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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
60,000 miles · Jun 23, 2008
Seats

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS APPROACHING A STOP, THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOVED UPWARD SLIGHTLY. HE EXAMINED THE FRONT SEAT AND NOTICED THAT IT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SEAT RAILING. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCE IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS APPROACHING A STOP, THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOVED UPWARD SLIGHTLY. HE EXAMINED THE FRONT SEAT AND NOTICED THAT IT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SEAT RAILING. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCE IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 07/29/08 *BF UPDATED 08/01/08

NHTSA ODI #10232077

42,000 miles · Jun 12, 2008
SuspensionCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH UPHILL, THE VEHICLE SHOOK DRASTICALLY. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AXLE SHEARED AND THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 42,000.

NHTSA ODI #10230841

58,000 miles · May 7, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

FIRST, ENGINE BEGAN TO LOOSE OVERHEAT AND LOOSE COOLANT AT 55,000M - 1 QT EVERY 200 - 300 MILES. NO LEAK FOUND BY MECHANIC. LOSS CONTINUED. THEN LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE WHEN ENGINE WAS WARMED FULLY. PRESSURE DROPS AT ALL RPM BUT DOWN TO 0 WHEN IDLE IS BELOW 1300 RPM( (AT IDLE). CANNOT FIND LEAK BUT HAVE BEEN ADVISED ON SEVERA…

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FIRST, ENGINE BEGAN TO LOOSE OVERHEAT AND LOOSE COOLANT AT 55,000M - 1 QT EVERY 200 - 300 MILES. NO LEAK FOUND BY MECHANIC. LOSS CONTINUED. THEN LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE WHEN ENGINE WAS WARMED FULLY. PRESSURE DROPS AT ALL RPM BUT DOWN TO 0 WHEN IDLE IS BELOW 1300 RPM( (AT IDLE). CANNOT FIND LEAK BUT HAVE BEEN ADVISED ON SEVERAL FORUMS THAT THIS YEAR (98 - 01) JEEP 4.0 ENGINES HAVE A VERY HIGH FAILURE RATE RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE A FAULTY ENGINE CASTING PRONE TO INTERNAL CRACKING, CAUSING COOLANT LOSS AND LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE. JEEP DEALER DENIES AND KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ISSUE. BUT, JEEP SENT A SPECIAL LETTER TO BUYERS OF THIS YEAR/MODEL JEEP CHEROKEE THAT THEY WERE DESPERATE TO BUY AS MANY OF THIS YEAR MAKE/MODEL AS THEY COULD AND WOULD PROVIDE A REASONABLE TRADE-IN VALUE. THEY DID NOT SPECIFY WHY THEY WOULD NEED TO ACQUIRE SO MANY OF THIS PARTICULAR USED YEAR/MODEL JEEP CHEROKEES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10226966

100 miles · Nov 29, 2007
Seat Belts

SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS DO NOT FUNCTION CONSISTENTLY, BELTS HANG IN DOOR OPENING AND BECOME CAUGHT IN THE LATCH/STRIKE ASSEMBLY WHEN THE DOORS ARE CLOSED. THIS CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE BELT, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL CHRYSLER PRODUCTS (DODGE DART, PLYMOUTH RELIANT, 2 CHEROKEES AND OTHER) AND ALL HAVE EXHIBITED T…

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SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS DO NOT FUNCTION CONSISTENTLY, BELTS HANG IN DOOR OPENING AND BECOME CAUGHT IN THE LATCH/STRIKE ASSEMBLY WHEN THE DOORS ARE CLOSED. THIS CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE BELT, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL CHRYSLER PRODUCTS (DODGE DART, PLYMOUTH RELIANT, 2 CHEROKEES AND OTHER) AND ALL HAVE EXHIBITED THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10210298

50,000 miles · Sep 14, 2007
Electrical System

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILS WHICH IN TURN DEACTIVATES AIR BAGS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10203026

92,000 miles · Mar 10, 2007
Air BagsCrash

VEHICLE STRUCK TREE, THEN METAL POLE AT 30 MPH. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT COMPONENT FAILURE AT THIS TIME. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10184710

60,800 miles · Jan 11, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WEEK OF 1/1/07 THE DRIVER WENT TO START A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT WHEN A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND VIBRATIONS FELT. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED HER THAT THE CAM SHAFT WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE CONTAC…

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TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WEEK OF 1/1/07 THE DRIVER WENT TO START A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT WHEN A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND VIBRATIONS FELT. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED HER THAT THE CAM SHAFT WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAM SHAFT WAS REPLACED AND THE CONTACT DOES HAVE THE DAMAGED PARTS. THE DEALERSHIP DID INFORM THE CONTACT THAT THIS WAS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10178419

54,427 miles · Jan 8, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

AT 20,000 MILES MY JEEP CHEROKEE SHUTTERED WHEN BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT WAS SO VIOLENT IT ALMOST THREW MY JEEP INTO THE DIVIDING WALL. I TOOK THIS TO MY DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A $700 REPAIR TO REPLACE MY ROTORS AND BREAK PADS. THIS IS COVERED UNDER A JEEP SERVICE BULLETIN BUT WAS NOT A RECALL. JEEP KNEW BEFORE MY VEHIC…

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AT 20,000 MILES MY JEEP CHEROKEE SHUTTERED WHEN BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT WAS SO VIOLENT IT ALMOST THREW MY JEEP INTO THE DIVIDING WALL. I TOOK THIS TO MY DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A $700 REPAIR TO REPLACE MY ROTORS AND BREAK PADS. THIS IS COVERED UNDER A JEEP SERVICE BULLETIN BUT WAS NOT A RECALL. JEEP KNEW BEFORE MY VEHICLE ROLLED OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS WARPED UNDER CONDITIONS OF HIGH HEAT OR THE USE OF SALT ON THE HIGHWAYS. THIS IS DUE TO THE COMPOSITE METAL OF THE ROTOR. I THEN TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MY REGULAR MECHANIC AND HAD THE ROTORS REPLACE WITH CHRYSLER PARTS. ONCE AGAIN I AM EXPERIENCING THE VIBRATION AT 54,000. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE SAME THING. I AM NOW KEEPING A COLLECTION OF WARPED JEEP ROTORS IN HOPE THAT EVENTUALLY THEY WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10178085

84,280 miles · Oct 31, 2006
Electrical System

HORN FAILURE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST OCCASION OF THIS EVENT. THE INTERSTATE TRAFFIC WAS AT STOPPED DUE TO A WRECK AND A SEMI TRUCK ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LANE CHANGE. I ATTEMPTED TO SIGNAL THAT THE LANE WAS OCCUPIED BY BLOWING THE CAR HORN AND AFTER PRESSING ON THE HORN LOGO IN THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL NOTHING HAPPENED. I T…

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HORN FAILURE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST OCCASION OF THIS EVENT. THE INTERSTATE TRAFFIC WAS AT STOPPED DUE TO A WRECK AND A SEMI TRUCK ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LANE CHANGE. I ATTEMPTED TO SIGNAL THAT THE LANE WAS OCCUPIED BY BLOWING THE CAR HORN AND AFTER PRESSING ON THE HORN LOGO IN THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL NOTHING HAPPENED. I TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES AND STILL NOTHING. LUCKILY THE DRIVER OF THE SEMI FINALLY LOOKED AND STOPPED BEFORE PUSHING MY CAR INTO THE CENTER CONCRETE DIVIDER. IT IS A VERY FRUSTRATING FEELING TO SEE AN IMPENDING CASH AND TO HAVE NO MEANS TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10172259

59,650 miles · Jul 31, 2006
Steering

CONSUMER MOVED STEERING WHEEL FORWARD UPON EXITING 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. NOW THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT MOVE AT ALL. *KB WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MOVED FORWARD THE CONSUMER HEARD A FUNNY NOISE. NOW THE STEERING WHEEL CANNOT BE MOVED BACK TO IT'S NORMAL DRIVING POSITION. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER AND WA GIVEN THE MANU…

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CONSUMER MOVED STEERING WHEEL FORWARD UPON EXITING 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. NOW THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT MOVE AT ALL. *KB WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MOVED FORWARD THE CONSUMER HEARD A FUNNY NOISE. NOW THE STEERING WHEEL CANNOT BE MOVED BACK TO IT'S NORMAL DRIVING POSITION. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER AND WA GIVEN THE MANUFACTURERS CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10164759

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