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Jeep Cherokee Fuel Tank Recalls

Fiat Chrysler America (FCA), the manufacturing company behind Jeep vehicles, recalled 1.56 million of its models in 2013 due to a dangerous fuel tank defect. The recall came after an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) linked the fuel tank defect to more than 50 Jeep fire fatalities.

If you or a loved one was in a Jeep Cherokee fire, contact Butler Prather LLP for a legal evaluation. If your vehicle contained a fuel tank defect, you could have a case for damages against FCA. We can investigate your recent accident for signs of a defective or dangerous fuel tank. Then, we may be able to help you seek compensation. Please contact us today for more information.

Why We Are the Right Choice for You

  • Our attorneys only accept personal injury claims, giving us laser-like focus in this practice area.
  • Our law firm has successfully represented hundreds of clients, winning record-setting results for injured victims.
  • Our firm has been the only one to successfully litigate a lawsuit against FCA for wrongful death in a Jeep fire.
  • Our Jeep accident lawyers take cases using a contingency fee arrangement, meaning clients never have to pay out of pocket for our services.

What Is the Jeep Cherokee Fuel Tank Recall?

Certain Jeep models have a serious defect that threatens customers’ lives. They have unsafe fuel tank designs. The NHTSA found that a major defect increases the risk of vehicle fires and explosions in a collision with certain Jeep models: the dangerous position of the fuel tanks. FCA’s engineers placed the fuel tank behind the rear axle and in front of the bumper, leading to a partially exposed tank that is highly vulnerable in a rear-end collision.

In a rear-end crash, the exposed fuel tank could suffer a detrimental puncture that causes gas leaks, fires and/or explosions. A Jeep fuel tank fire in a rear-end collision could prove fatal for victims who may become trapped in the burning car. The NHTSA issued a recall recommendation for 1993-1994 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Jeep Libertys for this fuel tank defect. FCA, however, decided to only recall 1.56 of the 2.7 million recommended recalled Jeeps. Thousands of Jeeps, therefore, remain on the road today with potentially fatal fuel tank defects.

Fiat Chrysler America’s Solution

It was another 13 months after FCA announced the recall that the company finally offered a solution: installing a trailer hitch to better protect the fuel tanks. Unfortunately for customers, this fix may not be enough to prevent fuel tank fires and explosions in rear-end collisions. Furthermore, the NHTSA reported a recall completion rate of just 3% – meaning the vast majority of Jeep owners either ignored the issue or did not hear about the recall. The FCA never even included the other 1.14 million recommended Jeeps in its recall announcements.

Were You Injured in a Jeep Fuel Tank Incident?

At Butler Prather LLP, we represent people who have suffered serious injuries and lost loved ones because of the negligence of automakers such as Fiat Chrysler America. We are passionate about giving a voice to those who would not otherwise have one. If you believe your burns, lacerations, explosion injuries, traumatic amputation, spine injuries, eye injuries or other injuries were from a defective fuel tank in your Jeep Cherokee, allow us to review your case. You may be eligible for compensation from FCA, a company we believe has been grossly negligent in its handling of the issue.

Contact a Product Liability Lawyer Today

Every state has deadlines for filing personal injury and product liability claims. Missing your deadline could mean forfeiting any right you otherwise may have had to financial recovery. Contact a jeep fire lawyer from Butler Prather LLP as soon as possible after a Jeep fire or fuel tank explosion. We can work quickly and efficiently to help you file your claim on time. Then, we will negotiate for maximum compensation on your family’s behalf. Request a free consultation with one of our lawyers today, either online or at (866) 615-8140.