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
761 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 26, 2005
MY 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, WITH LESS THAN 33,000 MILES, WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM TWICE THIS YEAR, ON 9 FEB AND 26 JUL 2005. THE REPAIRS WERE DONE AT 2 DIFFERENT JEEP-CERTIFIED SERVICE FACILITIES, AND FOCUSED ON DECARBONIZATION CLEANINGS. BASED ON THE INVOICES AND MY OWN RESEARCH, IT'S CLEAR THIS PROBLEM HAS SEVERAL INTERRELATED FACTORS: MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRES, AND EXHAUST VALVE OBSTRUCTION WITH EXCESSIVE CARBON BUILDUP. FURTHER, IT IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO SHORT-TRIP/CITY DRIVING. A FEW WEEKS AFTER THE SECOND REPAIR, I HAD AN INDEPENDENT (NON-JEEP) ACE-CERTIFIED MECHANIC INSPECTION. HIS FINDINGS INDICATE THAT THE MISFIRES CONTINUE; THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM APPARENTLY PERSISTS. IN THE BIG PICTURE, JEEP DID ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM IN TSB-09-003-03, ENCOMPASSING A SPAN OF MODELS, FROM 1999 TO 2004, W/ 4.0L ENGINES. THE TSB PRESCRIBES A VALVE CHECK AND POSSIBLE CLEANING, BUT DOES NOT ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MISFIRES AND CARBON BUILD-UP. IN THE SMALLER PICTURE, I MIGHT MENTION: THE JEEP REPRESENTATIVE A/W THE JULY REPAIR TOLD ME THIS PROBLEM WAS THE RESULT OF USING 'CHEAP GASOLINE'. THIS THEORY IS NOT SUPPORTED BY ANYTHING I'VE LEARNED IN MY OWN RESERACH. IT IS JUST NOT FEASIBLE THAT GASOLINE GRADE COULD CAUSE SUCH AN EXTENT OF CARBON BUILD-UP TWICE IN 6 MONTHS, ESP WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I SHOULD PROBABLY ALSO ADD THAT I DON'T KNOW THE ABSOLUTE ANSWER TO THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF REFERENCE MATERIAL ONLINE ID'ING THIS AS A CHRONIC PROBLEM W/ GRAND CHEROKEE, YET NO CLEARCUT PERMANENT SOLUTION. I HAVE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ON WHAT I STATE HERE, AND WILL BE HAPPY TO FOLLOW UP IN WRITING IF THAT WILL HELP. LASTLY- SINCE MOST OF MY VEHICLE USE IS SHORT-TRIP CITY DRIVING, I AM WORRIED THAT I MAY FACE LONG-TERM INCONVENIENCE, EXPENSE, AND SAFETY RISKS. MY INTENT IS NOT TO CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR JEEP- I SIMPLY WANT MY VEHICLE TO BE FUNCTIONING AND SAFE FOR MY FAMILY. *JB
Tires, Sep 13, 2005
DT: 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONSUMER STATED DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE SIDEWALL DISINTEGRATED. THERE IS ONLY 31,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE REST OF THE TIRES WERE WEATHER ROTTED. THESE TIRES HAVE NEVER BEEN REPAIRED. THEY WERE THE ORIGINAL TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. GOODYEAR, P255/75R16. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. INSTEAD, IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO GOODYEAR. THERE WAS NO WRECK WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE TIRES WERE PROPERLY MAINTAINED. IT IS A LEASED VEHICLE.*AK
Electrical system, Sep 6, 2005
DT: THE WIRING HARNESS RUBBED THE CHASSIS WHICH RESULTED IN THE WIRES MELTING AND EXPOSING THEM WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A FIRE. SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FROM THE FUSE BOX AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND FIXED. THE REAR WIPER DIDN'T WORK BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *JB THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS A MAJOR SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IN TWO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 1, 2005
DT: CONSUMER OWNED A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE,, IT HAD 50,000 MILES ON IT. VEHICLE HAS GONE THROUGH THREE SETS OF ROTORS. WHEN BRAKING THE VEHICLE SHOOK;. ROTORS WERE FIRST REPLACED AT 18,000 MILES. THE SECOND TIME THEY WERE REPLACED 35,000 MILES, AND THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. CONSUMER STATED THE WHEELS WERE CHROME, AND THE FRONT WERE BLACK LIKE CARBON HAS GOT ON THEM. THE REAR WHEELS WERE STILL SHINY. THREE SETS ON THE FRONT AND ONE SET ON THE REAR WERE REPLACED. THE BRAKE PADS WERE EFFECTIVE, BUT THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE FIRESTONE SERVICE CENTER. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 30, 2005
MY 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE HAS FAULTY BRAKE ROTORS. WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT SPEEDS ABOVE 35 MPH, THE CAR SHAKES AND CONTROL OF THE CAR IS LOST. IT DOES NOT STOP PROPERLY OR QUICKLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FIRST SET OF ROTORS AND BRAKES AT 9,000 MILES. THE SAME PROBLEM IS HAPPENING AGAIN AT 17,000 MILES. THE DEALER AND CHRYSLERDAIMLER CORP. IS NOT ACCEPTING ANY RESPONSIBILITY IN THE DEFECTIVE BRAKE ROTORS. (THE IS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST CHRYSLERDAIMLER CORP. CURRENTLY). *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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Wheels, Jun 24, 2005
THE FRONT BRAKES ON THE CONSUMERS 2003 JEEP CHEROKEE WORE OUT IRREGULARLY.(NAR) *JB THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHIMMY EXCESSIVELY ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS. EACH TIME THE VIBRATION WOULD TAKE PLACE, THE FRONT ROTORS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A REFUND OF REPAIR MONIES. THE CHROME PEELED OFF OF THE WHEELS. *SC *JB
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 24, 2005
MY 23 MONTH OLD WAS ROLLING UP THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR WHEN HER LEFT HAND RING FINGER WAS CAUGHT IN THE POWER WINDOW, BETWEEN THE WINDOW AND THE WEATHER STRIPPING. THE WINDOW WOULD NOT UNROLL. THE POWER WINDOW FAILED TO UNROLL.HER FINGER WAS CAUGHT INSIDE. WE WERE FINALLY ABLE TO PULL THE WEATHER STRIPPING ENOUGH TO UNROLL THE WINDOW. IT NEARLY SEVERED HER FINGER. HER FINGER WAS BROKEN AND CUT ALL THE WAY AROUND.
