Nader group wants NHTSA to investigate Grand Cherokees

The Center for Auto Safety, a nonprofit group founded by Ralph Nader, is calling for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to launch an official investigation of the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel tank.

The consumer group charges the Grand Cherokee’s fuel tank extends below the rear bumper and doesn’t have adequate protection in the event of a collision. The CAS blames the design for hundreds of fire-related deaths but, to date, only one fatality and nine injuries have been reported to the agency.

The NHTSA is trying to determine whether enough evidence exists to support opening an investigation of the 3 million Jeeps whose models fall within the 11-year period, the agency said on its Web site. The process can take months or even years.

Chrysler Group is cooperating with the government.

“Chrysler Group is confident that a study which considered all factors in all collisions — including rear collisions with fire — would show that the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees perform as well as or better than other vehicles in their class,” the automaker said in a statement. “The 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee meets or exceeds all applicable federal safety standards and has an excellent safety record.”