2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 2,051 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Grand Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 82 involved a crash and 24 involved a fire. 74 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignition, switchJul 21, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, drivers should adjust their seat to allow clearance between the driver's knee and the ignition key, and remove all items from their key ring, leaving only the vehicle key. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to July 5, 2007, and 2006-2007 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, to July 5, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.
If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Chrysler sent interim notifications to owners in September 2014. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P41.
Campaign 14V438000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, transfer case (4-wheel drive)May 7, 2013
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.
If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.
Campaign 13V175000 on NHTSA.gov
SuspensionJun 19, 2009
ROCK KRAWLER IS RECALLING 44 PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE LISTED ABOVE. THESE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS WERE PRODUCED WITH GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS INSTEAD OF THE PROPER GRADE 5 CARRIAGE BOLTS. THE IMPROPER GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE BOTTOM STRUT FORK.
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF EFFECTIVE LIFT AND LOWERING OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLE, POSSIBLY CREATING THE DRIVER TO PANIC WHICH COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
ROCK KRAWLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A FREE REMEDY. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15. 2008. ALL THE AFFECTED UNTITS HAVE BEEN REMEDIED. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ROCK KRAWLER AT 1-518-270-9822.
Campaign 09E039000 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
Power train, automatic transmissionSep 14, 2005
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.7L ENGINES AND NAG1 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR CONDENSATE WATER MAY ENTER THE TRANSMISSION AT THE FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL. THIS CAN RESULT IN SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT.
IT CAN LEAD TO INCREASED TRANSMISSION OPERATING TEMPERATURES, BOILING OF THE WATER, AND A SUBSEQUENT PURGING OF TRANSMISSION FLUID INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION FOR LEAKAGE AT THE FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL. IF NO LEAK IS DETECTED, A NEW FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL AND WATER DEFLECTOR SHIELD WILL BE INSTALLED, AND PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE FILL TUBE VERIFIED. IF THE PRESENCE OF A LEAK IS DETECTED, THE VEHICLE WILL BE EVALUATED FOR SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONVERTER ENGAGEMENT. IF NO SHUDDER IS DETECTED, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE TRIPLE FLUSHED, AND NEW FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL AND WATER DEFLECTOR WILL BE INSTALLED AND PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE FILL TUBE VERIFIED. IF SHUDDER IS DETECTED, THE TORQUE CONVERTER WILL BE REPLACED, A NEW FILL TUBE GROMMET SEAL AND WATER DEFLECTOR WILL BE INSTALLED, AND PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE FILL TUBE VERIFIED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 31, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 05V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
134 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2015
I OWN A GARAGE KEPT, 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED 2WD WITH APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES. 3 OF THE 4 INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ARE SEVERELY CRACKING MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE DOOR. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE ONCE THEY FULL BREAK, THE DOOR IN UNABLE TO BE OPENED FROM THE INTERIOR. COST TO REPAIR EACH DOOR IS OVER $800. I CONTACTED JEEP CUSTOMER SUPPORT ON 6-22-15, BUT WAS TOLD THIS WAS NOT A KNOWN ISSUE AND THAT THERE WAS NO ASSISTANCE THEY COULD PROVIDE IN REPAIRING THE DOOR. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS SO THAT CONSUMERS CAN GET ASSISTANCE IN DEALING WITH THE SAFETY PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2015
THE LEFT REAR PASSENGER INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SNAPPED OFF THE DOOR PANEL. SUBSEQUENT TO THAT, THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER HANDLE SNAPPED OFF AS WELL. BOTH OF THE FRONT HANDLES ARE CRACKED AND ON THE BRINK OF BREAKING OFF. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, A REAR PASSENGER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT EITHER GOING THROUGH A WINDOW OR A FRONT DOOR.