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 10, 2005
MY PROBLEMS BEGAN AT 9300 MILES. BRAKES PULSATING AND SHAKING IN THE STEERING. FRONT ROTORS WHERE WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE RESURFACED. HAD FRONT ROTORS RESURFACED 2 TIMES AND REPLACED 1 TIME, ALL OCCURED UNDER 20,000 MILES. AT 21,000 MILES THE REAR ROTORS WHERE RESURFACED AND NOW I HAVE TO RETURN TO THE SERVICE CENTER FOR THE FIFTH TIME WITH 23000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE BRAKES ARE PULSATING AGAIN. FOUND THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT WAS ISSUED ON DEC.02 REGARDING FRONT BRAKES PULSATING DURING LIGHT TO MODERATE BRAKE APPLICATION FOR 1999 TO 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES. THIS IS DUE TO EXCESSIVE THICKNESS VARIATION OF THE BRAKE ROTORS. OBVIOUSLY THIS PROBLEM STILL EXISTS IN 2003 MODELS AND DAIMLERCHYRSLER STILL REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 9, 2005
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ROTORS ON MY 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE TWICE NOW, AFTER HAVING THEM RE-SURFACED AS WELL - NONE OF WHICH JEEP WOULD COVER UNDER WARRENTY EVEN THOUGH "IT'S A KNOWN PROBLEM".
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 7, 2005
2003 MODEL JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE OVERLAND SHAKES AT HIGH SPEEDS WHEN BRAKING APPROXIMATELY EVERY 9,000 MILES. DEALER REPLACED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS AT 9300 AND 18,000 MILES. NOW VEHICLE HAS 24,000 MILES, IT SHAKES WHEN BRAKING AGAIN AT HIGH SPEEDS AND DEALER STATES IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THEY MAY OR MAY NOT REPAIR THE BRAKES THIS TIME. BRAKE ROTORS SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED EVERY 9,000 MILES. THE EXCESSIVE SHAKING CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE BRAKE SYSTEM COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE OR OTHERS WHO ARE ON THE ROAD.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 3, 2005
I OWN A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED, WHICH I PURCHASED BRAND NEW, AND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS AT LEAST FOUR TO FIVE TIMES. THE CAR ONLY HAS 43,000 MILES ON IT AND IT IS NOW IN NEED OF NEW FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS AGAIN. EVERY TIME THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THEY HAVE BEEN DONE AT NO COST EXCEPT FOR THE LAST TIME. WE HAD TO PAY FOR THE PARTS AND THE DEALER PAID FOR THE SERVICE. THE DEALER AT THAT POINT ADVISED US THAT WE WERE ON OUR OWN AFTER THAT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE HAVE BEEN GREATLY INCONVENIENCED BY THIS AND DON'T FEEL THAT IT IS FAIR TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE BRAKES AND ROTORS SO OFTEN AFTER NORMAL USE. FURTHERMORE, WE FEEL THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE VEHICLE AND WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THEY CAN'T DO MUCH ABOUT THIS AND THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT CHRYSLER HASN'T STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE TO DO ANYTHING. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS POTENTIAL SAFETY THREAT AND THAT WE ARE ONE OF ONLY A FEW AFFECTED. PLEASE ADVISE
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Steering, May 23, 2005
DT: CONSUMER STATES: VEHICLE CUTS OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, NO WARNING, DOING ALMOST 70 MPH. NOTHING WORKED, AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. THE ONLY THING WORKING WAS THE 4-WAY FLASHERS. TRIED TO TURN STEERING WHEEL AND LOST POWER STEERING. ANOTHER TIME WENT TO TURN IN THE POSITION THE WHEELS WERE AND IN THAT WAS THE WAY THE VEHICLE WENT. THE REPAIR SHOP MECHANIC SAID IT NEEDED A CRANK SENSOR. PREVIOUSLY, BEFORE THEY PUT IN A FUSE AND IT BLEW OUT. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 28, 2005
SHAKING WOULD OCCUR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER UNDER WARRANTY, THE DRUMS WERE CHANGED IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER 10K MILES. *SC *JB
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
Air bags, Apr 7, 2005, crash
