IllustrationDOOR HINGES FAIL AND CAUSE DOOR TO BECOME UNALIGNED. THIS CAUSES THE LOCK LATCH TO BUMP AGAINST THE HOOK. THIS HAS CAUSED THE LATCH TO BREAK OFF INSIDE OF THE DOOR.*AK
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
260–25K
1525–50K
2250–75K
1475–100K
19100–150K
8150K+
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.
25 crash reports13 fire reports15 injury reports
What owners actually said
229 reportsWHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT END SHOOK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS EIGHT TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW WHY THE ROTORS WERE WEARING OUT PREMATURELY. *AK THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE ROTORS COULD NOT BE FIXED PROPERLY BECAUSE OF THE SUBSTANDARD PARTS CHRYSLER USED. THE VEHICLE WOULD RIDE RO…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT END SHOOK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS EIGHT TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW WHY THE ROTORS WERE WEARING OUT PREMATURELY. *AK THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE ROTORS COULD NOT BE FIXED PROPERLY BECAUSE OF THE SUBSTANDARD PARTS CHRYSLER USED. THE VEHICLE WOULD RIDE ROUGH AND THE BRAKES SEEMED TO SQUEAK ONLY WHEN IT RAINED. *SC *JB
I USUALLY DRIVE BACK ROADS UNDER 50 MILES PER HOUR. MY HUSBAND HAD TAKEN MY 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT ON THE INTERSTATE AND A CAR SWITCHED LANES INFRONT OF US CAUSING HIM TO HAVE TO BRAKE QUICKLY. THE FRONT OF MY CAR SHOOK SO HARD WE ALMOST WENT INTO A JERSEY WALL. UNTIL THAT VEHICLE WAS UNDER 40 MILES PER HOUR THE FRONT END WAS …
Read full complaint
I USUALLY DRIVE BACK ROADS UNDER 50 MILES PER HOUR. MY HUSBAND HAD TAKEN MY 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT ON THE INTERSTATE AND A CAR SWITCHED LANES INFRONT OF US CAUSING HIM TO HAVE TO BRAKE QUICKLY. THE FRONT OF MY CAR SHOOK SO HARD WE ALMOST WENT INTO A JERSEY WALL. UNTIL THAT VEHICLE WAS UNDER 40 MILES PER HOUR THE FRONT END WAS SHAKING SO VIOLENTLY IT WAS BARELY CONTROLABLE. IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT MAY VERY WELL HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNDER SERVICE BULLETIN 0500401. WHAT WE EXPERIENCED WAS NOT MINOR PULSATION. THE FRONT ROTOR WAS VISIBLY WARPED! WHEN I CALLED JEEP CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT THE PROBLEM THEY ADMITTED THAT THEY WERE AWARE THAT THE FRONT ROTORS WOULD WARP UNDER CONDITIONS OF HIGH HEAT OR HIGH ROAD SALT USE. THIS WAS NOT A RECALL NOR DID THEY OFFER TO MEET PART OF THE COST OF REPAIR ($700). BUT THE COMPOSITE OF THE BRAKE ROTOR HAS SINCE BEEN CHANGED SO THAT THIS PROBLEM NO LONGER HAPPENS. WE WERE LUCKY TO NOT HAVE A VEHICLE IN THE LANE NEXT TO US AND WE WERE LUCKY NOT TO HAVE HIT THE JERSEY WALL. I WANTED TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF THIS BECAUSE THE NEXT PERSON MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY.
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE OVERHEATED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED, AND COOLANT SPILLED INSIDE THE ENGINE. TECHNICIAN INDICATED THE NEED TO BE REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE, VEHICLE HAD ONLY 58,000 MILES. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW FELL DOWN INSIDE OF THE DOOR FRAME. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE IT. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THIS OCCURRED BEFORE. CONSUMER MUST RENDER PAYMENT BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ON RECALL. *…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW FELL DOWN INSIDE OF THE DOOR FRAME. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE IT. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THIS OCCURRED BEFORE. CONSUMER MUST RENDER PAYMENT BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ON RECALL. *AK
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE FRONT END VIBRATED. DEALER DETERMINED THAT FRONT AND REAR ROTORS WERE WARPED. *AK
AFTER DRIVING MY VEHICLE FOR APPROX 20 MINUTES I NOTICE SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND THAT THE HOSE LEADING FROM THE ENGINE WAS VERY. MY TEMPERATURE GAUGES ALL REGISTERED NORMAL SO I ADDED SOME ENGINE COOLANT AND DID NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE NEXT AM. AFTER A 3 MILE DRIVE TO WORK SAME…
Read full complaint
AFTER DRIVING MY VEHICLE FOR APPROX 20 MINUTES I NOTICE SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND THAT THE HOSE LEADING FROM THE ENGINE WAS VERY. MY TEMPERATURE GAUGES ALL REGISTERED NORMAL SO I ADDED SOME ENGINE COOLANT AND DID NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE NEXT AM. AFTER A 3 MILE DRIVE TO WORK SAME SITUATION AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE RADIATOR HAD ROTTED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. ODD SINCE THERE WAS NO INDICATION PRIOR TO THE SMOKE.*AK
