In June of 2013, 1.56 million 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty and 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee models were recalled, to mitigate a condition which can cause the vehicles to catch fire after being rear-ended. But most of the media attention during that time has been focused on the GM ignition switch and Takata airbag recalls, such that more than 18 months later an overwhelming majority of the Jeep vehicles remain unfixed.
Is yours one of them? 
If so, the condition identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is the placement of the gasoline tank between the rear axle and the rear bumper. The recall negotiated with the manufacturer provides for the installation of trailer hitches. NHSTA has indicated that the hitch provides incremental safety benefits in certain low and moderate crash incidents. The agency further said that the Jeep models already performed similarly to its peers in higher speed crashes.
FCA US, the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV division that owns the Jeep brand, says it’s moving as quickly as possible given the challenge finding drivers of vehicles that are between seven and 20 years old and that in many cases have been sold to second or third owners. So we’re helping to spread the word.
Consider these statistics: Authorities have identified 62 fatalities in 43 crashes involving 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty and 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee models. By comparison, the GM ignition switch defect has been linked to 42 deaths and just four deaths in the US have been attributed to defective airbags made by Takata.
If you own one of these Jeeps, go get your free trailer hitch!
Image selected from Creative Commons Images.