NHTSA opens investigation into Jeep Grand Cherokee gas tanks

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a new investigation into the gas tanks that could pose a fire danger in an estimated 3 million Jeep Grand Cherokee models produced between 1993 and 2004. NHTSA said it launched a preliminary investigation on Monday, responding to a petition it received in October from Center of Auto Safety (CAS).

To be clear, the launch of a preliminary investigation doesn’t mean the models are being recalled.

CAS said that the Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs made between 1993 and 2004 have defective fuel tank storage systems that present a fire hazard if involved in an accident. CAS says that the plastic gas tank in the SUVs from those model years were placed behind the rear axle and below the bumper, where it could be ruptured if involved in a rear-impact collision. Federal records show that the models in question involve some 172 fire crashes where 254 people died.

Spokesman Scott Brown for Chrysler says that the company is fully cooperating with NHTSA in the investigation.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: CNNMoney