2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 1,476 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Grand Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 75 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 97 people were injured and 4 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontalJan 28, 2015
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, to March 28, 2003, 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, to May 23 2003, and 2003-2004 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured November 1, 2001, to June 30, 2004. Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Chrysler dealers will replace the air bag control module and side impact sensors as required, free of charge. This recall remedy was applied during earlier recall campaigns of these vehicles under safety recalls 12V527 and 13V040. All owners that have not had the recall repair performed under safety recalls 12V527 or 13V040 are strongly encouraged to have it performed and not wait for the final remedy to be deployed to the field. The recall began on December 29, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R06.
Campaign 15V046000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsNov 8, 2012
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, through March 28, 2003, and 2002 through 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, through May 23, 2003. A component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Inadvertent deployment of the airbags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a supplemental jumper harness to the airbag control module, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall by interim letter in January 2013. The remedy for affected Liberty vehicles is expected to be available in April 2013. The remedy for affected Grand Cherokee vehicles is expected to be available later in the year. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Campaign 12V527000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerApr 9, 2009
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 103,409 MY 2001-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES WITH HEATED SEATS AND WITH CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 06V-197 COMPLETED (03-04 MY) OR SEAT HEATER ELEMENTS SERVICE REPLACEMENT (01-02 MY). THE FRONT SEAT ELECTRIC HEATER ELEMENTS COULD OVERHEAT.
OVERHEATING COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE OR INJURY.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT HEATER ELEMENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 09V117000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
Campaign 06E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, cooling system, fanJun 8, 2006
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE PLASTIC BLADES OF THE ELECTRIC MOTOR DRIVEN COOLING FAN MAY SEPARATE AND PENETRATE THE SHROUD.
IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE HOOD IS OPEN, A PERSON IN THE VICINITY OF THE ENGINE COULD BE STRUCK BY THE BLADE AND INJURED.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC COOLING FAN MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 06V199000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 13, 2006
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Campaign 06E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulicMar 13, 2006
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
Campaign 06E022000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpFeb 1, 2006
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.
IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.
Campaign 06E011000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection system, injectorsApr 8, 2002
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L ENGINE ONLY, THE DESIGN OF THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS COULD ALLOW DEBRIS TO ACCUMULATE AT THE #3 CYLINDER LOCATION.
THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MANIFOLD SHIELD TO MODIFY THE AIR FLOW CHARACTERISTICS AND TO PREVENT THE ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS IN THE AREA OF THE #3 CYLINDER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 13, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 02V104000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalMar 26, 2002
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS WAS IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED.
THIS COULD CAUSE IMPROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.
DEALERS WILL ADD A WIRING JUMPER TO THE EXISTING CIRCUITRY TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 02V099000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJan 31, 2002
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FUEL TANK BRUSH GUARD FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) CONTROL VALVE CAN BECOME DETACHED DURING A CRASH, ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE.
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL EITHER REPLACE THE FUEL TANK BRUSH GUARD WITH A SKID PLATE OR REINFORCE THE EXISTING FUEL TANK BRUSH GUARD WITH A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN MARCH 4, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 02V032000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, deliveryDec 5, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE FUEL INLET CHECK VALVE COULD STICK IN THE PARTIALLY OPEN POSITION. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE FUEL TO SPILL OUT OF THE FILLER TUBE DURING REFUELING.
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL INLET CHECK VALVE. VEHICLES FOUND TO HAVE A STICKING FUEL INLET CHECK VALVE WILL HAVE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 24, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 01V374000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission controlNov 13, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE ONBOARD VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM VENT HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN MISROUTED. THIS COULD ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE CANISTER WHICH CAN CAUSE FUEL TO SPILL OUT OF THE FILLER TUBE WHEN REFUELING THE TANK.
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT (AND REPOSITION AS NECESSARY) THE VENT HOSE. IF THE VENT HOSE IS FOUND IN THE BENT DOWN POSITION, AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN MORE THAN 20 MILES, THE CANISTER ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 3, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 01V348000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiring, interior/under dashSep 10, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED FOR A SOFTWARE ERROR IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MICROPROCESSOR. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE CLUSTER, WITH THE MAJORITY OF ITS GAUGES, ILLUMINATION, AND WARNING LAMPS, COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH AN INOPERATIVE CLUSTER COULD CAUSE A DISTRACTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL RE-FLASH THE CLUSTER SOFTWARE TO CORRECT THE CONDITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 8, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 01V288000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,476 reports, newest first.
