The gas vapors coming from my vehicle are so strong there is no mistaking something is wrong.

Today while getting an oil change, my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which has been smelling of gas for weeks with the engine light on, was looked at by the young man doing the change. Source: Automotive News and Business Week Stay tuned for more developments and any recalls which may be associated with the investigation. The Center for Automotive Safety is calling on Chrysler to recall all Grand Cherokees built from 1993-2004, citing 172 fire crashes which resulted in 254 deaths. For the 2005 model, Chrysler moved the tank and added more shielding to prevent possible fires related to rear-end collisions. The suspected problem is the gas tank in the Grand Cherokee, which is ill-located in relation to the rear axle and bumper, and lacks proper shielding. It’s important to note that this is not a recall, only an investigation. Chrysler is cooperating with the NHTSA fully, and although “The existence of these post-crash fires does not, by itself, establish a defect … Further review and investigation into these incidents is needed.” The investigation is reportedly being asked for by the Center for Automotive Safety, a non-profit group founded by Ralph Nader.

So far, the NHTSA has been notified of 13 deaths as the result of 10 crashes, while Business Week is reporting a total of 55 deaths. According to Automotive News, the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV is under an investigation for possible gas tank problems.

99 jeep grand cherokee gas tank cover