Other or unspecified, May 29, 2015
ALL OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE ARE BROKEN. ALL FOUR OF THEM WERE REPLACED ONCE. A FEW MONTHS AFTER BEING REPLACE THEY ALL BROKE ONCE AGAIN. SO NOW THE DOORS CAN ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE, AND TO GET OUT OF THE CAR THE WINDOWS HAVE TO BE ROLLED DOWN TO OPEN WITH THE OUTSIDE HANDLE. THE JEEP DEALER WAS CALLED. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WOULDN'T BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE AND CALLED IT "WEAR AND TEAR". THIS IS A BIG ISSUE, MY PASSENGERS AND I CAN'T GET OUT OF MY JEEP UNLESS THE WINDOWS ARE DOWN AND REACH OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO OPEN WITH OUTSIDE HANDLE. IT IS ALSO HARD FOR ME TO DO AT TIMES BECAUSE I AM A PETITE WOMAN.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2015
THE DOOR HANDLE HOUSING IN FRONT AND REAR DOORS HAVE SHATTERED CAUSING OPEN/CLOSING MECHANISM TO FAIL.
Other or unspecified, May 15, 2015
THE CAR WOULD DIE AFTER BEING AT A STOP SIGN AND ACCELERATING TO PULL OUT INTO AN INTERSECTION LEAVING MY DAUGHTER WITH NO POWER. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 3 TO 4 TIMES SINCE WE PURCHASED THIS JEEP FROM THE FIRST OWNER. WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR MONTHS TO GET THIS CORRECTED. I CALL THE LOCAL DEALER EVERY 3-4 MONTHS TRYING TO GET THIS RESOLVED. WITH THE FIRST INCIDENT AND MAYBE THE SECOND, THE RECALL HADN'T BEEN ISSUED. WE FIRST THOUGHT WE NEEDED TO CHANGE OUT THE SPARK PLUGS. AFTER NOT GETTING ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THERE IS NO AVAILABLE PART, WE CALLED THE CHRYSLER GROUP RECALL CENTER. AFTER WAITING OVER TWO HOURS TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE AND ONLY GETTING THE RECORDED GREETING, WE GAVE UP. WE ARE VERY CONCERNED AT THIS POINT AS OUR YOUNGEST DAUGHTER IS USING THIS VEHICLE. WE LOVE THIS CAR BUT SAFETY COMES FIRST. AFTER READING THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY CHRYSLER REGARDING ITS DESCRIPTED "THE PROBLEM", ETHICALLY, I COULDN'T SELL THIS TO ANYONE KNOWING IT HAS A RECALL.
Other or unspecified, Apr 17, 2015
I RECEIVED AN IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE P41/NHTSA 14V-438 IN SEPT. 2014. AS OF APRIL 17, MORE THAN SIX MONTHS LATER, CHRYSLER HAS NOT REMEDIED THIS DEFECT. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS NOT IMPORTANT TO THEM. *TR
Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2015
IGNITION TURNED OFF FROM TOUCHING THE KEY WHILE DRIVING CAUSING MY JEEP'S ENGINE TO STALL. NO POWER STEERING. WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES SINCE JANUARY OF 2015. I REMOVED THE KEY CHAIN BUT IT STILL HAPPENED AGAIN. THE KEYS'S IGNITION SETS TO CLOSE TO CONTROL PANELS.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2015
JUNE OF 2014 AND STILL TO THIS DAY THE GEAR SHIFT CAN BE MOVED FROM "P" TO ANY GEAR, AND THAT IS WHEN NO KEYS ARE IN THE IGNITION/AND NO FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I WAS WORKING UNDER THE HOOD AND MY 4 YEAR OLD SON DID JUST THAT AND ALMOST RAN ME OVER. I CHECKED AND THE VEHICLE HAD NO KEYS IN IT THEY WERE WITH ME IN MY TOOL BOX BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT HIM TO DO JUST THAT. I CHECKED OUT THE SITUATION TO MAKE SURE IT WASN'T A FLUKE, AND TO MY SURPRISE AND STILL TIL THIS DAY, I CAN ENTER THE VEHICLE WITH NO KEYS AND NO FOOT ON THE BRAKE JUST REACH IN AND MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT FROM "P" TO ANY GEAR RESULTING IN THE CLUNK OF THE TRANSMISSION AND ROLLING OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS VERY UNNERVING AND WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE FIXED. I HAVE READ COUNTLESS ARTICLES AND BLOGS ABOUT THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2014, crash
