The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a medium sized sport / utility vehicle produced by Chrysler, that has generally received good marks for its looks, handling and four wheel drive capabilities. But, according to one nonprofit safety group, the Grand Cherokee features a notable defect which it contends has killed hundreds of people.
CAS Complaint
According to a complaint filed by the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) to the NHTSA, the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee's plastic gas tank is deadly as it is located behind the rear axle and extends below the rear bumper. The consumer group says that this design exposes the Jeep when in an accident, contending that at least 254 deaths can be attributed to the vehicle.
CAS says that the Grand Cherokee gas tank is defectively designed in that it is subject to rupture, degrades over time, and has other features harmful to vehicle occupants. Some 172 fiery crashes have been reported to date, resulting in hundreds of deaths.
Defect Petition
If the NHTSA decides to pursue the case, some 3 million Jeeps produced over an eleven year period could be recalled. On November 6, 2009, the NHTSA launched a "defect petition" to allow people to file a safety complaint. This step can take months even years to complete with Chrysler saying that the automaker is cooperating with the NHTSA as they begin their investigation.
Beginning with the 2005 model year, Jeep's former owner DaimlerChrysler AG moved the gas tank and shielded it, effectively reducing but not eliminating the problem. One fatal accident since that time involved a new Grand Cherokee, but no other deadly accidents have been reported.
Major Recalls
As the NHTSA investigates the Jeep Grand Cherokee, they're also examining huge recalls involving Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Company vehicles, along with a smaller, but still sizable recall involving at least 400,000 Hondas.
Consumers can check to see if their own vehicle has been recalled by visiting the NHTSA website at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov .