2001 Jeep Cherokee Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Jeep Cherokee, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes5618.4%
- Engine4414.4%
- Airbags227.2%
- Suspension227.2%
- Interior & seats227.2%
- Electrical196.2%
- Steering165.2%
- Transmission154.9%
- Exterior lighting103.3%
- Fuel system103.3%
- Tires & wheels103.3%
- Other / unspecified93.0%
- Seat belts93.0%
- Driver assistance93.0%
- Powertrain (other)93.0%
- Visibility93.0%
- Body & structure93.0%
- Heating & air conditioning51.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS IS ANOTHER COMPLAINT FOR 'DEATH WOBBLE'. I HAVE HAD MY JEEP TAKEN IN SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE HAD TO LIVE WITH IT BECAUSE MECHANICS DIDN'T BELIEVE ME OR JUST DIDN'T SOLVE MY PROBLEM. I SHOULD HAVE USED THE LA LEMON LAW STATUTES TO RETURN MY CAR BUT DIDN'T KNOW THAT BACK THEN. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD 45-70 MPH AND EITHER HITTING A BUMP OR GOING AROUND 70 MPH YOUR WHOLE FRONT END WILL "SHIMMY/SHAKE/WOBBLE" MAKING IT FEEL LIKE A GIANT EARTHQUAKE. I HAVE TRIED TO FIND A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST THIS AS I FIND SEVERAL WEBSITES/FORUMS/CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING ABOUT IT. RIGHT WHEN IT SHAKES YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN BELOW 40 MPH - SOMETIMES ON THE INTERSTATE AND HAVE HAD CLOSE CALLS FOR A COLLISION! IF YOU WANT JUST SEARCH FOR 'DEATH WOBBLE' AND YOU WILL SEE A WHOLE NEW WORLD. I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU DIDN'T SLOW DOWN AS YOUR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE IS TO HIT THE BRAKES. PARTS REPLACED HAVE BEEN BRAKE ROTORS/PADS, STEERING DAMPENER, UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND TIRES. IT STILL DOES IT TO THIS DAY. *TR
DON'T BUY A JEEP! PIECE OF JUNK. SINCE I HAVE OWNED MINE THE FOLLOWING HAS BROKE RADIATOR, SEAT TRACK, POWER WINDOW MOTOR, BRAKES, BLOWOUT, TRANSMISSION, HEADLIGHT COVERS DULLED, MULTIPLE REAR LIGHT OUTAGES, INSIDE LIGHTS OUT. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS WITH MANY OTHER JEEP OWNERS WITH THE 4.0 ENGINE (HUNDREDS THAT I HAVE SEEN) MY 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE'S CYLINDER HEAD CRACKED. MINE WAS AT 117K MILES, AND THE AVERAGE MILEAGE FOR FAILURE SEEMS TO BE 100K - 120K MILES. THIS IS A DEFINITE DESIGN FLAW. MY JEEP WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD A CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD. I ASK NHTSA TO CONTACT CURRENT OWNERS OF JEEP 4.0 ENGINES TO REALLY SEE HOW OFTEN THIS FAULT OCCURS. CHRYSLER SEEMS TO TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS, WHICH IS WHY I AM ASKING THE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE.
IN THE 2000 AND 2001 CHEROKEES WITH THE 4.0 ENGINE HEAD CASTING 0331 CHRYSLER KNEW ABOUT THE CYLINDER HEADS CRACKING. IN 2002 THEY CONTRACTED WITH TUPY MANUFACTURING IN BRAZIL TO REMAKE THE HEAD CASTING THAT RAN UNTIL THE 4.0 WAS STOPPED BEING USED BY THEM. MINE HAS SINCE CRACKED AND CHRYSLER SAYS THAT NO FACTORY RECALL WAS DONE AND SUCH I'M STUCK WITH A CRACKED HEAD THAT THEY KNEW WAS FAULTY.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL-- I HAD AN ACCIDENT JANUARY 7, 2016, I HIT A POLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I DID A SEARCH AND I FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS JEEP. I ONLY HAD LIABILITY INSURANCE. I GOT IN TOUCH WITH THE COMPANY THEY HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND SUPPOSEDLY HAD IT CHECKED OUT BUT I DON'T BELIEVE IT. I MYSELF AND MY GIRLFRIEND WAS INJURED AND UNDER DOCTORS CARE. MY CAR IS TORE UP IN THE FRONT. WHY? THOSE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THEY COULD NOT TELL ME. I WAS TRAVELING ON RTE 49 EAST.
