U.S. Regulators Ask Chrysler to Explain Slow Pace of Jeep SUV Recall Efforts

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has asked Chrysler to explain why officials haven't expedited efforts to fix issues associated with Jeep SUVS, which led to a massive recall a few years ago.

U.S. regulators wrote to the automaker asking for an explanation concerning the slow recall of least 2.5 million units of Libertys and Grand Cherokees. The vehicles were recalled after drivers reported there were severe problems in the gas tanks. The tanks, located behind the car's rear ankles, broke, caused fires, and leaked fuel.

In the letter, the NHTSA pointed out Chrysler was supposed to notify 1.5 million owners of Grand Cherokee models from 1993-1998, along with an additional one million drivers of 2002-2007 Liberty SUVs.

The NHTSA noted that the repairs started in May of this year and at that pace, the company would have to take at least four years to fix all the recalled vehicles. If only 50 percent of the owners give their permission for the fixes, it will take Chrysler an estimated base of two years to fix the parts.

"For many owners, a recall remedy deferred by parts availability easily becomes a defect remedy denied," NHTSA officials wrote, quoted by Businessweek. "The agency has no intention of allowing Chrysler, or any other manufacturer, to delay recall completion to the detriment of safety."

The letter sent by the NHTSA was the latest development of their long brush with Chrysler. At first, the agency wanted the automaker to recall at least 2.7 million SUVs but since the latter refused, both parties agreed to recall 1.56 million units. Meanwhile, the other 1.2 million will be repaired or inspected for flaws beginning August 1.

The NHTSA gave Chysler until July 16 to submit their explanation. A $35 million fine will be imposed if the company fails to comply.

Chrysler released an initial response on the special order of the federal agency, saying: "To accommodate the high-volume production required for this campaign, Chrysler Group had to find and enlist multiple new supplier partners to supply volume of this part that far exceeded normal demand."