2002 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 2002 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
- Airbags48629.2%
- Visibility32619.6%
- Brakes18210.9%
- Engine17210.3%
- Electrical814.9%
- Interior & seats804.8%
- Fuel system573.4%
- Steering412.5%
- Driver assistance402.4%
- Transmission342.0%
- Seat belts251.5%
- Other / unspecified231.4%
- Powertrain (other)231.4%
- Suspension171.0%
- Exterior lighting171.0%
- Body & structure130.8%
- Tires & wheels110.7%
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET RECALL R06 COMPLETED. ALL THE JEEP DEALERS SAID THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO GET THE NEEDED PARTS. THEY ARE ON A NATIONAL RECALL LIST. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP. THEY STATE THAT THE ORC MODULE AND OTHER ITEMS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE RECALL CANNOT BE OBTAINED ANYWHERE AND THE DEALER'S SAID THAT THEY HAVE BEEN WAITING MONTHS FOR THE BACK ORDERED PARTS SO THE RECALL CAN BE COMPLETED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED ON THESE JEEPS. MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE PARTS NEEDED IS ON THE RECALL LIST R06 TO FIX IT. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS SAFETY ISSUE ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS CRITICAL INJURIES. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.
The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V046000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The local dealer was contacted several times and advised the contact that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was awaiting a response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 137,849. Parts distribution disconnect.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING AND HEAT STOPPED FLOWING AND A/C STOPPED FLOWING. IT IS WINTER TIME SO THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS UNABLE TO DEFROST, LEAVING THE WINDSHIELD FOGGY AND HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE IN.
THE HVAC SYSTEM HAS MANY FAULTY ISSUES WHICH DIRECTLY EFFECTS THE ABILITY OF THE DEFROSTER TO OPERATE PROPERLY IF AT ALL . THE BLEND DOORS AS WELL AS THE RECIRCULATING DOOR ARE DEFECTIVE. THE AIR DUCTS DO NOT BLOW EVENLY. THIS CAUSES THE INABILITY OF THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL UNIT TO EFFECTIVELY DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ONE MONDAY THE 6TH DRIVING NORTH. IT WAS RAINING. SO, I HAD FULL 4WHEEL DRIVE ENGAGED. A CAR CUT ME OFF. I WAS ON THE TRANSITION FROM THE 5 N TO THE 55N. A CAR FROM THE LEFT LANE CUT INTO MY LANE TO TRY AND EXIT ONTO 4TH STREET. TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS AND VEERED RIGHT. BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I PUSHING DOWN ON THE BREAKS AS HARD AS I COULD. THE CAR WAS STILL ACCELERATING AND DID NOT SLOW DOWN. TRYING TO OBTAIN CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE I "FISHTAILED" FROM GOING RIGHT BACK TO LEFT AND HIT THE SIDE OF THE CAR AND THEN HIT THE CENTER DIVIDER. THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING AND I HIT THE CENTER DIVIDER AND FLIPPED AROUND. I WAS THEN FACING OPPOSITE TRAFFIC TOWARDS THE DIVIDER. I THREW THE CAR INTO PARK AND HELD THE BREAKS STRONG. THE BACK WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING OUT. I LOOK DOWN AND THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE IGNITION. LUCKILY, I HAD A SPARE KEY IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AND SHUT IT DOWN. I FOUND THE KEYS ON THE GROUND BUT NOT ANYWHERE NEAR THE PEDALS. I TALKED TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF IT. THE ONLY THING THEY COULD VERIFY IS THAT THE KEY COULD COME OUT WILE THE CAR IS STILL ON. ACCORDING TO THEM THIS HAPPENS AS THE KEY WEARS DOWN OR GETS OLD.
