Chrysler Refuses Recall On 2.7 Million SUVs Despite Safety Issues

As Chrysler refuses a recall on 2.7 million SUVs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is claiming some of Chrysler’s vehicles are unsafe.

As previously reported by The Inquisitr, a Ford recall is for 465,000 vehicles affected with a gas leak issue.

Earlier in the year, a Chrysler recall on Jeeps and SUVs was for 470,000 vehicles affected with gear shifting issues. The Chrysler recall was on the circuit boards that can inadvertently transmit signals to trigger gear shifts to neutral. Chrysler spokesmen said there were 26 accidents and two injuries reported that may be related to the defect.

But as Chrysler refuses the latest recall request by the NHTSA we’re founding out that the fuel tanks could leak and cause fires in rear-end collisions. Chrysler “contends that the SUVs’ gas tanks are positioned below the rear bumper and behind the rear axle, making them susceptible to rupture and spill gasoline in a rear-end crash. In a rollover crash, a lack of proper shielding for the plastic tank could cause it to puncture.”

Chrysler refusing to comply is a rare occurrence among auto companies. Clarence Ditlow, the NHTSA’s director, calls the Chrysler gas tank a “terrible design” and is personally requesting a Chrysler recall of the SUVs. Since 1992, fire has been listed as the most harmful factor in 44 Chrysler SUV crashes which resulted in deaths.

At the same time Chrysler is refusing the recall of the 2.7 million SUVs they are defending their decision to do so to the public:

“The company does not agree with NHTSA’s conclusions and does not intend to recall the vehicles. The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective. The rate is similar to comparable vehicles produced and sold during the time in question.”

As Chrysler refuses the NHTSA’s recall request, what do you think should be done?