Visibility, Dec 3, 2006
POWER WINDOW REGULATORS HAVE FAILED ON ALL FOUR WINDOWS ON MY 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. I KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM, AND IF ENOUGH PEOPLE HAVE BEEN AFFECTED, HOPEFULLY NHTSA WILL PRESSURE THE MANUFACTURER INTO RECALLING THESE VEHICLES. *JB
Visibility, Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2006
MY JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE HAS A BAD VENTILATION SYSTEM. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WHICH AFFECTS ALL JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE'S MANUFACTURED WITH AUTO CLIMATE CONTROLS FROM 1999-2004. I HAVE HAD TO BRING MINE IN FOR REPAIR TWICE NOW, AND IT HAS ONCE AGAIN FAILED. THE LEVERS IN THE VENTILATION DUCTS HAVE PLASTIC COMPONENTS WHICH, OVER TIME, BREAK DOWN AND CRACK CAUSING COLD-ONLY OR HOT-ONLY AIR TO BLOW FROM THE VENTS. THIS ISSUE CAUSES MAJOR FOGGING OF THE WINDSHIELD AT TIMES DEPENDING UPON HOW THE LEVERS GET STUCK, WHICH IS A SERIOUS AND MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN- I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND WIPE THE WINDSHIELD DOWN SO I CAN SEE. I LEAD A GROUP COMPRISED OF OVER 1000 PEOPLE WHO HAVE FORMED EXPRESSLY AS A RESULT OF THIS MATTER; ALL OF OUR VEHICLES ARE AILING, AND REST ASSURED, THERE ARE THOUSANDS MORE OUT THERE WITH THIS PROBLEM WHO PROBABLY AREN'T EVEN AWARE OUR GROUP UNITED AGAINST DAIMLER CHRYSLER EVEN EXISTS. IT WOULD BE IN DC'S BEST INTEREST TO ISSUE A RECALL OR SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BEFORE THIS TURNS INTO ANOTHER CLASS-ACTION SUIT LIKE THEY EXPERIENCED WITH THE 99-03 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE BRAKE ROTOR/CALIPER MATTER EARLIER IN THE YEAR. *JB
Visibility, Nov 30, 2006
BLEND DOOR ASSEMBLY AND HEATER CORE FAILED ON 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. RESULTED IN LOSS OF DEFROSTER FOR FRONT WINSHIELD WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF VISION THROUGH WINDSHIELD. REPLACED HEATER CORE, BLEND DOOR ASSEMBLY, ACTUATOR, AND RECIRCULATION DOOR ASSEMBLY. *NM
Visibility, Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2006
2002 GRAND CHEROKEE DUAL CLIMATE CONTROL LOST HEAT IN BOTH ZONES. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE WEAK BLEND AND RECIRCULATION DOORS IN THE HVAC SYSTEM. THE DOORS ARE TURNED BY A MOTOR ATTACHED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR AT THE END OF A HINGE SHAFT. THE MOTOR STOPS TURNING WHEN THERE IS ENOUGH PHYSICAL RESISTANCE FROM THE DOOR STOPPING AGAINST ITS HOUSING. THIS PUTS STRESS ON THE SHAFT/DOOR JUNCTION AND OVER TIME STRIPS THE SHAFT SO THAT IT SPINS ALMOST INDEPENDENTLY OF THE DOOR. THE MOTOR THEN EXPERIENCES LITTLE RESISTANCE AND KEEPS TURNING. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 21, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A NHTSA RECALL LETTER # 06V199000 REGARDING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING: COOLING SYSTEM: FAN WAS RECEIVED AFTER THE FAN BLADES FRACTURED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR AND THE ENGINE, WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE DEALER REPLACED THE FAN AND REPAIRED THE RADIATOR. THEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER FOR REPAIR TO THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
Suspension, Nov 16, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE WHICH HAD AN EXCESSIVE PULL TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK IT TO A CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP TO HAVE AN ALIGNMENT DONE. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT AN ALIGNMENT COULD NOT BE DONE AS PER TECH. BULLETIN #02-006-04. THAT SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE A DRIFT TO THE RIGHT AND CAN ONLY BE CORRECTED BY REPLACING THE MANUFACTURES FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH OFF-SET BALL JOINTS. I WAS ALSO TOLD SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER THE MANUFACTURES WARRANTY, THEY WOULD NOT COVER IT, IT WOULD COST ME APPROX. $1200.00 TO REPLACE THEIR MISTAKE. IF THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT, IT TO ME IS A SAFETY ISSUE, WHICH SHOULD BE A RECALL. *JJB
