Chrysler is protesting a recent recall request from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Admin. concerning 2.7 million Jeep vehicles.
NHTSA is asking the auto maker to recall a swath of Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs built between 1993 and 2004 and Jeep Liberty SUVs produced between 2002 and 2007 over fuel systems at risk of fire in the event of a rear-end collision.
Chrysler says the incidents are “extremely rare,” citing a company analysis stating that the type of fires would occur less than one time for every million years of vehicle operation.
The auto maker also challenges NHTSA’s testing protocols, saying the agency used an “incomplete and unrepresentative group of comparison vehicles” to reach its conclusion, and that it used an incomplete data set when examining that peer group.
“The safety of drivers and passengers has long been the first priority for Chrysler brands and that commitment remains steadfast,” Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne says in a news release.
“The company stands behind the quality of its vehicles. All of us remain committed to continue working with NHTSA to provide information confirming the safety of these vehicles,” he adds.
