NHTSA to probe 3 million Jeep Grand Cherokees for potential fire hazard
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary investigation into whether fuel tanks in 3 million Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles pose a fire hazard.
The probe covers 3.04 million 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees and is in response to a petition from the Center for Auto Safety seeking an investigation.
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Source: NHTSA to probe 3 million Jeep Grand Cherokees for potential fire hazard
The probe covers 3.04 million 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees and is in response to a petition from the Center for Auto Safety seeking an investigation.
Quote from the article:
The center argues the SUVs have defective fuel tank storage systems that present a fire hazard in crashes. Chrysler spokesman Mike Palese said the company is cooperating fully with the investigation. "The 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee meets or exceeds all applicable federal safety (standards) and has an excellent safety record," Palese said. The center alleged the plastic fuel tank's placement behind the rear axle and below the rear bumper makes it more vulnerable to rupture or leakage from a rear-impact by another vehicle -- or in the case of rollover crashes, from other external objects. It also argues it is inadequately shielded from crash impacts. It cited government records showing 172 fatal fire crashes with 254 fatalities involving the Jeep Grand Cherokee from calendar years 1992 through 2008. |
Source: NHTSA to probe 3 million Jeep Grand Cherokees for potential fire hazard
