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Five Million Jeeps Under Scrutiny

Posted: 6:09 AM Jun 18, 2012
Reporter: ABC'S John Shiffren

There are troubling new safety questions about some of the most popular SUV's on the road. The investigation is growing into whether gas tanks in certain models of Jeeps run greater risk of catching fire.

More than five million types of Jeeps from 1993 to 2007 are under the microscope

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most popular SUV's on the road today, but safety advocates warn about some serious consequences if you are driving an older model and you are rear-ended in an accident: Deadly fires caused by a ruptured plastic fuel tank, located behind the rear axle.

The government is now investigating not only the Grand Cherokee from 1993 to 2004, but 2 other Jeeps: The Cherokee models from 1993-2001 and the 2002-2007 Liberty.

The government says 15 people have burned to death in these rear impact crashes, including 2 children. Remi Walden died when his mother's Jeep Cherokee was rear-ended and burst into flames, trapping him in the back seat.

Tom Kline lost his wife after their Jeep SUV was rear-ended.

"Imagine someone you've been with, that you've loved dearly for 33 years being burned to death. It's just not a good picture," Kline said.

Chrysler insists its SUV's safety records in rear collisions are as good a those of other car makers. Saying no recall is necessary because they're not defective.

Safety advocate Clarence Ditlow argues the there is a problem and
it's got a simple fix: Installing a shield around the gas tank he says would cost Chrysler no more than 100 dollars.