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NHTSA Drops Jeep Fuel Tank Probe
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has decided to shut down its investigation into a possible fire hazard involving the fuel tanks of some 2.7 million Jeep SUVs produced between 1993 and 2007.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has decided to shut down its investigation into a possible fire hazard involving the fuel tanks of some 2.7 million Jeep SUVs produced between 1993 and 2007.
The probe will be officially closed in a few weeks when the agency issues a final report, The Detroit News reports.
NHTSA had warned that the Jeep tanks could rupture if the vehicle was struck from behind. The agency attributed 51 "fire-related" deaths and numerous injuries to the tank's position between the rear bumper and rear axle.
Last June NHTSA demanded that Chrysler Group LLC recall all 2.7 million targeted vehicles: 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty models. The company took the rare step of refusing, arguing that the SUVs complied with all government safety standards.
Chrysler later agreed on a "service action" to retrofit 1.6 million of the vehicles with trailer hitches to help fortify the area around their tanks. That campaign has not yet begun.
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