Investigation PE95049: 1990–1995 Jeep Cherokee

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Aug 17, 1995

Closed

Jan 26, 1996

Model years

1990–1995

Subject

Rear axle shaft separation

Component: Suspension

Summary

This investigation was opened to examine the failure mode and the risk to motor vehicle safety posed by allegations of rear axle separations.the rear axle shaft and housing design is typical of those in which the weight of the vehicle is carried on the axle housing.the left and right axle shafts, supported by roller bearings, are situated inside the axle housing.the inboard splined end of the axle shaft receives power transmitted from the differential assembly, providing torque to the rear wheels.the allegations are that the axle shaft fails, resulting in the separation of a wheel and axle hub assembly or the entire axle shaft and wheel assembly, depending on the location of the axle shaft failure.as identified by chrysler, the subject rear axles are dana 35c and 35cm models, which have been used on the subject vehicles since the 1990 model year.a safety defect trend with respect to the subject axle shafts has not been identified.see hard copy resume for full text of summary.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1995 Jeep Cherokee608 complaints
• 1994 Jeep Cherokee519 complaints
• 1993 Jeep Cherokee418 complaints
• 1992 Jeep Cherokee113 complaints
• 1991 Jeep Cherokee233 complaints
• 1990 Jeep Cherokee270 complaints