According to the New York Times, the NHTSA probe will look into Jeep models manufactured in between 1993 and 2004. According to the request made by the consumer group, the gas tanks of the aforementioned models are prone to catching fire in the event of a rear-end collision.
The Motor Vehicle Fire Research Institute of Charlottesville claims that a bolt for the rear-stabilizer bar is located an inch away from the plastic gas tank, posing a real danger of puncturing it during a crash. The plastic gas tank itself is deteriorating in time, while the fuel filler neck brakes during the crash.
In the Institute's view, the problem is more than serious. It claims that until now, the problem has been somehow responsible (meaning fire was deemed the most harmful event in the crash) for 64 deaths in 44 crashes.
As usual, Chrysler didn't say anything official yet, apart for the usual cooperation speech.
“Chrysler Group is cooperating fully with N.H.T.S.A. regarding an investigation into 1993-2004 model year Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. It is important to note that this is an investigation, not a recall. The 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee meets or exceeds all applicable federal safety and has an excellent safety record,” Michael Palese, a company spokesman told The New York Times in an email.
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