Friday, September 3, 2010

Government Investigating the Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee might have a fire problem

There is a new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation underway. 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. It is posited that Jeep Grand Cherokees, from more than 10 model years, have a defective fuel system that can pose a serious fire hazard.

Supposedly Jeep Grand Cherokee has negative design

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is being investigated. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched the inquiry, as outlined by CNN. The 1993 to 2004 model years are being studied. There may be a fire hazard with the fuel tank, according to the Center for Auto Safety.There have been 254 deaths from fire in Jeep Grand Cherokees, and 172 crashes involving fire. Chrysler responded, albeit somewhat cryptically. The business insists their automobiles meet all safety standards.

Gas tank at issue

The problem with jeep grand Cherokees is with the plastic fuel tank. Jeep fuel tanks of those model years are mounted behind the rear axle. They also protrude just below the bumper. This, as outlined by 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 been studying accidents involving Jeep Cherokees, as outlined by ABC. There were 44 crashes where fire caused by the crashes caused more damage than the actual crashes. There were 55 deaths in which the fire was fatal when injuries caused by crashes would not have been. There were also 10 rear ending crashes were fire resulted. There were 13 deaths in rear end crashes that resulted in fire.

Ford Pinto’s thunder stolen by Jeep

There was a skid plate available for the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s fuel tank. Nevertheless, it was only offered as an off road accessory. A brush guard was added in 1999. Jeep Grand Cherokee models from 2005 onward possess the fuel tank within the middle of the vehicle. In a rear ending, both the affected Jeep Cherokee models and the Pinto could possess the top of the gasoline tank sheared off, and catch fire.

Further reading

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



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