DON'T BUY A JEEP! PIECE OF JUNK. SINCE I HAVE OWNED MINE THE FOLLOWING HAS BROKE RADIATOR, SEAT TRACK, POWER WINDOW MOTOR, BRAKES, BLOWOUT, TRANSMISSION, HEADLIGHT COVERS DULLED, MULTIPLE REAR LIGHT OUTAGES, INSIDE LIGHTS OUT. *TR
2001 Jeep Cherokee
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Cherokee years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 113.
About this comparison →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
104 reports with mileage · 125 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Equipment complaints
11 reportsTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED DURING THE WINTER AND THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY FAILURES AT THE TIME. ONCE THE SUMMER BEGAN, HE NOTICED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS NOT PRODUCING COLD AIR. DURING THAT SAME SUMMER, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THEY FOUND NO FAIL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED DURING THE WINTER AND THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY FAILURES AT THE TIME. ONCE THE SUMMER BEGAN, HE NOTICED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS NOT PRODUCING COLD AIR. DURING THAT SAME SUMMER, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THEY FOUND NO FAILURES OR LEAKS, BUT ADDED FLUID TO THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. THIS REPAIRED THE FAILURE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SUMMER. THE FOLLOWING YEAR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. A PRIVATE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY FAILURE AND ADDED LIQUID TO THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AGAIN. THIS REMEDY LASTED TOWARDS THE END OF THE SUMMER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED THE FOLLOWING YEAR. THE FLUID ADDED TO THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ONLY REMEDIED THE FAILURE FOR NO MORE THAN FOUR WEEKS. THE CONTACT COULD NO LONGER AFFORD TO KEEP GOING BACK TO THE MECHANIC. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SHOP THAT REPAIRS AIR CONDITIONING IN VEHICLES AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE EVAPORATION IN THE AIR CONDITIONING EVAPORATOR. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE SHOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION AND WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LEAK FROM THE EVAPORATION IN THE AIR CONDITIONING EVAPORATOR WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THERE SHOULD BE A WAY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDE A SOLUTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
2001 JEEP CHEROKEE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS CORRODED. *MR THE ROTORS ALSO FLAKED CREATING A HAZARDOUS CONDITION. THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THIS PRIOR TO THE END OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD, BUT DID NOT CORRECT THIS DEFECT. THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED STANDING WATER IN THE FOOT WELLS, A/C FAILURE, FAN FAILURE AND THE DOORS NOT BEING …
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2001 JEEP CHEROKEE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS CORRODED. *MR THE ROTORS ALSO FLAKED CREATING A HAZARDOUS CONDITION. THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THIS PRIOR TO THE END OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD, BUT DID NOT CORRECT THIS DEFECT. THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED STANDING WATER IN THE FOOT WELLS, A/C FAILURE, FAN FAILURE AND THE DOORS NOT BEING ALIGNED PROPERLY. THERE IS A BRAKE RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE, BUT THE RECALL NUMBER WAS NOT GIVEN. *SC *JB
PROBLEMS WITH STANDING WATER IN THE FOOTWELL, FAILED AIR CONDITIONER, RUBBING FAN AND DOOR ADJUSTMENTS. *MR THERE WAS STANDING WATER IN THE PASSENGER FOOT WELL. THE VEHICLE ALSO NEEDED NEW BRAKES DUE TO RUSTED ROTORS. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC *JB
WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE I HAD SMALL OBJECTS FALL OFF MY CENTER ARM REST AND HIT MY GEN 3 SEAT BELT LATCH CAUSING IT TO OPEN. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT JEEP HAS UPGRADED TO THE GEN 4 LATCH. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE? EVERY DAY SEEMS TO BRING A NEW STORY OF ANOTHER FATAL ACCIDE…
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WHILE DRIVING MY 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE I HAD SMALL OBJECTS FALL OFF MY CENTER ARM REST AND HIT MY GEN 3 SEAT BELT LATCH CAUSING IT TO OPEN. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT JEEP HAS UPGRADED TO THE GEN 4 LATCH. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE? EVERY DAY SEEMS TO BRING A NEW STORY OF ANOTHER FATAL ACCIDENT INVOLVING A DAIMLER CHRYSLER PRODUCT WITH A FAULTY SEAT BELT LATCH. *JB