2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL VEHICLE RECALLS AND AIRBAG MALFUNCTION DURING AN ACCIDENT. *SMD
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE AND BEGAN TO NOTICE THE PROBLEM TOWARD THE END OF 2012 OR FIRST OF 2013. WHEN I WOULD REACH A SPEED OF AROUND 55 MPH, THE FRONT WHEELS/STEERING WHEEL WOULD BEGIN TO VIBRATE, SHAKE OR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT. IT IS A VIOLENT VIBRATION THAT IS PRETTY SCARY AND FEELS LIKE YOU CANNOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE. IT SUBSIDES IF YOU IMMEDIATELY SLOW WAY DOWN. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. IT NOW WOULD START AROUND 45 MILES AN HOUR OR SO, DEPENDING ON HOW SMOOTH OR BUMPY THE ROAD IS. THE BUMPIER, THE MORE EASILY IN BEGINS THE WOBBLE. WHEN I RECENTLY RESEARCHED IT ONLINE, IT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE". I HAVE NEVER PUT IN "NON-CONFORMING" PARTS, NOR HAVE I USED MY VEHICLE OFF-ROAD OR ABUSED IT. I HAVE MAINTAINED MY VEHICLE AND IT HAS ABOUT 160,000 MILES ON IT. I HAD JUST TAKEN IT IN TO SEE IF THE SHAKING CAN BE REPAIRED, AND THE PERSON WORKING ON IT, REPLACED ALMOST EVERY PART ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION ETC. IN WHAT HE THOUGHT HAD CORRECTED THE PROBLEM, IT HAS ONLY MODERATELY REDUCED THE SYMPTOMS. SO FAR, ABOUT $800.00 WORTH OF REPAIRS THAT HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK I WANT ANY OF MY TAX DOLLARS TO BAIL OUT CHRYSLER CORPORATION IF THEY DO NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. I SAW THEIR FORCED "ACKNOWLEDGEMENT" OF THE PROBLEM AND I ALSO SAW THAT THEY WILL NOT PICK UP THE COST OF TRYING TO FIX THE DEFECT. VERY DISAPPOINTED AND WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER CHRYSLER PRODUCT. *TR
THIS IS ANOTHER COMPLAINT FOR 'DEATH WOBBLE'. I HAVE HAD MY JEEP TAKEN IN SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE HAD TO LIVE WITH IT BECAUSE MECHANICS DIDN'T BELIEVE ME OR JUST DIDN'T SOLVE MY PROBLEM. I SHOULD HAVE USED THE LA LEMON LAW STATUTES TO RETURN MY CAR BUT DIDN'T KNOW THAT BACK THEN. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD 45-70 MPH AND EITHER HITTING A BUMP OR GOING AROUND 70 MPH YOUR WHOLE FRONT END WILL "SHIMMY/SHAKE/WOBBLE" MAKING IT FEEL LIKE A GIANT EARTHQUAKE. I HAVE TRIED TO FIND A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST THIS AS I FIND SEVERAL WEBSITES/FORUMS/CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING ABOUT IT. RIGHT WHEN IT SHAKES YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN BELOW 40 MPH - SOMETIMES ON THE INTERSTATE AND HAVE HAD CLOSE CALLS FOR A COLLISION! IF YOU WANT JUST SEARCH FOR 'DEATH WOBBLE' AND YOU WILL SEE A WHOLE NEW WORLD. I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU DIDN'T SLOW DOWN AS YOUR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE IS TO HIT THE BRAKES. PARTS REPLACED HAVE BEEN BRAKE ROTORS/PADS, STEERING DAMPENER, UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND TIRES. IT STILL DOES IT TO THIS DAY. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOLTS ON MOUNTING OF SEAT FRAME BROKE THROUGH THE MOUNT WHEN DRIVING. ALMOST WRECKED WHEN SEAT CAME LOOSE AND WOBBLED!!! *TR
DRIVER'S SEAT LH SEAT BASE FRAME CRACKED THROUGH AND BROKEN. DRIVERS SEAT BECAME A "ROCKING CHAIR" WITH POTENTIAL TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
ONE DAY, IT JUST STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET, ON MY WAY FROM WORK. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED TWICE. I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR A YEAR AND COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HAPPENED. I CALLED JEEP CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO EXPLAINED THAT IT MAY HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE WITH THE KEY. THE NEXT DAY, MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. I HAD IT TOWED AND TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED TO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE TIPM. I HAD TO PAY MONEY I SHOULDN'T HAVE HAD TO SPEND TO GET IT FIXED. I LATER DISCOVERED SO MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THERE'S A VERY RECENT, AUGUST 2014, LAWSUIT PENDING IN FEDERAL COURT RELATING TO THIS ISSUE. *TR
