Illustration1999 JEEP CHEROKEE, UNIT 1 WAS EAST BOUND. THE DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND PULLED TO THE BERM WHERE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE *BF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0792-91) UPDATED 02/15/11 *BF
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Cherokee years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
70–25K
1225–50K
2450–75K
1775–100K
21100–150K
14150K+
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
What owners actually said
366 reportsMY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE DOES NOT DEFROST RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF FRONT WINDOW. LEFT -HAND SIDE WORKS VERY WELL. THIS HAPPENED BEFORE THIS YEAR, BUT SEEMED TO WORK OK AT END OF 2009. HAVE TRIED TO MOVE SELECTOR CONTROL BACK AND FORTH, DID NOT HELP AT ALL. TAKES SOME TIME FOR THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF DEFROSTER TO CLEAR RIGHT-HAND SIDE. …
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MY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE DOES NOT DEFROST RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF FRONT WINDOW. LEFT -HAND SIDE WORKS VERY WELL. THIS HAPPENED BEFORE THIS YEAR, BUT SEEMED TO WORK OK AT END OF 2009. HAVE TRIED TO MOVE SELECTOR CONTROL BACK AND FORTH, DID NOT HELP AT ALL. TAKES SOME TIME FOR THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF DEFROSTER TO CLEAR RIGHT-HAND SIDE. MY FRIEND HAD A 1998 DODGE DURANGO AND A 1996 DODGE STEALTH THAT DID THE SAME THING. COULD THIS BE A CHRYSLER MANUFACTURING PROBLEM? THANK YOU. *TR
1999 JEEP CHEROKEE. ATTORNEY WRITES ON BEHALF OF CONSUMER WHO DIED IN A CRASH RELATED TO SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG ISSUES *TGW THE DECEDENT WAS DRIVING ON A CLEAR DAY ON A DRY HIGHWAY, WHEN SHE SUDDENLY HIT A MEDIAN AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. ACCORDING TO THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN, THE DECEDENT WAS TOO SMALL TO BE PROTECTE…
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1999 JEEP CHEROKEE. ATTORNEY WRITES ON BEHALF OF CONSUMER WHO DIED IN A CRASH RELATED TO SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG ISSUES *TGW THE DECEDENT WAS DRIVING ON A CLEAR DAY ON A DRY HIGHWAY, WHEN SHE SUDDENLY HIT A MEDIAN AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. ACCORDING TO THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN, THE DECEDENT WAS TOO SMALL TO BE PROTECTED BY THE SEAT BELT AND SHOULDER HARNESS AND/OR THE AIR BAGS. THE DRIVER DIED FROM INTERNAL INJURIES CAUSED BY THE SEAT BELT /AIR BAG NOT BEING PROPERLY DESIGNED TO PROTECT SOMEONE THAT SMALL. *JB
MY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE HAS A BROKEN DRIVER'S SEAT PAN. I WAS COMING TO A RED LIGHT AND I HEARD A SNAP SOUND. I WENT TO INVESTIGATE AND NOTICED THAT THE METAL SEAT PAN IS CRACKED ALL AROUND THE WHERE THE BOLT HOLDS IT IN THE SEAT TRACK. NOW THE SEAT ROCKS A LITTLE BIT, AND IT'S GOING TO BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE OTHER CO…
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MY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE HAS A BROKEN DRIVER'S SEAT PAN. I WAS COMING TO A RED LIGHT AND I HEARD A SNAP SOUND. I WENT TO INVESTIGATE AND NOTICED THAT THE METAL SEAT PAN IS CRACKED ALL AROUND THE WHERE THE BOLT HOLDS IT IN THE SEAT TRACK. NOW THE SEAT ROCKS A LITTLE BIT, AND IT'S GOING TO BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE OTHER CORNERS CRACK DUE TO THE INCREASED STRESS. I HAVE NOT YET CORRECTED THE FAILURE. BUT IN ORDER TO DO SO, I WILL NEED A WHOLE NEW SEAT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF THESE BREAK, IT WILL MEAN NOTHING IS HOLDING THE SEAT IN PLACE. I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THE JEEP COMMUNITY THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT PANS BREAKING.
