Auburn Hills-based manufacturer Chrysler refuses to recall about 2.7 million Jeep vehicles after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a request following a thorough and lengthy investigation.
In an official response published earlier this week, Chrysler said it does not agree with the NHTSA’s conclusion and consequently it does not intend to recall the vehicles cited in the probation because they “are safe and not defective”.
“Chrysler Group has been working and sharing data with the Agency on this issue since September 2010. The company does not agree with NHTSA’s conclusions and does not intend to recall the vehicles cited in the investigation. The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective," Chrysler stated.
The recall requested by the NHTSA could affect 2,7 million Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty SUVs over potentially fires caused by rear-end crashes. 15 death and 41 injuries have been reported so far. The concerned 1993-2004 Cherokee and 2002-2007 Liberty SUVs are fitted with plastic gas tanks which are located between the rear bumper and axle, which makes them vulnerable in the case of a rear-end crash.
“The safety of drivers and passengers has long been the first priority for Chrysler brands and that commitment remains steadfast,” said Sergio Marchionne, chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group LLC. “The company stands behind the quality of its vehicles. All of us remain committed to continue working with NHTSA to provide information confirming the safety of these vehicles.”
“Chrysler Group has been working and sharing data with the Agency on this issue since September 2010. The company does not agree with NHTSA’s conclusions and does not intend to recall the vehicles cited in the investigation. The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective," Chrysler stated.
The recall requested by the NHTSA could affect 2,7 million Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty SUVs over potentially fires caused by rear-end crashes. 15 death and 41 injuries have been reported so far. The concerned 1993-2004 Cherokee and 2002-2007 Liberty SUVs are fitted with plastic gas tanks which are located between the rear bumper and axle, which makes them vulnerable in the case of a rear-end crash.
“The safety of drivers and passengers has long been the first priority for Chrysler brands and that commitment remains steadfast,” said Sergio Marchionne, chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group LLC. “The company stands behind the quality of its vehicles. All of us remain committed to continue working with NHTSA to provide information confirming the safety of these vehicles.”