IM DOING INTERIOR WORK ON MY JEEP PURCHASED FEB 19 2014... 2001 GRAND CHEROKEE SPORT.... I REMOVED THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR/LIGHTED MIRROR.. UPON THIS ALL ELECTRIC ON DASH I.E. GAS GAUGE, WATER TEMP GAUGE, RPM, SPEEDOMETER, THE RADIOM KEYLESS ENTRY AND DOOR LOCK ALL WENT OFF PURE SHUT DOWN ON TRHEM ALL FUSES CHECKED IN AND OUT NONE ARE BLOWN...... PLEASE HELP CANT TELL HOW FAST IM GOING OR ANYTHING
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE AND BEGAN TO NOTICE THE PROBLEM TOWARD THE END OF 2012 OR FIRST OF 2013. WHEN I WOULD REACH A SPEED OF AROUND 55 MPH, THE FRONT WHEELS/STEERING WHEEL WOULD BEGIN TO VIBRATE, SHAKE OR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT. IT IS A VIOLENT VIBRATION THAT IS PRETTY SCARY AND FEELS LIKE YOU CANNOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE. IT SUBSIDES IF YOU IMMEDIATELY SLOW WAY DOWN. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. IT NOW WOULD START AROUND 45 MILES AN HOUR OR SO, DEPENDING ON HOW SMOOTH OR BUMPY THE ROAD IS. THE BUMPIER, THE MORE EASILY IN BEGINS THE WOBBLE. WHEN I RECENTLY RESEARCHED IT ONLINE, IT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE". I HAVE NEVER PUT IN "NON-CONFORMING" PARTS, NOR HAVE I USED MY VEHICLE OFF-ROAD OR ABUSED IT. I HAVE MAINTAINED MY VEHICLE AND IT HAS ABOUT 160,000 MILES ON IT. I HAD JUST TAKEN IT IN TO SEE IF THE SHAKING CAN BE REPAIRED, AND THE PERSON WORKING ON IT, REPLACED ALMOST EVERY PART ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION ETC. IN WHAT HE THOUGHT HAD CORRECTED THE PROBLEM, IT HAS ONLY MODERATELY REDUCED THE SYMPTOMS. SO FAR, ABOUT $800.00 WORTH OF REPAIRS THAT HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK I WANT ANY OF MY TAX DOLLARS TO BAIL OUT CHRYSLER CORPORATION IF THEY DO NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. I SAW THEIR FORCED "ACKNOWLEDGEMENT" OF THE PROBLEM AND I ALSO SAW THAT THEY WILL NOT PICK UP THE COST OF TRYING TO FIX THE DEFECT. VERY DISAPPOINTED AND WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER CHRYSLER PRODUCT. *TR
DEATH WOBBLE. I'VE ROTATED THE TIRES, I'VE HAD THE WHEELS BALANCED, I'VE HAD THE TIE-RODS REPLACED AND "UNPREDITABLE" DEATH WOBBLE CONTINUES. I WAS LITERALLY INCHES AWAY FROM BEING REAR ENDED AND CAUSING A MULTICAR WRECK TODAY ON THE 22 FREEWAY IN SANTA ANA, CA WHEN I HAD TO BRAKE ON THE FREEWAY TO STOP THE VIOLENT WOBBLE. THIS IS A MFG DEFECT THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED (AND LIABILITY ASSUMED) BY THE MFG. *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT, WIFE PARKS VEHICLE AT TOP OF STEEP DRIVEWAY ON FAIRLY LEVEL GROUND. PUTS TRANSMISSION IN "PARK", SETS EMERGENCY BRAKE AND EXITS CAR, LEAVING CAR RUNNING FOR NIECE AND 2YR OLD SON TO HAVE AC. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 15 MIN, NIECE DECIDES TO EXIT VEHICLE, OPENS PASSENGER DOOR, REACHES OVER TO TURN OFF IGNITION. AS SOON AS IGNITION IS TURNED OFF, CAR LURCHES BACKWARD, RUNS DOWN HILL, CROSSES THE STREET, RUNS THROUGH NEIGHBORS BACK YARD, THROUGH TREES, OVER RETAINING WALL AND HIGH CENTERS ON LARGE LOG. ALL PASSENGERS WERE OKAY BUY DID OVER $3000.00 IN DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. *NM
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE COMPUTER SHOWED A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION JERKED WHILE IN MOTION AND CHANGING GEARS. HOWEVER, THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN, BUT THE REPLACEMENT STARTED SMOKING. THE DEALER REPLACED AN OIL SEAL AND THE SMOKING CONTINUED. AFTER THE TRANSMISSIONS WERE REPLACED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO STAY ILLUMINATED. *AK
