Chrysler agrees to recall 1.56 million Jeeps for fire hazards

After refusing a government request two weeks earlier, the automaker will conduct a recall but denies its vehicles are unsafe.

Chrysler will recall 1.56 million vehicles for fire hazards after initially refusing to do so, the company said Tuesday afternoon.

"Chrysler Group’s analysis of the data confirms that these vehicles are not defective and are among the safest in the peer group," the company said in a statement. "Nonetheless, Chrysler Group recognizes that this matter has raised concerns for its customers and wants to take further steps, in coordination with NHTSA, to provide additional measures to supplement the safety of its vehicles."

Two weeks earlier, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requested the automaker recall the 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty for fuel tank leaks and fires related to rear-end collisions. At least 51 people have died in crashes where the vehicles ignited after being hit from behind, the federal agency said in an unusually detailed, 13-page report that tracked crash data from Chrysler and competitor vehicles. While the vehicles met all U.S. safety laws, NHTSA said that more drivers died from fuel-related fires in these Jeep models than in any competitor's models.

"The design defect is the placement of the fuel tanks in the position behind the axle and how they were positioned, including their height above the roadway," NHTSA said.

autos.msn.com