Chrysler Agrees With Government Request For Jeep Recall

DETROIT (CBSMiami/AP) - After refusing a government request to recall approximately 2.7 million Jeeps at the beginning of June, Chrysler has instead announced Tuesday that they will comply with the recall because of the calls received from concerned customers.

In the beginning of June, Chrysler refused the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's request for a recall of 2.7 million older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs for greater risk of a fuel tank fire when involved in a rear-end collision.

According to NHTSA, 51 people had died in fiery crashes in Jeeps with gas tanks positioned behind the rear axle.

Such a refusal by an auto company is rare and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can order a recall, but needs a court order to enforce it.

The recall covers Jeep Grand Cherokees from model years 1993 through 2004 and Jeep Libertys from 2002 through 2007.

Chrysler said Tuesday that dealers will inspect the vehicles and install trailer hitches to protect the gas tanks. The company said vehicles without hitches will get them, as will those with broken hitches or hitches that aren't from Chrysler.

In a statement, Chrysler maintained that the vehicles aren't defective, despite prior statements to the contrary from NHTSA.

Chrysler wouldn't say how much the trailer hitches would cost.

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