Feds look into likely flaws with the Jeep Grand Cherokees

A federal investigation has been launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Jeep Grand Cherokees is what is being investigated. The number of affected cars could possibly be as much as 3 million. A petition for an investigation was turned in by the Center for Auto Safety to look into a possible severe safety issue. The problem is with a potential fire hazard, caused by awful design in the fuel system of the SUV.

Jeep Grand Cherokees’ alleged bad design

There is a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation underway, according to CNN, of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The 1993 to 2004 model years are being studied. There might be a fire hazard with the fuel tank, according to the Center for Auto Safety.There were 172 crashes involving fire in Jeep Grand Cherokees. There were also 254 deaths from fire. Chrysler responded, albeit somewhat cryptically. The business insists their vehicles meet all safety standards.

The alleged difficulty is the gasoline tank

The gas tank in the Jeep Cherokee is plastic. The tank is mounted below the rear bumper and behind the rear axle. This, according to the Ralph Nader-founded CAS, makes the gas tank’s neck susceptible to rupture in rear end collisions and greater risk of fire. The NHTSA has identified 44 accidents, according to ABC, where the fire caused more damage than the crash itself. There were 55 deaths in which the fire was fatal when injuries caused by crashes would not have been. There were 10 crashes where fires were involved and 13 deaths believed to be as a result of vehicle being rear ended.

Ford Pinto’s thunder stolen by Jeep

There was a skid plate accessible for the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s fuel tank. Nevertheless, it was only offered as an off road accessory. Jeep at least added a brush guard in 1999. However, in 2005, jeep grand Cherokees got a re-design. The tank was moved to the middle of the car. In a rear ending, both the affected Jeep Cherokee models and also the Ford Pinto could have the top of the gasoline tank sheared off, and catch fire.

Discover more information on this subject

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Blotter/jeep-grand-cherokee-abc-station-reported-gas-tank/story?id=11473270 and page=1

CNN Money

money.cnn.com/2010/08/24/autos/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee/index.htm