Chrysler relents, to recall 2.7m Jeeps over fuel tanks
Chrysler recall to affect Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs from 1993 to 2004, Jeep Liberty SUVs from 2002 to 2007
Chrysler said it would recall 2.7 million older Jeep models after initially fighting a recall request from US regulators in a dispute over crash protection for their fuel tanks.
The recall will affect Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs from model years 1993 to 2004 and Jeep Liberty SUVs from 2002 to 2007.
Regulators from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the agency will continue to investigate the issue, including a review of new documents provided by Chrysler. NHTSA officials said they were pleased with Chrysler’s decision.
While Chrysler stood by its assertion that the vehicles are not defective, the automaker acknowledged consumer concerns about the safety of the vehicles, which have fuel tanks situated behind the rear axle.
Chrysler said its dealers will install trailer hitches on affected vehicles that do not already have company-installed hitches.
“Chrysler Group’s analysis of the data confirms that these vehicles are not defective and are among the safest in the peer group,” said a statement from Chrysler, controlled by Italy’s Fiat.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on June 3 asked Chrysler to recall the two Jeep models because the placement of the fuel tank leaves them less protected in the event of rear-end crash and could lead to a leak and fire.
