Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) manufactured several models of Jeeps with an extremely hazardous rear gas tank that allegedly increased the risk of Jeep gas tank explosions following even a relatively minor rear-end collision.
The Jeep models in question have allegedly led directly to severe injuries and deaths that have sparked huge vehicle recalls, product liability litigation and wrongful death lawsuits.
Some Jeeps have gas tanks mounted in the extreme rear of the vehicle, next to the rear bumper, so in the event of a rear collision, the tanks can rupture and the vehicles can explode.
In one wrongful death case, a jury returned a verdict of $150 million, and stated that FCA “acted with reckless or wanton disregard for human life.”
FCA has admitted that Jeep gas tank explosions could affect the following models due to design defects:
- 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees
- 1997-2007 Jeep Wranglers
- 2002-2007 Jeep Liberties
Joe Lyon is an experienced Auto Defect Lawyer and Product Liability Attorney representing injured plaintiffs in auto accidents cases and investigating Jeep gas tank explosions.
The Lyon Firm works with auto engineers and NHTSA experts to determine the root cause of any car accident.
JEEP GAS TANK EXPLOSIONS
FCA should have been aware that mounting a gas tank in the rear end of a vehicle poses rupture and fire risks. In the 1970s the auto industry saw similar safety issues and recalled vehicles with the same design defect.
Chrysler recalled 1.5 million vehicles over a gas tank issue more recently, because the tank hangs below the rear bumper. Some reports put the Jeep fire death toll around 50 people. In 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) started investigating Jeep gas tank explosions and fires. It was not until 2013 that FCA said there was a defect that posed a safety risk.
The Jeep Grand Cherokees in question had rear gas tanks only 11 inches from the back of the vehicle and hangs 6 inches below the bottom of the car. FCA was aware of safety warnings came from customers who witnessed rear gas tanks rupture in both low-speed and high-speed rear impacts. This is clearly something a collision testing period should have shown.
An automaker has a duty to warn the public about certain safety and fire risks after they are discovered. If a car maker fails to protect customers and injuries and deaths occur, product liability and personal injury lawsuits may be filed on behalf of plaintiffs and punitive damages can be awarded by juries.
