After Initial Dispute, Chrysler and NHTSA Agree to Non-Recall Inspections of 1.56 Million Jeeps

Two weeks after balking at NHTSA’s request that it recall 2.7 million Jeeps because of fire risk in the event of a rear collision, Chrysler has announced that it will, after all, launch a “voluntary campaign” for 1.56 million of them. Just remember this is a “voluntary campaign” and not a recall—recalls are for defective products, and Chrysler maintains that these aren’t.

What will happen, though, does sound like a typical recall. Owners of 1993–2004 Grand Cherokees and 2002–2007 Liberties will be contacted by mail, asked to bring their cars to dealerships for inspections. At this point, according to a press release from the Chrysler:

“In addition to a visual inspection of the vehicle,” the company “will, if necessary, provide an upgrade to the rear structure of the vehicle to better manage crash forces in low-speed impacts.”

Whoa, slow down there, Maestro. Upgrade the rear structure? The government’s claim had been that these Jeeps were prone to fuel leaks and fires after rear crashes because the gas tank is located aft of the rear axle. Relocating it or building an impact-resistant cage around it would call for complicated reengineering and even-more-complicated installations.

The answer: tow hitches.

Apparently Jeeps with a tow hitch installed are better able to withstand rear collision, the hardware serving as an extra bumper and an extra way to distribute force to the frame (rather than the gas tank.) So when Chrysler talks about a “visual inspection,” what it means is that dealers will be checking for tow hitches. Vehicles that have a decent-quality hitch installed and in good condition will be free to go. Those without a hitch, or without one in good shape, will receive one on Chrysler’s dime.

Not that we wish ill on either Chrysler or NHTSA, but we would have enjoyed watching the formal dispute process go ahead. It’s been 15 years since an automaker fought a government recall request, and the process could use some more definition. At some point, we’ll probably see our wish granted. In the meantime, think about stocking up on tow hitches. We hear they’re about to become scarce.