The '2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Gas Tank Recall': A Long-Awaited Investigation into a Deadly Design Flaw?

In recent weeks, concerns about the safety of older Jeep Grand Cherokees have been reignited as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into reports of fires and fatalities linked to the vehicles' fuel tanks. The defect petition, which began on November 6, aims to address a design flaw that has left thousands of drivers at risk.

According to NHTSA's files, between 1993 and 2004, there were 172 crashes involving Jeep Grand Cherokees that resulted in fires, claiming the lives of 254 people. In contrast, since the design was updated in 2005, there have been no reported fatal fire incidents involving these vehicles.

The root of the problem lies in the placement of the fuel tank, located behind the rear axle and hanging down below the bumper. This design makes older Jeep Grand Cherokees more susceptible to catching fire in the event of an accident, particularly for shorter vehicles that can impact the tank directly. The Center for Auto Safety has argued that this location makes the pre-2005 Grand Cherokees potential 'fireballs' waiting to happen.

One owner of a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee shared her frustrating experience with ABC News, stating that she has been working with her mechanic to find possible solutions to fix the fuel tank issue but has yet to receive a satisfactory answer. With thousands of vehicles affected, many owners are left wondering when the NHTSA will take action and recall these potentially deadly vehicles.

While a resolution is still pending, it's clear that the investigation into the '2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee gas tank recall' will be a lengthy process. However, with mounting evidence pointing to the design flaw as the culprit behind numerous fires and fatalities, it's crucial that the NHTSA prioritizes this investigation and takes swift action to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road.

2004 jeep grand cherokee gas tank recall