THE ENGINE CRANKS AND RUNS FINE BUT AFTER YOU DRIVE FOR A WHILE THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. IT HAPPENS WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING OR COMING TO A STOP. IT IS RANDOM. IT USUALLY STARTS BACK UP AND RUNS FINE UNTIL NEXT TIME. WHEN THE ENGINE DIES, YOU DO NOT HAVE STEERING ASSIST OR BRAKE ASSIST. IT IS VERY HARD TO STEER IT OFF THE ROAD. A WOMAN MAY HAVE A HARD TIME STEERING IT OR STOPPING IT. I DON'T LET MY WIFE DRIVE OUR JEEP MUCH AT ALL. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE DRIVING IN THE CITY OR ON THE FREEWAY WHEN IT DECIDES TO SHUT OFF. OUR JEEP IS A 4WD WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, there was an abnormal sound coming from the dashboard. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the speedometer failed to display the correct speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of a leak in the EVAP system. The contact was also informed that the vehicle control sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 205,000.
WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN ON ME. IT STARTS AGAIN AFTER I WAIT ABOUT AN HOUR OR MORE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER IN DECEMBER 2017. SHE HAD ALL THE RECALLS FIXED EXCEPT FOR THE AIRBAG. SINCE OWNING THIS CAR I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN IT 3 TIMES. GRANTED I TOOK A FEW MONTHS TO PUT IT ON THE ROAD AS THE WEATHER WAS COLD. I'VE HAD EXTENSIVE WORK DONE ON IT. TUNE UP, NEW TRANSMISSION, BELTS, PUMPS, COILS, HOSES AND SENSORS YOU NAME IT BUT IT CONTINUES TO SHUT OFF ON ME. I TRY TO TAKE IT FOR A SPIN BUT JUST PUTTING IT IN REVERSE IT SHUTS OFF. CAN YOU PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS?
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I currently own 3 of the same vehicles myself, my husband and my son. Each of the vehicles have been experiencing electrical issues. I have taken all of the vehicles at some point back to the mechanic for repairs for this issue. It was only a temporary fix. Here are examples of some of the electrical issues. The blinkers and break lights may go out and not work while we are driving and some days they work just fine. But it has now become a safety hazard because we never know when they will work and are afraid to be hit by another car from the rear. Another example is when I am driving down the street all of the sudden the windows will automatically roll down by themselves. These issues have put all of our safety at risk, especially while we are driving in high traffic areas such as Atlanta, Georgia. The problem was acessed by our auto mechanic on all three (3) vehicles. They are are 1999-2000, 2001 & 2002 Grand Cherokee one of the vehicles is a limited edition. There are no warning signs or symptoms and the check engine light is not on any of the vehicles.
Taillight on back passenger side won't work, steering has been bad since I had, steering linkage and suspension failing, emergency brake doesn't work, cruise control won't work, oil pressure always reads high, airbag light stays on n seatbelt light stays on if I don't turn key on n let sit for an few seconds before starting jeep, gas pedal sticks , power steering fluid is leaking bad, steering linkage close to breaking heard noise so I pulled over. Also shocks bad, when hit an small bump it sounds like whole front end breaks
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN I GOT IN MY JEEP THERE WAS A BREAKING SOUND FROM UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT. I NOTICED THE SEAT WAS ROCKING BACK AND FORTH AND WHEN I LOOKED UNDERNEATH AT THE FRAME OF THE SEAT I SAW WHERE THE FRAME BROKE IN HALF. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE NOW AND IT IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. I USED TO HAVE A LOT MORE FAITH IN JEEP UNTIL I LOOKED IT UP AND STARTED SEEING MORE AND MORE PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND CHRYSLER/JEEP HAS NOT RECALLED IT. DUE TO THIS BEING A LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER JEEP IF THEY DON'T RECALL IT! THERE IS PLENTY OF LIFE LEFT IN THE VEHICLE BUT IS NOW INOPERABLE DUE TO IT BEING AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE VEHICLE.