PASSENGER AIR BAG WENT OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN MY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE CHRYSLER INVESTIGATED AND SAID THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG AND WON'T DO ANYTHING TO REPAIR. BUT I KNOW THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG BECAUSE SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE AIR BAG MODULE AND STILL SMELL BURNING WIRES DEALERSHIP SAID THAT JEEP HAD KNOWN RECALL THAT SA…
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PASSENGER AIR BAG WENT OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN MY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE CHRYSLER INVESTIGATED AND SAID THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG AND WON'T DO ANYTHING TO REPAIR. BUT I KNOW THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG BECAUSE SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE AIR BAG MODULE AND STILL SMELL BURNING WIRES DEALERSHIP SAID THAT JEEP HAD KNOWN RECALL THAT SAID WAS PERFORMED AND NEVER WAS FOUND RECALL ON YOUR WEB SITE IT SAID POSSIBLE AIR BAG LIGHT OR AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT DO TO CORROSION AND THE MODULE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE MOVED TO TRANSMISSION TUNNEL BUT NEVER WAS DONE AND YOU CAN SEE CORROSION ALL OVER MODULE. AND CHRYSLER WOULD NOT SAY IF IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
MY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT 4DR AUTOMATIC HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING 6 TIMES IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS. MOST TIMES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, WITH ONE TIME WHILE I WAS ON A HIGHWAY ON RAMP. USUALLY IT RESTARTS AFTER A PERIOD OF 2 MINUTES TO 12 HOURS. I DID HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED ONCE AS IT WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAVE HAD IT INTO THE REPAIR SHO…
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MY 1999 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT 4DR AUTOMATIC HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING 6 TIMES IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS. MOST TIMES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, WITH ONE TIME WHILE I WAS ON A HIGHWAY ON RAMP. USUALLY IT RESTARTS AFTER A PERIOD OF 2 MINUTES TO 12 HOURS. I DID HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED ONCE AS IT WOULD NOT RESTART. I HAVE HAD IT INTO THE REPAIR SHOP 3 TIMES AND THE COMPUTER SCAN CONTINUALLY SHOWS NO PROBLEMS. MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AT MY INSISTENCE EVEN THOUGH HE WASN'T SURE THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. IT WASN'T, AS IT HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW DAYS AGO IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. I HAD NO CELL PHONE AND HAD TO WALK 4 MILES TO GET HOME. AFTER RESEARCH ONLINE I SEE IT IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY YEARS, MAKES AND MODELS OF JEEPS AND YET NO SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ANYWHERE. I CALLED JEEP CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SAID THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING FOR ME UNLESS I TAKE IT TO A JEEP DEALER, WHICH I CAN'T AFFORD. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS AN ISSUE AND I WAS HOPING TO FIND AN ANSWER WITH YOUR HELP. *TR
1999 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT DRIVER SEAT BROKE. *TR
LIKE MOST JEEP CHEROKEE OWNERS, I HAD TO PAY A HUGE REPAIR BILL TO GET THE AIR CONDITIONER TO WORK. ALMOST $2,000. *TR
RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER (ACTUALLY ALL GAUGES) WILL STOP WORKING, THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND SOMETIMES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON TOO. IF YOU HIT THE DASHBOARD (SOMETIMES IT TAKES SEVERAL HITS) THE GAUGES WILL START WORKING AGAIN AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES OFF. HAVEN'T HAD IT CHECKED BY A SH…
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RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER (ACTUALLY ALL GAUGES) WILL STOP WORKING, THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND SOMETIMES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON TOO. IF YOU HIT THE DASHBOARD (SOMETIMES IT TAKES SEVERAL HITS) THE GAUGES WILL START WORKING AGAIN AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES OFF. HAVEN'T HAD IT CHECKED BY A SHOP YET. *TR
1999 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT FRONT SEAT FRAME HAS BROKEN CAUSING SEAT TO SHIFT FORWARD AND BACKWARD AS YOU DRIVE, NOTICE FRAME HAS COME LOOSE FROM POPPING RIVET. I HAVE FILED THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I HAVE NOTICED A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND SAME CAR WHICH WOULD INDICATE A MANUFACTURE DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE SEAT…
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1999 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT FRONT SEAT FRAME HAS BROKEN CAUSING SEAT TO SHIFT FORWARD AND BACKWARD AS YOU DRIVE, NOTICE FRAME HAS COME LOOSE FROM POPPING RIVET. I HAVE FILED THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I HAVE NOTICED A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND SAME CAR WHICH WOULD INDICATE A MANUFACTURE DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE SEAT FRAME. *TR
Official recalls
200V136000 · 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
1EA12005 · Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
Opened Jun 12, 2012 · Closed Nov 14, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
Additional source detail variants (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by