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2000 Jeep Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cherokee years

Owner complaints for the 2000 Jeep Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 113.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

132 reports with mileage · 237 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 104 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

26 crash reports40 fire reports13 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

53 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 11, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

ENGINE WAS KNOCKING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, DIAGONISTIC TEST SHOWED 6TH CYLINDER WAS MISFIRING LIFTER WAS DAMAGED. THE CAMSHAFT WAS REPLACED AS WELL AS THE LIFTERS AND HEADGASKET. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW A 2000 VEHICLE WITH ONLY 81000 KMS NEEDS $2000.00 WORTH OF REPAIRS DONE. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED ME THAT HE CAN'T UNDERS…

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ENGINE WAS KNOCKING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, DIAGONISTIC TEST SHOWED 6TH CYLINDER WAS MISFIRING LIFTER WAS DAMAGED. THE CAMSHAFT WAS REPLACED AS WELL AS THE LIFTERS AND HEADGASKET. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW A 2000 VEHICLE WITH ONLY 81000 KMS NEEDS $2000.00 WORTH OF REPAIRS DONE. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED ME THAT HE CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS IS REQUIRED EITHER. HE ADVISED ME TO CALL 1-800- 465-2001 TO VOICE MY COMPLAINT. HE ALSO GAVE ME THE OLD PART TO SEND BACK TO CHRYSLER. THE 1-800 # I CALLED ADVISED ME THAT THEY WILL PUT MY INFORAMTION IN MY FILE, BUT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE FOR ME NOR DID THEY WANT THE PART. I WOULD LIKE FEED BACK ON THIS COMPLAINT AS I AM NOT HAPPY WITH MY EXPERIENCES WITH CHRYSLER THUS FAR. ARE THE PARTS THEY ARE USING TO BUILD THESE VEHICLES NOT UP TO PAR? ????

NHTSA ODI #10120615

49,648 miles · Apr 28, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

BOUGHT CAR USED W/49,000MI. AS SOON AS I GOT IT ON THE ROAD, I NOTICED THE "CHECK GAUGES" LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT A WARM IDLE, ONLY TO FIND MY OIL PRESSURE GUAGE PEGGED AT 0 PSI. DID RESEARCH ON THE WEB AND APPARENTLY THE "0331 CAST" BREED OF CYLINDER HEADS THAT DC USED IN 2000-2001 XJ'S ARE NOTED FOR CRACKING AFTER AN OVERHEAT. SU…

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BOUGHT CAR USED W/49,000MI. AS SOON AS I GOT IT ON THE ROAD, I NOTICED THE "CHECK GAUGES" LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT A WARM IDLE, ONLY TO FIND MY OIL PRESSURE GUAGE PEGGED AT 0 PSI. DID RESEARCH ON THE WEB AND APPARENTLY THE "0331 CAST" BREED OF CYLINDER HEADS THAT DC USED IN 2000-2001 XJ'S ARE NOTED FOR CRACKING AFTER AN OVERHEAT. SURE ENOUGH THE VEHICLE HAD A CRACK IN THE CYLINDER HEAD, WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO MIX INTO THE ENGINE OIL. CONSEQUENTLY, MY MAIN, ROD AND CAMSHAFT BEARINGS, AS WELL AS THE CYLINDER HEAD ITSELF HAD TO BE REPLACED. LONG STORY SHORT, THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OUT THERE EXACTLY LIKE THIS ONE, DO RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY ANY CHEROKEE FROM THIS ERA USING THE 0331 HEADS. UNFORTUNATELY, DC NEVER STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE AND OFFERED A RECALL. CAVEAT EMPTOR!

NHTSA ODI #10118645

Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic

2000 JEEP CHEROKEE ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE PISTON. AFTER THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, THEY STATED THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH COOLANT IN THE SYSTEM WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT FROST PLUG HEATER TO COME OUT AND THAT THE NO 1 AND 2 PISTON MELTED DOWN. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLA…

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2000 JEEP CHEROKEE ENGINE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE PISTON. AFTER THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, THEY STATED THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH COOLANT IN THE SYSTEM WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT FROST PLUG HEATER TO COME OUT AND THAT THE NO 1 AND 2 PISTON MELTED DOWN. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WITH ONLY 42,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE RUBBER AROUND ALL FOUR DOORS SHRUNK TO THE POINT THAT WIND AND WATER WOULD COME THROUGH. PERIODICALLY, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS LOCKED THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES. THE CHROME ON THE WHEELS WAS CORRODED AND COMING OFF. THE FRONT PASSENGER ELECTRIC LOCK WAS MAKING A STRANGE NOISE WHEN THE DOORS WERE LOCK OR UNLOCKED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10117716

70,000 miles · Mar 12, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED AT ONLY 70,000 MILES ALLOWING COOLANT INTO THE OIL SUMP, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO ENGINE FAILURE OR, AS DEALER STATED, "ENGINE MAY SEIZE COMPLETELY *AK.

