Jeep Rear-Collision Fire Investigation Grows to 5 Million Vehicles
A NHTSA investigation into fires caused by rear-collision in Jeep vehicles is expanding to include Jeep Cherokee, and Liberty models.
The issue started in the Grand Cherokee because fires were reported after the vehicles were involved in rear-end accidents. The gas tank is located behind the rear axle, and is therefore easily compromised when the vehicle is hit from behind.
Model years 1993-2004 Grand Cherokee, 1993-2001 Cherokee and 2002-2007 Liberty are now under investigation by NHTSA. Chrysler claims that the investigation will not result in a recall after the company conducted studies themselves into the cars fire saftey. Chrysler claims that the new vehicles to join the investigation “are at no greater risk of exposure to fire in rear end collisions than peer vehicles.”
Grand Cherokee fires have resulted in the death of 284 people in 198 accidents due to the vehicle catching fire, says the Center for Auto Safety (CAS).
At this point there isn’t a recall on the vehicle, but if the recall happens, it will affect over 5 million vehicles and cost Chrysler quite a bit of money.
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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THe editor needs to get the story straight and not use run-on sentences!! The fire is for the Cherokee! The Liberty is a recall for the rear lower control arm!
I thought I had a safe 2005 Jeep - Grand Cherokee - Liberty. All that is written on the Jeep. Also how do I know whether I have a 2004 or 2005? I bought it in 2005 with about 17,000 miles on it from a dealership. It seems strange to me that the Airbag issue hasn't killed anyone but that is all we are hearing about needing recall. It seems that the recall should be the rear end collisions killing 284 people in 198 accidents.Andthat is being debated?Then include other recalls. I saw this on the TV news but they only mentioned the airbag issue. What does it mean if there is a "recall" in this rear end situation? My airbag light stays on constantly right now and has done this before. SylviAnn sylviart7@yahoo.com