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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 →

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.

25 crash reports13 fire reports15 injury reports

What owners actually said

229 reports
57,000 miles · Dec 21, 2012
Engine

STARTED NOTICING LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE AND THEN COOLANT. THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN FINE BUT HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT THAT ITS LOSING 1 GALLON OF ANTI. EVERY TWO WEEKS OR SO. WHEN I STARTED TO LOOK AROUND ON LINE AND OTHER PLACES, (JUNK YARDS) EVERYONE I TALKED TO SAYS THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR JEEPS. WHY IF D.C. …

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STARTED NOTICING LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE AND THEN COOLANT. THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN FINE BUT HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT THAT ITS LOSING 1 GALLON OF ANTI. EVERY TWO WEEKS OR SO. WHEN I STARTED TO LOOK AROUND ON LINE AND OTHER PLACES, (JUNK YARDS) EVERYONE I TALKED TO SAYS THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR JEEPS. WHY IF D.C. PRODUCED THESE FAULTY HEADS ON THEIR JEEPS DIDN'T THEY RECALL THEM TO FIX? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10489434

125,000 miles · Aug 19, 2012
Steering

DEATH WOBBLE. I'VE ROTATED THE TIRES, I'VE HAD THE WHEELS BALANCED, I'VE HAD THE TIE-RODS REPLACED AND "UNPREDITABLE" DEATH WOBBLE CONTINUES. I WAS LITERALLY INCHES AWAY FROM BEING REAR ENDED AND CAUSING A MULTICAR WRECK TODAY ON THE 22 FREEWAY IN SANTA ANA, CA WHEN I HAD TO BRAKE ON THE FREEWAY TO STOP THE VIOLENT WOBBLE. TH…

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DEATH WOBBLE. I'VE ROTATED THE TIRES, I'VE HAD THE WHEELS BALANCED, I'VE HAD THE TIE-RODS REPLACED AND "UNPREDITABLE" DEATH WOBBLE CONTINUES. I WAS LITERALLY INCHES AWAY FROM BEING REAR ENDED AND CAUSING A MULTICAR WRECK TODAY ON THE 22 FREEWAY IN SANTA ANA, CA WHEN I HAD TO BRAKE ON THE FREEWAY TO STOP THE VIOLENT WOBBLE. THIS IS A MFG DEFECT THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED (AND LIABILITY ASSUMED) BY THE MFG. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10471468

93,500 miles · Jul 6, 2012
Tires

LOST STEERING CONTROL ON JEEP CHEROKEE WHEN HITTING BUMPS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. FRONT END HAD SEVERE LATERAL OSCILLATION WITH NO DAMPING; STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT. HAD TO SLOW VEHICLE TO BELOW 35 MPH TO REGAIN CONTROL. VERY HAZARDOUS ON HIGHWAYS! INSPECTION AT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED ONE FRONT TIRE HAD BROKEN STEEL BELT AND O…

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LOST STEERING CONTROL ON JEEP CHEROKEE WHEN HITTING BUMPS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. FRONT END HAD SEVERE LATERAL OSCILLATION WITH NO DAMPING; STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT. HAD TO SLOW VEHICLE TO BELOW 35 MPH TO REGAIN CONTROL. VERY HAZARDOUS ON HIGHWAYS! INSPECTION AT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED ONE FRONT TIRE HAD BROKEN STEEL BELT AND OTHER TIRE HAD PARTIAL BELT SHIFT. TIRES WERE 2.5 YRS OLD AND HAD ONLY 18 K MILES. NO EVIDENCE OF ROAD HAZARD DAMAGE WAS PRESENT. REPLACED ALL TIRES ON VEHICLE AND PROBLEMS WERE ELIMINATED. TIRES WERE SUPER SPORT AP RADIALS MANUFACTURED BY GOODYEAR. I UNDERSTAND THESE TIRES ARE NO LONGER MANUFACTURED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10464494

140,000 miles · May 24, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY DAUGHTER CALLED BECAUSE OF A NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I WENT TO HER WORK, RAISED THE HOOD, STARTED THE ENGINE, AND SHORTLY 1-2 MINUTES THEREAFTER, A LOUD POPPING/GRINDING OCCURRED. THE FAN DISINTEGRATED SENDING PARTS THROUGH THE RADIATOR, SHROUD, AND TOES OF MY LEFT SHOE. AND INJURY COULD HAVE OCCURRED BUT DID NOT. I …

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MY DAUGHTER CALLED BECAUSE OF A NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I WENT TO HER WORK, RAISED THE HOOD, STARTED THE ENGINE, AND SHORTLY 1-2 MINUTES THEREAFTER, A LOUD POPPING/GRINDING OCCURRED. THE FAN DISINTEGRATED SENDING PARTS THROUGH THE RADIATOR, SHROUD, AND TOES OF MY LEFT SHOE. AND INJURY COULD HAVE OCCURRED BUT DID NOT. I FOUND 1999-2004 JEEPS HAD A RECALL FOR THIS VERY TYPE OF EVENT. HOWEVER, IT MISSED HE VIN. I BELIEVE ALL OF THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. MY YOUNGEST SON HAS A 1999 THAT THE FAN CAME APART DAMAGING THE RADIATOR AND RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE. I HAVE OWNER 7 JEEPS BUT NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. ANY ASSISTANCE IN ALERTING THE PUBLIC WILL BE APPRECIATED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10459508

