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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004, crash
ACCELERATOR STUCK AS I ENTERED MY LONG DRIVEWAY. CAR CRASHED INTO RETAINING WALL AT END OF DRIVEWAY. MY FACE HIT STEERING WHEEL AND AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS OCCURRED ON 9-5-03 AND I DO NOT YET KNOW REPAIR COSTS.
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2004, crash
WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A WALL 20-25 FEET AWAY. BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND ACCELERATOR WAS NEVER TOUCHED DURING INCIDENT.
Seat belts, Jan 14, 2004
SEAT BELT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WILL NOT UNLATCH. SEAT BELT TIGHTENS AND DECREASES IN SIZE WHEN IT IS MOVED. PASSENGER HAD TO WIGGLE OUT OF SEAT IN ORDER TO BE RELEASED. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIR OF SEAT BELT THE FOURTH TIME. *AK
Electrical system, Dec 9, 2003
FAN MOTOR QUIT WORKING DISABLING ALL HVAC INCLUDING DEFROSTER. DEALER REPLACED RESISTOR BUT SAID WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO COMPLETE REPAIRS AND PART ON BACK ORDER. RESISTOR AGAIN FAILED ON 12/3/03 AND PART STILL NOT AVAILABLE PER WHITTEN BROTHERS JEEP DEALERSHIP, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. VEHICLE UNALBE TO CLEAR ICE/FROST FROM WINDSHIELD (EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF WINDSHIELD). AS OF 12/9/03 DEALER SAYS PART STILL NOT AVAILABLE FROM CHRYSLER/JEEP.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 29, 2003
BRAKES SHIMMY, LESS THAN 24K MILES AND ON 3 SETS OF FRONT ROTORS, THEY WARPED. *AK
Equipment, Nov 18, 2003
THE JACK WAS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH DRIVER'S NEEDS. THE JACK WOULD NOT LIFT THE TIRE OFF THE GROUND WHEN THE JACK WAS AT IT'S FULLY EXTENDED HEIGHT. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PUT A PIECE OF WOOD UNDER THE JACK TO LIFT THE TIRE OFF THE GROUND. WHILE PUTTING THE JACK DOWN IT FELL APART, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FALL DOWN TO THE GROUND. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES TO REPORT.*AK *NLM
Service brakes, Air, Nov 12, 2003
2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED 1.CRUISE CONTROL KICKS OUT WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING 2.FRONT END MAKES HORRIBLE NOISES WHEN TURNING 3.DASH RATTLES 4. HAD TO REPLACE BRAKE LININGS AND ROTORS AT 7000 MILES 5.REAR END HOWLS 6. TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT RIGHT
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
Power train, Oct 30, 2003
2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE I PURCHASED FROM NEUWIRTH CAR DEALERSHIP, IN WILMINGTON, NC. THE REASON I NOW OWN THIS VEHICLE IS BECAUSE THE FIRST JEEP THEY SOLD ME FEEL UNDER THE NC LEMON LAW AND THE INFORMATION WAS NOT DISCLOSED TO ME BEFORE I PURCHASED THE FIRST JEEP AND I RETURNED IT 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM THE DRIVESHAFT. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS ONE IS YOU CAN NOT PUT IT IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE UNLESS YOU USE BOTH HANDS AND PUSH HARD ON THE FLOOR TO SHIFT THE GEAR, THEY SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE THE TRANSFER CASE, BUT WHEN THEY CALLED ANOTHER DEALER THEY HAD REPLACED THE CASE IN 2 OTHERS AND SAID THE NOISE WAS STILL THERE, THAT IT WOULD NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF THEY REPLACED IT. SO FAR THEY HAVE NOT REPLACED IT. IT MAKES A HUMMING NOISE WHILE SITTING IDLE AT A STOP LIGHT, AND MADE A LOUD CLINGING SOUND WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE, (TOOK IT BACK TWICE BEFORE THEY FIXED IT) THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE CLINGING SOUND THE SECOND TIME I TOOK IT IN IT COST THEM 1300 TO FIX "NOTHING". I STILL HAVE THE HUMMING IT'S WORSE NOW, AND THE CLINGING NOISE COMES AND GOES. THEY DO NOT KNOW WHY. WHEN I CALLED MR. GILLILAN AT THE DEALERSHIP, HE SAID WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO ABOUT IT" HE SAID THE ONLY CHOICES I HAD WAS TO TRADE AGAIN BUT IT WOULD COST ME MONEY, OR LET THEM KEEP TRYING UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS FIXED, HOW CAN THEY FIX THE PROBLEM IF THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE. I HAVE MISSED WORK HOURS AND DAYS DEALING WITH THESE CHRYSLER VEHICLES. I WOULD TELL YOU WHAT THE PROBLEM IS BUT THEY DON'T KNOW TO TELL ME. I CAN'T HAVE IT LOOKED AT BY ANY ONE ELSE BECAUSE IT WOULD VOID MY WARRANTY. IT'S NOT THAT I DON'T LIKE THE CAR BUT I THINK IF I'M PAYING ALL OF THIS MONEY FOR THIS VEHICLE I SHOULD BE HAPPY, BY AT THIS TIME I'M VERY UNHAPPY WITH THE PERFORMANCE AND THE ANSWERS I'M RECEIVING FROM THIS DEALER. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 3 MONTHS THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *LA
