Chrysler agrees to recall 2.7 million Jeeps in the final hours before the deadline.

Last week Chrysler stated that it would not comply with the recall demand, claiming that the vehicles do not have a high risk of catching fire from rear end collisions. In the final hours before the deadline Chrysler had a change of heart giving in to governments request for the recall.  If the car manufacture had not decided to comply with the recall the company would have faced the prospect of high profile public hearings.  Chrysler will not necessarily have to repair all 2.7 million Jeeps, instead of installing a steel plate of over the plastic gas tank, as requested by the Center of Auto Safety and other public interest group,  the company will simply install a factory trailer hitch to provide some protection in the event of a slow speed, rear end collision.  1999-2004 Grand Jeep Cherokees will be recalled for inspection. If the vehicles have an after- market hitch, they will replace it, however if they do not have a trailer hitch Chrysler will not install one.

Chrysler stated that it would do work on about 1.6 million of the remaining vehicles, these include 2002-2007 Jeep Libertys and 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokees.  Chrysler will only replace after-market, non-Chrysler trailer hitches, if the vehicles has a factory-installed trailer hitch no work will be done.