Topic: Jeep Grand Cherokee fires

[Mitlov]

The NHTSA has launched an investigation into the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee.  Chrysler denies any problem, saying the GJC meets or exceeds safety standards.  However, the Center for Auto Safety, a private nonprofit, argues that the GJC's gas tank (which is behind the rear axle and projects below the bumper) is unusually vulnerable in a rear impact. 

A total of 172 crashes with fires, leading to 254 deaths, have occurred in the 1993-2004 GJC.  How many of those would have resulted in fire and death if the gas tank was located differently is still a contested matter.

The current GJC does not share this gas tank design; in fact, the Center for Auto Safety itself points out that only one fatal fire has occurred in a 2005-present GJC (according to its records).

The NHTSA's investigation has not yet concluded.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/nhtsa-to-investigate-3-million-1993-2004-jeep-grand-cherokee-ove/

So...thoughts?  Concerns?  News? 

[rrocket]

Well, seeing as this would cost Chrysler BILLIONS to rectify, I say what are the chances that a recall will ever see the light of day?  This has been happening since MY 1993, you'd think they'd be a bit beyond the "investigation" point in 2010, wouldn't you?

[Mitlov]

Well, seeing as this would cost Chrysler BILLIONS to rectify, I say what are the chances that a recall will ever see the light of day?  This has been happening since MY 1993, you'd think they'd be a bit beyond the "investigation" point in 2010, wouldn't you?

The NHTSA doesn't launch an investigation until someone comes and files a complaint with them.  In this case, that only happened recently.  The NHTSA opened its investigation in November of 2009, not in 1993, so the investigation has only been going on for two months...less than the typical length of an investigation where the manufacturer denies the problem.

For what it's worth, the NHTSA opened the investigation AFTER the Chrysler bailout (since I know you're concerned about the NHTSA's objectivity post-bailout).

[rrocket]

When was the Toyota accelerator-stuck investigation opened in earnest?

[Mitlov]

When was the Toyota accelerator-stuck investigation opened in earnest?

Don't know, but Toyota agreed there was a problem whereas Chrysler is denying a problem, so they're following two completely different timelines.  Not really comparable.  It takes a lot longer to prove that there IS a problem than to just come up with the proper remedy for an admitted problem.

[rrocket]

But certainly the NHTSA opened an investigation prior to Toyota saying "we have a problem".  I'm curious of the timelines.  Ditto for the current F150 exploding airbags.  They are also in the "investigative" portion...though I do see reports in 2004 asking it to be investigated.

Oh...and just because you ask something to be investigated, it doesn't mean it will.  Peruse the hundreds and hundreds of complaints about the awful lights from Lincoln Mark VIII (worst night time lighting I've EVER seen) and you'll see nothing was ever done about it.

[DrJay]

"Oh...and just because you ask something to be investigated, it doesn't mean it will.  Peruse the hundreds and hundreds of complaints about the awful lights from Lincoln Mark VIII (worst night time lighting I've EVER seen) and you'll see nothing was ever done about it."

Monty Burns runs the auto industry!

SHHHH ...let's not give away all the secrets .... oh wait .... not so secret ... we are fooling no one ... but you will drive it anyway ....oh yes you will drive it. Now Smithers release the Hounds!

[rrocket]

"Oh...and just because you ask something to be investigated, it doesn't mean it will.  Peruse the hundreds and hundreds of complaints about the awful lights from Lincoln Mark VIII (worst night time lighting I've EVER seen) and you'll see nothing was ever done about it."

Monty Burns runs the auto industry!

SHHHH ...let's not give away all the secrets .... oh wait .... not so secret ... we are fooling no one ... but you will drive it anyway ....oh yes you will drive it. Now Smithers release the Hounds!

I know specific details about this case because I was part of a third party (manufacturing) to investigate.

[DrJay]

"Oh...and just because you ask something to be investigated, it doesn't mean it will.  Peruse the hundreds and hundreds of complaints about the awful lights from Lincoln Mark VIII (worst night time lighting I've EVER seen) and you'll see nothing was ever done about it."

Monty Burns runs the auto industry!

SHHHH ...let's not give away all the secrets .... oh wait .... not so secret ... we are fooling no one ... but you will drive it anyway ....oh yes you will drive it. Now Smithers release the Hounds!

I know specific details about this case because I was part of a third party (manufacturing) to investigate.

Hope you didn't take that personaly brutha I was ripping on the industry as a whole there lol

[rrocket]

No, no!  You're new here.  I don't worry much when people slag.  I have thick skin.  It's all good.

[Juke1]

Well, seeing as this would cost Chrysler BILLIONS to rectify, I say what are the chances that a recall will ever see the light of day?  This has been happening since MY 1993, you'd think they'd be a bit beyond the "investigation" point in 2010, wouldn't you?

The NHTSA doesn't launch an investigation until someone comes and files a complaint with them.  In this case, that only happened recently.  The NHTSA opened its investigation in November of 2009, not in 1993, so the investigation has only been going on for two months...less than the typical length of an investigation where the manufacturer denies the problem.

For what it's worth, the NHTSA opened the investigation AFTER the Chrysler bailout (since I know you're concerned about the NHTSA's objectivity post-bailout).

Should they be found at fault, I say hang, just like Toyota.  Plain and simple.

[DrJay]

Well, seeing as this would cost Chrysler BILLIONS to rectify, I say what are the chances that a recall will ever see the light of day?  This has been happening since MY 1993, you'd think they'd be a bit beyond the "investigation" point in 2010, wouldn't you?

The NHTSA doesn't launch an investigation until someone comes and files a complaint with them.  In this case, that only happened recently.  The NHTSA opened its investigation in November of 2009, not in 1993, so the investigation has only been going on for two months...less than the typical length of an investigation where the manufacturer denies the problem.

For what it's worth, the NHTSA opened the investigation AFTER the Chrysler bailout (since I know you're concerned about the NHTSA's objectivity post-bailout).

Should they be found at fault, I say hang, just like Toyota.  Plain and simple.

Or at least judge each case fairly .. on it own merit... oh and penalize equally .... i'll get the rope.