Power train, Oct 30, 2003, crash
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK ,WITH THE MOTOR RUNNING, THE DRIVER EXITED AND THE TRANSMISSION CHANGED FROM PARK TO REVERSE STRIKING THE DRIVER AND THEN A GASOLINE PUMP BARRIER. *LA
Air bags, Oct 20, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO THE UPPER BODY. *AK
Power train, Sep 26, 2003
I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSISION TAKEN OUT AND SEALS AND O-RINGS REPLACED 2 TIMES FOR LEAKING FLUID. THE THIRD TIME IT LEAKED THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 12, 2003
WHEN BRAKING, THE PEDAL FELT SOFT AND INTERMITTENTLY THE DRIVER WOULD SIMULTANEOUSLY APPLY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. NOTHING WAS SAID CONCERNING THE BRAKE AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING TOO CLOSE. *PH THE DEALER VERIFIED THAT THE 2003 MODELS HAD SOFTER BRAKE PEDAL THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR MODELS. THE PEDAL WAS SO LOW THAT IT WAS EASY TO HIT THE GAS PEDAL. *SCC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 22, 2003, crash
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND CONSEQUENTLY THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *AK *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 15, 2003
2003 JEEP CHEROKEE WITH 14,000 MILES ON IT AND SEVERELY WARPED FRONT ROTORS. JEEP WANTS ME TO PAY FOR REPAIRS.*AK
Power train, Aug 14, 2003, crash
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT AFTER PLACING VEHICLE IN PARK WHILE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, AND CONSUMER STEPPED OUT OF VEHICLE, VEHICLE JUMPED INTO REVERSE, KNOCKING CONSUMER TO THE GROUND, AND CRASHING INTO THE HOME. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Aug 7, 2003
WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL DRIVING UP HILL THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTED GEARS AND SLOWED DOWN. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER WHICH SAID THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THAT PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *PH
Seats, Jul 25, 2003, crash
2003 JEEP GRAND CHEEOKEE LARADO - I WAS REAR ENDED (STOPPED AND HIT BY ANOTHER CAR AT ABOUT 20-25 MPH) THE DRIVERS SEAT COLAPSED INTO THE BACK SEAT. NONE WAS IN THE BACK SEAT BUT IF THERE WAS THEY SURELY WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED.... I SUSTAINED NO INJURIES IN THE CRASH.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jul 22, 2003, crash
SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE PARKING, WITH FEET DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. CAUSE UNKNOWN!
Vehicle speed control, Jul 15, 2003
2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO HESITATES ON ACCELERATION, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHES CONTINUOUSLY AND CYLINDERS CONTINUE TO MISFIRE CAUSING VEHICLE TO BECOME UNSAFE GIVEN INTERMITTENT ACCELERATION RESPONSE. IF VEHICLE IS PARKED, ENGINE TURNED OFF THEN ENGINE TURNED ON AGAIN, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINS LIT AND VEHICLE OPERATES NORMALLY.VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR SAME ISSUE TWICE IN ONE MONTH. VEHICLE HAS 9,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER.*AK
Seat belts, Jun 2, 2003, crash
SEATBELT DID NOT HOLD CONSUMER DURING A COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, HIS HEAD WENT THROUGH THE WINDOW. *AK
Steering, Jun 2, 2003, crash
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE , WENT OFF THE ROAD, AND HIT A TREE. *AK
Vehicle speed control, May 17, 2003, crash
SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE PARKING. *JB
Seats, Apr 12, 2003
FRONT LEFT SEAT RAIL RETAINING BOLT TORE LOOSE FROM THE SEAT BOTTOM FRAME RAIL AND IS RESULTING IN A FRONT LEFT TO RIGHT REAR ROCKING MOTION. THIS MAKES THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE BECAUSE OF DRIVERS SEAT INSTABILITY, AND UNCOMFORTABLE WHILE DRIVING DUE TO ABNORMAL SEAT POSITION. IT SHOULD BE MENTIONED THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO ABUSIVE OPERATION OR ABNORMALLY HIGH OR HARD USAGE OF THIS VEHICLE. *NLM
Steering, Apr 11, 2003
2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LORADO MAKES HIGH PITCH NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT. DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOT A FIX , LIVE WITH IT..*JB