAR. THE SITUATION CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION ON OUR PART TO GET IT FIXED. WE ARE OBTAINING INFORMATION (TIME AND COST TO FIX AND AMOUNT OF TIME WITHOUT A VEHICLE-IT'S THE DRIVER SEAT NOT PASSENGER) ON WELDING, NEW SEAT, OR REPLACEMENT FROM JUNKYARD. I AM NOT EXCITED ABOUT WANTING TO USE ANOTHER JEEP SEAT AS I FEAR SAME ISSUE WILL OCCUR. THIS IS OUR ONLY VEHICLE. WE DO NOT GO MUDDING, FOUR WHEELING, MOUNTAIN CLIMBING, OFF ROADING WITH IT. WE DON'T LIVE NEAR A BEACH OR TAKE IT TO THE COASTLINE IN ORDER FOR HIGH SALT CONCENTRATION IN AIR TO BE A FACTOR. YES WE LIVE IN THE MIDWEST BUT SALT FROM SHOES CANNOT REACH THIS PART. OF THE SEAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10343383

168,000 miles · Jun 23, 2010
Seats

2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT, 4.0 6 CYL, 4 DOOR. CURRENTLY 168,000 MILES. REPLACED FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT 3 TIMES, SINCE I PURCHASED NEW. SEAT BREAKS UNDER NORMAL USE. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10339728

114,000 miles · Mar 18, 2010
Seats

FRONT SEAT BROKEN, NORMAL USE, APPARENTLY COMMON. WILL BE DANGEROUS IN ACCIDENT WITH NO BACK SUPPORT. 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10320632

157,000 miles · Feb 11, 2010
Air BagsElectrical System

2000 JEEP CHEROKEE CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY HAS FAILED. AIR BAG AND HORN WILL NOT WORK. CHRYSLER STATE COST TO REPAIR $249 +. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10308645

145,000 miles · Jan 18, 2010
Seats

AS I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP I HEARD A LOUD CRACK AND THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SEAT BROKE FROM THE BASE MOUNT. THE SEAT BROKE AT ONE CORNER BUT DID NOT COME TOTALLY SEPERATED. IF IT HAD TOTALLY BROKEN FREE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT AS I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN IT BROKE. I HAVE NOT YET FIXED THE ISSUE AND PLAN…

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AS I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP I HEARD A LOUD CRACK AND THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SEAT BROKE FROM THE BASE MOUNT. THE SEAT BROKE AT ONE CORNER BUT DID NOT COME TOTALLY SEPERATED. IF IT HAD TOTALLY BROKEN FREE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT AS I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN IT BROKE. I HAVE NOT YET FIXED THE ISSUE AND PLAN TO DO THE REPAIRS MYSELF. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR MY MAKE AND MODEL BASED ON INTERNET FORUMS AND I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT CHRYSLER HAS NOT INITIATED A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10300136

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