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER GETS SO HOT OR FEELS LIKE IT'S BURNING MY LEGS.. I CAN ONLY USE IT ON LOW TO PREVENT BURNS.. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. (RECALL #09V117000) IF THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IS OPEN, I CANNOT LOCK THE DOORS, OR PUT THE WINDOWS UP UNTIL IT IS SHUT. (RECALL #01V288000) .. PERIODICALLY WHEN I START THE JEEP THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL STAY ON.. I HAVE TO PULL OVER, TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, AND REPEAT THE PROCESS UNTIL IT GOES BACK OFF. (RECALL #12V527000)
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I just bought a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the VIN number listed above. I saw that there was a recall where the dealer had to put on trailer hitches on the vehicle as without it if rear ended the gas tank could explode. I understand this is a older vehicle but do they not service recalls anymore for something like that??? It could explode it hit in the back. When I put my VIN in it says no outstanding recalls yet it does not or ever had a hitch on it for this repair. Any info on this is appreciated....Thanks
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE A HITCH ATTACHED. THE MECHANIC REFERRED HIM TO THE DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT CALLED MILITELLO MOTORS (1029 N STATE ST, FAIRMONT, MN 56031, (507) 238-4444) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN INSPECTED PER THE N47 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION, AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED SAFE. THE CONTACT HAD NO RECOLLECTION OF BEING INFORMED OF SUCH INSPECTION TAKING PLACE ON HIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER WHO PROVIDED THE SAME INFORMATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK REMAINED EXPOSED AND THE HAZARD COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO A FIRE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Taillight on back passenger side won't work, steering has been bad since I had, steering linkage and suspension failing, emergency brake doesn't work, cruise control won't work, oil pressure always reads high, airbag light stays on n seatbelt light stays on if I don't turn key on n let sit for an few seconds before starting jeep, gas pedal sticks , power steering fluid is leaking bad, steering linkage close to breaking heard noise so I pulled over. Also shocks bad, when hit an small bump it sounds like whole front end breaks
A FEW INSTANCES HAVE OCCURRED WHERE I WILL BE DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE ENGINE WILL IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF AS THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS (RADIO, HEADLIGHTS, DASHBOARD, ETC) STILL FUNCTION BUT ALL GAUGES STOP WORKING. I THEN HAVE TO PULL OVER, PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND THEN RESTART THE VEHICLE. IT WILL THEN START UP RIGHT AWAY. ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE ENGINE HAS STARTED BACK UP ON ITS OWN WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING AND DRIVES FINE AFTER THAT. THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR MOSTLY WHEN I RELEASE MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR BUT HAS HAPPENED WHEN I AM TRYING TO ACCELERATE. HAS ONLY HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING ON CITY STREETS, NEVER ON A HIGHWAY.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ONE MONDAY THE 6TH DRIVING NORTH. IT WAS RAINING. SO, I HAD FULL 4WHEEL DRIVE ENGAGED. A CAR CUT ME OFF. I WAS ON THE TRANSITION FROM THE 5 N TO THE 55N. A CAR FROM THE LEFT LANE CUT INTO MY LANE TO TRY AND EXIT ONTO 4TH STREET. TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS AND VEERED RIGHT. BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I PUSHING DOWN ON THE BREAKS AS HARD AS I COULD. THE CAR WAS STILL ACCELERATING AND DID NOT SLOW DOWN. TRYING TO OBTAIN CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE I "FISHTAILED" FROM GOING RIGHT BACK TO LEFT AND HIT THE SIDE OF THE CAR AND THEN HIT THE CENTER DIVIDER. THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING AND I HIT THE CENTER DIVIDER AND FLIPPED AROUND. I WAS THEN FACING OPPOSITE TRAFFIC TOWARDS THE DIVIDER. I THREW THE CAR INTO PARK AND HELD THE BREAKS STRONG. THE BACK WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING OUT. I LOOK DOWN AND THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE IGNITION. LUCKILY, I HAD A SPARE KEY IN THE CENTER CONSOLE AND SHUT IT DOWN. I FOUND THE KEYS ON THE GROUND BUT NOT ANYWHERE NEAR THE PEDALS. I TALKED TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF IT. THE ONLY THING THEY COULD VERIFY IS THAT THE KEY COULD COME OUT WILE THE CAR IS STILL ON. ACCORDING TO THEM THIS HAPPENS AS THE KEY WEARS DOWN OR GETS OLD.
