(June 18, 2013)  AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have resolved their differences with respect to NHTSA’s request to recall 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-07 Jeep Liberty vehicles.

As a result of the agreement, Chrysler Group will conduct a voluntary campaign with respect to the vehicles in question that, in addition to a visual inspection of the vehicle will, if necessary, provide an upgrade to the rear structure of the vehicle to better manage crash forces in low-speed impacts.

On June 3, NHTSA requested that Chrysler conduct a recall on 2.7 million remaining 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2002-07 Jeep Libertys, which the agency said had a heightened risk of fire from rear-end collisions.

As part of the agreement, Chrysler will not admit that the vehicles were defective.

Chrysler Group’s analysis of the data confirms that these vehicles are not defective and are among the safest in the peer group, Chrysler said in a statement. "Nonetheless, Chrysler Group recognizes that this matter has raised concerns for its customers and wants to take further steps, in coordination with NHTSA, to provide additional measures to supplement the safety of its vehicles.

"Chrysler Group regards safety as a paramount concern and does not compromise on the safety of our customers and their families."

NHTSA officials today praised Chrysler for agreeing to take steps to protect Jeep owners but said it planned to continue studying the matter.

"Consumers impacted by the safety recall and customer satisfaction campaign should have their vehicles serviced promptly once they receive notification from Chrysler," the agency said in a statement. "We will continue our investigation into this issue, pending the agency’s review of the documents provided by Chrysler in its recall action."

Sources: Chrysler Group, Automotive News