Chrysler denies recall of 2.7 million jeeps

Chrysler has denied a recall of older Jeep models such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee 1999, the U.S. Department of labor have protected fuel tank behind the axle which leave them less say rear-end collisions in a collision.

Chrysler fights a request the recall Federal Government to 2.7 million Jeep vehicles in a highly unusual step for automakers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) asked to recall Chrysler Jeep models in question because of concerns the fuel tank leak and fatal fire contribute, where the cars in a collision from behind can be taken.

Chrysler is still formulating the Federal Government, but already started a formal response, deny the need for a callback in a press release Tuesday.

It is unclear how the dispute be resolved or how long the two sides about the safety of his two favorite Jeep models will fight.

The NHTSA request includes 2.7 million jeeps, specifically, 1993-2004 Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Liberty models. All vehicles have fuel tanks, which are located behind the rear axle. According to the NHTSA, 51 deaths with impact from behind have associated crashes, where trapped these models on fire, after he hit.

The Federal Agency's letter describes the problem saying: "the performance is defective, that the fuel tanks installed on these vehicles are subject to error when vehicles are struck from behind. Such failure lead leak fuel, which can result in the presence of external sources of ignition in the fire. Is design defect the placement of the fuel tanks in the position behind the axle and how they have been positioned, including their height above the ground."

The NHTSA is not specified, which believe it means, should be pursuing Chrysler to fix the problem, which it claims.

Chrysler has until June 18 to issue a formal response explaining why it the callback request is not satisfied.

In a written statement, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne defended the safety of the Jeep models in question, says: "the safety of drivers and passengers has long been the top priority for Chrysler brands and this commitment firm remains. The company stands behind the quality of its vehicles. "All of us continue with NHTSA data confirm the safety of these vehicles continue to work."

The 2.7 million jeeps met Federal vehicle safety standards, as they were made. The NHTSA is this claim in their letter to Chrysler, but don't think that's enough. "The existence of a minimum standard is not necessary for NHTSA, deadly problems to ignore."

So why is the Chrysler the callback challenge?

A source familiar with the situation, who asked to remain anonymous, says that the automaker believes that the proportion of fatal rear impact crashes jeeps not greater than the mortality rates for other vehicles crashes involved collision from the rear, which lead to a fire.

Goes like fatality rates for vehicles measured.

If you a look at the number of fatal rear impact crashes per million miles dangers, the Jeep rate according to sources, is low. In addition, the issue without a formal solution is proposed as Chrysler would ensure the safety of the jeeps.

It is rare when a vehicle manufacturers of request for a recall NHTSA locks.

Every year there are dozens of recalls and most of the time of the Federal Government, automakers and parts suppliers hold numerous discussions about the specific problem and how to fix it.

As an industry veteran, there is a healthy and vigorous debate, but finally everyone agrees, a solution.

So unusual, that makes Chrysler response to the callback request. It is compiled by the NHTSA evidence, including images many terrible accidents difficult.

Finally, Chrysler and the NHTSA should to negotiate some sort of settlement. Is this not the case, which could play out matter in a public hearing and be decided in court.

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