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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

Steering complaints

16 reports
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156,000 miles · Apr 17, 2013
SteeringSuspension

I HAVE A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE AND BEGAN TO NOTICE THE PROBLEM TOWARD THE END OF 2012 OR FIRST OF 2013. WHEN I WOULD REACH A SPEED OF AROUND 55 MPH, THE FRONT WHEELS/STEERING WHEEL WOULD BEGIN TO VIBRATE, SHAKE OR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT. IT IS A VIOLENT VIBRATION THAT IS PRETTY SCARY AND FEELS LIKE YOU CANNOT CONTROL THE VE…

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I HAVE A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE AND BEGAN TO NOTICE THE PROBLEM TOWARD THE END OF 2012 OR FIRST OF 2013. WHEN I WOULD REACH A SPEED OF AROUND 55 MPH, THE FRONT WHEELS/STEERING WHEEL WOULD BEGIN TO VIBRATE, SHAKE OR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT. IT IS A VIOLENT VIBRATION THAT IS PRETTY SCARY AND FEELS LIKE YOU CANNOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE. IT SUBSIDES IF YOU IMMEDIATELY SLOW WAY DOWN. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. IT NOW WOULD START AROUND 45 MILES AN HOUR OR SO, DEPENDING ON HOW SMOOTH OR BUMPY THE ROAD IS. THE BUMPIER, THE MORE EASILY IN BEGINS THE WOBBLE. WHEN I RECENTLY RESEARCHED IT ONLINE, IT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE". I HAVE NEVER PUT IN "NON-CONFORMING" PARTS, NOR HAVE I USED MY VEHICLE OFF-ROAD OR ABUSED IT. I HAVE MAINTAINED MY VEHICLE AND IT HAS ABOUT 160,000 MILES ON IT. I HAD JUST TAKEN IT IN TO SEE IF THE SHAKING CAN BE REPAIRED, AND THE PERSON WORKING ON IT, REPLACED ALMOST EVERY PART ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION ETC. IN WHAT HE THOUGHT HAD CORRECTED THE PROBLEM, IT HAS ONLY MODERATELY REDUCED THE SYMPTOMS. SO FAR, ABOUT $800.00 WORTH OF REPAIRS THAT HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK I WANT ANY OF MY TAX DOLLARS TO BAIL OUT CHRYSLER CORPORATION IF THEY DO NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. I SAW THEIR FORCED "ACKNOWLEDGEMENT" OF THE PROBLEM AND I ALSO SAW THAT THEY WILL NOT PICK UP THE COST OF TRYING TO FIX THE DEFECT. VERY DISAPPOINTED AND WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER CHRYSLER PRODUCT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508571

125,000 miles · Aug 19, 2012
Steering

DEATH WOBBLE. I'VE ROTATED THE TIRES, I'VE HAD THE WHEELS BALANCED, I'VE HAD THE TIE-RODS REPLACED AND "UNPREDITABLE" DEATH WOBBLE CONTINUES. I WAS LITERALLY INCHES AWAY FROM BEING REAR ENDED AND CAUSING A MULTICAR WRECK TODAY ON THE 22 FREEWAY IN SANTA ANA, CA WHEN I HAD TO BRAKE ON THE FREEWAY TO STOP THE VIOLENT WOBBLE. TH…

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DEATH WOBBLE. I'VE ROTATED THE TIRES, I'VE HAD THE WHEELS BALANCED, I'VE HAD THE TIE-RODS REPLACED AND "UNPREDITABLE" DEATH WOBBLE CONTINUES. I WAS LITERALLY INCHES AWAY FROM BEING REAR ENDED AND CAUSING A MULTICAR WRECK TODAY ON THE 22 FREEWAY IN SANTA ANA, CA WHEN I HAD TO BRAKE ON THE FREEWAY TO STOP THE VIOLENT WOBBLE. THIS IS A MFG DEFECT THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED (AND LIABILITY ASSUMED) BY THE MFG. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10471468

107,000 miles · Jun 23, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringSuspension