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
GOT HOME SHUT OFF VEHICLE OPENED LIFTGATE WENT TO BATHROOM LOOKED OUT WINDOW A FIRE STARTED FROM INTERIOR LIGHT WITHIN 10 MINUTES WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
I HAVE TWO JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH BOTH INVOLVING THE REAR TAIL/BRAKE LIGHTS. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS ON AND OFF FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS AND LAST YEAR I REPLACE THE ENTIRE LIGHT HOUSING. I AM EXPERIENCING THIS WITH BOTH VEHICLES AND HAVE NOTICE MANY OTHER JEEPS ON THE ROAD WITH THEIR TAIL LIGHT OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT PROPERLY WORKING. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. THE TAIL LIGHTS WORK SOMETIMES BUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY NOT WORK AT ALL, VERY FRUSTRATING. WHEN THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN THE TAIL LIGHTS WILL WORK AND THE BRAKE LIGHT WILL NOT, BOTH USING THE SAME BULB. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN APPLYING THE BREAKS AND HAVING THE LIGHTS ON THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE NOT INDICATE THAT I AM STOPPING OR IN FACT MAKING MY VEHICLE LESS NOTICEABLE. I HAVE HEARD THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH BOTH VEHICLES - NOT A COINCIDENT BUT A MANUFACTURES DEFEAT. *JS
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2001 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 10 mph, the vehicle lost motive power without warning and there was smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the top cylinder was faulty. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, but the dealer informed the contact that they did not repair vehicles older than 2006 and would only order a part to cover the manifold. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The Vin was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 02V104000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnosis. The failure mileage was 145,333.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06E011000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
LOST STEERING CONTROL ON JEEP CHEROKEE WHEN HITTING BUMPS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. FRONT END HAD SEVERE LATERAL OSCILLATION WITH NO DAMPING; STEERING WAS VERY DIFFICULT. HAD TO SLOW VEHICLE TO BELOW 35 MPH TO REGAIN CONTROL. VERY HAZARDOUS ON HIGHWAYS! INSPECTION AT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED ONE FRONT TIRE HAD BROKEN STEEL BELT AND OTHER TIRE HAD PARTIAL BELT SHIFT. TIRES WERE 2.5 YRS OLD AND HAD ONLY 18 K MILES. NO EVIDENCE OF ROAD HAZARD DAMAGE WAS PRESENT. REPLACED ALL TIRES ON VEHICLE AND PROBLEMS WERE ELIMINATED. TIRES WERE SUPER SPORT AP RADIALS MANUFACTURED BY GOODYEAR. I UNDERSTAND THESE TIRES ARE NO LONGER MANUFACTURED. *TR
2001 JEEP CHEROKEE, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL/TIRE BROKE FREE FROM HUB ROLLING OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF ROAD. UNIT 1 COASTED TO OUTSIDE BERM. *BF ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, 1 OF 5 BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT HUB, 1 OF 5 STUD BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE RIGHT REAR HUB AND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS BALD AND EXPOSING STEEL BELTS. THE FIVE STUD BOLT HOLES IN THE RIM WERE SEVERELY WORN. IT WAS ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FRONT BALL JOINT WAS BAD. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0864-90) UPDATED 02/15/11 *BF
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
JEEP CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN WORK PARKING LOT AND IT WAS DUE TO FAULTY SEAT HEATERS. *TR
