Illustration1. VEHICLE OVERHEATING AND VERY LOW OIL PRESSURE 2. FOUND CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD BETWEEN CYLINDERS 3 AND 4 CAUSING COOLANT TO ENTER CRANKCASE AND CONTAMINATE OIL. THUS RUINING ENGINE BEARINGS. 3. REPLACEMENT OF CYLINDER HEAD WITH EARLIER MODEL DESIGN AND NEW BEARINGS IN ENGINE. *TR
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 reportsTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS UNSTABLE AND ROCKS FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND FORWARDS AND BACKWARDS. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRACKET, BUT IT STILL DOES NOT WORK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,800 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,263. UPDATED 10/08/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/10/08. *JB
BOUGHT VEHICLE NEW AND PERFORMED REGULAR MAINTENANCE. HAD TO REPLACE BRAKE ROTORS AT 62,000. AT 78,000 MILES ENGINE OVERHEATED; VERIFIED FAN, RADIATOR, AND WATER PUMP IN WORKING ORDER AND REPLACED THERMOSTAT AND TEMPERATURE SENSOR. ENGINE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT WITH UNEXPLAINED COOLANT LOSS. NO LEAKAGE AND CLEAN OIL. REPLACE…
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BOUGHT VEHICLE NEW AND PERFORMED REGULAR MAINTENANCE. HAD TO REPLACE BRAKE ROTORS AT 62,000. AT 78,000 MILES ENGINE OVERHEATED; VERIFIED FAN, RADIATOR, AND WATER PUMP IN WORKING ORDER AND REPLACED THERMOSTAT AND TEMPERATURE SENSOR. ENGINE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT WITH UNEXPLAINED COOLANT LOSS. NO LEAKAGE AND CLEAN OIL. REPLACED HEAD GASKET ANYWAY AND NOTICED NO CRACKS IN HEAD. STILL RUNS HOT AND LOSES COOLANT SOMEHOW. AT 80,000 MILES ENGINE DEVELOPED MISS AFTER REPLACING COIL AND CHECKING FUEL AND FIRING SYSTEMS REMOVED HEAD AGAIN AND PULLED LIFTERS. BOTTOM OF ONE LIFTER WAS GROUND OFF RESULTING IN SOME WEAR OF CAM LOBE. REPLACED LIFTERS AND VALVE SPRINGS. FIXED ENGINE MISS. AT 82,000 MILES OIL GAUGE SHOWED 80 POUNDS OF OIL PRESSURE UNTIL ENGINE TOTALLY WARM THEN DROPPED TO 40 LBS. ALSO SHOWED 40 LBS WHEN KEYED MOVED TO ON POSITION WITH ENGINE NOT RUNNING. REPLACED OIL PRESSURE SENDING UNIT. NOW ENGINE RUNS 40-45 LBS WHEN COLD AND DROPS TO 10 LBS WHEN RUNNING AFTER TOTALLY WARM. WHEN STOPPING AT LIGHTS AFTER DRIVING WITH WARM ENGINE, OIL PRESSURE DROPS TO 0 AND CHECK GAUGES LIGHT COMES ON. PURCHASED A HIGH VOLUME OIL PUMP AND WILL SEE IF THIS CORRECTS THAT PROBLEM. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE FOR A VEHICLE WITH 83,000 MILES THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW AND WELL MAINTAINED. FURTHERMORE WHEN CHECKING WITH OTHER OWNERS THESE PROBLEMS AND MORE SEEM TO BE COMMON FOR THIS YEAR/MODEL. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED HER HEADLIGHTS AND DISCOVERED THAT THEY PRODUCED POOR ILLUMINATION. SHE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAVE HAD MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS FAILURE AND ARE WORKING ON A REMEDY. AS OF AUG…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED HER HEADLIGHTS AND DISCOVERED THAT THEY PRODUCED POOR ILLUMINATION. SHE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAVE HAD MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS FAILURE AND ARE WORKING ON A REMEDY. AS OF AUGUST 13, 2008, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
FAULTY TIRE VALVE STEMS - 2 OF THEM. *TR
INTERMITTENT A/C FAILURE. BEGINNING IN 2006, COMPLAINED TO JEEP DEALERSHIP/SERVICE THAT A/C KEPT CUTTING OUT/QUITTING. EVAPORATER REPLACED. I CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS. A/C SWITCH WAS REPLACED. I CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS. COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED. I CONTINUED TO HAVE E PROBLEMS. JEEP WAS BACK & FORTH 1/2 DOZEN MORE TIM…
