1997 Jeep Grand 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 1997 Jeep Grand 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
- Fuel system30624.5%
- Transmission19015.2%
- Brakes17313.8%
- Engine967.7%
- Powertrain (other)685.4%
- Body & structure655.2%
- Electrical604.8%
- Steering473.8%
- Suspension443.5%
- Driver assistance393.1%
- Airbags362.9%
- Visibility292.3%
- Interior & seats292.3%
- Tires & wheels181.4%
- Exterior lighting141.1%
- Other / unspecified131.0%
- Seat belts60.5%
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
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGE WAS FLUCTUATING EXCESSIVELY SO I CHECK IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE . WHEN ENTERING VEHICLES VIN # IT STATES 0 OPENED RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE, NOT SURE IF IT WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED. PLEASE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. ELECTRICAL ISSUES WERE WITH REAR DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW CONSTANTLY GOWS DOWN ON ITS ON EVERY TIME I STARTED THE IGNITION. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU
VEHICLE WILL STALL AT TIME WHEN JUST DRIVING ALONG ON CITY STREETS
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND THE ENGINE AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATORS REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EIGHT TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. RECENTLY, THE DEALER REPLACED THE CORE WIRES, SPARK PLUGS, HOSES, CAPS, AND ROTOR DISTRIBUTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V053000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION;LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
1. CAME OUT OF GEAR WHEN IN PARK AND CRASHED SUSTAINING 5000.00 DOLLARS IN DAMAGE. HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM DAIMLER-CHRYSLER IN 2002,HOWEVER IT WAS NOT DATED STATING THE CAR COULD DO THIS. NO RECALLS WERE PRESENT AT THE TIME. THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEM WHEN CAR CRASHED. CALLED AN ATTORNEY WHO WAS A RELATIVE THAT TOLD WITHOUT A DOUBT (100%) THE CAR WOULD DO THIS. HE THEN CALLED ME BACK AND STATED HE COULD NOT REPRESENT ME BECAUSE HE REPRESENTED DAIMLER-CHRYSLER. HE WAS HIRED BY CHRYSLER AFTER HE BOUGHT A VIPER FROM THEM THAT WAS A LEMON AND HE SHOVED IT YOU KNOW WHERE AND WON. THEY REALIZED WHAT AN OUTSTANDING ATTORNEY HE WAS THEN HIRED HIM. TALK ABOUT FAMILY ETHICS. THEY FINALLY INSTALLED THE SECONDARY DETENT SYSTEM IN 12/2008. I WAS TOLD IT WAS REPAIRED. 2 THE CAR IS STALLING AT HIGH SPEEDS,DURING U TURNS, WHILE AT STOP SIGNS. IT TO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. JEEP KEEPS TELLING ME THEY CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING ON DIAGNOSTICS. I WAS OUT OF TOWN 250 MILES FROM HOME AND THEY WANT ME TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE BACK TO THE. THEY HAVE BEEN RUDE,EVASIVE AND BLAMING ME. AFTER 500.00 THERE DIAGNOSTICS SHOWED NOTHING. IT HAS BEEN TO 5 OTHER MECHANICS AND KNOW ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I NOW HAVE A 1997 GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED THAT IS LOADED THAT IS DANGEROUS AND WORTH NOTHING. 3 IF THEY INSIST ON ARBITRATION AND A CHANCE TO FIX IT YOU WILL LOSE. IT IS WORTH YOUR MONEY TO HIRE A LEMON LAW ATTORNEY FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ECM HAS A FAULT CIRCUIT BOARD PER DEALER AND NEEDS REPLACING . CAUSES COMPLETER POWER FAILURE AND ENGINE WILL QUIT RUNNING , ALL ELECTRICAL GOES OUT -- NO LIGHTS AT NIGHT OR EMERGENCY FLASHERS -- AND POWER BRAKES FAIL TO WORK . THIS HAPPENS AT ANY TIME , STOPPED OR ON THE ROAD .
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP CHEROKEE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STRUCTURE), THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS EXCESSIVE SMOKE COMING FROM THE TIRE AND RIM ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,501.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
ECM HAS A FAULT CIRCUIT BOARD PER DEALER AND NEEDS REPLACING . CAUSES COMPLETER POWER FAILURE AND ENGINE WILL QUIT RUNNING , ALL ELECTRICAL GOES OUT -- NO LIGHTS AT NIGHT OR EMERGENCY FLASHERS -- AND POWER BRAKES FAIL TO WORK . THIS HAPPENS AT ANY TIME , STOPPED OR ON THE ROAD .
