Chrysler recalling older-model Jeeps at risk of fire

TORONTO – Chrysler is recalling about 1.5-million older-model Jeeps, including 180-thousand in Canada.

It’s because the fuel tanks could burst into flames if the vehicles are hit from behind.

The recall includes Jeep Grand Cherokees between 1993 to 2004, and Libertys between 2002 and ’07.

The recall covers 60 per cent of the 2.7-million Jeeps the U-S government wants recalled.

Chrysler says the rest are part of what it calls a “customer service action,” and many may not get fixed.

Chrysler claims the affected Jeeps are safe even though the U-S government says the problem has led to 51 deaths in fiery rear-end crashes.

The recall is an about-face for Chrysler, which only two weeks ago rejected the U-S government’s request to recall the Jeeps.