Visibility, Nov 16, 2006
SEVERAL MONTHS AGO I LOST HEAT ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE IN MY 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED 4X4 SPORT UTILITY 4DR. I HAD BEEN TRYING TO SAVE UP SOME MONEY TO GO HAVE THIS FIXED,AND HAD BEEN SEARCHING ALL OVER THE INTERNET LOOKING ON JEEP' WEBSITES EVEN, TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH MY JEEP. THEN ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2006, THE DRIVER SIDE HEAT QUIT WORKING DURING A SNOW STORM. I LEFT WORK ABOUT 5:00 PM AND IT WAS SNOWING AND STARTING TO FREEZE. THE WINDOWS WERENT GETTING FOGGY OR ANYTHING THEY WHERE JUST ICING UP IT GOT TO THE POINT WHERE I COULD ONLY SEE OUT OF A LITTLE SPOT RIGHT WHERE THE FAN BLEW ON THE WINDOW. I WENT 35 MPH ON A 65 MPH SPEED ZONE BECAUSE ONCOMING TRAFFIC WOULD TEMPORARILY BLIND ME. I DON'T LIVE IN FLORIDA, I LIVE IN MONTANA. WHAT ARE PEOPLE AROUND HERE SUPPOSE TO DO WHEN THIS HAPPENS TO THEM. STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO SCRAPE THE ICE OF THEIR WINDOWS, AS ANOTHER VEHICLE PLOWS OVER THEM, DUE TO THE ICY ROAD CONDITIONS. IN MONTANA WE HAVE LONG COMMUTES, SOME PEOPLE DRIVE FROM RED LODGE ALL THE WAY TO BILLINGS. IT TAKES AN HOUR AND TO 2 HOURS DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER. WE DON'T HAVE TAXIS. THIS PROBLEM CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. THIS MAY NOT BE A PROBLEM TO PEOPLE IN A WARMER CLIMATE, BUT IT IS TO PEOPLE UP NORTH. A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN 1999-2004 MODEL GRAND CHEROKEES HAS BEEN WEAK BLEND AND RECIRCULATION DOORS IN THE HVAC SYSTEMS. IN JANUARY OF 2004 JEEP ISSUED AN INFORMATIONAL TSB (#24-001-04) WHICH INTRODUCED NEWLY DESIGNED SUB ASSEMBLIES. WWW.WJJEEPS.COM I HAVE FOUND THE ITEMS, THE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS AND THE TSB # ON THIS WEBSITE HTTP://WWW.WJJEEPS.COM/HVAC_SUB_ASSEMBLY.HTM AND THERE IS STILL NO RECALL ON IT. THIS IS A THREATENING PROBLEM TO JEEPS CONSUMERS, ESPECIALLY THE ONES IN COLDER CLIMATES. I CAN'T AFFORD JEEPS MISTAKES, WHETHER IT'S FINANCIALLY FOR PHYSICAL. *NM
Other or unspecified, Nov 9, 2006
I AM CONTACTING THE NHTSA DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW IN THE HVAC SYSTEM OF OF 1999 - 2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES. THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM IS THE EXACT SAME ONE THAT COUNTLESS OTHERS HAVE BEEN IN COMMUNICATION. WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM DUE TO THE WEAK BLEND AND RECIRCULATION DOORS IN THE HVAC SYSTEMS. THE DOORS ARE TURNED BY A MOTOR ATTACHED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR AT THE END OF A HINGE SHAFT. THE MOTOR STOPS TURNING WHEN THERE IS ENOUGH PHYSICAL RESISTANCE FROM THE DOOR STOPPING AGAINST ITS HOUSING. THIS PUTS STRESS ON THE SHAFT/DOOR JUNCTION AND OVER TIME STRIPS THE SHAFT SO THAT IT SPINS ALMOST INDEPENDENTLY OF THE DOOR. TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, DAIMLER-CHRYSLER RELEASED TSB 2400104 - NEW HVAC SUB-ASSEMBLY REPLACES BLEND OR RECIRC DOOR COMPONENTS. THESE NEW PARTS COST LESS THAN $200 ACCORDING TO THE BULLETIN, BUT I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT DAIMLER-CHRYSLER EXPECTS THEIR CUSTOMERS TO PICK UP THE TAB ON A DESIGN FLAW. ESPECIALLY A DESIGN FLAW THAT IS SO LABOR INTENSIVE THAT EVEN THOUGH THE PARTS ARE LESS THAN $200, THE FINAL BILL WILL BE IN THE $1,000 AREA. BECAUSE IT IS NO RECALL FOR THIS, THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS FALLS TO THE CONSUMER, DESPITE THIS BEING A VERY OBVIOUS CASE OF BAD DESIGN. THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE OTHER THAN DAIMLER CHRYSLER SELLING A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT TO THE PUBLIC. A DEFECT THAT EFFECTS A VERY BASIC NECESSITY - HEAT. THIS FAILURE RESULTS IN NOT ONLY AN UNACCEPTABLE COMFORT FACTOR, BUT ALSO EFFECTS VISIBILITY WHEN HOT AIR NEEDS TO BE DIRECTED TOWARD THE FRONT WIND SHIELD TO ELIMINATE FOGGING. AS OF THIS TIME, I AM WAITING FOR A RESPONSE TO THIS ISSUE BEFORE I CONSIDER SPENDING OVER $1,000 ON A DESIGN FLAW. