Chicago, June 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. automaker Chrysler Group Corp. said Wednesday it has agreed to recall 2.7 million old Jeep sport utility vehicles (SUVs), avoiding a legal battle with regulators.

Chrysler Group said it will recall 1993 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2002 to 2007 Jeep Freedmen. Chrysler, however, does not agree that the vehicles are officially defective. "Chrysler's analysis of the data determined that these vehicles are not defective and are among the safest in their class."

Still, Chrysler said it recognized the concerns of auto consumers and decided to take additional steps to ensure vehicle safety. Chrysler said it will conduct an exterior inspection of the recalled vehicles and, if necessary, upgrade the rear structure to better mitigate impact in low-speed crashes.

Two weeks ago, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ordered Chrysler to recall the vehicles because of a fire hazard. When the rear of 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Jeep Freedmen are hit, plastic fuel tanks behind the axles can shatter, causing fuel leaks and fires, according to the NHTSA's assessment. Chrysler changed the fuel tanks in later Jeep models, but insisted the previous design was faultless.

It is rare for a US carmaker to resist a recall request from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the regulator. In cases of denial, the NHTSA can hold a public hearing and request a recall, but a court order is needed to enforce it. By agreeing to the recall, Chrysler avoids a court battle with regulators and could help undo the damage to the company, the Detroit News reported.

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