Government Upgrades Jeep Liberty Investigation

Story Published: Apr 22, 2008 at 11:16 AM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 22, 2008 at 11:16 AM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) - The government is stepping up its
investigation into Chrysler's Jeep Liberty after receiving numerous
reports of drivers losing control.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says more
than 20 people have complained that the upper ball joint separated
on one of the car's front wheels.
The problem can lead to the front wheel collapsing, which can
disable the vehicle or cause the driver to lose control.
Officials have ordered an engineering analysis on the Jeep
Liberty to "assess the scope, frequency and safety consequences of
the alleged defect."
The probe involves more than 300,000 2002 and 2003 model year
Liberty 4X4 SUVs.
A Chrysler spokesman says the automaker has received 74
complaints, but no reports of any accidents or injuries tied to the
problem.

%AP Links

[APGB.MOS740736GraphicsBank Image 740736GraphicsBank Image 740736] 2000x1500
2002 Jeep Liberty Sport suv, photo

On the Net:
Jeep: http://www.jeep.com

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-04-21-08 1858EDT

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