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1999 Jeep Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cherokee years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Jeep Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 113.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

95 reports with mileage · 271 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 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

41 crash reports18 fire reports25 injury reports

Power Train complaints

53 reports
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119,000 miles · Jan 13, 2013
Power TrainVisibilityVisibility/wiper

SINCE THERE IS NO CATAGORY FOR THIS ISSUE I HAD TO PUT VISIBILITY/WIPER IN ORDER TO EVEN SUBMIT THIS FORM. THERE IS NO CATAGORY FOR THE HEATING SYSTEM WHICH THERE ARE A LOT OF PROBLEMS!!! THE ACCUATOR DOORS REGULATING THE HEAT TO THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ARE BROKEN. I THOUGHT BY REPLACING THE MOTOR WHICH CONTROLS THEM IT WOUL…

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SINCE THERE IS NO CATAGORY FOR THIS ISSUE I HAD TO PUT VISIBILITY/WIPER IN ORDER TO EVEN SUBMIT THIS FORM. THERE IS NO CATAGORY FOR THE HEATING SYSTEM WHICH THERE ARE A LOT OF PROBLEMS!!! THE ACCUATOR DOORS REGULATING THE HEAT TO THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ARE BROKEN. I THOUGHT BY REPLACING THE MOTOR WHICH CONTROLS THEM IT WOULD FIX IT. NO SUCH LUCK THE DOORS ARE BROKEN AND NOT ONLY ARE THEY ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO REACH WITHOUT PULLING THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD AND CONSOLE, THE COST FOR IT WILL BE AROUND $1500 AND THAT IS ABSURD FOR A PART WHICH IS LESS THAN $100. THE LABOR WILL BE ABOUT $1300 TO GET TO IT. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE CAN'T THEY DESIGN A VEHICLE THAT CAN BE WORKED ON WITHOUT TAKING IT APART TO A LEVEL WHICH MAKES ME WANT TO JUNK THE CAR!! THEY SHOULD HAVE PUT SOMETHING OTHER THAN PLASTIC TO CONTROL THE HEAT IN THE VEHICLE. NOW IT IS THE MIDDLE OF JANUARY IN NEW MEXICO AND IT IS FREEZING. THANKS JEEP, I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS SUV AND I'LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER AMREICAN CAR AGAIN!! I HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION 2 YEARS AGO AT THE TUNE OF $3500. I RARELY GO ON A DIRT ROAD LET ALONE DRIVE FAST OR RECKLESS. A TRANSMISSION GOING OUT AT 65,000 IS ABSURD AND POOR DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING. THIS CAR IS NICKLING AND DIMEING ME TO DEATH!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10492391

105,115 miles · Mar 6, 2007
Power TrainInjury

I DROVE MY JEEP TO A HOME, PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, LEFT THE CAR RUNNING ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES. AS I WAS LOCKING THE DOOR LEAVING THE HOME I TURNED AND SAW THE JEEP GOING IN REVERSE TOWARD THE ROAD, I RAN TO THE JEEP TO TRY AND GET IN AND CONTROL THE JEEP, I SLIPPED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND IT RAN OVER BOTH MY LEGS. IT CAME TO A COMPL…

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I DROVE MY JEEP TO A HOME, PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, LEFT THE CAR RUNNING ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES. AS I WAS LOCKING THE DOOR LEAVING THE HOME I TURNED AND SAW THE JEEP GOING IN REVERSE TOWARD THE ROAD, I RAN TO THE JEEP TO TRY AND GET IN AND CONTROL THE JEEP, I SLIPPED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND IT RAN OVER BOTH MY LEGS. IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP ABOUT 30-50 FEET AFTER IT RAN ME OVER. I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL, TREATED AND RELEASED. I HAVE NOT YET HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10184341

Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2005
Power Train

DT: THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND THEN STEPPED OUT WITH THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING. AFTER IT HAD BEEN SITTING FOR AWHILE IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT REACHED OVER TO ASSURE IT WAS IN PARK. WHEN SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE SHE ALERTED HER HUSBAND WITH THE HORN. …

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DT: THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND THEN STEPPED OUT WITH THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING. AFTER IT HAD BEEN SITTING FOR AWHILE IT BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT REACHED OVER TO ASSURE IT WAS IN PARK. WHEN SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE SHE ALERTED HER HUSBAND WITH THE HORN. HE CAME IN THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND REACHED OVER TO ASSURE IT WAS IN PARK AS WELL. HE THEN TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND TOOK THE KEYS OUT. THE VEHICLE STOPPED ONCE IT WAS IN THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10145579

12,000 miles · Aug 12, 2004
Fuel System, OtherPower TrainSuspension

WARRANTY REPLACEMENT OF TRANSFER CASE DUE TO HAIRLINE FRACTURE DURING MANUFACTURING WITHIN FIRST 7,000 MILES ON CAR. AT 37,000 MILES FUEL SENSOR FAILED. AT 69,000 WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. AT 72,000 REAR SHOCK BROKE OFF CAR LEAVING BOLTS STILL IN CHASSIS. VERY FRUSTRATED, CHRYSTER CORP. DOES NOT CARE!

