Chrysler is recalling 2.7 million Jeeps because of fires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says there have been too many deaths from fires when Jeeps are hit from behind. The picture shows the fuel tank exposed below the bumper. In a crash the vehicle can burst into flames. The defect is easily correctable.
Those to be recalled are the 1993 – 2004 Jeep grand Cherokee and the 2002 – 2007 Jeep liberty SUVs. Chrysler has been adamant in refusing the recall, however, the NHTSA threatened to have public hearings if Chrysler continued to refuse.
The Center for Auto Safety suggested three modest changes would reduce the risk of fuel leaks and fires in accidents:
- Install a steel skid plate on 90% of the Jeeps that did not have them
- Install a longer fuel-filler hose to prevent them from pulling off the tank easily in an impact
- Install better check valves in the tanks to keep fuel vapor from leaking.
As an injury attorney I am often aware of dangerous defects well before they are widely recognized or in or in the national media.
