After the agency sent a scolding letter suggesting the current rate of parts production could leave many vehicles unfixed into 2018, Chrysler initially argued that its 2002-2007 Liberty and 1993-1998 Grand Cherokee SUVs are perfectly safe — despite a documented increase in fire risk from rear-end collisions.
The NHTSA’s worst-case scenario presumed that all 1.56 million vehicles included in the recall would need to be fixed, however Chrysler counters that many are no longer on the road or already have compliant hitches installed. Nonetheless, suppliers could add more robots to increase parts production.
The recall is focused on protecting the fuel tank, which is located behind the rear axle on both models. Rear-end collisions and subsequent fires have been blamed on dozens of deaths.
Chrysler estimates that the hitch production and installation costs are likely to reach $151 million.
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