2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 761 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 Grand Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 48 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 56 people were injured and 1 person 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
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 7, 2006
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HEATED SEATS, THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT ELECTRIC HEATER ELEMENT COULD OVERHEAT.
OVERHEATING COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEATED SEAT ELEMENTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 06V197000 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
Representative owner complaints: power train
35 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 4, 2020
I STARTED MY JEEP, NOTICED MY HATCH WAS NOT CLOSED, GOT OUT WHILE IT WAS RUNNING, THE SECOND I CLOSED MY DRIVER DOOR, MY JEEP WENT INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN, AND KEPT ACCELERATING HIGHER, THIS VEHICLE TOOK OFF VERY AGGRESSIVELY, LUCKILY MY WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, SHE PUT IT IN NATURAL, AND SHUT THE CAR OFF BEFORE ANYTHING WAS STRUCK, NOW DUE TO I BELIEVE THE RAPID ACCELERATION IT RUNS HORRIBLY WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE. THIS JEEP IS AN 2003 , WELL BROKE IN AND MAINTAINED, THERE'S NO OTHER REASON AS TO WHY IT "BECAME SELF AWARE" I HAVE A LOT OF VEHICLE KNOWLEDGE AND THIS IS VIRTUALLY AND UNFATHOMABLY IMPOSSIBLE , PLEASE REVIEW EVERY ASPECT OF THIS VEHICLES COMPLAINTS AS THIS IS VERY UNSAFE
Power train, Dec 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
Power train, Aug 5, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, IT REVERSED INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT WAS KNOCKED BACKWARDS BY THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS ABLE TO GET UP BEFORE BEING ROLLED OVER BY THE REAR TIRES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES, CUTS, AND ABRASIONS TO THE LEGS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INSURANCE AUTHORIZED COLLISION CENTER WHO REPAIRED THE DAMAGES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V240000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, May 11, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V527000 (AIR BAGS), THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS OR GO INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Power train, Sep 21, 2014
JEEP WILL NOT STAY IN PARK SHIFTS GOOD. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 23, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH ON A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC WHEN MY CAR ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE BRAKES SEIZED UP, BUT I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF ON THE SHOULDER. AFTER TRYING SEVERAL TIME TO RESTART THE CAR, I CALLED FOR ASSISTANCE. BY THE TIME ASSISTANCE ARRIVED, I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR AND I DROVE IT APPROXIMATELY FIVE MILE TO MY JEEP DEALER. THEY FOUND THAT THE CRANK SENSOR WAS FAULTY AND THAT WAS WHY THE ENGINE HAD SHUT DOWN. THE COST TO REPLACE THE SENSOR WAS $275; HOWEVER, BECAUSE SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE CAUSED THE BREAKS TO SEIZE UP, THE BREAKS AND CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED INCREASING THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS TO $1567. IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURRED I WOULD PROBABLY NOT BE WRITING THIS LETTER. *TR
Power train, Service brakes, Sep 19, 2013
I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY (WHICH HAS A SMALL INCLINE) AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. AS SOON AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING DOWN MY DRIVE WAY, UNTIL PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND DIFFERENT PLACES, I.E WORK, GAS STATION, HOME, SCHOOL. THIS HAS NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT YET SINCE I'VE BEEN IN THE DRIVERS SEAT EVERY TIME SO FAR. *TR
Power train, Jun 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH AND ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, IT EXHIBITED AN LOUD SQUEALING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000. *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 15, 2013
