Chrysler Group has denied a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) request to recall about 2.7 million vehicles.
NHTSA has issued a recall request letter proposing that the automaker recall the Jeep Grand Cherokee in model years 1993 to 2004 and the Jeep Liberty in model years 2002 to 2007.
According to the agency, “the gas tank design used those models is unsafe,” CNNMoney reported.
Chrysler, however, said it does not agree with NHTSA’s conclusions and does not intend to recall the vehicles cited in the investigation. The company claims that “the subject vehicles are safe and are not defective.”
“We believe NHTSA’s initial conclusions are based on an incomplete analysis of the underlying data, and we are committed to continue working with the agency to resolve this disagreement,” Chrysler said in a statement.
The company added that these vehicles met and exceeded all applicable requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including FMVSS 301, pertaining to fuel-system integrity. “Our analysis shows the incidents, which are the focus of this request, occur less than once for every million years of vehicle operation. This rate is similar to comparable vehicles produced and sold during the time in question,” according to the company.
Chrysler Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne said: “The safety of drivers and passengers has long been the first priority for Chrysler brands and that commitment remains steadfast. The company stands behind the quality of its vehicles. All of us remain committed to continue working with NHTSA to provide information confirming the safety of these vehicles.”
