Illustration2001 JEEP CHEROKEE REAR BRAKE AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS REPEATEDLY BURN OUT. *KB *JB
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 reportsDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE LOW BEAM STOPPED WORKING. BOTH PROBLEMS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE EITHER PROBLEM.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S REAR BRAKE LIGHTS BURNS OUT REPEATEDLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERS FOR FURTHER.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHILE TURNING. THE TILT STEERING WHEEL THEN LOCKED IN THE FORWARD POSITION. A SERVICE DEALER WAS CONSULTED ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE FRONTAL AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED, NO INSPECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.
2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT, WIFE PARKS VEHICLE AT TOP OF STEEP DRIVEWAY ON FAIRLY LEVEL GROUND. PUTS TRANSMISSION IN "PARK", SETS EMERGENCY BRAKE AND EXITS CAR, LEAVING CAR RUNNING FOR NIECE AND 2YR OLD SON TO HAVE AC. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 15 MIN, NIECE DECIDES TO EXIT VEHICLE, OPENS PASSENGER DOOR, REACHES OVER TO TURN OFF IGNITIO…
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2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT, WIFE PARKS VEHICLE AT TOP OF STEEP DRIVEWAY ON FAIRLY LEVEL GROUND. PUTS TRANSMISSION IN "PARK", SETS EMERGENCY BRAKE AND EXITS CAR, LEAVING CAR RUNNING FOR NIECE AND 2YR OLD SON TO HAVE AC. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 15 MIN, NIECE DECIDES TO EXIT VEHICLE, OPENS PASSENGER DOOR, REACHES OVER TO TURN OFF IGNITION. AS SOON AS IGNITION IS TURNED OFF, CAR LURCHES BACKWARD, RUNS DOWN HILL, CROSSES THE STREET, RUNS THROUGH NEIGHBORS BACK YARD, THROUGH TREES, OVER RETAINING WALL AND HIGH CENTERS ON LARGE LOG. ALL PASSENGERS WERE OKAY BUY DID OVER $3000.00 IN DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. *NM
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE COMPUTER SHOWED A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION JERKED WHILE IN MOTION AND CHANGING GEARS. HOWEVER, THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN, BUT …
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DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE COMPUTER SHOWED A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION JERKED WHILE IN MOTION AND CHANGING GEARS. HOWEVER, THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN, BUT THE REPLACEMENT STARTED SMOKING. THE DEALER REPLACED AN OIL SEAL AND THE SMOKING CONTINUED. AFTER THE TRANSMISSIONS WERE REPLACED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO STAY ILLUMINATED. *AK
AS I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 72 MPH THE VEHICLES BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY "THE DEATH WOBBLE". WHAT HAD HAPPENED IS I HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD CAUSING THE VIBRATION. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT WAS TO FINISH PASSING THE SEMI AND PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER AND STOP( WITH OUT GETTING KILLED …
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AS I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 72 MPH THE VEHICLES BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY "THE DEATH WOBBLE". WHAT HAD HAPPENED IS I HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD CAUSING THE VIBRATION. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT WAS TO FINISH PASSING THE SEMI AND PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER AND STOP( WITH OUT GETTING KILLED OR KILLING ANYONE ELSE.) THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR. THE FIRST TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS MY TIRES. I CHANGED THEM WITH GOODYEAR (LIKE THE FACTORY HAD). THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE SWAY BAR. THIS STILL DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ON THE THIRD TIME THEY TOLD ME IT WAS MY CONTROL ARMS. THE CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED AND I STILL NOTICE A SMALL VIBRATION BUT IT HAS NOT HAD THE ("DEATH WOBBLE YET"). I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT TO OFFICIALLY INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THIS PROBLEM. I WANT TO ENSURE THAT I AM THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. THANKS *JB
PURCHASED A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT IN NOVEMBER, 2004. IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS, I EXPERIENCED A SEVERE SHAKING OF THE VEHICLE; MOST OFTEN AFTER HITTING A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD. IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. KEPT …
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PURCHASED A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT IN NOVEMBER, 2004. IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS, I EXPERIENCED A SEVERE SHAKING OF THE VEHICLE; MOST OFTEN AFTER HITTING A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD. IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. KEPT HAPPENING, AT SPEEDS OF 35-45 MPH. DIAGNOSED AT BELLE TIRE AS A BAD TRACK BAR.TOOK IIT TO ANOTHER JEEP DEALERSHIP; TRACK BAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS REPLACED. SAID PROBLEM WAS FIXED BUT 2 DAYS LATER, WHILE ON FREEWAY (65 MPH) IN RIGHT-HAND LANE, EXTREMELY VIOLENT SHAKING OCCURRED. I BARELY GOT THE CAR TO THE SIDE, BECAUSE THE STEERING WASS UNCONTROLLABLE. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT HAD I BEEN IN ANY BUT THE RIGHT HAND LANE, I WOULD HAVE HIT ANOTHER CAR. I WAS ABLE TO RE-ENTER THE RIGHT HAND LANE BUT KEPT MY SPEED AT 35 MPH AND EXITED IMMEDIATELY. CAR WENT BACK TO THE DEALER WHO SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. THEY SAID IT COULD BE CAUSED BY 10-15 DIFFERENT THINGS AND THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT WOULD BE TO REPLACE EVERYTHING, STARTING WITH STEERING DAMPNER (NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY) BUT HAD NO IDEA IF THAT WOULD FIX IT. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR 6 MONTHS AND HAVE ALREADY SPENT ALMOST $1,000 ON TRYING TO HAVE IT FIXED (INCLUDING NEW TIRES AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT). THE DEALER WAS COMPLETELY INDIFFERENT TO THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE DIRECTOR SAID IT WOULD COST ME A LOT OF MONEY TO HAVE EVERYTHING REPLACED, AND EVEN THEN, COULD NOT GUARANTEE THE PROBLEM WOULD BE FIXED. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THESE EXPERIENCES, ESPECIALLY THE ONE ON THE FREEWAY, WHICH I WOULD RATE A 10 ON A SCALE OF 1-10 (THE OTHERS RANGING FROM 1-4), HAVE SHAKEN ME TO THE VERY CORE; I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I CAN NEVER AGAIN DRIVE THAT CAR AND FEEL SAFE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM IS OR HOW TO FIX IT. I CHECKED THE INTERNET AND FOUND 38,000 WEBSITES DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM; PREVALENT IN JEEPS. THE PROBLEM IS APTLY DUBBED "DEATH WOBBLE".
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
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