NHTSA Steps Up Probe of Jeeps for Fire Risk

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has expanded its probe of fuel tank integrity in Chrysler Group's Jeep SUVs to include 5.1 million vehicles. The agency also upgraded the investigation to an engineering analysis, which is often the precursor of a recall.

In 2010, NHTSA opened a preliminary investigation of 3 million Grand Cherokees after a complaint from the Center for Auto Safety. CAS alleges that the placement of the SUV's fuel tank behind the rear axle and below the rear bumper makes it more likely to rupture and catch fire after a rear-end collision.

The engineering analysis involves the Cherokee (model years 1993-2001), Grand Cherokee (1993-2004) and Liberty (2002-2007). The agency has received reports of 15 deaths and 46 injuries allegedly linked to the problem.

NHTSA upgraded the probe after finding a higher incidence of fatal rear-impact-related fires in the three Jeep models than in comparable SUVs made by other automakers. Chrysler contends its SUVs are as safe as peer vehicles.