IllustrationWHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS STEERING WHEEL BECOME VERY STIFF. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT WRONG FRONT CONTROL ARM WAS INSTALLED, AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH THE CORRECT CONTROL ARM. *AK
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.
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
170–25K
2825–50K
2450–75K
1975–100K
28100–150K
16150K+
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
Suspension complaints
33 reportsCONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, IF VEHICLE HITS THE SLIGTEST BUMP IN THE ROAD , A MASSIVE VIBRATION IS FELT IN THE FRONT END, ENOUGH TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE,VIBRATION IS WORST AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55MPH.CONTACTED DEALER CANNOT FIX PROBLEM. NLM
2000 JEEP CHEROKEE: THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD ONGOING FRONT END VIBRATIONS/WOOBLING SINCE 3000 MILES. HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN RESOLVED! STABLIZER BAR HAS BEEN REPLACED, TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED, NEW TIRES HAVE BEEN PUT ON FROM NEW JEEP ON LOT AND SAME PROBLEM EXISTED AS WITH OLD TIRES. I W…
Read full complaint
2000 JEEP CHEROKEE: THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD ONGOING FRONT END VIBRATIONS/WOOBLING SINCE 3000 MILES. HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN RESOLVED! STABLIZER BAR HAS BEEN REPLACED, TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED, NEW TIRES HAVE BEEN PUT ON FROM NEW JEEP ON LOT AND SAME PROBLEM EXISTED AS WITH OLD TIRES. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY CHYRSLER SEEMS TO BE IGNORING THIS PROBLEM? THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO THIS SO THEY MUST BE FULLY AWARE OF THIS EXISTING PROBLEM. I CAN NOT DRIVE THE POSTED DOT SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH AS THE JEEP IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AT THAT SPEED! I WOULD LIKE THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED BEFORE MY WARRANTY EXPIRES AT 36,000 MILES, AS I DO NOT WISH TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT CHRYLSER SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR! I REQUEST THAT NHTSA INVESTIGATES THIS PROBLEM AS THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT!*AK
VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES AND SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM HOOD. THIS WAS DUE TO THE WIRING UNDER THE HOOD CATCHING ON FIRE. DEALER STATED WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK THE FIRE HAD CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE CONSUMERS INSURANCE PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. AFTER A WEEK THE VEHICLE HAD A LOOSE BEARING…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES AND SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM HOOD. THIS WAS DUE TO THE WIRING UNDER THE HOOD CATCHING ON FIRE. DEALER STATED WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK THE FIRE HAD CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE CONSUMERS INSURANCE PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. AFTER A WEEK THE VEHICLE HAD A LOOSE BEARING AND WAS REPLACED. *YH
VEHICLE HAS A "WOBBLE" IN THE FRONT END AT SPEEDS FROM 51MPH UP. THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. FRONT STABILIZER SHOCK, ALL FOUR TIRES (TWICE) ALL FOUR RIMS-WHEELS, BOTH AXLES, AND NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO CORRECTLY ALIGN THE TIRES. THE PROBLEM DEVELOPED IMMEDIATELY UPON PURCHASE AND WAS…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE HAS A "WOBBLE" IN THE FRONT END AT SPEEDS FROM 51MPH UP. THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. FRONT STABILIZER SHOCK, ALL FOUR TIRES (TWICE) ALL FOUR RIMS-WHEELS, BOTH AXLES, AND NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO CORRECTLY ALIGN THE TIRES. THE PROBLEM DEVELOPED IMMEDIATELY UPON PURCHASE AND WAS SERVICED WITHIN ONE WEEK OF DELIVERY. I MOVED LAST YEAR AND THE JEEP DEALER IN STAUNTON, VA. STATED THAT THE JEEP ENGINEERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND ARE TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT. THIS IS THE SAME THING I WAS TOLD ALMOST ONE YEAR AGO AND THEY STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I ATTEMPTED TO HANDLE THIS THROUGH ARBITRATION, HOWEVER, AS I TRAVEL A LOT, JEEP TOLD ME MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF THE ORIGINAL FACTORY WARRENTY AND EVEN THOUGH I PURCHASED THE SIX-YEAR, 100,000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY, THEY DENIED ANY CLAIM I MAY HAVE AGAINST JEEP. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CONTINUOUS WOBBLING WILL NOT ONLY SPEED UP TIRE WEAR, BUT OTHER COMPONENTS MAY VIBRATE LOOSE.*AK
WHENEVER VEHICLE GOES OVER A BUMP IT SHIMMIES AND IS VERY HARD TO STEER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AT SPEEDS OF 50-55 MPH, THE VIBRATION COULD BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGT FOR SERVICE MORE THAN SIX TIMES AND EACH TIME SOMETHING ELSE WAS REPAIRD BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALERSHIP THAT THE VIBRATION IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND…
Read full complaint
THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AT SPEEDS OF 50-55 MPH, THE VIBRATION COULD BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGT FOR SERVICE MORE THAN SIX TIMES AND EACH TIME SOMETHING ELSE WAS REPAIRD BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALERSHIP THAT THE VIBRATION IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO BE CORRECTED.*YD
WHILE DRIVING VEHILCE AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 50 MPH STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND PROCEEDS TO SHAKES UNTIL YOU ARE BELOW 50 MPH AND HAVE REMOVED YOUR FOOT FROM BRAKES. SOMETIMES IT IS SO BAD YOU HAVE TO GRIP THE STEERING WHEEL EXMTREMELY TIGHT TO TRY AND AVOID LOSING CONTROL O…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING VEHILCE AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 50 MPH STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND PROCEEDS TO SHAKES UNTIL YOU ARE BELOW 50 MPH AND HAVE REMOVED YOUR FOOT FROM BRAKES. SOMETIMES IT IS SO BAD YOU HAVE TO GRIP THE STEERING WHEEL EXMTREMELY TIGHT TO TRY AND AVOID LOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *AK
REPEATED PASSENGER BALLJOINT FAILURE ON 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. ACCORDING TO MULTIPLE SOURCES INCLUDING OWNERS AND JEEP DEALER REPAIR STAFF, THIS IS A REGULAR AND REPEATED PROBLEM IN 1999 AND 2000 MODEL YEAR CHEROKEES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L ENGINE AND PART TIME 4 WHEEL DRIVE. BALLJOINT ORIGINALLY REPLACED AT 10,950 MILES UNDER…
Read full complaint
REPEATED PASSENGER BALLJOINT FAILURE ON 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. ACCORDING TO MULTIPLE SOURCES INCLUDING OWNERS AND JEEP DEALER REPAIR STAFF, THIS IS A REGULAR AND REPEATED PROBLEM IN 1999 AND 2000 MODEL YEAR CHEROKEES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L ENGINE AND PART TIME 4 WHEEL DRIVE. BALLJOINT ORIGINALLY REPLACED AT 10,950 MILES UNDER WARRANTY (REPLACING DEALER IRA JEEP, NO COST.). BALLJOINT HAS FAILED AGAIN. HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET A WEEKEND APPOINTMENT AT DEALER. SYMPTOMS OF FAILURE COINCIDE WITH REPORTS ON FILE WITH THE NHTSA - STEERING WHEEL AND/OR FRONT END 'SHIMMY' OR VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, PULLING OR PUSHING LEFT OR RIGHT UNDER ACCELERATION, DIFFICULTY IN MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS (LACK OF FEEDBACK FROM WHEELS, CAR ATTEMPTS TO PULL OPPOSITE DIRECTION). I WOULD RESPECTFULLY REQUEST ON THE BEHALF OF ALL JEEP OWNERS (THIS IS A 4 HOUR REPAIR, REQUIRING THE VEHICLE TO TYPICALLY REMAIN AT THE DEALER FOR ONE FULL DAY) THAT THE NHTSA FURTHER INVESTIGATE THESE FAILURES, AS I SUSPECT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THESE FAILURES ARE, IN MY OPINION, DANGEROUS AND CAN BECOME LIFE THREATENING SHOULD THE BALLJOINT(S) CATASTROPHICALLY FAIL. DAIMLER-CHRYSLER/JEEP HAVE BEEN EXCELLENT IN REGUARDS TO REPAIRING THESE PROBLEMS, BUT THESE ARE PROBLEMS THAT LEAVE CUSTOMERS WITHOUT THEIR CAR FOR A MINIMUM OF SEVERAL HOURS, AND ARE EASY TO IGNORE FOR MOST CONSUMERS. THANK YOU.*AK
JEEP ACELERATED ON ITS OWN CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO STAND ON THE BRAKES(THINKING I HAD ABS) BRAKES DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY, CAUSING ME TO HIT THE BACK OF A 4X4 TRUCK AT THE SPEED OF ABOUT 15 MPH ALL BUMPER PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AS DID MANY OTHER PARTS AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. TODAY I TOOK THE JEEP BACK TO DEALER FOR THE 4TH TIME …
Read full complaint
JEEP ACELERATED ON ITS OWN CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO STAND ON THE BRAKES(THINKING I HAD ABS) BRAKES DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY, CAUSING ME TO HIT THE BACK OF A 4X4 TRUCK AT THE SPEED OF ABOUT 15 MPH ALL BUMPER PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AS DID MANY OTHER PARTS AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. TODAY I TOOK THE JEEP BACK TO DEALER FOR THE 4TH TIME TO TRY TO GET THING TAKEN CARE OF .ON THE 1ST TRIP I WAS TOLD THAT MY ABS BREAKS WERE WORKING FINE AND THAT THE MECHANIC FELT THEM KICK IN. TOOK IT BACK A WEEK LATER BECAUSE BREAK PEDDLE DROPPED TO THE FLOOR, AGAIN I WAS TOLD THAT ALL BREAKS WERE FINE AND THAT THE ABS WERE WORKING. ON 5/29/01 MY HUSBAND TOOK JEEP IN AND TEST DROVE IT W/ SERVICE MANAGER AND THEY DECIDED THE ABS WAS NOT WORKING AT ALL. AND THEN WE WERE TOLD THAT WE DID NOT HAVE ABS ( SALESMEN TOLD US THE JEEP HAD ABS). THE FRONT END NOW SHAKES AT ABOUT 45-55 WHEN GOING AROUND CURVES AND SOMETIMES WHEN MAKING TURNS AT LOWER SPEED. WHEN JCHRYSLER WAS CONTACTED THEY TRIED TO BLAME EVERYTHING ON ME. IT WAS MY FAULT THAT I DIDN'T CHECK TO SEE IF THE JEEP HAD ABS( WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT IT WOULDN'T HAVE THEM AND WE DID ASK TO MAKE SURE AND WE WERE TOLD YES IT HAD THEM) AND IT WAS ALSO MY FAULT THAT AN INSPECTOR DID NOT COME OUT TO INSPECT THE JEEP AFTER THE CRASH BECAUSE I DID NOT REQUEST ONE TO ALTHOUGH NO ONE TOLD ME THAT ONE COULD COME OUT I AM SUPOSE TO BE ABLE TO FIND THIS INFORMATION OUT ON MY OWN. AS OF TODAY THE JEEP IS IN FOR SERVICE AGAIN 3RD TIME FOR BRAKE SERVICE 2ND TIME FOR FRONT END VIBRATIONS AND 2ND TIME TO HAVE THEM FIX ALL THE THINGS THEY DIDN'T DO RIGHT THE 1ST TIME. *AK
Official recalls
102V104000 · 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
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