2001 JEEP CHEROKEE, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL/TIRE BROKE FREE FROM HUB ROLLING OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF ROAD. UNIT 1 COASTED TO OUTSIDE BERM. *BF ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, 1 OF 5 BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT HUB, 1 OF 5 STUD BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE RIGHT REAR HUB AND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS BALD AND EXPOSING STEEL BELTS. THE FIVE STUD BOLT HOLES IN THE RIM WERE SEVERELY WORN. IT WAS ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FRONT BALL JOINT WAS BAD. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0864-90) UPDATED 02/15/11 *BF
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE STOCK SEAT BELTS LOCATED IN THE REAR SEAT OF THE VEHICLE DO NOT LOCK IN ORDER TO PROPERLY AND SAFELY INSTALL CHILD SAFETY SEATS. THIS IS NOT A ONE TIME THING AS THEY WILL NOT SECURE AFTER BEING FULLY EXTENDED. I HAVE ALREADY CONTACTED A DEALER AFTER FINDING AN OLD RECALL BUT WAS TOLD THEY WOULD NOT FIX AS THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I WAS SPEAKING OF.
SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS DO NOT FUNCTION CONSISTENTLY, BELTS HANG IN DOOR OPENING AND BECOME CAUGHT IN THE LATCH/STRIKE ASSEMBLY WHEN THE DOORS ARE CLOSED. THIS CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE BELT, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL CHRYSLER PRODUCTS (DODGE DART, PLYMOUTH RELIANT, 2 CHEROKEES AND OTHER) AND ALL HAVE EXHIBITED THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
IM DOING INTERIOR WORK ON MY JEEP PURCHASED FEB 19 2014... 2001 GRAND CHEROKEE SPORT.... I REMOVED THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR/LIGHTED MIRROR.. UPON THIS ALL ELECTRIC ON DASH I.E. GAS GAUGE, WATER TEMP GAUGE, RPM, SPEEDOMETER, THE RADIOM KEYLESS ENTRY AND DOOR LOCK ALL WENT OFF PURE SHUT DOWN ON TRHEM ALL FUSES CHECKED IN AND OUT NONE ARE BLOWN...... PLEASE HELP CANT TELL HOW FAST IM GOING OR ANYTHING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECURITY SYSTEM ALARM KEPT SOUNDING IN THE VEHICLE. THE ALARM, HORN, AND ALL THE LIGHTS WOULD ACTIVATE. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO WAIT 30-45 MINUTES BEFORE THE FAILURES WOULD STOP. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW BATTERY TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE DEALER PLACED A KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE KEY BECAME STUCK. THE DEALER ALSO INSTALLED A NEW COMPUTER, WHICH DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE COMPUTER WAS PRONOUNCED AS DEFECTIVE AND ANOTHER ONE WAS ORDERED. THE REPLACEMENT COMPUTER DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE EITHER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST IF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,404 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
DON'T BUY A JEEP! PIECE OF JUNK. SINCE I HAVE OWNED MINE THE FOLLOWING HAS BROKE RADIATOR, SEAT TRACK, POWER WINDOW MOTOR, BRAKES, BLOWOUT, TRANSMISSION, HEADLIGHT COVERS DULLED, MULTIPLE REAR LIGHT OUTAGES, INSIDE LIGHTS OUT. *TR
I OWN A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES SUCH AS BRAKES/ROTORS THAT I HAVE TAKEN CARE OF WITHOUT COMPLAINT. HOWEVER MY JEEP WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WITH A FRONT DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE AND NEEDS A COMPLETE OVERHAUL. MY CAR HAS ONLY 60,000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE HAD THE FRONT AND REAR DIFFERENTIALS SERVICED TWICE EACH ACCORDING TO THE SPECS IN MY OWNER'S MANUAL. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY PRIVATE MECANICS AS WELL AS JEEP TECHNICIANS THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURED. CHRYSLER TOLD ME AFTER I HAD IT DIAGNOSED BY MY PERSONAL MECHANIC TO HAVE IT CHECKED BY MY DEALERSHIP. IF THE DEALERSHIP CAME TO THE SAME CONCLUSION I WAS ASSURED THAT MY WARRANTY WOULD BE EXTENDED TO COVER THE REPAIR. NOW CHRYSLER IS REFUSING THE REPAIR AND WILL NOT RETURN MY CALLS. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN AT LEAST FALSE INFORMATION AND HAVE MOST LIKELY BEEN LIED TO. I'VE ALREADY PAID ALMOST $200 FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS AND NOW AM BEING QUOTED ANOTHER $925 FOR THE REPAIR BY THE DEALER. I STILL HAVE OVER A YEAR LEFT ON THE NOTE FOR THIS VEHICLE AND AM APPALLED THAT I AM ALREADY PAYING TO HAVE A MAJOR DRIVETRAIN COMPONENT REBUILT. CHRYSLER HAS DONE NOTHING TO REMEDY THIS. *AK