MY HUSBAND I WHERE IN A HEAD ON CRASH WITH THIS VEHICLE, SURVIVED WITH SERIOUS INJURIES. SINCE THE ACCIDENT WE HAVE BEEN GETTING DIFFERENT RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE, WHICH IS MAKING US WONDER IF THERE WAS A VEHICLE MAL-FUNCTION THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS HORRIFIC ACCIDENT. NOT SURE OF THE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. *TR
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 2014
I PURCHASED THE GRAND CHEROKEE JUST THE DAY BEFORE THE INCIDENT. WHEN I PURCHASED IT I DID NOTICE ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR PLASTIC WAS BROKEN AROUND HANDLE BUT WAS STILL OPERATIONAL. THE NEXT DAY MY DAUGHTER WAS GETTING OUT OF FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WHEN PLASTIC BROKE AROUND HANDLE AND HANDLE ITSELF WOULD NOT WORK. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND SAW THAT THOUSANDS OF GRAND CHEROKEE OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. THERE WAS EVEN A GUY WHO STARTED MAKING AND SELLING HIS OWN REPLACEMENT KIT. THIS COULD BE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN AND DRIVER OR PASSENGERS NEEDED TO EXIT VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AND COULD NOT IF WINDOWS DIDN'T WORK TO USE EXTERIOR HANDLE TO EXIT. WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN RECALLED? *JS
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2014
EVERY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH IS ALWAYS ON. THEN UPON DRIVING, SUDDENLY THE SEAT BELT ALARM STARTS BUZZING EVEN THOUGH ALL SEAT BELTS ARE LATCHED PROPERLY. THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON. SHORTLY AFTER THE DASH GOES COMPLETELY BLACK. ALL ALARMS AND LIGHTS GO OUT ALONG WITH THE HEATING/AC. THIS IS ON A ROUTINE BASIS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 26, 2014
AFTER HAVING SAFETY RECALL N23 DONE TO MY JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 5.7L I HAVE SINCE BEEN LOCKED OUT OF 4-WHEEL LOW. THE N23 SAFETY RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE HAS NOT WORKED AS IT HAS CREATED ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE BY ME NOT HAVING MY 4-LOW IN A STATE (COLORADO) THAT I USE 4-LOW IN FOR WINTER AND FOR RECREATION USE. I WAS ALMOST TRAPPED IN THE COLD MOUNTAINS DUE TO NOT KNOWING THE N23 RECALL DEACTIVATED MY 4-LOW. NOT ONLY IF THIS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT MY VEHICLES VALUE HAS DIMINISHED GREATLY AS NOW IT'S A 2WD VEHICLE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2014
ALL INTERIOR DOOR HINGES ARE ATTACHED TO A PLASTIC HOUSING AND THAT HOUSING HAS BEGUN TO CRUMBLE ON ALL FOUR DOORS. THE DOOR HINGES ARE CHEAP PLASTIC AND HAVE AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I HAVE SEARCHED THE WEB REGARDING THIS DEFECT, AND I AM NOT SURPRISED TO SEE THOUSANDS OF FOLKS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE, AND MANY MORE POSTING THROUGHOUT THE WEB OF JEEP OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS HAZARD BECAUSE IT WOULD PREVENT ANYONE FROM EXITING THE VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY (SAY A FIRE).