I WAS THE ONLY PERSON IN MY VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. I WAS PULLING A TRAILER & GOING UP A BRIDGE AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WHEN I LOST CONTROL & HIT THE GUARDRAIL. MY ENTIRE DRIVER SIDE AND FRONT END ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS SMASHED. IT BENT MY FRAME AS WELL, HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. I CALLED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE # JUST TO LET THEM KNOW THAT IT HAPPENED, JUST SO THEY WOULD HAVE A RECORD OF IT. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TREATED SO RUDELY BY A "CUSTOMER SERVICE" REP IN ALL OF MY LIFE, HE ACTUALLY HUNG UP ON ME WHEN I ASKED FOR HIS NAME. I CALLED BACK TO REPORT HIM AND WAS DISCONNECTED AGAIN. I AM NOT SUING. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT HURT. BUT I WAS SURPRISED THAT YOU COULD HAVE AN IMPACT THAT HARD & SEVERE AND THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOY. I WILL BE VERY SURPRISED IF MY JEEP IS NOT TOTALLED.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 4, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES ? PROBLEM WITH ROTORS. VERY DANGEROUS FRONT WHEEL WOBBLE WHEN BREAKS ARE TOUCHED AT HIGH SPEEDS. ALSO HAVE SLOW PULSE PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDDLE AT LOW STOPPING SPEED DUE TO ROTORS THAT HAVE WARPED, AGAIN. *AK HAD TO FIGHT WITH DEALERSHIP TO RESURFACE ROTORS AT 20K AND THEY HAVE AGAIN REWARPPED AT 24K CAUSING AN INTERMITTENT HIGH SPEED WOBBLE WHEN THE BREAKS ARE TOUCHED. WE HAD A 2002 MODEL AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THAT THAT AFTER REPLACING THE ROTORS TWICE, ON THIS VEHICLE, THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH JEEP AND WAS DUE TO THE POOR QUALITY OF MATERIAL USED IN THE ROTORS THAT CAUSE THEM TO WARP. CAR IS IN OUR LOCAL INSTALLER TODAY INSTALLING BETTER QUALITY ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS. MY QUESTION IS WHY NO RECALL IF THIS IS AN OLD PROBLEM WITH ALMOST EVERY JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE THAT IS OUT THERE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 30, 2005
2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE PROBLEMS WITH FRONT BRAKE DISC PULSATING.*MR THE DEALER RESURFACED THE FRONT ROTORS UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE THERE IS A PROBLEM. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 18, 2005
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. OWNER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING. OWNER HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKES, AND HAD TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 17, 2005
I OWN TWO JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES 2003 MODELS, BOTH PURCHASED IN DEC 2002. BOTH OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS, CONSISTING OF WARPPED BRAKE ROTORS. I HAVE OWNED 9 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES SINCE 1992. 6 OF THE NINE JEEPS HAVE HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS. 4 OF THOSE JEEPS HAVE HAD THEIR BRAKES REPAIRED OR REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO ME. HOWEVER THE 2003 JEEPS I CURRENTLY OWN HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD THEM BOTH REPAIRED IN 2004 AND I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM IN 2005. ONE OF THE JEEPS HAS 13,000 MILES SINCE THE 2004 REPAIR AND THE SECOND ONE HAS 7570 MILES ON IT SINCE THE 2004 REPAIR. MY UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CALIPERS USED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PADS NEVER FULLY RELEASE, THEREFORE THERE IS ALWAYS SOME PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO THE ROTOR AND THE ROTOR IS WARPPED FROM THE HEAT CAUSED BY THE PAD BEING CONSTANTLY IN CONTACT WITH THE ROTOR. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 17, 2005
I OWN TWO JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES 2003 MODELS, BOTH PURCHASED IN DEC 2002. BOTH OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS, CONSISTING OF WARPPED BRAKE ROTORS. I HAVE OWNED 9 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES SINCE 1992. 6 OF THE NINE JEEPS HAVE HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS. 4 OF THOSE JEEPS HAVE HAD THEIR BRAKES REPAIRED OR REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO ME. HOWEVER THE 2003 JEEPS I CURRENTLY OWN HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD THEM BOTH REPAIRED IN 2004 AND I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM IN 2005. ONE OF THE JEEPS HAS 13,000 MILES SINCE THE 2004 REPAIR AND THE SECOND ONE HAS 7570 MILES ON IT SINCE THE 2004 REPAIR. MY UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CALIPERS USED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PADS NEVER FULLY RELEASE, THEREFORE THERE IS ALWAYS SOME PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO THE ROTOR AND THE ROTOR IS WARPPED FROM THE HEAT CAUSED BY THE PAD BEING CONSTANTLY IN CONTACT WITH THE ROTOR. *AK
Air bags, Mar 16, 2005, crash
THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS HIT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH FROM THE LEFT FRONT. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK