05 jeep grand cherokee 4.7 gas tank size

The Dangers of Exposed Fuel Tanks: A Lesson from the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Pinto

The design of a vehicle's fuel tank is a crucial aspect of safety, particularly when it comes to preventing fires caused by rear-end collisions. Unfortunately, some manufacturers have learned this lesson the hard way. In the case of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) molded plastic fuel tank was located behind the rear axle and close to the rear bumper, with a portion exposed below the bumper.

This design proved vulnerable in the event of a rear-ending accident, as the impact would often cause the fuel tank to rupture or puncture, leading to devastating consequences. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty, including models from 1993 to 2004 and 2002 to 2007 respectively, were all prone to this risk.

The Ford Pinto, infamous for its poorly designed fuel tank, is a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in vehicle design. The Pinto's fuel tank was situated near the rear bumper, making it susceptible to damage in rear-impact accidents. This led to numerous instances of fuel-fed fires across the country, causing widespread devastation and loss of life.

In recent years, manufacturers have taken steps to address this issue by relocating the fuel tank away from the rear bumper and integrating it into a safer location forward of the rear axle. The case of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Pinto serves as a stark reminder that vehicle design must prioritize safety above all else.

As someone who has personally witnessed the devastating consequences of poorly designed vehicles, I urge manufacturers to take heed of this lesson and prioritize the safety of their customers. By doing so, we can prevent future tragedies and ensure that our roads are safer for everyone.

05 jeep grand cherokee 4.7 gas tank size