An investigation is underway regarding the hoods on Grand Cherokees unexpectedly opening.

From WTOL, channel 11 in Toledo, Ohio:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced  that it is stepping up its investigation into the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee because its hood may open unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving.  Nineteen people complained about the problem, but no injuries or accidents were reported.

The administration began a preliminary inquiry on May 17 that covered the 1996 through 1998 model years of the Grand Cherokee.

The agency found most of the complaints and claims to insurance companies for the problem were for the 1997 model year.

A spokeswoman for Jeep's parent company, DaimlerChrysler, said the automaker was not prepared for comment.