1997 Jeep Cherokee: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jul 28, 2015 · Fuel system · 140,000 miles · ID

In response to the latest on the recall of jeep grand cherokees and jeep liberties, I respectfully request a full review of the 1993 - 2001 jeep cherokees rear impact safety. In the federal safety agency's initial request to chrysler, this group of cherokees was included as a subject vehicle, noting you had only received 15 voq's and only (1) was for a cherokee, one is too many. The federal safety agency also stated that "assessment of available data for the cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk." was the available data at the time acceptable? Or have you subjected the owners of these vehicles to a life of fear driving vehicle not properly tested. Why was there no rear end impact testing of the cars when they initially came on the market? The location of the gas tank is in exactly the same position as the grand cherokee and the gas tank is also "plastic". My grandchildren ride in the back seat of a 1997 cherokee and if it was to get rear-ended and caught on fire, how long do you think it would take their parents to get them out of their restraints? Did you test that? As a family we do not feel safe and the government has done nothing to reassure us either. Why is it up to the public to file complaints? Have you not thought that individuals driving these cars are just barely getting by, maybe not knowing that fires from rear impacts are not automatically reported? Please, investigate further, I do not want to lose my grandchildren! Kindly, [xxx]- grandma information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Sep 2, 2002 · Engine · MI · fire

While driving, consumer stated that the vehicle began to bog down so he pulled over, consumer then noticed vehicle was on fire, ohio traffic crash report.

Filed Jul 29, 2002 · Engine · MA · fire

After returning from the grocery store, I parked the car in the driveway. 30 minutes later, I looked out the window to see black smoke coming out of the hood and the top of the hood was black & blistered. We dialed 911 to report this and the city of northampton, ma sent the fire department and police department. When the fire department arrived they were unable to open the hood release because it had been melted by the heat. They forcibly opened the hood and hosed down the engine compartment until it had cooled to a safe point. They filed a report and the police also filed a report. The car was towed to a local chrylser dealer that same day. On monday, july 22, 2002 I notified my insurance company met life. They sent an appraiser that week who stated that the engine fire was caused by debris entering the intake manifold. I notified chrysler manufacturing company at their consumer complaint number at 9am monday july 22nd that there had been an engine fire in my 1997 jeep cherokee sport. I also received information that daimlerchrysler is recalling over a million sport utility vehicles from 1999 to 2002 because of a manifold problem that could cause an engine fire. Many of these cars were jeep cherokee models. It has been described to me by the mechanic and insurance appraiser that this is why my car had an engine fire. Today I am filing this complaint, july 29, 2002. Chrysler corporation has not returned my calls or gone to see the car and review the cause of the engine fire. I am not able to determine if my car can be safely repaired and avoid a recurrence of the same problem. I would appreciate it if you can investigate my complaint and review the cause of the engine fire in my vehicle to determine if it should also be subject to the recall. Can it be repaired so that the engine fire does not recur due to problems with the engine design.

Filed Nov 14, 2000 · Engine · NY · fire · 4 injuries

While driving smoke started coming from under the hood and vehicle caught on fire. Jeep dealer has inspected vehicle.*ak consumer states that four people were injured, possible engine failure.

Filed Nov 1, 2000 · Fuel system · WA · fire

Dealership did not perform recall (97v‑194) for the consumer, which failed and caught the vehicle on fire. (anton azar writing in for consumer)

Filed Oct 13, 1999 · Electrical · KS · fire

While driving down the road smoke was coming out of defroster. Stopped vehicle, then car caught on fire. Contacted manufacturer.