NHTSA Investigates Jeep Grand Cherokee Fires

11/17/2009 - Law Firm Blog - Link to This Entry

The Jeep Grand Cherokee from the 1993 to 2004 model years is being investigated by federal safety regulators after a complaint that its fuel tank is an exposed fire hazard that may have contributed to hundreds of deaths.

On October 2, 2009, the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety petitioned (click here for PDF)  the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation and recall stating that that the SUV's fuel tank extends below the rear bumper and is inadequately protected from crashes and rollovers. They also state that the vehicle's fuel filler neck tears off in crashes.

The Center for Auto Safety, said NHTSA's own files show that the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee was involved in 172 fire crashes leading to 254 deaths from 1992 to 2008. This is about four times higher than SUV’s made by other companies and has a higher fatality rate than the Ford Pinto.

Another key finding is the fact that in 2005, under Daimler's ownership, the Grand Cherokee's fuel tank was relocated and shielded. According to the Center, there has been only one crash involving a fatal fire since 2005.

The Center for Auto Safety Executive Director Clarence Ditlow, stated in the petition that, “an optional steel skid-plate, available for off-road applications, would protect the fuel tank.”

According to NHTSA website, the organization is deciding whether enough evidence exists to support opening an investigation of the 3 million Jeeps whose models fall within the 11-year period. The investigation which began on November 6, can take months or even years before a recall is ordered.

Please share your thoughts with me by contacting me at 561-842-2820, or emailing me at edricci@edriccilaw.com.

Edward M. Ricci, PA has represented victims of Fuel Fed Fire cases. We handled a precedent setting case were we were able to hold vehicle manufacturers accountable for vehicle defects in automobiles that were older than 12-years-old by going outside of the State of Florida and suing where the vehicle was manufactured.