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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into three million Jeep Grand Cherokees over concerns that faulty fuel tanks could cause fires in crashes.

“The probe covers 1993-2004 Grand Cherokees and is in response to a petition filed in October by the Center for Auto Safety,” reports the Detroit News. “In its request for a federal investigation, the center contends the plastic fuel tank’s placement, behind the rear axle and below the rear bumper, makes it more prone to rupture or leak when hit from behind — or in the case of rollover crashes, when it hits other objects.”

The issue has already been linked to a number of fatalities. According to the Detroit Free Press, “The National Highway Traffic Safety [Administration] said it has identified 10 crashes and 13 deaths that could be linked to the potential problem, though the safety group said there are more cases.”

Chrysler, however, contends that the Jeep Grand Cherokee meets all safety standards. The NHTSA concedes, “The existence of these post-crash fires does not, by itself, establish a defect trend. Further review and investigation into these incidents is needed to determine the existence of any relationship between the alleged defect and each fire or leak.”

To date, a recall has not been issued. If there is a recall, we’ll let you know about it, so check back as we follow this story.

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