If you’ve read enough recall notices, you’ve probably seen that most of them say something like “Company X, in coordination with Regulator Y, have issued a voluntary recall of blah blah blah,” but sometimes regulators and manufacturers don’t agree about whether a product merits being recalled. Case in point: Chrysler’s decision to say no to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 2.7 million vehicles over fuel tank concerns.

Specifically, NHTSA had suggested to the car maker that it issue a voluntary recall on 1993-2004 model year Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Jeep Libertys. The agency believes that the fuel tanks on these vehicles is defective and could leak, possibly resulting in a fire following a rear-impact collision.

Chrysler contends that this recall request was made using insufficient evidence and maintains that these fuel tanks “do not pose an unreasonable risk.” The car company characterizes the incidents cited by NHTSA as “extremely rare and representing only a small fraction of the total number of fatal crashes.”

“The company stands behind the quality of its vehicles,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group LLC. “All of us remain committed to continue working with NHTSA to provide information confirming the safety of these vehicles.”

NHTSA has so far not responded to Chrysler’s statement. It could continue to work toward a resolution with the car company or it could pursue legal action to compel a recall.

Chrysler Says No To Government Recall Request [CBS Detroit]

Chrysler Rejects U.S. Jeep Recall Request [WSJ.com]

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