Hanlon

We are presented in this appeal with procedural and substantive objections to the settlement of a nationwide class action against Chrysler Corporation. After examining the settlement in accordance with the guidelines established in Amchem Products, Inc. v. Windsor, — U.S. —, 117 S.Ct. 2231 , 138 L.Ed.2d 689 (1997), we affirm the district court.

I.

In September 1993, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) Office of Defect Investigation learned of a rear liftgate latch problem in 1992 Chrysler minivans. NHTSA opened a preliminary investigation, which was expanded to an “engineering analysis” of all 1984-1994 Chrysler minivans. The Engineering Analysis included a technical evaluation of the rear latches, testing of the latches in different scenarios, and analyzing accidents, fatalities, injuries and consumer complaints. Despite NHTSA’s investigation, Chrysler publicly denied any problem with its rear liftgate latches.

The NHTSA investigation proceeded throughout 1994. On November 17, 1994, Chrysler and NHTSA representatives met to discuss the engineering analysis and the *1018 growing evidence that the latches presented a serious safety threat. Following that…