Detroit, MIChrysler Group has agreed to recall 2.7 million Jeeps, having resolved its differences with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last week, the NHTSA asked Chrysler to issue the recall as a result of findings from a two-year investigation by the federal agency that showed the fuel tanks on 1993 to 2004 Grand Cherokees and 2002 to 2007 Liberty SUVs are significantly more likely to leak and cause fires than those on comparable vehicles.
For 20 years there have been reports of some Jeep SUV models bursting into flames after being hit in the back. Further, at least 51 people have died as a result, reports indicate. "Our data shows that these vehicles may contain a defect that presents an unreasonable risk to safety," David Strickland, NHTSA administrator, said in a statement.
In a statement, Chrysler said they “… will conduct a voluntary campaign with respect to the vehicles in question that, in addition to a visual inspection of the vehicle will, if necessary, provide an upgrade to the rear structure of the vehicle to better manage crash forces in low-speed impacts.”
The NHTSA said it was pleased that "Chrysler has agreed to take action to protect its customers and the driving public." And "consumers impacted by the safety recall and customer satisfaction campaign should have their vehicles serviced promptly once they receive notification from Chrysler."
Had Chrysler not agreed to issue a recall by the end of day Tuesday, the car manufacturer faced the likelihood of high-profile public hearings.
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