Jeep Rear-Collision Fire Investigation Grows to 5 Million Vehicles

A NHTSA investigation into fires caused by rear-collision in Jeep vehicles is expanding to include Jeep Cherokee, and  Liberty models.

The issue started in the Grand Cherokee because fires were reported after the vehicles were involved in rear-end accidents. The gas tank is located behind the rear axle, and is therefore easily compromised when the vehicle is hit from behind.

Model years 1993-2004 Grand Cherokee, 1993-2001 Cherokee and 2002-2007 Liberty are now under investigation by NHTSA. Chrysler claims that the investigation will not result in a recall after the company conducted studies themselves into the cars fire saftey. Chrysler claims that the new vehicles to join the investigation “are at no greater risk of exposure to fire in rear end collisions than peer vehicles.”

Grand Cherokee fires have resulted in the death of 284 people in 198 accidents due to the vehicle catching fire, says the Center for Auto Safety (CAS).

At this point there isn’t a recall on the vehicle, but if the recall happens, it will affect over 5 million vehicles and cost Chrysler quite a bit of money.