AT LEFT TURN BEFORE INCOMING CARS BE TOO CLOSE TURNED ACCELERATING . HALF WAY WITH STEERING WHEEL HARDING ,IT SHUTS OFF. I HAD TO PUT ON BRAK AND TURN CAR ON TO BACK CAREFULLY . TURNED IN AND STOPPED TO CHECK . FOR PAST YEAR WITH EVERY SHUT OFF EITHER STARTS OR NOT , I HAD FIXED AT CAR DEALER. HUFFINES IS THE CAR DEALER WITH ALL RECORDS. *TR
Power train, Sep 8, 2010, crash
I WAS IN MY GARAGE AND PUT MY 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE INTO REVERSE AND IT ACCELERATED LIKE A BULLET OUT OF THE GARAGE AND I ENDED UP JUMPING OUT AND FALLING ON THE GROUND AND THE CAR HIT MY NEIGHBORS WALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE IDENTICAL FAILURES OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FRONT CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. UPDATED 6/21/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. IT WAS DETERMINED THE CRANK SENSOR BECAME EXTREMELY HOT WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN. THE FAN RELAY ALSO FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT AND THE INTERNAL TRANSMISSION SENSORS FAILED. UPDATED 07/01/10.*JB
Power train, Feb 21, 2008
2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO THE JEEP WAS RUNNING AND IN PARK. I WAS STANDING OUTSIDE ABOUT 20 YARDS AWAY. THE GEARSHIFT POPPED FROM PARK TO REVERSE ON ITS OWN. I WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO STOP IT IN TIME. ALSO, WHEN I PARK IT AND TRY TO REMOVE THE KEY THE KEY IS LOCKED IN PLACE LIKE ITS STILL IN GEAR. I HAVE TO PUSH THE GEARSHIFT WITH FORCE TO RELEASE THE KEY. A MECHANIC HAS SAID THAT THE LINKAGE WAS LOOSE. I HAVE TIGHTENED IT AND THE PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Seats, Feb 8, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HEATED SEATS, WHICH TOOK APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES TO WARM UP. THREE MINUTES LATER, THE SEAT WARMED UP EXCESSIVELY AND CAUSED MILD BURNS TO HER BODY. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V197000 (SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT HER OWN EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,220 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,716. UPDATED 3/4/08 *CN THE DEALER STATED MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT ON, AND TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. UPDATED 03/04/08 *TR
Power train, May 31, 2006, crash
DROVE VEHICLE INTO GARAGE STALL. PUT VEHICLE IN PARK, OPENED DRIVERS DOOR, LEFT DOOR OPEN AND VEHICLE RUNNING TO RETRIEVE PERSONAL ITEM FROM HOUSE, WENT TO WALK OUT GARAGE AND VEHICLE STARTED BACKING OUT GARAGE. DRIVERS DOOR CAUGHT ON GARAGE SUPPORT POLE, TWISTING DOOR AROUND TO FRONT FENDER AS IT PROCEEDED OUT OF GARAGE. DRAGGED MYSELF PAST TOOL BOX AND BY GARAGE DOOR. VEHICLE THEN PROCEEDED DOWN DRIVEWAY, DID U-TURN PAST NEIGHBORS VEHICLES AND LODGED ON BOULDER IN NEIGHBORS FRONT YARD. WENT TO EMERGENCY ROOM FOR TREATMENT, NO BROKEN BONES OR MAJOR INJURIES. SUSTAINED LOTS OF DEEP BRUISING, BAD SCRAPES AND SWELLING OF UPPER BODY, LEFT LOWER LEG, AND ARMS. *JB
Power train, Jul 15, 2005, crash
DT: CONTACT STATES VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WHILE IN A PARKING AREA. *AK CONTACT AND HER SON WERE IN THE VEHICLE WHEN IT STARTED ROLLING DOWN A HILL, THE VEHICLE HIT A POOL FENCE. THE SERVICE DEALER WOULD NOT SAY WHY THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. *AK *NM
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 12, 2005
TRANSMISSION MAKING NOISE 1 WEEK AFTER PURCHASE, TOOK IT IN EVERY 2 WEEKS TO HAVE IT FIXED FOR FIRST 2 MONTHS. VEHICLE HAD 40,000 KM. CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP ANSWER WAS FOR US TO DO TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE (OUR EXPENSE), DID NOT STOP THE NOISE, GAVE UP AFTER WE TOOK VEHICLE BACK 5 TIMES, TERRIBLE SERVICE. HEATER MOTOR FAILED WITHIN 1 WEEK OF PURCHASE, REPLACE MOTOR SWITCH, HEATER FAN MAKING NOISE. REAR END WAS REBUILT 2 TIMES WITHIN FIRST 2 MONTHS OF OWNING VEHICLE. STRUTS NEEDED REPLACING WITHIN FIRST MONTH. SMOKE COMES FROM ENGINE WHEN STOPPED (INTERMITTENT), WHEEL ALIGNMENT WITHIN FIRST MONTH (OUR EXPENSE AGAIN). THIS IS OUR FIRST AND LAST JEEP/CHRYSLER PRODUCT.