CONSUMER STATES FRONT ROTORS CONTINUE TO WARP AFTER (2) REPLACEMENTS. WHEN EVER THE TRUCK HITS A BUMP WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH OR ABOVE WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY. OWNER IS CONCERNED ABOUT CONTROLLING THE TRUCK WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *JB ALSO THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT WAS LOOSE WHICH WAS CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE, THE TRANSF…
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CONSUMER STATES FRONT ROTORS CONTINUE TO WARP AFTER (2) REPLACEMENTS. WHEN EVER THE TRUCK HITS A BUMP WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH OR ABOVE WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY. OWNER IS CONCERNED ABOUT CONTROLLING THE TRUCK WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *JB ALSO THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT WAS LOOSE WHICH WAS CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SHAKE, THE TRANSFER CASE WAS LOOSE, THE GASKET AND THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED DUE TO A COOLANT LEAK, CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE, THE AIR CONDITION AND HEATER ONLY BLOWS AT DEFROST VENTS, THE REAR LUGGAGE RAIL CAME OUT.*JB
THERE IS VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. GEARS ARE STUCK WHEN TRYING TO CHANGE GEARS. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT LOCK. CONSUMER FEELS VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, GAS PEDAL, PASSENGER DOOR, GEAR SHIFT, AND PASSENGER SEAT, CONSUMER HEARS A NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE RIMS. AIR …
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THERE IS VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. GEARS ARE STUCK WHEN TRYING TO CHANGE GEARS. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT LOCK. CONSUMER FEELS VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, GAS PEDAL, PASSENGER DOOR, GEAR SHIFT, AND PASSENGER SEAT, CONSUMER HEARS A NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE RIMS. AIR CONDITIONER SWITCH NEEDED RESET. HOOD IS OUT OF LINE, DRIVERS SIDE DOOR PANEL NEEDS REPLACING AND THERE IS A GAP AT THE TOP OF THE OUTSIDE. ENGINE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. GLOVE BOX LIGHT WENT OUT. UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED. *JB
IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SECURE LOADS TO THE ROOF RACK, THE TIE-DOWN HOLES ARE NOT DRILLED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE SLIDE RAILS, IT IS TOO SHORT, AND THE CROSSBARS COVER THE TIE DOWN HOLES WHEN SPREAD TO THE LAST POSITION AT EACH END, CONSUMER STATES HIS PREVIOUS 1993 CHEROKEE HAD TIE DOWN HOLES THAT WERE DRILLED ALL THE WAY THROUGH…
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IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SECURE LOADS TO THE ROOF RACK, THE TIE-DOWN HOLES ARE NOT DRILLED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE SLIDE RAILS, IT IS TOO SHORT, AND THE CROSSBARS COVER THE TIE DOWN HOLES WHEN SPREAD TO THE LAST POSITION AT EACH END, CONSUMER STATES HIS PREVIOUS 1993 CHEROKEE HAD TIE DOWN HOLES THAT WERE DRILLED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE SLIDE RAILS WHERE HE WAS ABLE TO PROPERLY SECURE LOADS WITH NO PROBLEM. *SLC
OWNERS MANUAL STIPULATES THAT "END CAPS SHOULD NOT BE USED AS HOLD DOWNS. TIE DOWN HOLES ARE PROVIDED AT THE FRONT AND REAR ENDS OF THE SLIDE RAILS." THE TIE DOWN HOLDS ARE NOT USABLE BECAUSE THE HOLES DO NOT GO ALL THE WAY THROUGH SLIDE RAILS.*AK
CONSUMER WAS WORKING UNDER HOOD WITH A WRENCH, IT SLIPPED OUT OF HIS HAND, FELL ONTO BATTERY POSITIVE CONNECTOR, AND STARTED A SHORTAGE WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE. DAMAGES WERE $770. MANUFACTRES HAS NO PLANS OF ADDING RUBBER OVER CONNECTOR THAT WOULD ELIMINATE THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. *AK
Official recalls
202V104000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors
Apr 8, 2002
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L ENGINE ONLY, THE DESIGN OF THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS COULD ALLOW DEBRIS TO ACCUMULATE AT THE #3 CYLINDER LOCATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MANIFOLD SHIELD TO MODIFY THE AIR FLOW CHARACTERISTICS AND TO PREVENT THE ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS IN THE AREA OF THE #3 CYLINDER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 13, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
00V366000 · Child Seat
Nov 9, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
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
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