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SEIZED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. A DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting her to attempt to stop the vehicle. After which, with the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to stop, only coming to a complete stop after going off the road into a drainage ditch and rolling over on its roof. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed from the scene but not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was not filed. No injuries were reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 250,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 02V053000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION WAS FAILING AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE GALANTA CHRYSLER DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE DUE TO NO PARTS BEING AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,893. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT ADDRESS RECALL N45 WITHOUT CHARGING ME TO FIX SOME CORROSION DAMAGE. N45 IS A SAFETY RECALL. THERE'S LITERALLY NO REASON WHY FCA SHOULDN'T PAY TO FIX THE VEHICLE TO MAKE IT SAFE AGAIN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH AND HAULING A TRAILER, THE TOW HITCH FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HITCH NEEDED TO THE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INSPECTED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. .....UPDATED 01/27/16 *BF *JS
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGE WAS FLUCTUATING EXCESSIVELY SO I CHECK IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE . WHEN ENTERING VEHICLES VIN # IT STATES 0 OPENED RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE, NOT SURE IF IT WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED. PLEASE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. ELECTRICAL ISSUES WERE WITH REAR DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW CONSTANTLY GOWS DOWN ON ITS ON EVERY TIME I STARTED THE IGNITION. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU
ECM HAS A FAULT CIRCUIT BOARD PER DEALER AND NEEDS REPLACING . CAUSES COMPLETER POWER FAILURE AND ENGINE WILL QUIT RUNNING , ALL ELECTRICAL GOES OUT -- NO LIGHTS AT NIGHT OR EMERGENCY FLASHERS -- AND POWER BRAKES FAIL TO WORK . THIS HAPPENS AT ANY TIME , STOPPED OR ON THE ROAD .
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. IN ADDITION, WATER SPILLED FROM THE VEHICLE'S WATER PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP CHEROKEE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STRUCTURE), THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS EXCESSIVE SMOKE COMING FROM THE TIRE AND RIM ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,501.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT UPPER ARM BUSHINGS AND SWAY BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE SPEED INCREASED OVER 60 MPH THE VIBRATION STOPS. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE COOLANT SENSOR BAD IS CONSTANTLY ON. CHANGED THAT . WENT OUT ON AND OFF. THEN ABOUT A MONTH LATER MY RADIATOR BLEW APART AT THE SEAM SIDE WITHOUT ANY INDICATION. NO WARNING LIGHT .NO CHANGE IN COOLANT TEMP. AND THE COOLANT LEVEL WAS CHECKED RIGHT BEFORE I LEFT THAT DAY! HAD TO REPLACE RADIATOR AT THIS POINT
THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SHORTS OUT AND CAUSES AN ONSET OF PROBLEMS FROM WRONG AIR/FUEL RATIO TO SHUTTING OFF CAR POWER WHILE IN DRIVE AND/OR STATIONARY. THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF ON ME GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT A CONSTANT SPEED, THEN SUDDENLY I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND WAS NEARLY HIT BY AN 18-WHEELER. THIS SHORT IN THE ECM EVEN CAUSED BACKFIRE IN MY MUFFLER AND FLOODED MUFFLER WITH GAS. I HAVE BECOME AWARE OF THIS ON MANY JEEPS FROM 1993-1997. WAS THIS A RECALL AT ONE POINT? ALSO, THE VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER DOES NOT WORK, THIS ALSO IS COMMON. ADDITIONALLY, THE EVAP CANISTER FITTINGS HAVE JUST DETERIORATED, CAUSING THE HOSES TO NOT GET A SECURE CONNECTION AND IMPROPER EMISSIONS.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HORN ON MY 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE STOPPED WORKING A YEAR AGO, AFFECTING MY ABILITY TO WARN OTHERS OF SAFETY ISSUES. MECHANICS TELL ME THE HORN "BUTTON" IS EMBEDDED IN THE SAFETY AIRBAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND CAN ONLY BE FIXED BY REPLACING THE ENTIRE, COSTLY AIRBAG. THAT CAN BE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. I BELIEVE THAT HORN SWITCH REPLACEMENT SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACE THE SWITCH , WHICH REQUIRED REPLACING THE AIR BAG. OR, THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO ADD A SUPPLEMENTAL SWITCH ON THE DASH TO CONTROL THE HORN.
I HAVE CONTACTED YOUR OFFICE BEFORE FOLLOWING THE JAN. 24, 2014 CRASH THAT TOOK MY WIFE'S LIFE, ON THE VEHICLE INDICATED, IT WAS EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN TIRES NOTED DURING THE PERIOD BEFORE THE RECALL THIS YEAR. I HAD CONTACTED YOU EARLIER ABOUT THE AIR BAGS ON A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE THAT FAILED TO DEPLOY IN THIS CRASH. COULD YOU PLEASE GET BACK TO ME TO DISCUSS THIS LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE DEATH OF MY WIFE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
IS IT COMMON FOR THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR CONTROL MODULE TO GET HOT WHEN IN USE. THE BLOWER MOTOR STOP WORKING, AND I THOUGHT IT WAS THE RESISTOR THAT HAS GONE BAD, BR TESTING THE CONTINUITY STILL OK, PLUGS, WIRES OK. BUT THIS WAS WHAT I DID. I DIRECTLY HOOKED THE BLOWER MOTOR TO THE BATTERY AND IT KICKED OFF, I THEN RECONNECTED THE PLUG ....TO THE BLOWER MOTOR BACK (THE RESISTOR MODULE STILL PLUGGED IN) AND TURN ON THE A/C AGAIN. IT CAME ON ALRIGHT AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS, BUT THE UNIT (RESISTOR) BECAME SO HOT TO TOUCH.
