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Chrysler Steps Up Pace of Jeep Fuel Tank Shielding Program
Chrysler Group LLC says it should be able to complete modifications to 1.6 million Jeeps to fortify their fuel tanks by next March, roughly three years earlier than its previous estimate.
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Chrysler Group LLC says it should be able to complete modifications to 1.6 million Jeeps to fortify their fuel tanks by next March, roughly three years earlier than its previous estimate.
Affected models in the $151 million campaign include 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty small SUVs and 1993-2008 Grand Cherokee large SUVs.
Those vehicles have fuel tanks mounted between the rear bumper and rear axle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration blames 51 fatalities on fires that occurred when the SUVs were rear-ended by another vehicle.
Chrysler agreed in June 2013 to retrofit the vehicles with a trailer hitch designed to help shield the fuel tank. But it also said it would need 14 months to prepare for the work, citing engineering requirements and supplier problems. It also estimated it would take until 2018 to complete the installations.
Chrysler tells NHTSA it has resolved supply issues. The company also estimates fewer vehicles will need repairs because many already have trailer hitches in place.
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