Chrysler agrees to recall of Jeeps at risk of Fire

Chrysler agrees to recall of Jeeps at risk of Fire



News By (www.foxnews.com) DETROIT – Chrysler avoided a showdown with

government safety regulators Tuesday, agreeing to recall 2.7 million

older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a

fuel tank fire.

Earlier this month the company defiantly refused the government's

request to recall the Jeeps. But Chrysler now says it will go ahead

with the recall after getting calls from concerned customers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration contended that the

Jeep's gas tank could rupture if hit from the rear, causing a fire.

NHTSA said 51 people had died in fiery crashes in Jeeps with gas tanks

positioned behind the rear axle.

The recall covers Jeep Grand Cherokees from model years 1993 through

2004 and Jeep Libertys from 2002 through 2007.

Chrysler said Tuesday that dealers will inspect the vehicles and

install trailer hitches to protect the gas tanks. The company said

vehicles without hitches will get them, as will those with broken

hitches or hitches that aren't from Chrysler.

In a statement, Chrysler maintained that the vehicles aren't

defective, despite prior statements to the contrary from NHTSA.

Chrysler wouldn't say how much the trailer hitches would cost.