Jeep Grand Cherokees Are Prone to Gas Fires
When hit by a vehicle from behind, the 1993 through 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees are prone to catching on fire. The main problem is that that gas tank is located in the "crush zone" behind the rear axle and somewhat below the bumper. The safer location is in front of the rear axle. A second problem is that the fuel filler pipe is positioned so it may rip away in a rear impact allowing fuel to escape.
Clarence Ditlow of the Center for Auto Safety says that rear-impact tests of these models showed significant leaks of gasoline posing a danger to the Jeeps' passengers as well as occupants of the striking vehicle.
Details on the Grand Chrokees' fire danger are available in a report by Christopher Jensen in today's New York Times.
As old as these vehicles are, there are still about 2.2 million on the roads.
