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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

What owners actually said

229 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2002
Fuel System, GasolineTiresFire

PURCHASED JEEP CHEROKEE 4WD 2001 NEW DROVE OFF DEALERSHIP LOT AND NOTICED VIBRATION AND WHEEL SHOOK SLIGHTLY, TECHNICIAN SAID THIS WAS DUE TO THE NEWNESS OF THE TIRES AND THAT I WAS NOT USED TO DRIVING AN SUV AND IT WAS A "SPORTIER AND ROUGHER RIDE". VIBRATIONS INCREASED AS TIME WENT ON. THEN STEERING STARTED TO PULL TO ONE SID…

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PURCHASED JEEP CHEROKEE 4WD 2001 NEW DROVE OFF DEALERSHIP LOT AND NOTICED VIBRATION AND WHEEL SHOOK SLIGHTLY, TECHNICIAN SAID THIS WAS DUE TO THE NEWNESS OF THE TIRES AND THAT I WAS NOT USED TO DRIVING AN SUV AND IT WAS A "SPORTIER AND ROUGHER RIDE". VIBRATIONS INCREASED AS TIME WENT ON. THEN STEERING STARTED TO PULL TO ONE SIDE. I MET WITH A MECHANIC (NOT AT THE DEALERSHIP-WANTED OUTSIDE OPINION). MECHANIC STATED FRONT TIRES NEEDED REPLACED AS THEY WERE BUBBLED ON INSIDE , NEEDED NEW CERAMIX FRONT BRAKE PADS ,NEW MACHINE ROTORS, AND FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND MY RIGHT REAR RIM IS BENT AND LEFT CAMBER IS OUT AND THEIR ARE NO KITS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME TO REPAIR MY JEEP. I PAID $846.43 AND WHEN I DROVE HOME THE JEEP STILL VIBRATES AND PULLS. I HEAR A NOISE WHEN I AM DRIVING THAT SOUNDS LIKE THE TIRES OR RIMS ARE RUBBING. I DON'T BLAME MY MECHANIC, HE DID A FINE JOB HOWEVER I FEEL THAT I GOT STUCK WITH A LEMON AND WAS SHOCKED TO SEE 113 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ON YOUR SITE THAT WERE ALL VERY SIMILAR TO MY OWN. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO FURTHER BY SOMEONE WHO HAS MORE EXPERTISE THAN MYSELF IN THIS AREA. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH SERVICE TECHNICIAN NEXT WEEK TO CHECK MANIFOLD DUE TO ENGINE FIRES RECALL NOTICE I RECEIVED-ONE MORE THING TO ADD TO MY LIST OF WORRIES FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILIES SAFETY WHILE DRIVING THIS LEMON. THANK YOU, [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #766780

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2002
Vehicle Speed Control

CONSUMER STATES THAT CAR AUTOMATICALLY TAKES OFF UP TO ABOUT 10-12MPH.*JB

NHTSA ODI #8018010

Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2002
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

FRONT ROTORS AND THE PADS ARE WEARING EXCESSIVELY. FRONT ROTORS WERE TURNED TWICE, AND REPLACED ONCE. BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED ON THREE OCCASIONS FROM 15.000 MILES TO PRESENT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING AND FRONT END SHAKES. *YH

NHTSA ODI #8017384

Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

FRONT BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS ARE WEARING EXCESSIVELY FROM 26,400 MILES TO PRESENT MILEAGE. REPAIRS MADE AT A REPAIR SHOP. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8017383

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

JEEP WAS SUBJECT TO VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING DUE TO FRONT ROTORS WARPING. ROTORS WERE TURNED PRIOR TO THIS, BUT PROBLEM REOCCURRED AFTER 3000 TO 5000 MILES. DEALERSHIP STATED THIS WA SDUE TO DRIVER'S ERROR. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #8015385

Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling

EXHAUST PIPE STICKS OUT TOO FAR IN THE REAR OF VEHICLE. WHEN RETRIEVING OBJECTS FROM REAR SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE BEEN BURNED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8015204

Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2002
Power Train

JEEP PURCHASED 7/19/02. WHEN TRANSMISSION SHIFTS THE SECOND SHIFT, THE SHIFT IS VERY RUFF AND YOU HERE A CLUNK. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ON A CONSISTANT BASIS. JEEP WAS TAKEN INTO THE SHOP ON 7/26/02 A CODE "65" FOR TRANSMISSION AND ACCUSED ME OF DRIVING VEHICLE HARSHLY. WHILE DRIVING DURING THE WEEKEND JEEP CONT TO SHIFT THE SAME…

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JEEP PURCHASED 7/19/02. WHEN TRANSMISSION SHIFTS THE SECOND SHIFT, THE SHIFT IS VERY RUFF AND YOU HERE A CLUNK. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ON A CONSISTANT BASIS. JEEP WAS TAKEN INTO THE SHOP ON 7/26/02 A CODE "65" FOR TRANSMISSION AND ACCUSED ME OF DRIVING VEHICLE HARSHLY. WHILE DRIVING DURING THE WEEKEND JEEP CONT TO SHIFT THE SAME WAY. TOOK JEEP BACK IN ON 7/29/02 AND GOT JEEP BACK ON7/30/02 STATING THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THAT EVENING I HAD THE TRANNY SHIFT HARSHLY 2 X. JEEP IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND SINCE I AM A WOMAN I THINK THEY DON'T BELIEVE ME. ANY HELP OR INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #764966

Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

THE VEHICLE WITH 10529 MILES LOST ALL POWER DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING AT ABOUT 55 MPH. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES, I STARTED THE CAR AND DROVE ABOUT ONE HALF MILE BEFORE IT LOST ALL POWER AGAIN AND THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE CAR WAS TOWED. AFTER CONSIDERABLE TIME IN THE DEALER'S SHOP DURI…

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THE VEHICLE WITH 10529 MILES LOST ALL POWER DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING AT ABOUT 55 MPH. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES, I STARTED THE CAR AND DROVE ABOUT ONE HALF MILE BEFORE IT LOST ALL POWER AGAIN AND THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE CAR WAS TOWED. AFTER CONSIDERABLE TIME IN THE DEALER'S SHOP DURING WHICH THE PROBLEMS WERE APPARENTLY DIFFICULT ENOUGH TO WARRANT CONSULTATION WITH THE MANUFACTURER, THE DRIVE OIL PUMP, THE MAIN COMPUTER (MODULE POWERTRA.), CAMSHAFT SENSOR, AND CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WERE REPLACED. AT 10747 MILES, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE CAR WAS AGAIN TOWED TO THE GARAGE ALTHOUGH IT HAD BEEN RUNNING FOR ABOUT 3/4 MILE AFTER THE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE #4 CYLINDER WAS MISFIRING. THE SYNCHRONIZATION WAS RESET WITHOUT ANY PARTS REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA ODI #764914

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train

CONSUMER STATES FRONT ROTORS CONTINUE TO WARP AFTER (2) REPLACEMENTS. WHEN EVER THE TRUCK HITS A BUMP WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH OR ABOVE WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY. OWNER IS CONCERNED ABOUT CONTROLLING THE TRUCK WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *JB ALSO THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT WAS LOOSE WHICH WAS CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE, THE TRANSF…

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CONSUMER STATES FRONT ROTORS CONTINUE TO WARP AFTER (2) REPLACEMENTS. WHEN EVER THE TRUCK HITS A BUMP WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH OR ABOVE WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY. OWNER IS CONCERNED ABOUT CONTROLLING THE TRUCK WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *JB ALSO THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT WAS LOOSE WHICH WAS CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE, THE TRANSFER CASE WAS LOOSE, THE GASKET AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED DUE TO A COOLANT LEAK, CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE AIR CONDITION AND HEATER ONLY BLOWS AT DEFROST VENTS, THE REAR LUGGAGE RAIL CAME OUT.*JB

NHTSA ODI #8014796

Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2002
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THE BRAKES SEEM TO PULSATE WHEN APPLIED. THE STEERING SEEMS TO DRIFT OVER THE YELLOW LINE AT RANDOM TIMES WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND THE VEHICLES FRONT END NOSE DIVES AFTER BRAKING. THESE TIMES ARE UNPREDICTABLE AND SOMETIMES WEEKS IN BETWEEN.*AK

NHTSA ODI #764696

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