Government Extends Investigation to 5 Mio. Jeep SUVs

Federal safety regulators say they are expanding their investigation of gas-tank fire risk in rear crashes in up to 5 million Jeep SUVs manufactured from 1993 to 2007.

An engineering analysis will determine if a recall is required. The NHTSA already said the "rear-impact-related tank failures and vehicle fires are more prevalent in the Jeep Grand Cherokee than in the non-Jeep peer vehicles".

Chrysler maintains that the design of the tanks (behind the rear axle below the bumper) is safe.