Power train, Jun 7, 2005
DT: PRIOR TO FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO STEER. I TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT, AND IT SOUNDED LIKE A TIRE WAS BLOWN OUT. THE TIRES WERE FINE, AND AS I STARTED THE FRONT FELL OUTWARDS AND THE TIRE FELL SIDEWAYS. HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND AN INVESTIGATOR FROM CHRYSLER IS LOOKING AT IT TODAY.
Power train, Apr 19, 2005, crash
WIFE PARKED JEEP IN DRIVEWAY, PLACED IN PARK WITH KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. WIFE EXITED THE VEHICLE, WALKED TO THE BACK DOOR, GOT MY 4 YEAR OLD OUT OF HER CAR SEAT AND PLACED HER ON THE DRIVEWAY NEXT TO THE VEHICLE. WIFE TURNED AROUND TO GET HER PURSE OFF THE FRONT SEAT WHEN THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF, ROLLING BACKWARDS DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. WIFE JUMPED INTO VEHICLE AND TRIED TO STOP IT. OPEN DRIVER'S DOOR STRUCK MY FENCE, RETAINING WALL AND MY 4 YEAR OLD KNOCKING HER TO THE GROUND. THE DOOR WAS THEN BENT FORWARD, DESTROYING THE DOOR, FENDER, SCRATCHING THE SIDE AND THE REAR BUMPER AND TAILGATE. WIFE SUFFERED SCRAPES, BRUISES, DAUGHTER TRANSPORTED TO EMERGENCY ROOM THEN VIA CAR FLITE HELICOPTER - SUFFERED SCRAPES, BRUISES, LACERATED LIVER.*AK
Power train, Apr 12, 2005, crash
(1) I PULLED THE JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE TO A STOP IN FRONT OF A SELF-SERVE CAR WASH BAY WHERE THE PREVIOUS USER HAD LEFT THE CAR WASH WAND HANGING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BAY. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, I OPENED THE DRIVER DOOR AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK; THEN PROCEEDED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE TO MOVE THE WAND. (I DID NOT TURN THE IGNITION OFF SINCE I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 10 FEET TO MOVE THE WANDER OUT OF THE WAY.) WHILE I WAS STANDING BETWEEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND OPEN DOOR, THE VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS. 2) THE FAILURE WAS THE VEHICLE GEAR SHIFT SLIPPING FROM "PARK" TO "REVERSE", OR BEING IN THE "PARK" GEAR ENOUGH TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND ALLOW ME TO GET OUT, BUT NOT "LOCKING" IN THE "PARK" GEAR, AND THUS SLIPPING BACK TO "REVERSE". AFTER I WAS STANDING OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, IT STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS, TOO FAST FOR ME TO GET INSIDE TO APPLY THE BRAKE. THE DRIVER'S DOOR GOT CAUGHT ON A NEARBY VACUUM STRUCTURE, CAUSING THE DOOR TO SPRAIN. THE BACK END OF THE JEEP ROLLED OVER A LOW CEMENT WALL WHICH IS AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE CAR WASH. THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE GOT HUNG ON THE WALL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP AND DAMAGE TO THE TRANSFER CASE AND UNDERBODY. (3) NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AT THIS TIME. THE VEHICLE WILL REQUIRE A NEW DRIVER'S DOOR AND FRONT SIDE PANEL, AND A NEW TRANSFER CASE. TOTAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLE- APPROX. $5,000. *AK
Power train, Feb 27, 2005, crash
MY 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE WHEN PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOME WHILE I RAN IN TO GET MY GLOVES JUMPED INTO REVERSE AFTER CLOSING THE DOOR. I WAS AWAY FROM THE TRUCK FOR LESS THEN 1 MIN. AND IT ROLLED IN REVERSE 75 FT STRIKING A NEIGHBORS MOBILE HOME. WHEN I GOT TO THE TRUCK IT WAS IN REVERSE AND HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE WHOLE TAILGATE HATCH AND GLASS. DAMAGE WAS ALSO DONE TO THE MOBILE HOME. I AM CONTACTING A DEALER AS OF FEB. 28 2005. *JB
