NHTSA Looks into Grand Cherokee Fuel Tank Problem

It seems there is one major fault with the Jeep Grand Cherokee from 1993 to 2004. These models might be investigated by federal safety regulations after a complaint that its fuel tank is an exposed fire hazard that may have contributed to hundreds of deaths.

The problem seems to be that he SUV's fuel tank extends below the rear bumper and is inadequately protected from crashes and rollovers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is trying to figure out whether enough evidence exists to support opening an investigation of the 3 million Jeeps. Chrysler said they know about the petition and “will cooperate fully with NHTSA's investigation process."

"Chrysler Group is confident that a study which considered all factors in all collisions -- including rear collisions with fire - would show that the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees perform as well as or better than other vehicles in their class," the statement said. "The 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee meets or exceeds all applicable federal safety standards and has an excellent safety record."

The Center for Auto Safety, who filed the complaint, says that NHTSA's own files show that the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee was involved in 172 fire crashes leading to 254 deaths.

"The fuel tank of the Grand Cherokee is plastic and extends below the rear bumper so there is nothing to protect the tank from a direct hit in a rollover or by a vehicle with a low front profile or one lowered by pre-impact braking," said the center's Oct. 2 petition, signed by Executive Director Clarence Ditlow. Anyway, this process will take months or even years to reach a final conclusion.