ORLANDO, Fla.,None — An Orlando attorney is targeting Chrysler for what he says is a major design defect in Jeep Grand Cherokees that could be responsible for dozens of deaths.
A consumer group is raising major concerns over gas tank fires.
So, WFTV's Lori Brown investigated why neither Chrysler nor the federal government has forced any changes.
It started as a rear-end collision. It ended as a fire. Inside -- Manuel Bringas and his cousin Rafael Jaimes. Bringas died in the fire, leaving behind his 5-year-old daughter. Jaimes spent two months in a coma.
His hands shake as he talks.
"I tried to help my cousin. After that, I don't remember. I came out of the Jeep and passed out," Jaimes said.
"The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most dangerous vehicles on the road today," the Center for Auto Safety's Clarence Ditlow said.
Jeeps built between 1993 and 2004 have gas tanks just below the bumper. When an SUV slammed into Jaimes' Jeep, the gas tank exploded, because the Jeep's gas tank spews gasoline when it's rear-ended.
Product safety attorney Hank Didier represents the families from the crash.
"There is a lot of information that suggests Chrysler has known about this for a very long time," Didier said.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows the death toll from Jeep Grand Cherokee fires is at 55.
The Ford Pinto was recalled after 28 deaths. How many deaths is it going to take?
Chrysler's spokesperson did not want his response recorded on video. He provided a statement that said:
"The 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees meet or exceed all federal safety standards. They have an outstanding safety record over that span of years.... they have over 300 billion miles traveled."
--Michael Palese, Chrysler corporate communications
UCF economist Sean Snaith said the government may reason that a recall is too costly in a fragile economy.
"If the government were then now to step in and impose a mandatory recall for this latest defect, given the magnitude of it, it could put the industry right back in peril," Snaith said.
Jaimes said he just hopes no one else has to go through this.
The Center for Auto Safety said until Chrysler produces a fix, the only thing consumers can do is ask Chrysler and the government for a recall.
Back in 2005, Chrysler moved the gas tank in front of the rear axle.