Power train, Oct 25, 2004, crash
I PUT MY JEEP IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, I STEPPED OUT OF THE JEEP AND THEN THE JEEP WENT INTO REVERSE AND THE OPEN DRIVERS DOOR KNOCKED ME DOWN AND DRAGGED ME. THE JEEP THEN CRASHED INTO 3 PARKED CARS BEFORE IT CAME TO REST.*AK
Power train, Equipment, Apr 30, 2004
THE DATE BELOW REFLECTS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED. MY VEHICLE HAS STILL NOT REPAIRED TO DATE(4-30-04). THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION FAILS AND THE VEHICLE SIMPLY FAILS. AFTER A TRANSMISSION CHANGE IT FAILED AGAIN FORTUNATELY NOBODY WAS HARMED. HOWEVER THE COMPANY WILL NOT REPLACE THE VEHICLE BUT INSTEAD IS INSTALLING ARE BUILT TRANSMISSION. IT MUST BE NOTED THAT THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED (APPROXIMATE MILEAGE) 4,700, SECOND OCCURRENCE 5,000, THIRD 5,600. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW I AM THE ONLY OWNER AND DRIVER. THIS VEHICLE/ AND THE COMPANY IMPOSES A DANGEROUS, AND DEFECTIVE VEHICLE ON BOTH MYSELF AND FELLOW MOTORIST. *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Mar 21, 2004
I HAVE MADE 4 TRIPS TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR A PROBLEM WITH MY BRAKES. THE CAR SHAKES WHEN PRESSURE IS GENTLY APPLIED TO THE BRAKES. THE DEALER HAS DONE NOTHING EXCEPT REPLACING THE ROTORS AND THE GEAR BOX. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED. ALSO, THE CAR MAKES A LOUD KLUNKING NOISE WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO REVERSE OR TAKEN OUT OF REVERSE. ONCE AGAIN, THE DEALER SAYS IT IS NORMALLY, DEPSITE THE FACT ANY NORMAL PERSON COULD TELL SOMETHING IS DEFINETLY WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. *JB
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jan 15, 2004
I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AT THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE. AFTER THAT DAY, THE VEHICLE VIBRATES TO THE POINT YOU CANNOT PLAY A CD. THEY ARE TELLING ME THIS IS HOW THE VEHICLE PERFORMS. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES WITH THE SAME RESPONSE. I ALSO HAVE TAKEN IT TO OTHER CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP WITH THE SAME ANSWER, IT SEEMS THAT THE ANSWER IS THE SAME AFTER THEY LOOK AT THE REPAIR HISTORY. I ALSO HAVE MET WITH THE CHRYSLER MARKETING REP TWICE, AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE CHRYSLER TECHNICAL REP DROVE THE VEHICLE. YET WHEN I REQUESTED A ENCOUNTER WITH HIM THEY DECLAIM AND SAID THERE IS NO TECHNICAL REP. I ALSO MET WITH THE GENERAL MANAGER FROM THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, SALES MANAGER MANY TIMES, I NEED THIS TO BE LOOK INTO BECAUSE I THINK MY VEHICLE WAS TAMPERED WITH, BECAUSE IF IT WAS RUNNING LIKE THIS WHEN I BOUGHT IT I WOULD HAVE NOT BOUGHT IT. THE VIBRATION IS GETTING WORST. I DO HAVE A EXTENDED WARRANTY, THAT I CANNOT USE BECAUSE THEY REFUSE TO EVEN LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THEIR SOLUTION WAS TO SELL ME ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH I DECLINED BECAUSE THEY WANTED MORE MONEY DOWN. WHY SHOULD I BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN I HAVE A NEW ONE THAT THEY DESTROYED.
Power train, Nov 6, 2003
TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF A POPPING AND GRINDING NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN REVERSE FROM PARK OR NEUTRAL. TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AFTER ONLY 2019 MILES AND HAS BEEN WORKED ON TWO TIMES SINCE. ONCE FOR A FACTORY RECALL AND THE OTHER TIME FOR A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK. *AK