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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Chrysler recalls over 900,000 Jeeps for airbag issue

Paul A. Eisenstein, TheDetroitBureau.com

Chrysler is recalling over 919,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty SUVs worldwide due to a potential defect that can cause their airbags to unexpectedly inflate while the vehicles are being driven.

A total of 775,000 older versions of the two Jeep models will be impacted in the U.S., along with 49,000 sold in Canada, 22,000 in Mexico and the rest distributed to other global markets. While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the problem has not led to any accidents there have been a number of minor injuries caused by the inadvertent airbag deployments.

The latest recall adds to the growing tally of safety actions related to airbag safety defects. Ford, Honda and Hyundai are among the list of other makers who have been affected in recent years.

NHTSA reports that the Jeep problem involves Grand Cherokees produced in the 2002 through 2004 model-years, and Liberty SUVs produced in 2002 and 2003. According to the safety agency, the problem has been linked to a defective part in the computer used to control the airbags.

Under normal circumstances, airbags rely on a network of sensors that indicate when and where a collision has occurred – and on more recent models, sensors also detect the severity of a crash and where occupants are sitting in the vehicle. The Jeeps involved in the recall may see their front or side-impact airbags inflate even if they aren’t involved in a collision. Pre-tensioning seatbelts may also be triggered.

A Chrysler spokesman noted that the problem has occurred in less than three-hundreths of a percent of the Jeep Liberty and Grand Cherokee models on the road.

Nonetheless, after completing a year-long investigation, NHTSA determined the problem occurred 215 times, causing 81 minor injuries – but while the inadvertent airbag deployments have not been linked to any crashes, the safety agency warns that drivers could be startled into losing control of their vehicles.

Chrysler says it plans to notify owners by January and repairs will be made to the electrical system at no charge to consumers.

Automotive manufacturers have seen a number of airbag issues pop up in recent years forcing them to recall large numbers of vehicles. In July, Hyundai recalled 220,000 Sonata sedans and Santa Fe SUVs from the 2007 to 2009 model-years because sensors designed to protect small children in an airbag deployment might not work. The maker also recalled nearly 23,000 late-model Sonatas for a separate airbag problem.

Ford announced the recall of 154,000 Fiesta models due to airbag problems last month, and the maker previously called back 1.5 million vehicles – including 1.2 million F-Series pickups – due to unexpected airbag deployments.

Honda, meanwhile, has recalled over 2.5 million vehicles sold through the Honda and Acura brands because they could deploy with too much force, sending deadly shrapnel into the passenger compartment. The problem was linked to at least two deaths.

Because of the potential dangers, NHTSA has put a high priority on discovering and fixing airbag problems.

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