Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for fuel tank defects

The investigation involves 3 million Jeep Grand Cherokees built from 1993 to 2004, and the problem concerns defective fuel tanks could cause pose a serious fire hazard in crashes. The NHTSA is undertaking the investigation at the request of the Washington-based Center for Auto Safety.

The Center for Auto Safety said that it found at least 44 crashes resulting into 64 deaths where fire was listed as the "most harmful event". In addition, it recorded a total of 55 deaths in 44 Grand Cherokee crashes where fire was determined to be the "most harmful event."

The NHTSA states however, that "the existence of these post-crash fires does not, by itself, establish a defect trend." Chrysler says it is cooperating fully with the agency with regards to the investigation. "Chrysler Group L.L.C. is cooperating fully with N.H.T.S.A. regarding an investigation into 1993-2004 model year Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles," said spokesman Michael Palese. "It is important to note that this is an investigation, not a recall."