NHTSA ODI #10086670

Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2004
Power TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrash

CRASH - I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE IN MY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. I WAS BRAKING WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, DRIVING ME INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, BUT ONLY THIS TIME DID IT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK IT TO A CERTIFIED JEEP DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECK IT OUT. THE…

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CRASH - I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE IN MY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. I WAS BRAKING WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, DRIVING ME INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, BUT ONLY THIS TIME DID IT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK IT TO A CERTIFIED JEEP DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECK IT OUT. THEY SAID NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. I AM PRETTY NERVOUS ABOUT THIS. I KNOW HOW HARD I WAS BRAKING, AND IT JUST DIDN'T MATTER. THE CAR WAS WORKING AGAINST ME. I HAD TO THROW IT INTO PARK JUST TO STOP THE CAR. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10074845

64,000 miles · Jun 4, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

WHILE DOWN SHIFTING TO SECOND GEAR AT 40 MPH, THE ENGINE ACCELERATED AT A HIGHER RATE. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND DID NOT PLAN ON CONTACTING THE JEEP DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW…

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WHILE DOWN SHIFTING TO SECOND GEAR AT 40 MPH, THE ENGINE ACCELERATED AT A HIGHER RATE. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND DID NOT PLAN ON CONTACTING THE JEEP DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWED DOWN WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING, IT WAS THEN SWITCHED TO A LOWER GEAR AND PROCEEDED, THEN WAS PLACED BACK INTO DRIVE IN WHICH IT WAS SLOWED DOWN AND THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING AGAIN IN A LOWER GEAR BUT DID NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND KNOCK WHEN PLACED IN THE ENGINE WHEN PLACED IN PARK. (THE U-JOINT FAILED) *SC THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE NEEDED AN OXYGEN SENSOE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10067088

Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2004
Power Train

I OWN A 1991 JEEP CHEROKEE SP/CL 4 WD. WHEN I TAKE IT OUT OF 4WD IT WON'T DISINGAGE UNLESS I PUT IT INTO REVERSE. THE MANUAL DOES NOT MENTION THIS. I DROVE FOR 20 MILES IN 4 WD WITHOUT KNOWING IT UNTIL I STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING. I CALLED AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME TO PUT IT IN REVERSE. I DID AND IT WORKED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10066357

40,000 miles · Dec 3, 2003
Power TrainCrashInjury

WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND GOT OUT. AFTER GETTING OUT, THE VEHICLE HAD GONE INTO REVERSE, STRUCK THE DRIVER AND CRASHED INTO A NEIGHBOR'S GARAGE. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WITHOUT TEARING APART THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *AK THERE WERE …

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WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND GOT OUT. AFTER GETTING OUT, THE VEHICLE HAD GONE INTO REVERSE, STRUCK THE DRIVER AND CRASHED INTO A NEIGHBOR'S GARAGE. THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WITHOUT TEARING APART THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *AK THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THE 1993-1998 MODELS. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10044860

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2003
Power Train

CONSUMER HAS PROBLEM WITH THE DIFFERENTIAL, AND WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THIS ISSUE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10038506

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2003
Power TrainCrash

THE VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO PARK, DRIVER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, AND LEFT THE DOOR OPEN. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO REVERSE, AND HIT THE WALL, AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR CAME OFF. DRIVER JUMPED BACK INTO THE VEHICLE AND APPLIED THE BRAKES. JEEP, GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO ,1999. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10024853

Official recalls

2

00V136000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor

May 10, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS CAN EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE "SALT BELT." IF THE ROTORS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE CORROSION CAN EVENTUALLY COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.

00V105000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Apr 11, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. WATER AND/OR ROAD SALT IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE COULD LEAD TO CORROSION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SUCH CORROSION CAN LEAD TO ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT OR COULD ALLOW INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE AND LOCATE THE NEW MODULE ON THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION TUNNEL.

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