Other or unspecified, Traction control system, Mar 8, 2014
RECALL WAS SUPPOSEDLY TAKEN CARE OF ON 2/28/2014. BUT ON 3/05/2014 AROUND 530PM ON THE PARKWAY GOING HOME FROM WORK MY JEEP STARTED TO HESITANT AND THEN AN EXIT AWAY MY SLIPPERY INDICATION LIGHT CAME ON AND IT MADE ME NERVOUS SO WHEN I GOT HOME I CALLED THE JEEP CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS CLOSED SO I CALLED THE NEXT DAY AND LET THEM KNOW WHAT HAPPEN AND THE RECEPTIONIST SAID SOMEONE WOULD CALL ME BACK. THAT WAS ABOUT 8 AM THEN I CALLED MY JOB TO LET THEM KNOW I'D BE LATE. IT WAS GOING ON ALMOST 10AM NO ONE CALLED SO I CALLED THEM AGAIN AND THEY TOLD ME SOMEONE WILL CALL SO I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAITED FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES AND THEN WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T LOOK AT MY CAR UNTIL MONDAY OR TUESDAY. I'M VERY UPSET BECAUSE I USE MY CAR TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO WORK AND I'M GOING TO MISS NOW 3 DAYS BECAUSE OF IT AND THEY WOULDNT EVEN GIVE ME A RENTAL SO I WOULDN'T MISS WORK. THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND WON'T GO OFF AS WELL AS THE SLIPPERY INDICATION LIGHT. HOW AM I GOING TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO WORK NEXT WEEK? HELP! *TR
Other or unspecified, Feb 5, 2014
CHECKING TO SEE IF MY VEHICLE HAS A RECALL. *TR
Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2013
PLASTIC DOOR HANDLE CASING IS CRACKED ON FRONT DRIVER DOOR INTERIOR. PLASTIC DOOR HANDLE CASING IS COMPLETELY BROKEN ON LEFT REAR PASSENGER DOOR INTERIOR, CAUSING DOOR HANDLE TO HANG AND BE UNSAFE TO USE. NO INCIDENT CAUSED THIS OTHER THAN A PASSENGER SIMPLY TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR TO EXIT. AS IT REMAINS, THE REAR PASSENGER CAN NOT SAFELY EXIT THE CAR DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. *LN
Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2013
INSIDE DOOR HANDLE FAILURE, DUE TO BREAKAGE OF PLASTIC SUPPORT/HOUSING. PRESENTS SAFETY HAZARD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO EXIT VEHICLE. DOOR MAY ONLY BE OPENED FROM OUTSIDE.
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2012
MY JEEP IS DOWN TO ONLY THE TWO FRONT DOOR HANDLES WHICH ARE COMPLETELY CRACKED AND READY TO BREAK OFF AT ANY TIME. THE REAR DOORS HAVE NO HANDLES AND POSE A SERIOUS RISK IF THE VEHICLE IS EVER IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND PEOPLE ARE TRAPPED INSIDE. JEEP NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THEIR MISTAKE.
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2012
I OWN A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. AIR CONDITIONER WOULD ONLY FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN ON HIGH SETTING. IF I TRY TO PUT IT IN A LOWER SETTING THE AIR CONDITIONER SHUTS OFF. DEALER SERVICE CENTER STATED THAT A HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2012
ALL 4 INTERIOR DOOR OPENING HANDLES BREAKING/FAILING: 1 REAR DOOR TOTALLY INOPERABLE. ***THIS IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE IF HANDLES BREAK OR ARE INOPERABLE IN CERTAIN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, PASSENGERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH!*** MANUFACTURER CHARGE TO REPLACE/REPAIR HANDLES IS PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE: IN MY CASE, THE COST OF EIGHT (8) MONTHLY CAR PAYMENTS! MANUFACTURER SAFETY RECALL WARRANTY. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2011
THE INTERIOR DOOR PANELS ON 3 OF THE 4 DOORS ON MY GRAND CHEROKEE ARE BROKEN AND SHOW STRESS FRACTURES AROUND THE INTEROIR DOOR HANDLE, THE PART OF THE DOOR BEHIND THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE REST OF THE DOOR PANEL. THIS PART IS VERY WEAK AND PRONE TO FRACTURE, MAKING THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FALL FREE INTO THE VEHICLE. THE DOORS ARE BARELY OPERABLE AND I AM WORRIED IN A COLLISION THESE DOORS WILL NOT FUNCTION. THE FRONT PANELS COST $750 A PIECE AND THE REARS COST $450. I CAN NOT AFFORD THE REPAIRS SO I AM FORCED TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AS THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE. JEEP AND CHRYSLER ARE WELL AWARE OF THE ISSUE AS I FOUND OUT WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THE PROBLEM AT THE DEALERSHIP. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE FIXED NOW AND IF CHRYSLER ISN'T GOING TO DO IT WILLINGLY IT FALLS TO THE NTSB TO STEP IN AND PREVENT NEEDLESS DEATHS DUE TO FAULTY DOOR HANDLES.
