jeep grand cherokee plastic fuel tank 1998

The 2011 Grand Cherokee is a crucial vehicle on its road to recovery. Still, the new investigation is a headache for Chrysler. Not only does the new version have the gas tank inboard-that is, within the frame-but so did the version it replaces.

NHTSA will determine whether a recall is necessary, but the agency said a preliminary review did not find the vehicles to be over-represented for post-crash fires.Īll this happens at an inauspicious time for Chrysler Group, which has just rolled out a redesigned Grand Cherokee. Of those, 10 crashes and 13 deaths were linked to rear-end crashes. NHTSA says that since 1992, 44 Grand Cherokee crashes and 55 deaths have been reported in which fire was listed as the most harmful factor. 'While I think the dangers of aft placement are exaggerated, its just good, normal practice to place it inboard on all cars and trucks,' says a former Detroit 3 executive who asked not to be identified. The only exceptions are the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car.īut those 1993-2004 Grand Cherokees have the old configuration: The fuel tank is between the rear bumper and axle. These days, all automakers place the tank within the frame, ahead of the rear axle.

Last month the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began a preliminary investigation of 3.1 million 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees to determine whether the plastic tank, check valve and fuel filler hose fail in rear-end crashes and rollovers, releasing gasoline that catches fire. Statistically speaking, the tank in that location is less vulnerable in a high-speed, rear-end crash than in the previous location-between the rear bumper and axle.įiery crashes of the Ford Pinto and Mercury Bobcat in the 1970s prompted automakers to rethink how to protect the gasoline tank.

The placement of fuel tanks on passenger vehicles has changed over the past three decades, and for good reason.Īutomakers gradually have repositioned the tank to an area in front of the rear axle, generally below the rear passenger seat.

Jeep grand cherokee plastic fuel tank 1998