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2001 Jeep Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cherokee years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 113.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

104 reports with mileage · 125 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 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

25 crash reports13 fire reports15 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

37 reports
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110,000 miles · Mar 23, 2013
Engine And Engine Cooling

HEAD LINER HAS FALLEN AND NOW IT IS BREAKING APART AND PARTICLES ARE FLYING ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF MY JEEP AND I AM ON OXYGEN AND NEED TO OPEN MY WINDOWS BECAUSE THE AIR ONLY WORKS SOME TIMES AND WHEN I USE IT THE CAR TEMP GET VERY HIGH AND THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON I HAVE HAD THE RADIATOR FLUSHED TWICE EVEN REPLACED THE RADIATO…

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HEAD LINER HAS FALLEN AND NOW IT IS BREAKING APART AND PARTICLES ARE FLYING ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF MY JEEP AND I AM ON OXYGEN AND NEED TO OPEN MY WINDOWS BECAUSE THE AIR ONLY WORKS SOME TIMES AND WHEN I USE IT THE CAR TEMP GET VERY HIGH AND THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON I HAVE HAD THE RADIATOR FLUSHED TWICE EVEN REPLACED THE RADIATOR AT ONE POINT ALSO CHANGED THE THERMOSTAT I LOVE MY JEEP BUT I HATE TO SAY IT IF I HAVE TO REPLACE IT I DOUBT IF I WILL BUY JEEP OR DODGE AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504247

140,000 miles · May 24, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY DAUGHTER CALLED BECAUSE OF A NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I WENT TO HER WORK, RAISED THE HOOD, STARTED THE ENGINE, AND SHORTLY 1-2 MINUTES THEREAFTER, A LOUD POPPING/GRINDING OCCURRED. THE FAN DISINTEGRATED SENDING PARTS THROUGH THE RADIATOR, SHROUD, AND TOES OF MY LEFT SHOE. AND INJURY COULD HAVE OCCURRED BUT DID NOT. I …

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MY DAUGHTER CALLED BECAUSE OF A NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I WENT TO HER WORK, RAISED THE HOOD, STARTED THE ENGINE, AND SHORTLY 1-2 MINUTES THEREAFTER, A LOUD POPPING/GRINDING OCCURRED. THE FAN DISINTEGRATED SENDING PARTS THROUGH THE RADIATOR, SHROUD, AND TOES OF MY LEFT SHOE. AND INJURY COULD HAVE OCCURRED BUT DID NOT. I FOUND 1999-2004 JEEPS HAD A RECALL FOR THIS VERY TYPE OF EVENT. HOWEVER, IT MISSED HE VIN. I BELIEVE ALL OF THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. MY YOUNGEST SON HAS A 1999 THAT THE FAN CAME APART DAMAGING THE RADIATOR AND RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. I HAVE OWNER 7 JEEPS BUT NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. ANY ASSISTANCE IN ALERTING THE PUBLIC WILL BE APPRECIATED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10459508

78,585 miles · Jan 21, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

1. VEHICLE WAS LOSING COOLANT BUT NOTHING SHOWING UP IN THE ENGINE OIL COOLANT OR BURNING OUT THE TAIL PIPE. I WAS GOING THROUGH ABOUT A HALF GALLON PER WEEK. VEHICLE MAINTAINED LOSS OF COOLANT FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS, THE ADDED PROBLEM OF LOST OIL PRESSURE THEN BECAME A PROBLEM. 2.EVENTUALLY THE HEAD STARTED LEAKING BAD ENOUGH THA…

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1. VEHICLE WAS LOSING COOLANT BUT NOTHING SHOWING UP IN THE ENGINE OIL COOLANT OR BURNING OUT THE TAIL PIPE. I WAS GOING THROUGH ABOUT A HALF GALLON PER WEEK. VEHICLE MAINTAINED LOSS OF COOLANT FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS, THE ADDED PROBLEM OF LOST OIL PRESSURE THEN BECAME A PROBLEM. 2.EVENTUALLY THE HEAD STARTED LEAKING BAD ENOUGH THAT COOLANT WAS PRESENT IN THE OIL, AT WHICH POINT THE PROBLEM WAS PRESENT AND ABLE TO DIAGNOSE. 3. AT THAT POINT THE MAIN BEARINGS WERE A COMPLETE LOSS AND DETERMINED THAT THE CAM BEARINGS WERE GONE AS WELL AND HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MOTOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10378092

128,000 miles · Mar 31, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

2001 JEEP CHEROKEE 128,000 MILES HAS A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD BETWEEN PORTS #3 AND #4. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON FLAW ON 00-01 JEEPS WITH THE CYLINDER HEAD CAST # 0331.