NHTSA ODI #10113993

65,000 miles · Feb 11, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

LOOSING COOLANT VERY RAPID. (FILLED EVERY 2 DAYS) VEHICLE STATED TO LOOSE HEAT. COOLANT WAS ENTERING THE OIL. CRACKED HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED AT $1300.00 WAS ADVISE HEAD GASKET WAS MADE AT THE MANUFACTURER TO THIN AND THIS CAUSED THE CRACK, AND THIS IS A COMMON CONCERN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10110336

43,687 miles · Dec 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

FREEZE PLUGS FAILED IN MY 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT, CAUSING THE ENGINE COOLANT TO LEAK, AND MAKING VEHICLE INOPERATIVE. COST OF REPAIRS TOTALED $1125.33. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10103024

33,809 miles · Oct 20, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentService Brakes, Hydraulic

BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT ROTORS WERE SCORED AND RUINED ON THE INSIDE ONLY. *BF THE BRAKES FAILED AT 33,809 MILES. LOOKING THROUGH THE WHEEL FROM THE OUTSIDE, THE OUTSIDE OF THE ROTORS LOOKED GOOD WITH NO UNUSUAL WEAR. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD AIR CONDITIONING PROBLEMS AND NEEDED TO HAVE THE MUFFLER REPLACED. *N…

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BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT ROTORS WERE SCORED AND RUINED ON THE INSIDE ONLY. *BF THE BRAKES FAILED AT 33,809 MILES. LOOKING THROUGH THE WHEEL FROM THE OUTSIDE, THE OUTSIDE OF THE ROTORS LOOKED GOOD WITH NO UNUSUAL WEAR. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD AIR CONDITIONING PROBLEMS AND NEEDED TO HAVE THE MUFFLER REPLACED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10097570

58,853 miles · Oct 7, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

I PURCHASED MY 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE FROM LEHMERS JEEP IN CONCORD, CALIFORNIA IN THE SPRING OF 2000. IVE HAD ALL THE SERVICING DONE THERE AS SUGGESTED. I TAKE CARE OF MY CAR AND DRIVE IT GENTLY. IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, DURING THE WEEK PRIOR TO MY SCHEDULED 60,000 MILE SERVICING THE CAR OVERHEATED TWICE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED O…

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I PURCHASED MY 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE FROM LEHMERS JEEP IN CONCORD, CALIFORNIA IN THE SPRING OF 2000. IVE HAD ALL THE SERVICING DONE THERE AS SUGGESTED. I TAKE CARE OF MY CAR AND DRIVE IT GENTLY. IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, DURING THE WEEK PRIOR TO MY SCHEDULED 60,000 MILE SERVICING THE CAR OVERHEATED TWICE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND LET THE CAR COOL OFF. WHEN THE CAR WAS SERVICED THE BLOCK WAS CRACKED, THE WATER PUMP HAD MALFUNCTIONED. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPLACED THE BLOCK AND TOLD ME THAT IT WAS REPLACED WITH AN IMPROVED BLOCK AS THE ORIGINAL ONE WAS KNOWN TO CRACK EASILY. THE BILL FOR SERVICE AND REPLACING THE CRACKED BLOCK WAS $3364.19. I BELIEVE THAT I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF REPLACING THE BLOCK. IT WAS KNOWN TO BE DEFECTIVE. I HAVE HAD ALL MY SERVICING DONE AT LEHMERS JEEP PER THEIR SCHEDULE. I REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE DAIMLER CHRYSLER CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER BUT WAS REFUSED.

NHTSA ODI #10093766

Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

CONSUMER STATED THAT ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON PERIODICALLY. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10056130

17,000 miles · Jun 2, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

SEVERE BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. *MR THERE WAS AN ONGOING BRAKING PROBLEM AND DIFFICULTY DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS THOUGHT TO BE THE ROTORS WHICH WERE CUT AND REPLACED (THE FRONT PADS). THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUED. THEN THE FRONT ROTORS WERE DIAGNOSED AS BEING WARPED AND THE BRAKES WERE 50% WORN…

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SEVERE BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE. *MR THERE WAS AN ONGOING BRAKING PROBLEM AND DIFFICULTY DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS THOUGHT TO BE THE ROTORS WHICH WERE CUT AND REPLACED (THE FRONT PADS). THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUED. THEN THE FRONT ROTORS WERE DIAGNOSED AS BEING WARPED AND THE BRAKES WERE 50% WORN. THERE WAS A TAPPING NOISE IN THE SHIFTING AREA AS WELL AS A RUBBING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT COMES AND GOES. (UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE) THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DIAGNOSE AS THE REAR BRAKE DRUMS BEING OUT OF ROUND. THE WATER PUMP LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH THE THERMOSTAT. THE COMSUMER REQUESTED A REFUND *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10022544

Official recalls

1

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.

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