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INTERMITTENT A/C FAILURE. BEGINNING IN 2006, COMPLAINED TO JEEP DEALERSHIP/SERVICE THAT A/C KEPT CUTTING OUT/QUITTING. EVAPORATER REPLACED. I CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS. A/C SWITCH WAS REPLACED. I CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS. COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED. I CONTINUED TO HAVE E PROBLEMS. JEEP WAS BACK & FORTH 1/2 DOZEN MORE TIMES WITH SAME COMPLAINT. I CONTINUED TO HAVE SAME PROBLEM. NOW UP TO $2K. TOOK JEEP TO A/C SPECIALIST. THEY REPLACED ANOTHER SWITCH & SAID SYSTEM WAS OVER CHARGED...EVACUATED SYSTEM & RECHARGED - $400. JEEP CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE SAME PROBLEM. THEY (A/C SHOP) NOW SAY COMPRESSOR CLUTCH (PART OF NEW COMPRESSOR) IS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY & JEEP SHOULD HONOR WARRANTY ON COMPRESSOR & REPAIR CLUTCH. *TR
THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE A/C STOPPED BLOWING COLD AIR. TURNS OUT THE AIR IS BLOWING COLD AIR UP TO THE BLEND DOOR. THE PROBLEM IS THE BLEND DOOR. *TR
THE JEEP WINDOW REGULATOR IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND MINE HAS BROKE TWICE IN ONE WEEK. I HAVE A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE AND IT IS IN THE SHOP TO HAVE THE THIRD WINDOW REGULATOR INSTALLED. THIS IS A CONSTANT ISSUE WITH JEEPS AND SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ISSUED AND FIX THE PROBLEM. HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL QUESTION AND ANSWER SITES ON THE INTERN…
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THE JEEP WINDOW REGULATOR IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND MINE HAS BROKE TWICE IN ONE WEEK. I HAVE A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE AND IT IS IN THE SHOP TO HAVE THE THIRD WINDOW REGULATOR INSTALLED. THIS IS A CONSTANT ISSUE WITH JEEPS AND SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ISSUED AND FIX THE PROBLEM. HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL QUESTION AND ANSWER SITES ON THE INTERNET AND JEEP WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SHUTTERING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THIRTY MINUTES LATER, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND A REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT THE COIL BURNED AND THE E…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SHUTTERING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THIRTY MINUTES LATER, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND A REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT THE COIL BURNED AND THE ENGINE HAD EXCESSIVE CARBON. THE ENGINE WAS CLEANED OUT AND THE COIL WAS REPAIRED. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE REPAIR WAS MADE, THE VEHICLE FAILED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CYLINDER CRACKED FROM EXCESSIVE HEATING. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
2000 JEEP CHEROKEE..4.0..6 CYLINDER IN-LINE MOTOR. 77,000 MILES SERVICED AS INSTRUCTED SINCE NEW. BROUGHT JEEP TO PREMIER JEEP SANDWICH MA AND WAS TOLD I HAD A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD. COST TO REPAIR $3,200. ( W/ WATER PUMP & THERMOSTAT). JEEP HAS NEVER OVERHEATED. THERE WAS NO WARNING-THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE. GOOGLED THIS MOTO…
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2000 JEEP CHEROKEE..4.0..6 CYLINDER IN-LINE MOTOR. 77,000 MILES SERVICED AS INSTRUCTED SINCE NEW. BROUGHT JEEP TO PREMIER JEEP SANDWICH MA AND WAS TOLD I HAD A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD. COST TO REPAIR $3,200. ( W/ WATER PUMP & THERMOSTAT). JEEP HAS NEVER OVERHEATED. THERE WAS NO WARNING-THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE. GOOGLED THIS MOTOR AND WAS OVERWHELMED WITH IDENTICAL PROBLEMS -50 ON ONE SITE...ALL WERE 2000 JEEP 4.0 6CYL MOTORS. *TR
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