Chrysler Group LLC announced Tuesday it has agreed to recall 2.7 million older Jeeps for fire risks, according to reports. The affected cars include the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty SUVs.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says these vehicles have been involved in deadly fires after rear crashes, prompting them to urge Chrysler to further investigate, according to CNBC. Chrysler has instead insisted the allegations are untrue and is taking the step to avoid prolonged bad publicity that would result in an ongoing dispute with NHTSA.
According to NHTSA's assessment, plastic gas tanks behind the axles of 1993-2004 Grand Cherokees and 2002-07 Libertys can be punctured and catch fire when the SUVs are hit from behind.
Chrysler says it will have dealers conduct "visual inspection of the vehicle" and "will, if necessary, provide an upgrade to the rear structure of the vehicle to better manage crash forces in low-speed impacts."
Chrysler says that it will, if necessary, install a trailer hitch assembly along the rear of the vehicle to "better manage crash forces in low-speed impacts." The hitch would help deflect damage to the gas tank.
NHTSA has reported at least 32 fatal rear-impact fire crashes involving Grand Cherokees have resulted in 44 deaths, and at least five fatal rear-impact crashes involving the Liberty have resulted in seven fatalities. Comparing rates of incidents with similar vehicles, NHTSA said the Grand Cherokee and Liberty "are poor performers."