144,000 miles · Aug 4, 2011
Seats

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE CONTACT STATED THE SEAT BEGAN TO WOBBLE AND WOULD NOT STAY IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT THE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE CONTACT STATED THE SEAT BEGAN TO WOBBLE AND WOULD NOT STAY IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT THE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

NHTSA ODI #10417093

107,000 miles · Jun 23, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringSuspension

THIS IS ANOTHER COMPLAINT FOR 'DEATH WOBBLE'. I HAVE HAD MY JEEP TAKEN IN SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE HAD TO LIVE WITH IT BECAUSE MECHANICS DIDN'T BELIEVE ME OR JUST DIDN'T SOLVE MY PROBLEM. I SHOULD HAVE USED THE LA LEMON LAW STATUTES TO RETURN MY CAR BUT DIDN'T KNOW THAT BACK THEN. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD 45-70 MPH AND EITHER …

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THIS IS ANOTHER COMPLAINT FOR 'DEATH WOBBLE'. I HAVE HAD MY JEEP TAKEN IN SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE HAD TO LIVE WITH IT BECAUSE MECHANICS DIDN'T BELIEVE ME OR JUST DIDN'T SOLVE MY PROBLEM. I SHOULD HAVE USED THE LA LEMON LAW STATUTES TO RETURN MY CAR BUT DIDN'T KNOW THAT BACK THEN. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD 45-70 MPH AND EITHER HITTING A BUMP OR GOING AROUND 70 MPH YOUR WHOLE FRONT END WILL "SHIMMY/SHAKE/WOBBLE" MAKING IT FEEL LIKE A GIANT EARTHQUAKE. I HAVE TRIED TO FIND A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST THIS AS I FIND SEVERAL WEBSITES/FORUMS/CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING ABOUT IT. RIGHT WHEN IT SHAKES YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN BELOW 40 MPH - SOMETIMES ON THE INTERSTATE AND HAVE HAD CLOSE CALLS FOR A COLLISION! IF YOU WANT JUST SEARCH FOR 'DEATH WOBBLE' AND YOU WILL SEE A WHOLE NEW WORLD. I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU DIDN'T SLOW DOWN AS YOUR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE IS TO HIT THE BRAKES. PARTS REPLACED HAVE BEEN BRAKE ROTORS/PADS, STEERING DAMPENER, UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND TIRES. IT STILL DOES IT TO THIS DAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10408655

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2011
Seats

MOUNTING BRACKET ON THE 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE DRIVER SEAT HAS BROKEN, CAUSING THE SEAT TO LEAN BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10381231

Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2011
SuspensionTiresWheels

2001 JEEP CHEROKEE, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL/TIRE BROKE FREE FROM HUB ROLLING OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF ROAD. UNIT 1 COASTED TO OUTSIDE BERM. *BF ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, 1 OF 5 BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT HUB, 1 OF 5 STUD BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE RIGHT REAR HUB AND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS BALD AND EXPOSING STEE…

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2001 JEEP CHEROKEE, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL/TIRE BROKE FREE FROM HUB ROLLING OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF ROAD. UNIT 1 COASTED TO OUTSIDE BERM. *BF ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, 1 OF 5 BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT HUB, 1 OF 5 STUD BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE RIGHT REAR HUB AND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS BALD AND EXPOSING STEEL BELTS. THE FIVE STUD BOLT HOLES IN THE RIM WERE SEVERELY WORN. IT WAS ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FRONT BALL JOINT WAS BAD. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0864-90) UPDATED 02/15/11 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10381789

78,585 miles · Jan 21, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

1. VEHICLE WAS LOSING COOLANT BUT NOTHING SHOWING UP IN THE ENGINE OIL COOLANT OR BURNING OUT THE TAIL PIPE. I WAS GOING THROUGH ABOUT A HALF GALLON PER WEEK. VEHICLE MAINTAINED LOSS OF COOLANT FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS, THE ADDED PROBLEM OF LOST OIL PRESSURE THEN BECAME A PROBLEM. 2.EVENTUALLY THE HEAD STARTED LEAKING BAD ENOUGH THA…

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1. VEHICLE WAS LOSING COOLANT BUT NOTHING SHOWING UP IN THE ENGINE OIL COOLANT OR BURNING OUT THE TAIL PIPE. I WAS GOING THROUGH ABOUT A HALF GALLON PER WEEK. VEHICLE MAINTAINED LOSS OF COOLANT FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS, THE ADDED PROBLEM OF LOST OIL PRESSURE THEN BECAME A PROBLEM. 2.EVENTUALLY THE HEAD STARTED LEAKING BAD ENOUGH THAT COOLANT WAS PRESENT IN THE OIL, AT WHICH POINT THE PROBLEM WAS PRESENT AND ABLE TO DIAGNOSE. 3. AT THAT POINT THE MAIN BEARINGS WERE A COMPLETE LOSS AND DETERMINED THAT THE CAM BEARINGS WERE GONE AS WELL AND HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MOTOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10378092

138,000 miles · Jan 18, 2011
Electrical SystemSteering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHE WAS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL SHE HEARD A NOISE AS IF PLASTIC WAS BROKEN. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE HORN, THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TES…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHE WAS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL SHE HEARD A NOISE AS IF PLASTIC WAS BROKEN. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE HORN, THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,100.

NHTSA ODI #10377078

Official recalls

2

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.

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

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