TEMPERATURE/BLEND AIR DOORS FAILED IN HEATER, RENDERING DEFROSTER USELESS--NO VISIBILITY. THIS IS A BUILT IN DEFECT IN 1997 JEEPS AND OCCURS TO NEARLY ALL OF THEM THROUGH NO FAULT OF OWNER OR WEAR AND TEAR BY CHRYSLER'S ADMISSION. DEALER CHARGED $1400 TO REPAIR. CHRYSLER PAID $700 OF THAT. THIS IS UNFAIR TO CONSUMER AND A SAFETY DEFECT. PARTS 24652002,5134347AA,5134343AA,5012727AA,AND 50127009AA WERE ALL REPLACED. THIS FAULT IS A HAZARD DUE TO INADEQUATE MECHANISM SELECTED BY MANUFACTURER IN ORIGINAL DESIGN. CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN ON FOGGY DAYS OR INDEED IN WINTER. CHRYSLER SHOULD REIMBURSE CUSTOMERS FOR THIS REPAIR. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SEATS COLLAPSED IN A 45MPH REAR END CRASH THE FRAMES WERE COMPLETELY SNAPPED MY DAD AND I FLEW IN THE BACK SEAT I WAS HANGING OVER THE BACK SEAT AND I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON SO DID MY DAD. I WAS THE DRIVER AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO REACH THE PEDALS TO STOP THE JEEP AFTER THE CRASH. *TR
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BREAKS, MAKING DRIVING DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS! *TT
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLER RADIAL (P) TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE OUT OF ROUND AND HAD BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH ANOTHER SET OF THE SAME TIRES. A WEEK LATER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,097 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,660.
I HAD A UNIROYAL TIRE EXPLODE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE WAS BEING USED AS A SPARE INSIDE A 97 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHEN IT EXPLODED IT BENT THE REAR HATCH HINGES OUT 2 INCHES AND SHREDDED ALL THE PLASTIC TRIM PIECES CAUSING OVER TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS IN DAMAGES. THANK GOD THERE WASN'T ANYONE IN THE VEHICLE. *TR
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE BECAME WET FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT COULD NOT REMEMBER WHAT WAS DONE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE IN 1997. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN SUMMER 2009 AS THERE WAS WATER BUILD UP ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS IN USE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 142,000.
I HAVE A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND THE PAINT IS JUST POPPING OFF THE TOP AS WELL AS SOME SPOTS ON THE HOOD. ALSO THE BUMPERS AND OTHER TRIM ON THE VEHICLE HAS THIS WHITE CHALKY RESIDUE ON IT AND NOTHING WILL MAKE IT GO AWAY. IS THERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS TYPE DAMAGE OR WILL YOU FILE THIS COMPLAINT SO THERE WILL BE A RECALL. I ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE AC EVAPORATOR REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. WHERE DO I GO TO GET MY REIMBURSEMENT SINCE I NOW KNOW THIS WAS A RECALL? *AK
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DASH HEADLIGHT SWITCH KEEPS GOING OUT. IT HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES. THE LIGHTS WILL FLICKER AND THAN GO OUT. *TR
JUST HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SHIFTING AND ELECTRICAL. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OEM TRAILER HITCH WAS NOT INSTALLED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V252000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STRUCTURE). THE DEALER (LUCAS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM, 1624 NJ-3838 LUMBERTON, NJ 08048, 609-288-7663) REFUSED TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION AND INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CONTACT INSTALLED AN AFTERMARKET TRAILER HITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/01/17*LJ UPDATED 11/3/2017*JS
DRIVING ABOUT 50MPH AND THE FRONT END FELT LIKE IT WAS COMING APART. STEERING WHEEL SHAKING BAD AND WHEELS FELT WOBBLY. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND NOTICEABLY WHEN I HIT A BUMP OR POTHOLE AT OR ABOVE 45MPH. WHAT SCARED ME THE MOST I WAS COMING UP ON TRAFFIC AND HAD TO BRAKE. BRAKING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS WOBBLY IS VERY SCARY AND FEELS AS IF THE WHOLE THING IS COMING APART.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT NOT RETRACTING FULLY, LATCH DIFFICULT TO PRESS AND UNLATCH. *JB
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT LATCHES FAILED TO RELEASE UNLESS THE BELT WAS PULLED DOWN TO ALLOW SLACK. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 7/3/2006 - THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE RELEASE BUTTONS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN DIFFICULT TO RELEASE BUT NOW THEY SEEM TO BE GETTING HARDER TO PUSH. *NM
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 .