(June 5, 2013) In a rare refusal to act on a recall requested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler is standing by the safety of the 2.7 million Jeep vehicles in question. After a lengthy probe into rear-end collisions in which at least 51 people died, NHTSA asked Chrysler Group to recall 2.7 million 1992-2004 Grand Cherokees and 2002-07 Libertys that the government says are at risk of a fuel tank fire.

The government says the gas tanks in the SUVs can be punctured and catch fire when hit from behind.

Chrysler, which moved the gas tank location in later Jeep models, says the former design is safe and the automaker "does not intend to recall the vehicles."

"The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective," Chrysler said in a statement issued Tuesday. "We believe NHTSA's initial conclusions are based on an incomplete analysis of the underlying data, and we are committed to continue working with the agency to resolve this disagreement."

It is rare for an automaker to refuse a recall request. NHTSA can call public hearings into the issue and order a recall, but it needs a court order to enforce it.

Chrysler Group says it has been working and sharing data with the agency on this issue since September 2010. The company does not agree with NHTSA’s conclusions and does not intend to recall the vehicles cited in the investigation. The subject vehicles are safe and are not defective.

"We believe NHTSA’s initial conclusions are based on an incomplete analysis of the underlying data, and we are committed to continue working with the agency to resolve this disagreement."

“The safety of drivers and passengers has long been the first priority for Chrysler brands and that commitment remains steadfast,” said Sergio Marchionne, chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group. “The company stands behind the quality of its vehicles. All of us remain committed to continue working with NHTSA to provide information confirming the safety of these vehicles.”

Chrysler maintains its models are no more dangerous than its competitors' and that the fuel tank location and composition are not defects. Chrysler has, however, changed the design of the affected vehicles, increasing wheelbase and moving the spare tire so the fuel tank is between the two rear axles.

The investigation began in 2009 at the request of the Center for Auto Safety. The nonprofit group, founded by Ralph Nader and Consumers Union, reported 1993-2004 Grand Cherokees were four times more likely than competitors to be involved in a fatal, fiery crash.

"Throughout America, children are dying in Jeeps in rear-impact fire crashes," Clarence Ditlow, the group's executive director wrote in a letter to Marchionne in May, including the March 2012 death in Bainbridge, Ga., of 4-year-old Remington Cole Walden "killed when the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by his aunt was struck from behind and engulfed in flames."

Sources: Press reports, Chrysler Group