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALL 4 DOOR WINDOW TRACKS AN OR MOTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED .THE DRIVERS DOOR HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES ,THE OTHER 1 OR 2 TIMES .RIGHT NOW THE DRIVER DOOR WINDOW NEEDS REPLACED AGAIN AND THE PASSENGER BACK DOOR. *TR
DON'T BUY A JEEP! PIECE OF JUNK. SINCE I HAVE OWNED MINE THE FOLLOWING HAS BROKE RADIATOR, SEAT TRACK, POWER WINDOW MOTOR, BRAKES, BLOWOUT, TRANSMISSION, HEADLIGHT COVERS DULLED, MULTIPLE REAR LIGHT OUTAGES, INSIDE LIGHTS OUT. *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
CPSC: PURCHASED A SET OF THE ABOVE PISTONS TO REPLACE PISTONS ON A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT. THE FIRST SET FAILED ON THE SECOND OPENING CAUSING MINOR VEHICLE DAMAGE TO THE LIFT GATE. THE LOCKING CLIP DID NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT STRENGTH TO HOLD ONTO THE PROVIDED BRACKET. *DT *JS
OPENED REAR TAILGATE TO PUT IN GROCERIES AND THE TAIL GATE CAME DOWN AND STRUCK THE BACK OF MY HEAD AND CAUSED A LARGE BUMP AND BLEEDING I DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. *TR
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED DURING THE WINTER AND THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY FAILURES AT THE TIME. ONCE THE SUMMER BEGAN, HE NOTICED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS NOT PRODUCING COLD AIR. DURING THAT SAME SUMMER, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THEY FOUND NO FAILURES OR LEAKS, BUT ADDED FLUID TO THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. THIS REPAIRED THE FAILURE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SUMMER. THE FOLLOWING YEAR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. A PRIVATE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY FAILURE AND ADDED LIQUID TO THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AGAIN. THIS REMEDY LASTED TOWARDS THE END OF THE SUMMER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED THE FOLLOWING YEAR. THE FLUID ADDED TO THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ONLY REMEDIED THE FAILURE FOR NO MORE THAN FOUR WEEKS. THE CONTACT COULD NO LONGER AFFORD TO KEEP GOING BACK TO THE MECHANIC. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SHOP THAT REPAIRS AIR CONDITIONING IN VEHICLES AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE EVAPORATION IN THE AIR CONDITIONING EVAPORATOR. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE SHOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION AND WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LEAK FROM THE EVAPORATION IN THE AIR CONDITIONING EVAPORATOR WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THERE SHOULD BE A WAY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDE A SOLUTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
2001 JEEP CHEROKEE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS CORRODED. *MR THE ROTORS ALSO FLAKED CREATING A HAZARDOUS CONDITION. THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THIS PRIOR TO THE END OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD, BUT DID NOT CORRECT THIS DEFECT. THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED STANDING WATER IN THE FOOT WELLS, A/C FAILURE, FAN FAILURE AND THE DOORS NOT BEING ALIGNED PROPERLY. THERE IS A BRAKE RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE, BUT THE RECALL NUMBER WAS NOT GIVEN. *SC *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .