The vehicle dossier US · 2000

2000 Jeep
CHEROKEEProblems & recalls

369 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Brakes appears in 105 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 369 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Brakes105 reports
Other components88 reports
Engine65 reports
Electrical system44 reports
Suspension33 reports
Transmission & drivetrain29 reports
Air bags26 reports
Steering22 reports
Fuel system20 reports
Visibility9 reports
Body & structure7 reports
See original component labels
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR57
SEATS21
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP20
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE16
SUSPENSION:FRONT15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE15
AIR BAGS14
SUSPENSION12
ENGINE12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING11
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD9
STEERING9
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION9
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH9
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE7
WHEELS7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
TIRES5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM5
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH5
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION4
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM4
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE4
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS4
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE3
TIRES:TREAD/BELT3
STEERING:LINKAGES3
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM3
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD3
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
POWER TRAIN3
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES2
STEERING:RACK AND PINION2
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT2
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS2
SEAT BELTS2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS2
STRUCTURE2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES2
VISIBILITY2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY1
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
WHEELS:HUB1
WHEELS:RIM1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS1
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH1
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP1
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS1
EQUIPMENT1
SERVICE BRAKES1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Aug 26, 2019
Mileage, where supplied

71,500 miles is the median among 132 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 41,777–120,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

7 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

May 11, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 09E025000

Reported concern

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Read campaign 09E025000 at NHTSA
Apr 7, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 09E012000

Reported concern

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Read campaign 09E012000 at NHTSA
Jul 17, 2006 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 06E065000

Reported concern

CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Manufacturer’s stated response

AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Read campaign 06E065000 at NHTSA
Mar 23, 2006 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 06E026000

Reported concern

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Manufacturer’s stated response

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Read campaign 06E026000 at NHTSA
Mar 13, 2006 Safety recallSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCampaign 06E022000

Reported concern

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

Manufacturer’s stated response

AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

Read campaign 06E022000 at NHTSA
Feb 1, 2006 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPCampaign 06E011000

Reported concern

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.

Manufacturer’s stated response

AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.

Manufacturer campaign: FP012506

Read campaign 06E011000 at NHTSA
Apr 8, 2002 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORSCampaign 02V104000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: B06

Read campaign 02V104000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

55 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 22, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions9004275KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program …NHTSA ID 10229256

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10229256 at NHTSA
Jul 22, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions9004275KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program …NHTSA ID 10221686

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10221686 at NHTSA
Apr 22, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions08-049-20Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replaceme…NHTSA ID 10175735

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10175735 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions3100519Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.NHTSA ID 10220101

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10220101 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions3100319Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.NHTSA ID 10220099

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10220099 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions3100619Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.NHTSA ID 10220097

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10220097 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions31-005-19Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.NHTSA ID 10169249

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10169249 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions31-003-19Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.NHTSA ID 10169247

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10169247 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions31-006-19Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.NHTSA ID 10169245

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10169245 at NHTSA
Feb 26, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsR2118796AValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.NHTSA ID 10191460

Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10191460 at NHTSA
Apr 23, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions23-014-15Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that are marked…NHTSA ID 10150552

Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that are marked **** for the model year are no longer supported with OEM retrofit kits. NOTE: Dealers are encouraged to honor any customers? request for the installation of the Child Seat Tether Anchors and Dealer reimbursement will be made by FCA US LLC regardless of vehicle age or mileage. See the Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual and/or Warranty Bulletin D-08-33 for reimbursement detail.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10150552 at NHTSA
Sep 3, 2014 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions9002849Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires r…NHTSA ID 10220995

Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10220995 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Jun 12, 2012 ClosedCrash Related Fuel Tank FiresEA12005

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

Recorded closure: Nov 14, 2014

Campaign reference in the source: 13V252000

Find investigation EA12005

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