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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
130,000 miles · Jul 22, 2009
Latches/locks/linkagesInjury

HOOD LATCHES, ALL THREE OF THEM, FAILED AND HOOD FLEW UP WHILE WE WERE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH. NO CRASH BUT ONE INJURY AND OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE REAR VIEW MIRROR CAME OFF AND LANDED IN THE BACK SEAT. THE HOOD WAS DESTROYED AS WERE THE THREE PANELS WHERE THE WIPERS ARE LOCATED AND THE SU…

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HOOD LATCHES, ALL THREE OF THEM, FAILED AND HOOD FLEW UP WHILE WE WERE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH. NO CRASH BUT ONE INJURY AND OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE REAR VIEW MIRROR CAME OFF AND LANDED IN THE BACK SEAT. THE HOOD WAS DESTROYED AS WERE THE THREE PANELS WHERE THE WIPERS ARE LOCATED AND THE SUPPORT BRACKET BELOW THEM. THE HINGES WERE HYPEREXTENDED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER SOME INVESTIGATION I FOUND SEVERAL REPORTS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH THIS VEHICLE AND OTHERS WHERE THE SAME LATCH ASSEMBLY WAS USED. FIVE PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED AND I AM OUTRAGED THAT I WAS NEVER WARNED ABOUT THIS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE LATCH SYSTEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10277904

71,000 miles · Jun 11, 2009
SeatsSteeringSuspension

I HAVE A 200 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT, 4WD. I ALSO HAD A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT, 4WD. BOTH HAVE THE SAME 2 PROBLEMS. #1 IS A BROKEN DRIVERS SEAT. THE BRACKET IS TOO SMALL AND SPLITS NEAR THE BOLT HOLES. YOU CAN'T DRIVE LIKE THIS, THE CURRENT ONE (2000) STARTED WITH A SMALL NOISE WHEN I WAS EXITING THE CAR. THE NEXT DAY IT LET LOOSE…

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I HAVE A 200 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT, 4WD. I ALSO HAD A 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT, 4WD. BOTH HAVE THE SAME 2 PROBLEMS. #1 IS A BROKEN DRIVERS SEAT. THE BRACKET IS TOO SMALL AND SPLITS NEAR THE BOLT HOLES. YOU CAN'T DRIVE LIKE THIS, THE CURRENT ONE (2000) STARTED WITH A SMALL NOISE WHEN I WAS EXITING THE CAR. THE NEXT DAY IT LET LOOSE ON A BUMPY ROAD ON A CORNER. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT THE FIRST TIME WITH THE 1996, WHICH I TRADED FOR THE 2000, BUT SINCE IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN, I DID SOME RESEARCH AND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I STUMBLED ONTO THIS SITE: HTTP://VLANE.COM/POLL/30/2001-JEEP-GRAND-CHEROKEE-HAS-YOUR-DRIVER-SIDE-FRONT-SEAT-BROKEN-ON-THIS-JEEP PROBLEM #2, AND MORE SERIOUS IS A HUGE WOBBLE, SHIMMY, SHAKE PROBLEM AT AROUND 50 MPH. SO MUCH SO THAT YOU FEEL AS IF THE CAR IS GOING TO BE THROWN OFF THE ROAD OR FLIP. ALSO THIS PROBLEM DEVELOPED ON MY 96 JEEP BEFORE I TRADED IT FOR THIS ONE, AND NOW HAS STARTED ON THIS 200 JEEP, SO AGAIN SEEING A PATTERN, I DID MORE RESEARCH AND FOUND MORE PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM. HERE IS JUST ONE SITE: HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F0E6F51/0 PLEASE HELP! THESE ARE SAFETY ISSUES NOT TO MENTION POSSIBLE DESIGN FLAWS THAT ARE COSTLY TO REPAIR. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10273576

102,236 miles · Mar 22, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE CLASSIC WITH A 4.L 6CYLINDER ENGINE. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS JEEP WITH 102,000 MILES.ALL SERVICES ALWAYS DONE ON TIME, OIL, BRAKES,FLUSHES, FLUIDS, ECT. MY OIL PRESSURE DROPPED ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING AND MY ANTIFREEZE STARTED DISAPPEARING. I WENT TO HAVE THE CAR LOOKED AT BY A REPAIR S…

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I AM THE OWNER OF A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE CLASSIC WITH A 4.L 6CYLINDER ENGINE. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS JEEP WITH 102,000 MILES.ALL SERVICES ALWAYS DONE ON TIME, OIL, BRAKES,FLUSHES, FLUIDS, ECT. MY OIL PRESSURE DROPPED ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING AND MY ANTIFREEZE STARTED DISAPPEARING. I WENT TO HAVE THE CAR LOOKED AT BY A REPAIR SHOP THEY TOLD ME THE CYLINDER HEAD BETWEEN THE 3RD AND THE 4TH CYLINDER HAD A CRACK IN IT. I WAS ALSO TOLD IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY JEEP AND IT WAS DUE TO DEFECTIVE MACHINES THAT MADE THE CYLINDER HEADS. I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND OVER 10,234 BLOGS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. SO I WENT TO A JEEP DEALER THINKING IT SHOULD BE A RECALL OR DEFECTIVE PART RECALL AND JEEP IS SAYING THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT IT WILL COST ME 3200.00 DOLLARS. I FEEL THIS MANY DEFECTIVE PARTS ALL WITH ( EXACT )SAME PROBLEM SHOULD BE A MAJOR CONCERN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262684

35,250 miles · Feb 20, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE WITH THE 4.0 MOTOR IN IT. I HAVE BEEN HAVING LOSS OF COOLANT LATELY. NO LEAKS NO PUDDLES BUT COOLANT IS DISAPPEARING FROM MY OVER FLOW BOTTLE. A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2000 4.0L MOTORS. TURNS OUT THE HEAD CRACKS. CLOSER INSPECTION RE…

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I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE WITH THE 4.0 MOTOR IN IT. I HAVE BEEN HAVING LOSS OF COOLANT LATELY. NO LEAKS NO PUDDLES BUT COOLANT IS DISAPPEARING FROM MY OVER FLOW BOTTLE. A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2000 4.0L MOTORS. TURNS OUT THE HEAD CRACKS. CLOSER INSPECTION REVIEWS A CRACKED HEAD AT 35K MILES THE JEEP HAS CRACKED A HEAD. UNREAL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259423

68,000 miles · Feb 11, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLS WHILE IDLING. IF THE HEATER IS ACTIVATED, THE STALLING OCCURS LESS FREQUENTLY. NO MAJOR REPAIRS HAVE BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

NHTSA ODI #10258399

97,358 miles · Jan 16, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

REPLACED CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD ON 2000 4.0L JEEP CHEROKEE, AT 97,358 MILES. HAD BEEN LOSING COOLANT SINCE APPROX. 70,000 MI. BUT, NO ONE COULD FIND A LEAK. SINCE REPORTEDLY THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS FOR THIS MODEL YEAR WITH CASTING NO. 0331, I FEEL THAT CHRYSLER CORPORATION BEARS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPLACEM…

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REPLACED CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD ON 2000 4.0L JEEP CHEROKEE, AT 97,358 MILES. HAD BEEN LOSING COOLANT SINCE APPROX. 70,000 MI. BUT, NO ONE COULD FIND A LEAK. SINCE REPORTEDLY THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS FOR THIS MODEL YEAR WITH CASTING NO. 0331, I FEEL THAT CHRYSLER CORPORATION BEARS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPLACEMENT COST OF $2059.44. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10255333

Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2009
Seats

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME FAILED. SUDDENLY, THE SEAT TILTED COMPLETELY FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT TEMPORARILY REPAIRED THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME FAILED. SUDDENLY, THE SEAT TILTED COMPLETELY FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT TEMPORARILY REPAIRED THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10255027

95,000 miles · Dec 26, 2008
Visibility

SUV'S HEATER/AC MALFUNCTIONED SO THAT THERE IS NO HEAT. THERE IS AC, BUT NO DEFROST IS AVAILABLE. THE PART BROKE AND THE HEATER HAS NOT BEEN FUNCTIONING SINCE. I AM STILL TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I BOUGHT AN AUXILIARY HEATER TO DEFROST THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10252812

159,600 miles · Dec 17, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

LOW OIL PRESSURE: I CHANGE MY OIL AS SPECIFIED IN MANUAL. NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAVE A DROP IN OIL PRESSURE. WHEN DRIVING THE JEEP MY OIL PRESSURE IS NOW AT NO MORE THAN 25PSI AND IT DROPS TO ZERO WHEN IDLE. ON MY LAST OIL CHANGE I HAD THE ENGINE CHECKED AND THERE WERE NO CRACKS AND NO MISFIRE. I HAD A TUNE UP DONE ON THE VE…

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LOW OIL PRESSURE: I CHANGE MY OIL AS SPECIFIED IN MANUAL. NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAVE A DROP IN OIL PRESSURE. WHEN DRIVING THE JEEP MY OIL PRESSURE IS NOW AT NO MORE THAN 25PSI AND IT DROPS TO ZERO WHEN IDLE. ON MY LAST OIL CHANGE I HAD THE ENGINE CHECKED AND THERE WERE NO CRACKS AND NO MISFIRE. I HAD A TUNE UP DONE ON THE VEHICLE IN SEPT 2008. ENGINE AND EVERYTHING WAS RUNNING FINE. AS FOR THAT DAY I HAVE TO GET THE JEEP TO MECHANIC TO TAKE A LOOK. THIS PAST SUMMER THE JEEP ALSO WOULD OVER HEAT IN 90 DEGREE WEATHER AND IT MOSTLY HAPPENED WHEN THE AC WAS TURNED ON. TOOK IT MECHANIC AND COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WE REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT WITH A LOWER TEMP AND SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEN ABOUT 2 DAYS LATER THE JEEP STARTED TO OVERHEAT AGAIN. REPLACED THE RELAY AS IT TESTED BAD. WHILE REPLACING THE RELAY THE FAN BROKE. THE BLADES COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE FAN MOTOR IN A WHOLE PIECE. REPLACED FAN. NEVER THOUGHT I HAD ANY COOLANT LEAKS AND NEVER FOUND ANY BUT THE COOLANT WILL NOT STAY IN THE RESERVOIR. IT JUST DISAPPEARS. I HAD THE ENGINE INSPECTED AGAIN AND NO CRACKS AND THE OIL APPEARED TO BE FINE. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS WHAT IS GOING TO BE DONE? ANYTHING? IT'S NOT LIKE I CAN AFFORD ANEW CAR OR THOUSANDS IN PARTS AND LABOR. ALSO HAVE OTHER ISSUES I WELL 1ST ANOTHER COMPLAINT FOR THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10252069

65,325 miles · Oct 15, 2008
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolinePower Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THERE WAS A LOSS OF TRANSMISSION POWER. THE VEHICLE HESITATED EXCESSIVELY, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE. THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AT THAT TIME. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, T…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THERE WAS A LOSS OF TRANSMISSION POWER. THE VEHICLE HESITATED EXCESSIVELY, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE. THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AT THAT TIME. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATORS REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED WITHIN TWENTY MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TWICE FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE CRANK SENSOR AND FUEL FILTER WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTIONS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,325 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,475. UPDATED 11-25-08 *BF UPDATED 11/26/08. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10245557

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