THIS IS ANOTHER COMPLAINT FOR 'DEATH WOBBLE'. I HAVE HAD MY JEEP TAKEN IN SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE HAD TO LIVE WITH IT BECAUSE MECHANICS DIDN'T BELIEVE ME OR JUST DIDN'T SOLVE MY PROBLEM. I SHOULD HAVE USED THE LA LEMON LAW STATUTES TO RETURN MY CAR BUT DIDN'T KNOW THAT BACK THEN. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD 45-70 MPH AND EITHER …

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THIS IS ANOTHER COMPLAINT FOR 'DEATH WOBBLE'. I HAVE HAD MY JEEP TAKEN IN SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE HAD TO LIVE WITH IT BECAUSE MECHANICS DIDN'T BELIEVE ME OR JUST DIDN'T SOLVE MY PROBLEM. I SHOULD HAVE USED THE LA LEMON LAW STATUTES TO RETURN MY CAR BUT DIDN'T KNOW THAT BACK THEN. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD 45-70 MPH AND EITHER HITTING A BUMP OR GOING AROUND 70 MPH YOUR WHOLE FRONT END WILL "SHIMMY/SHAKE/WOBBLE" MAKING IT FEEL LIKE A GIANT EARTHQUAKE. I HAVE TRIED TO FIND A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST THIS AS I FIND SEVERAL WEBSITES/FORUMS/CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING ABOUT IT. RIGHT WHEN IT SHAKES YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN BELOW 40 MPH - SOMETIMES ON THE INTERSTATE AND HAVE HAD CLOSE CALLS FOR A COLLISION! IF YOU WANT JUST SEARCH FOR 'DEATH WOBBLE' AND YOU WILL SEE A WHOLE NEW WORLD. I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU DIDN'T SLOW DOWN AS YOUR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE IS TO HIT THE BRAKES. PARTS REPLACED HAVE BEEN BRAKE ROTORS/PADS, STEERING DAMPENER, UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND TIRES. IT STILL DOES IT TO THIS DAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10408655

138,000 miles · Jan 18, 2011
Electrical SystemSteering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHE WAS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL SHE HEARD A NOISE AS IF PLASTIC WAS BROKEN. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE HORN, THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TES…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHE WAS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL SHE HEARD A NOISE AS IF PLASTIC WAS BROKEN. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE HORN, THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,100.

NHTSA ODI #10377078

59,650 miles · Jul 31, 2006
Steering

CONSUMER MOVED STEERING WHEEL FORWARD UPON EXITING 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. NOW THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT MOVE AT ALL. *KB WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MOVED FORWARD THE CONSUMER HEARD A FUNNY NOISE. NOW THE STEERING WHEEL CANNOT BE MOVED BACK TO IT'S NORMAL DRIVING POSITION. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER AND WA GIVEN THE MANU…

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CONSUMER MOVED STEERING WHEEL FORWARD UPON EXITING 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. NOW THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT MOVE AT ALL. *KB WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MOVED FORWARD THE CONSUMER HEARD A FUNNY NOISE. NOW THE STEERING WHEEL CANNOT BE MOVED BACK TO IT'S NORMAL DRIVING POSITION. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER AND WA GIVEN THE MANUFACTURERS CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10164759

59,650 miles · Jul 14, 2006
Steering

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHILE TURNING. THE TILT STEERING WHEEL THEN LOCKED IN THE FORWARD POSITION. A SERVICE DEALER WAS CONSULTED ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED.

NHTSA ODI #10162377

6,000 miles · Aug 5, 2003
Steering

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEERING WHEEL "SHIMMERS" EXCESSIVELY WHEN DRIVING MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE CONTROL. DEALER DIAGNOSED CRACKED STEERING COLUMN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10032055

Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2002
Steering

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 60MPH THE BOLTS OF THE GEAR BOX OF THE POWER STEERING BROKE AND CONSUMER LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION . TS

NHTSA ODI #8023547

Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2002
Steering

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING PUMP. ALSO STATED THAT IT HAS BEEN REPLACE THREE DIFFERENT TIMES ON THE LAST SIX MONTHS AND NOW IT IS HAPPEND AGAIN FOR THE FORTH TIME. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE LEMON LAW WILL ONLY COVER THREE TIMES AND NOTHING ELSE. TS

NHTSA ODI #8023488

Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2002
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringSuspension

WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 25-30 MPH, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP SUDDENLY. *YH *DT

NHTSA ODI #567902

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