NHTSA investigates Grand Cherokee fires

Programbo · 11-13-2009, 07:36 PM

NHTSA to investigate 3 million 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee over gas tank fires?

by Dan Roth (RSS feed) on Nov 12th 2009 at 9:28AM

The position of the plastic fuel tanks in 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees makes them potential fireballs, argues the Center for Auto Safety. The nonprofit organization says that the fuel tank's location makes the pre-2005 Grand Cherokees prone to catching on fire when involved in an accident. Located behind the rear axle and hanging down below the bumper, shorter vehicles can impact the tank directly, says the Center. The fuel filler neck has also sheared off during some of these incidents, leading to fuel spills and the increased potential for fires.

The Center is petitioning the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to open an investigation and recall some three million vehicles. Chrysler says the Grand Cherokee will come out of the study having met or exceeded any applicable standards. The organization also notes that NHTSA's files reveal 1993-2004 Jeeps involved in 172 crashes with fires and 254 deaths, while just one post-'05 Cherokee has had a fatal fire incident. The defect petition got underway with NHTSA on November 6, and could take a while, though this isn't the first time the agency has looked at problems with these Jeeps.

NHTSA's "defect petition" process began earlier this month, but a resolution isn't immediately forthcoming – such investigations can take many months – possibly years

nw-xj-scott · 11-13-2009, 07:45 PM

No suprise there..
This was my 94 Grand cherokee last november. this rear end accident was due to a Expedition, not only did it total the jeep, it pierced the tank and was slowly leaking fuel.

Programbo · 11-13-2009, 08:37 PM

[QUOTE=nw-xj-scott;328242]No suprise there..This was my 94 Grand cherokee last november. this rear end accident was due to a Expedition, not only did it total the jeep, it pierced the tank and was slowly leaking fuel.[QUOTE]

Totaled?..Looks repairable to me

nw-xj-scott · 11-14-2009, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Programbo

Totaled?..Looks repairable to me

2 quotes. 7300 and 6400. a 94 zj is worth 3k at most.

once you tweak a unibody. most shops wont touch it

11-13-2009, 07:36 PM	#1
Programbo Seasoned Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 292 My Photos 1994 Cherokee Year: 1994 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: Automatic	NHTSA investigates Grand Cherokee fires NHTSA to investigate 3 million 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee over gas tank fires? by Dan Roth (RSS feed) on Nov 12th 2009 at 9:28AM The position of the plastic fuel tanks in 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees makes them potential fireballs, argues the Center for Auto Safety. The nonprofit organization says that the fuel tank's location makes the pre-2005 Grand Cherokees prone to catching on fire when involved in an accident. Located behind the rear axle and hanging down below the bumper, shorter vehicles can impact the tank directly, says the Center. The fuel filler neck has also sheared off during some of these incidents, leading to fuel spills and the increased potential for fires. The Center is petitioning the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to open an investigation and recall some three million vehicles. Chrysler says the Grand Cherokee will come out of the study having met or exceeded any applicable standards. The organization also notes that NHTSA's files reveal 1993-2004 Jeeps involved in 172 crashes with fires and 254 deaths, while just one post-'05 Cherokee has had a fatal fire incident. The defect petition got underway with NHTSA on November 6, and could take a while, though this isn't the first time the agency has looked at problems with these Jeeps. NHTSA's "defect petition" process began earlier this month, but a resolution isn't immediately forthcoming – such investigations can take many months – possibly years __________________ "Most times you can't hear 'em talk, Other times you can. All the same old cliches, "Is that a woman or a man?" And you always seem outnumbered, You don't dare make a stand."

11-13-2009, 07:45 PM	#2
nw-xj-scott Seasoned Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NW Oregon Posts: 490 My Photos 89 Cherokee Year: 89 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: 242 Front Axle: 30 Rear Axle: 44 Tires: 33x14 boggers Lift Specifications: 5" Misc Accessories: a few	No suprise there.. This was my 94 Grand cherokee last november. this rear end accident was due to a Expedition, not only did it total the jeep, it pierced the tank and was slowly leaking fuel. __________________ 1989 OD XJ 5" lift Spooled 44 33x14 Boggers 1998 PS 5.9 ZJ 3" lift 31x10.5 M/T I was Informed this Hobby will nickle and dime you... I spent my last quarter and the next repair requires a 2nd mortgage..

11-13-2009, 08:37 PM	#3
Programbo Seasoned Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 292 My Photos 1994 Cherokee Year: 1994 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: Automatic	[QUOTE=nw-xj-scott;328242]No suprise there..This was my 94 Grand cherokee last november. this rear end accident was due to a Expedition, not only did it total the jeep, it pierced the tank and was slowly leaking fuel.[QUOTE] Totaled?..Looks repairable to me __________________ "Most times you can't hear 'em talk, Other times you can. All the same old cliches, "Is that a woman or a man?" And you always seem outnumbered, You don't dare make a stand."

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