The problem is caused, they claim, by a ruptured plastic fuel tank, located behind the rear axle. According to the government, 15 people have burned to death in the rear-impact crashes.
"We have 3.5 million Jeeps -- Grand Cherokees, Cherokees and Liberties -- driving around with defective fuel systems that if hit in the rear, can result in a fuel leak and a catastrophic fire," said Clarence Itlow with the Center for Auto Safety.
Chrysler insists its SUV safety records in rear collisions are as good as other carmakers and says no recall is necessary because they're not defective.
