DETROIT -- Chrysler Group, saying it's settled a dispute with federal safety officials, agreed to inspect older-model Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty SUVs and install a trailer hitch assembly if necessary to "better manage crash forces in low-speed impacts."
The automaker said today it had reached the agreement after negotiations with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
On June 3, NHTSA requested that Chrysler conduct a recall on 2.7 million remaining 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2002-07 Jeep Libertys, which the agency said had a heightened risk of fire from rear-end collisions.
As part of the agreement, Chrysler will not admit that the vehicles were defective.
In a brief statement, the automaker said: "Chrysler Group recognizes that this matter has raised concerns for its customers and wants to take further steps, in coordination with NHTSA, to provide additional measures to supplement the safety of its vehicles.
"Chrysler Group regards safety as a paramount concern and does not compromise on the safety of our customers and their families."