Latches/locks/linkages, Other or unspecified, Apr 12, 2011
ALL INTERIOR DOOR PANELS ON THE 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE HAVE CRACKED AND, IN SOME CASES, BROKE APART AROUND THE DOOR HANDLE. I HAVE HAD THREE REPAIRED AT A DEALERSHIP AT PERSONAL COST AND ONE IS PENDING. I BELIEVE IT IS A DEFECT IN THE PLASTIC RESIN MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR THE EARLY 2005 GRAND CHEROKEES BECAUSE ALL FOUR DOOR PANELS HAVE CRACKED IN THE EXACT SAME PLACE. CHRYSLER WAS CONTACTED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND DENIES THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF THE DOOR HANDLE BREAKS LOOSE, YOU CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THE INSIDE. THIS EXACT ISSUE HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED SEVERAL TIMES BY OTHER GRAND CHEROKEE OWNERS AND ALL OF THEM HAVE HAD SIMILAR RESULTS WITH CHRYSLER'S DENIAL OF AN ISSUE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2011
WHEN OPENING REAR DOOR, HANDLE BROKE IN SEVERAL PLACES. PERSON OPENING DOOR WAS ONLY 4 SO IT WAS DUE TO THE OVER EXERTION. IT IS NOW NOT POSSIBLE TO OPEN THE REAR DOOR FROM INSIDE THE CAR.
Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2011
SUMMARY: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES: I OWN A 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO. THE HANDLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR ARE BREAKING FROM THE DOOR PANEL, THEY ARE LITERALLY HANGING BY A THREAD. THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM AS I CAN'T GET THE DOORS OPEN SOMETIMES UNLESS I ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN AND REACH THROUGH. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE IF IN EMERGENCY WE COULD BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM STARTED ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO AND HAS ESCALATED SINCE. I DON'T FEEL AS THOUGH I SHOULD BE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. CHRYSLER IS EVEN DENYING THAT THEY KNOW OF ANY SUCH PROBLEM, WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS!
Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2011
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES IN DECEMBER 2010 AT 42,000 MILES OUR 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (LIMITED) DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE DRIVERS' DOOR HANDLE HOUSING CAUSING THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE TO COME LOOSE FROM THE INSIDE DOOR PANEL. (THE DOOR HANDLE IS SET IN A HOLE MADE OF THIN PLASTIC THAT FUNCTIONS AS A PIVOT HINGE. ONCE THE PLASTIC CRACKS THEN THE HANDLE JUST POPS OUT OF THE DOOR PANEL.) THEN IN JANUARY 2011, THE RIGHT REAR DOOR HANDLE DEVELOPED THE SAME PROBLEM AND THIS DOOR HANDLE ALSO CAME OUT OF THE HANDLE HOUSING, AND IT CAN NO LONGER BE OPENED FROM INSIDE THE CAR. UPON INSPECTION WE DISCOVERED THAT BOTH THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND REAR LEFT PASSENGER DOOR HAVE DEVELOPED CRACKS IN THE PLASTIC IN THE SAME PLACE, AND WILL LIKELY BREAK SOON. WE NOTE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN 42 IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS LODGED ON THE NHTSA SITE INVOLVING THIS SAME PROBLEM ON THE 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. HERE IN FLORIDA, WITH FREQUENT OPPORTUNITIES TO RUN OFF THE ROAD INTO LAKES OR CANALS, THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY SERIOUS, POSSIBLY CAUSING PERSONS TO DROWN IN THE CAR WHEN UNABLE TO UNLATCH THE DOOR IN AN EMERGENCY. CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS SAID THEY DO NOT HAVE A RECORD OF THIS ISSUE AND THEY DO NOT FEEL THAT THEY SHOULD COVER THE REPAIRS IF THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. SOME OTHER PERSONS WHO HAVE REPORTED THE ISSUE STATE THAT TO REPAIR THE DOOR HANDLE REQUIRES A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE SIDE DOOR PANELS AT A COST OF OVER $700 PER DOOR. IT IS ENTIRELY UNREASONABLE THAT A CAR WOULD HAVE NO WORKABLE DOOR HANDLES AFTER JUST 5 YEARS OR 42,000 MILES OF USE. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, NOR IS IT REASONABLE WEAR AND TEAR. WE RARELY HAVE BACK SEAT PASSENGERS IN THIS VEHICLE. IT IS CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND SUBSTANDARD MATERIALS. CHRYSLER NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES TO CORRECT THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION.