Update: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-57589828/chrysler-caves-agrees-to-recall-jeeps/
CBS news reported that on June 18, 2013, Chrysler agreed to issue the recall after all. This is a win for consumers and certainly due, in no small part, to the very public backlash that Chrysler faced in the wake of their original decision to not issue the recall. Bravo Chrysler!
The Chrysler Group is taking a defiant stand against the recent push by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to recall certain models of their Jeep brand. In a letter, the NHTSA demanded that Chrysler recall over 2.7 million Jeeps which they reported to be dangerous, and potential fire hazards. Chrysler, in response to the letter, stated that it “disagrees with NHTSA’s recall request” and refuses to comply with any recall.
Current government data reports 44 deaths in 32 rear end crashes and fires for the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee models, and seven deaths in five 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty rear end fire crashes. These numbers are shocking when compared to other famous fire-prone vehicles such as the Ford Pinto and the Mercury Bobcat, which were involved in only 38 rear-end impacts, resulting in 27 deaths.
Taking into consideration the amount of Jeeps currently on the road, fire death rates for the Jeep Cherokee were 1 per million registered vehicles, the Liberty, .9 per million. Chrysler contends that such statistics are so small they are practically meaningless, however the national average for similar SUV’s is about half those rates, at .5 per million.
David Strickland, an administrator for the NHTSA, released a statement on Tuesday, commenting that the "NHTSA hopes that Chrysler will reconsider its position and take action to protect its customers and the driving public.”
Chrysler does not seem to be reconsidering.
[image credit: The Car Connection]
One Comment
Earl Daugherty
So the Pinto only had 38 rear end accidents, really? Give me a break; they had to have that many in NY alone. If the Jeeps are so dangerous then why is not the Dodge Durango also? It is practically the same vehicle. I own a 2000 Durango and I am not concerned one bit. My 18 year old daughter drives it daily. I also have a 2010 Jeep Patriot and I am looking to purchase another Jeep. There are over 1,408K Grand Cherokees sold between 1999 and 2004 (good car bad car web site). How am I to believe that there have been only 32 rear end incidents and what we have is 44 deaths? That is .003% of the units sold. I think that is amazing considering the different levels of driving skills on the road. When are we going to wake up and realize that living is a risk? Choosing to drive raises your risk, period! I do not believe that articles like this have value. It would be better if we concentrated on drunk drivers and texting while driving. I expect the death numbers are considerably higher. For California alone in 2011 alcohol related deaths were 774 (NATSA web site), is this not more of an issue? I have real issues with the way we go about demonizing manufactures.
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