Chrysler Fire probe expands to 5 million SUVs

The Detroit Bureau

This 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee is examined under the schemes.

By Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau
Federal safety regulators have a checkpoint she started check whether millions of Chrysler made sports of utility vehicles face a disproportionately high risk catching fire in collisions rear-end almost two years ago, significantly expanded.

The national highway traffic safety investigation, started in August 2010, initially focused on 3 million Jeep Grand Cherokee between 1993 and 2004 produced. The Agency now has a 1993 to 2001 Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Liberty SUV further 2.1 million.

The problem seems, centered around the rear-mounted placement of the plastic gas tanks which used in the three models they more susceptible for catch can make fire. NHTSA has been 15 reported deaths and 41 injuries related to the potential problem.

According to an analysis of the Government, there is "a higher incidence of impact from the rear, fatal fire crashes for the Jeep products."

Chrysler officials to play down the problem though David Dillon, head of the Chrysler product investigations, confirmed in an interview with the Detroit News, "Grand Cherokee can have several of these events than their competitors." But overall, Dillon insisted "These vehicles essentially carry the same as their peers."

The investigation follows a complaint by the non-profit consumer group, the Center for auto safety, the placement of the gas tanks in these older Jeep off-road buggy. The tanks behind the rear axle - in the years past, generally usual - assembled, where they were allegedly prone to a following rear collision or rollover accident is dotted.

The CAS applied for the older versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee had deadly fire prices four times, the competitors - and six times higher than the newer models are not the subject of the investigation NHTSA. Chrysler denies these figures.

Like many other manufacturers, Jeep withdrew the gas tank models on its various Jeep forward of the rear axle and the protective framework in 2005.

Chrysler recognized that it numerous complaints in connection with Jeep fires without trial - when the plaintiff sign non-disclosure agreements demanding laid. The manufacturer also insisted that this is not abusive practice.

Separately, ordered NHTSA this week developing a callback liberty now cover Jeep about 350,000 SUVs from July 2003 to June 2007 produced. The service action is busy to excessive corrosion that road salt, leads to a failure of the rear suspension and possible vehicle damage can be caused.