The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has decided to investigate reports of gas-tank fires in 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees. This follows a petition the agency received last fall from the Center for Auto Safety (CAS), which claims the gas tanks were defective and were causing post-crash fires.
The petition asked NHTSA engineers to investigate and recall the vehicles because the gas tank is located behind the rear axle, and according to CAS, and is not properly protected in the event of a rear-impact crash, which could result in a fire.
CAS cites at least 44 crashes with 64 fatalities where fire was categorized as the “most harmful event” in NHTSA’s fatality reporting database. NHTSA’s preliminary examination in response to the petition found 2,988 occupants of the Grand Cherokees to have died in crashes since 1992. Of those, 55 people died in 44 crashes in which fire was determined to be the “most harmful event.” Ten of those crashes had a reported fuel tank leak or fire related to the fuel tank.
CAS noted two crashes in their petition where a Grand Cherokee was struck from behind and caught on fire, fatally injuring the driver and/or passengers.
In their preliminary report, NHTSA did note that they “did not find the subject vehicles to be over-represented for post-crash fires.” Further, while the issue of a post-crash fire doesn’t necessarily indicate a defect, NHTSA has determined that since fires are a significant safety risk, they would further investigate to find out if a defect exists and if a recall is necessary. If so, Chrysler will then formalize a recall and notify all owners.
—Liza Barth
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