NHTSA ODI #10323055

Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentExterior Lighting

DON'T BUY A JEEP! PIECE OF JUNK. SINCE I HAVE OWNED MINE THE FOLLOWING HAS BROKE RADIATOR, SEAT TRACK, POWER WINDOW MOTOR, BRAKES, BLOWOUT, TRANSMISSION, HEADLIGHT COVERS DULLED, MULTIPLE REAR LIGHT OUTAGES, INSIDE LIGHTS OUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10282023

20,000 miles · May 18, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY ENGINE LIGHT ON MY DASH BOARD IS ON ALL THE TIME THE MECHANIC STATED IT IS CYLINDER 3 MISFIRING & NEED TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP. MY DEALERSHIPS STATES IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AND MUST CHARGE ME TO FIX IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10269287

152,000 miles · Sep 1, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingLatches/locks/linkages

THE ENGINE HAS 150,00 MILES. IT IS LOSING COOLANT WITH NO PUDDLES TO SHOW FOR IT. THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE SHOWS 0 AT IDLE. THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY OVERHEATS. NO SIGN OF HEAD GASKET LEAK. COOLANT OVERFLOW TANK FILLS WITH COOLANT/OIL/RUST MIXTURE AFTER RUNNING THE ENGINE FOR 5 MINUTES. DOOR LOCKS DON'T WORK SOMETIMES. TAIL LIG…

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THE ENGINE HAS 150,00 MILES. IT IS LOSING COOLANT WITH NO PUDDLES TO SHOW FOR IT. THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE SHOWS 0 AT IDLE. THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY OVERHEATS. NO SIGN OF HEAD GASKET LEAK. COOLANT OVERFLOW TANK FILLS WITH COOLANT/OIL/RUST MIXTURE AFTER RUNNING THE ENGINE FOR 5 MINUTES. DOOR LOCKS DON'T WORK SOMETIMES. TAIL LIGHTS WORK ON AND OFF WHILE THE LIGHTS ARE OFF. ALL PROBLEMS STARTED WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10240529

58,000 miles · May 7, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

FIRST, ENGINE BEGAN TO LOOSE OVERHEAT AND LOOSE COOLANT AT 55,000M - 1 QT EVERY 200 - 300 MILES. NO LEAK FOUND BY MECHANIC. LOSS CONTINUED. THEN LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE WHEN ENGINE WAS WARMED FULLY. PRESSURE DROPS AT ALL RPM BUT DOWN TO 0 WHEN IDLE IS BELOW 1300 RPM( (AT IDLE). CANNOT FIND LEAK BUT HAVE BEEN ADVISED ON SEVERA…

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FIRST, ENGINE BEGAN TO LOOSE OVERHEAT AND LOOSE COOLANT AT 55,000M - 1 QT EVERY 200 - 300 MILES. NO LEAK FOUND BY MECHANIC. LOSS CONTINUED. THEN LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE WHEN ENGINE WAS WARMED FULLY. PRESSURE DROPS AT ALL RPM BUT DOWN TO 0 WHEN IDLE IS BELOW 1300 RPM( (AT IDLE). CANNOT FIND LEAK BUT HAVE BEEN ADVISED ON SEVERAL FORUMS THAT THIS YEAR (98 - 01) JEEP 4.0 ENGINES HAVE A VERY HIGH FAILURE RATE RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE A FAULTY ENGINE CASTING PRONE TO INTERNAL CRACKING, CAUSING COOLANT LOSS AND LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE. JEEP DEALER DENIES AND KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ISSUE. BUT, JEEP SENT A SPECIAL LETTER TO BUYERS OF THIS YEAR/MODEL JEEP CHEROKEE THAT THEY WERE DESPERATE TO BUY AS MANY OF THIS YEAR MAKE/MODEL AS THEY COULD AND WOULD PROVIDE A REASONABLE TRADE-IN VALUE. THEY DID NOT SPECIFY WHY THEY WOULD NEED TO ACQUIRE SO MANY OF THIS PARTICULAR USED YEAR/MODEL JEEP CHEROKEES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10226966

60,800 miles · Jan 11, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WEEK OF 1/1/07 THE DRIVER WENT TO START A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT WHEN A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND VIBRATIONS FELT. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED HER THAT THE CAM SHAFT WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE CONTAC…

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TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WEEK OF 1/1/07 THE DRIVER WENT TO START A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT WHEN A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND VIBRATIONS FELT. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED HER THAT THE CAM SHAFT WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAM SHAFT WAS REPLACED AND THE CONTACT DOES HAVE THE DAMAGED PARTS. THE DEALERSHIP DID INFORM THE CONTACT THAT THIS WAS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10178419

50,500 miles · Jul 26, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE LOW BEAM STOPPED WORKING. BOTH PROBLEMS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE EITHER PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10163495

Official recalls

2

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.

00V366000 · Child Seat

Nov 9, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.

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