I PURCHASED A NEW 2001 CHRYSLER CHEROKEE JEEP. (4.0 LITER IN LINE 6 CYLINDER.) APPROX. 2 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE DATE (50,000 MILES DRIVEN), THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I WAS INFORMED BY A REGISTERED CHRYSLER DEALER THAT THE CAR NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. THE EXPENSE TO PERFORM THE DIAGNOSTIC WORK AND INSTALL REPLACEMENT ENGINE AND …
Read full complaint
I PURCHASED A NEW 2001 CHRYSLER CHEROKEE JEEP. (4.0 LITER IN LINE 6 CYLINDER.) APPROX. 2 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE DATE (50,000 MILES DRIVEN), THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I WAS INFORMED BY A REGISTERED CHRYSLER DEALER THAT THE CAR NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. THE EXPENSE TO PERFORM THE DIAGNOSTIC WORK AND INSTALL REPLACEMENT ENGINE AND RELATED PARTS AMOUNTED TO $4,500. I WAS A DILIGENT CAR OWNER WITH A VERY SMALL INCOME, A SINGLE PARENT WHO HAS TO WORK, AND A 5 YEAR CAR-PAYMENT PLAN -- IN ESSENCE, I CHANGED THE OIL, TOOK THE CAR FOR ANY SERVICE OR REPAIR NEEDED. I GATHER FROM CALLS TO CHRSYLER AND MY JEEP DEALERSHIP THAT I JUST GOT A "BAD" ENGINE AND BECAUSE IT'S OUT OF THE 2-YEAR WARRANTY THERE IS NO COURSE OPEN TO ME TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS DONE. OBVIOUSLY, SINCE I STILL HAVE 3 YEARS LEFT ON MY CAR PAYMENTS I COULD NOT JUST WALK AWAY AND LEAVE THE CAR. I NEED HELP. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT I CAN DO. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME. BEST REGARDS, GENEVIEVE GLASSON. *JB
WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED YOU CAN SMELL GAS FUMES, WITHIN MINUTES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. VEHICLE IS TAKEN INTO DEALER. DEALER TESTS IT AND SAYS IT A LEAK. THEY CAN'T FIND IT AND THEY RESET THE LIGHT. WITHIN 2 WEEKS THE SAME THING HAPPEN. THEY REPLACED THE GAS CAP A FEW TIMES AND CHANGED A GASKET ABOVE THE FUEL TANK.…
Read full complaint
WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED YOU CAN SMELL GAS FUMES, WITHIN MINUTES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. VEHICLE IS TAKEN INTO DEALER. DEALER TESTS IT AND SAYS IT A LEAK. THEY CAN'T FIND IT AND THEY RESET THE LIGHT. WITHIN 2 WEEKS THE SAME THING HAPPEN. THEY REPLACED THE GAS CAP A FEW TIMES AND CHANGED A GASKET ABOVE THE FUEL TANK. THIS MADE NO DIFFERENCE. JUST RECENTLY THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INTO THE DEALER TWICE IN A MONTH. THE DEALER SUGGESTED TRADING IN THE VEHICLE AND CHANGED THE GAS CAP AGAIN. THE LAST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS IN THEY SUGGESTED A TUNE UP, WHICH IS NORMALLY DONE WITHIN SUGGESTED TIMES ANYWAYS, BUT DID IT AND CHARGED US FOR IT. AGAIN SAME THING HAPPENED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEAR BY SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO BE TESTED.RESULTS (LARGE LEAK)..THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING , NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO SOLVE IT.
THE END OF 2001 WE SAW THE PAINT WAS CRACKING ON OUR 201 JEEP CHEROKEE. WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER WE BROUGHT IT FROM AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE HOOD AND FRONT OF OUR JEEP. THE REFUSAL WAS MADE DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT HAS BEEN REPAINTED ONCE. WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW AND HAVE NOT DONE ANY WORK TO IT. WE ARE CURRENTLY PERP…
Read full complaint
THE END OF 2001 WE SAW THE PAINT WAS CRACKING ON OUR 201 JEEP CHEROKEE. WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER WE BROUGHT IT FROM AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE HOOD AND FRONT OF OUR JEEP. THE REFUSAL WAS MADE DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT HAS BEEN REPAINTED ONCE. WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW AND HAVE NOT DONE ANY WORK TO IT. WE ARE CURRENTLY PERPARING FOR SMALL CLAIMS COURT TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THIS IS OUR FOURTH JEEP AND OUR LAST BECAUSE OF THIS. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AT OUR DEALER AND SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAD TO GO THOUGH THIS HASSEL. THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT AT FOREST LAKE CHRYSLER/DODGE/JEEP IN FOREST LAKE, MINNESOTA. THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE A FIVE STAR DEALERSHIP.
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