Government safety regulators have expanded an investigation into fires in
older-model Jeep Grand Cherokees. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration says on its website that it has added Jeep Liberty and
Cherokee SUVs to the investigation. The probe now covers 5.1 million
vehicles. The agency says 15 people have died in 26 Grand Cherokee fires.
The government started investigating nearly two years ago. It's looking at
complaints that gas tanks can leak and cause fires after rear-end crashes.
The investigation affects 1993 to 2004 Grand Cherokees. Also covered are
1993-2001 Cherokees and 2002-2007 Libertys. All three have gas tanks under
the rear bumpers. The SUVs haven't been recalled. Chrysler says the
vehicles are safe and meet federal safety standards. It says fires after
rear-end crashes involving Grand Cherokees are rare.
