NHTSA Still Hasn't Figured Out What To Do With Chrysler SUV Recall Fixes

National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland said the agency hasn’t decided whether to conduct crash tests before it completes its investigation into Chrysler SUVs for fire risks.

On July 1, safety advocates urged NHTSA officials in a meeting to conduct crash tests to see if Chrysler’s decision to install trailer hitch assemblies on some older SUVs would protect the gas tank, which is located behind the rear axle.

NHTSA says the gas tank can rupture and catch fire when the Jeeps are hit from behind. NHTSA cites reports of 51 deaths in rear-end accidents in which older Jeep gas tanks leaked and caught fire.

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trmckin - 8/16/2013 12:07:42 PM

+3 Boost

Had one in black just like the one pictured way back when. It was reliable and probably my highest mileage vehicle to date outside of my wife's old 4runner. I had a hitch on mine but do remember noticing the gas tank looking like it was vulnerable prior to installation. Never got in an accident with it so... it is what it is. I do think that making Chrysler go back after all these years is a bit ridiculous since the NHTSA should have found this when they were in production and doing the testing. Has to be a statute of limitations somewhere. In 15 years, there will be tests or situations that cars today will fail to meet safety regs on. It's part of improving design, tech, and standards. Kind glad Chrysler is telling them to f-off.

TheDepressingTruth - 8/24/2013 1:08:36 AM

+1 Boost

Someone in the Administration approached Chrysler and suggested that "friends help friends"and with a large enough "contribution" this wouldn't need to happen...That's "The Chicago Way."

And Sergio told them to F-OFF.