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Nov 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED ON THREE OCCASIONS, AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR A SHORT DISTANCE THEN TURNED OFF, AND THEN TURNED ON 15 MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AFTER BEING PUT INTO DRIVE. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE COMPUTER FOUND NO CODES AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. UPDATED 12/12/2006 - THE JEEP IS PRESENTLY PARKED IN THE CONSUMER'S GARAGED BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *NM
Equipment, Nov 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR CONDITIONING FAN FAILED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE AIR CONDITIONING FAN.
Equipment, Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2006
2002 GRAND CHEROKEE LOST HEAT ON BOTH ZONES OF THE DUAL CLIMATE CONTROL. *TS THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD FIX THE SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. *NM
Visibility, Nov 3, 2006
ON 10-30-06 THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW OF MY 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE FAILED. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT IT WAS PROBABLY A REGULATOR AND THE COST WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $550.00. THE JEEP HAS 33,000 MILE ON IT AND HAS A 7 YEAR 70,000 MILE WARRANTY, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. I HAD IT REPLACED AT SUPERIOR WINDOW GLASS, THE PART AND LABOR COSTS WERE $343.00. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY DAIMLER CHRYSLER CORPORATION. *JB
Wheels, Nov 3, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED ALL THE TIRES WERE LOSING AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THE RIMS WERE CUTTING INTO THE BEAD OF THE TIRES AND CAUSING THE TIRES TO LOSE AIR. THE RIMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 30, 2006
2002 GRAND CHEROKEE OVERHEATED AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO MECHANIC. FAN BLADE SEPARATED FROM THE FAN, WHICH PUT A HOLE IN THE RADIATOR. *TS THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON AUGUST 24, 2006. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE FAILURE STEMS FROM A RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED ON AUGUST 30, 2006 BY DAIMLER CHRYSLER. THE DEALER THAT SERVICED THE VEHICLE INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE THE FAILURE OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE RECALL BEING RECEIVED. AFTER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FAN RELAY SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE THERMOSTAT. WHILE REPAIRING THAT PROBLEM THE TECHNICIAN FOUND OUT THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. THE DEALER DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO REPLACE IT. THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE TRANSMISSION CABLE BROKE WHILE THE DEALER WAS TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR ALL REPAIRS. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 30, 2006
CONSUMER COMPLAINT REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR ELECTRIC RADIATOR FAN ON 2002 GRAND CHEROKEE. *TS THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN 65 MPH. THE FAN BROKE IT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RADIATOR WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 30, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE HEARD FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY THE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATING, AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE COOLING FAN HAD SEPARATED. THE RADIATOR FAN, THE SHROUD AND THE RADIATOR WERE ALL REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 06V199000, WHICH PERTAINS TO THE ENGINE COOLING FAN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Visibility, Oct 23, 2006
FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED AND WINDOW FELL INTO DOOR. *NM
Visibility, Oct 20, 2006
I BOUGHT MY 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE NEW. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REGULATOR IN THE WINDOW MECHANISM THREE TIMES. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WENT OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WENT OUT AFTER THREE YEARS AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WENT OUT SIX MONTHS LATER. IN ALL CASES WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE WINDOW FALLS DOWN INTO THE DOOR AND WILL NOT STAY IN THE UP POSITION. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS DURING A FREEZING RAIN STORM WITH MY 16-MONTH OLD IN THE BACK SEAT. NOT BEING ABLE TO KEEP A WINDOW CLOSED IS A HAZARD IN MANY WAYS. THINGS CAN BLOW INTO THE VEHICLE, THINGS CAN BLOW OUT OF THE VEHICLE INTO THE ROADWAY, ETC. WHEN I MENTIONED TO THE DEALER THAT REPLACED THE MOST RECENT REGULATOR THAT THREE OF THE SAME COMPONENT GOING OUT WAS A LITTLE MORE THAN A COINCIDENCE, HE AGREED AND SAID THEIR SHOP HAD REPLACED QUITE A FEW OF THOSE LATELY. I HAVE LITERALLY ROLLED DOWN THE BACK WINDOW LESS THAN 20 TIMES EVER SINCE HAVING THE VEHICLE SO I KNOW IT IS NOT "WEAR AND TEAR." THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A COMPONENT DEFECT. *NM
Steering, Visibility, Equipment, Oct 18, 2006
2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. STEERING WHEEL BEGAN MAKING STRANGE SOUNDS. STEERING GEAR AND ASSOCIATED PARTS WERE REPLACED. SHORTLY AFTER, STRANGE SOUNDS RETURNED, THE STEERING BEGAN TO BECOME COMPLETELY UNASSISTED AT LOW SPEEDS FOR A BRIEF SECOND. THE PROBLEM CAUSES QUITE A SCARE AND CAUSES TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH LOW SPEED IDLE. DAMAGE IS IMMINENT WITHOUT REPAIR. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED AMONG JEEP CHAT ROOMS. SECOND WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM AMONG JEEP OWNERS. FAULTY POWER WINDOW UNITS THAT FAIL WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSE WINDOW TO BE STUCK UP OR DOWN. THIS CAUSES DRIVER TO BE FORCED TO DRIVE WITH OPEN NON RESPONDING WINDOWS IN A VARIETY OF WEATHER CONDITIONS, OBVIOUS SAFETY AND HEALTH HAZARD. THIRD CHRONIC HAZARD WELL KNOWN TO JEEP OWNERS AS WELL AS JEEP. THE BLEND DOORS ON A/C CONSISTENTLY FAIL RIGHT AFTER WARRANTY PERIOD. THIS CAUSES A FAILURE OF THE DEFROSTER AND OBVIOUS DANGER, AS WELL AS DRIVERS ARE FORCED TO DRIVE WITH CONSTANT UNHEATED AIRFLOW UNTIL COSTLY REPAIR. JEEP IS WELL AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS BUT REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE A CONSISTENT PROBLEM AND OFFER CORRECTION FOR ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. *NM
Air bags, Oct 12, 2006
MY 8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER HAD A PULMONARY APPOINTMENT. WE WERE LEAVING THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE, A LOT OF TRAFFIC, I DROVE ON THE ON RAMP TO THE HIGHWAY 285 WESTBOUND. WHILE DRIVING ONTO THE INTERSTATE, MY JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE '02, A BEEP SOUNDED, I LOOKED AT THE DASHBOARD AND THE "AIRBAG" LIGHT CAME ON AND WITHIN NOT EVEN A SECOND, BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE STEERING WHEEL IS DESTROYED, THE DASHBOARD AND THE FRONT GLASS. SMELL AND SMOKE FILLED THE SUV WHILE I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE SUV OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. MY CHILD WAS CRYING FROM BEING SO SCARED. I CALLED THE DEALER THAT I ALWAYS USED TO SERVICE MY JEEP TO SEE IF I COULD DRIVE OFF THE HIGHWAY. I WAS AFRAID BEING ON A BUSY ATLANTA HIGHWAY, A CRYING 8 YEAR OLD AND SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE SUV. THEY TOLD ME NO AND TO CALL CHRYSLER FOR TOW. I DID AND THEY WERE GOING TO TAKE ME TO THE NEAREST JEEP DEALER (ROSWELL, GA) BUT WOULD BE 50 MIN. WAIT. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT I WAS ON AN EXTREME BUSY HIGHWAY, AND 8 YEAR OLD AND HAD TO GET OFF THIS HIGHWAY NOW. WHILE TALKING, A TOW TRUCK PULLED OFF IN FRONT OF ME. HE SPOKE TO CHRYSLER AND ARRANGED FOR "PAYMENT DIRECTLY FROM CHRYSLER" AND DROVE US TO ROSWELL, GA. THE DEALER WOULD NOT GIVE ME A RENTAL CAR. I CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I GOT RENTAL WHICH THE DEALERSHIP CALLED HERTZ FOR ME AND THEY (HERTZ) PICKED MY CHILD UP AND MYSELF AND DROVE US TO THEIR SHOP TO GET A CAR. I AM NOW DRIVING A RENTAL AND HAVE NO IDEAL WHO IS PAYING FOR THIS. MY HUSBAND CALLED THE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT TOUCH THE SUV AND SOMEONE FROM CHRYLSER SAFETY LOOKED AT THE CAR. I JUST CALLED CHRYLSER'S 1-800 NUMBER AND TOLD THEM THE INCIDENT AND WANTED A PERSON'S NAME, NUMBER AND HOW IS THIS PROCEDURE HANDLED. I WAS TOLD BY "LACHINA" (SPELLING?) THAT IT WAS USUALLY 3 BUSINESS DAYS, NO PERSON CONTACT BUT YET "SOMEONE SHOULD CALL ME PRIOR TO VIEWING." I ASKED HOW MY RENTAL SITUATION WOULD BE HANDLED AND SHE DID NOT KNOW. *JB
Seat belts, Oct 8, 2006
MY 2002 JEEP CHEROKEE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A SECURE LATCH FOR THE USE OF A SAFETY SEAT IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT ACCORDING TO CHRYSLER THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PUT IT THERE. *JB
Power train, Oct 7, 2006
ANYTIME I STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT CHANGING INTO ANOTHER GEAR, THE CAR STALLS AND WITH A VIOLENTLY PUSH FORWARD. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I AM SPEEDING AND IT CHANGES GEARS. ALMOST EVERYONE WHO SITS IN MY CAR COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS ROCKING AND TELLS ME IT MAY INJURE ME SOMEDAY. *JB
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Sep 19, 2006, crash
AT APPROXIMATELY 9:20 AM ON 09/19/06 ONE OF MY CAR WASH EMPLOYEES WAS PULLING A CUSTOMERS CAR FORWARD OUT OF THE CAR WASH BAY AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL CROSSING BOTH THE WESTBOUND AND EASTBOUND LANES OF FULLERTON AVE AND CRASHING INTO A TREE ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE CAR WASH. THE CAR SUFFERED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AND MY EMPLOYEE WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO ILLINOIS MASONIC AND IS CURRENTLY HOSPITALIZED FROM THE INJURIES HE SUSTAINED AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. *NM
Electrical system, Sep 18, 2006
AT 26,164 MILES THE RIGHT STOP LIGHT BULB WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THIS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. AT 54,538 MILES THE LEFT STOP LIGHT BULB WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THIS WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $191.40. THE ORIGINAL LAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE DEFECTIVE AND A SAFETY HAZARD. THE MFG. HAS EVEN REDESIGNED THE REPLACEMENT LAMP ASSEMBLY. ALL LAMP ASSEMBLIES SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED AND OWNERS THAT PAID TO HAVE THIS SAFETY HAZARD CORRECTED SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. *JB
Visibility, Sep 15, 2006
FAILURE OF HEATING SYSTEM ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OF A BLEND DOOR CAUSED ONLY COLD AIR TO BE SENT TO ALL PASSENGER SIDE AIR DISCHARGES WHICH INCLUDE THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER. ON COOL MORNING THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WOULD NOT CLEAR COMPLETELY OF DEW, THIS PROBLEM COULD SEVERELY COMPROMISE SIGHT OUT OF THE RIGHT SIDE IN THE WINTER MONTHS. SEVERAL WEB SITES THAT WERE VISITED WHILE RESEARCHING CAUSE INDICATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND PARTS HAVE BEEN UPGRADED, ALSO STATED THAT DUE TO LABOR INVOLVED THAT IT WAS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR. SOME PEOPLE WRITING IN TO THESE SITES INDICATED THAT REPAIRS WOULD NO BE MADE. INDIVIDUAL DRIVING AS WELL AS THE REST OF THE PUBLIC THAT ARE ON THE ROADWAYS WITH THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. *JB