A FEW INSTANCES HAVE OCCURRED WHERE I WILL BE DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE ENGINE WILL IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF AS THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS (RADIO, HEADLIGHTS, DASHBOARD, ETC) STILL FUNCTION BUT ALL GAUGES STOP WORKING. I THEN HAVE TO PULL OVER, PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND THEN RESTART THE VEHICLE. IT WILL THEN START UP RIGHT AWAY. ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE ENGINE HAS STARTED BACK UP ON ITS OWN WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING AND DRIVES FINE AFTER THAT. THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR MOSTLY WHEN I RELEASE MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR BUT HAS HAPPENED WHEN I AM TRYING TO ACCELERATE. HAS ONLY HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING ON CITY STREETS, NEVER ON A HIGHWAY.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VENTILATION SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY, IN THE FACT THAT THE AIRFLOW WHETHER IT IS HOT OR COLD IS OBSTRUCTED SOMEHOW. HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO KNOW WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE. YES THERE IS A NOISE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD, SOUNDING LIKE A MACHINE WINDING DOWN. PLEASE HELP ME. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE HEATED SEAT WARMER INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE FAILURE OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURE WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,252 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,276.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
QUADRO TRAC TRANSMISSIONS NO LONGER WORKS IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. IT JUST STOPPED WORKING WITH NO WARNING OR NOTICEABLE EQUIPMENT FAILURE. *TR
MY 2002 JEEP CHEROKEE LIMITED HAS 64,000 MILES ON IT. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT TO JEEP DEALERSHIP. COMPUTER HOOK UP INDICATED A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW "TORQUE CONVERTER." HAD THE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED. WHEN REPLACING THE "TORQUE CONVERTER", I WAS TOLD THE TRANS. PLATE WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. REPLACED PLATE. COMPUTER NOW SAYS THE 02 SENSOR IS BAD. REPLACED 02 SENSOR. WHILE GETTING TO THE 02 SENSOR, WAS TOLD A BOLT WAS RUSTED TO TRANS. COOLANT LINE AND BROKE A HOLE IN IT. HAD THE COOLANT LINE REPLACED. NOW THE JEEP STALLS! HAD TO DRIVE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH ONE FOOT ON THE GAS, ONE ON THE BRAKE TO KEEP JEEP RUNNING AND NOT TO CAUSE AND ACCIDENT! NOW I'M TOLD MY SPARK PLUGS NEED REPLACING AND FUEL SYSTEM CLEANED. REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, FUEL SYSTEM WAS CLEANED AND REPLACED THE IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR!!! JEEP STALLS WHEN PUTTING INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE! WHY IS THE JEEP STALLING????? I'VE ALREADY DUMPED A PILE OF MONEY INTO IT AND IT'S WORSE OFF THAN WHEN I TOOK IT IN THE FIRST PLACE! *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
AT EVERY STOP THERE IS A NOISE IN THE AIR BAG COMPARTMEN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE SEAT BELT LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING AND FAILED TO RETRACT. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN AWAITING REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V046000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE LOW PRESSURE LIGHT STAYS ON
DEATH WOBBLE IN STEERING SYSTEM AT 40 MPH AND ABOVE.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL- I AM UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS. THERE'S A SMALL NYLON LINKAGE CONNECTING THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE TRANSMISSION THAT HAS COMPLETELY CRUMBLED. I BELIEVE IT'S ITEM# 52109624AD. MY CAR WAS PLACED IN PARK AND TURNED OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS ONCE IT WAS RESTARTED WITHOUT ANY WARNING.
I FILED ORIGINAL OCT 4 2016 NHTSA COMPLAINT AND ALSO OBJECTED TO RESTRICTION NHTSA IMPOSED UPON COMPLAINT (2000 CHARACTERS IN TOTAL, AND TOTAL MB OF ATTACHMENTS 5MB OR LESS) BECAUSE OCT 4 2016 COMPLAINT IS INSUFFICIENT, INCOMPLETE. NHTSA INVESTIGATION REQUIRES MORE INFORMATION FROM ME (REPORTS, TESTIMONY, DOZENS OF CRITICAL POLICE PHOTOS) NECESSARY FOR NHTSA INVESTIGATION OF MY COMPLAINT. ON OCT 4 2016, I DEMANDED NHTSA INVESTIGATION UNIT CONTACT ME BY EMAIL, SO THAT I MAY DOCUMENT DATA MY SUBMISSION TO NHTSA, AS PART OF MY COMPLAINT. TO DATE, NHTSA REFUSES, IT HAS DONE NOTHING TO INVESTIGATE BECAUSE NHTSA STONEWALLS ME FOR INFORMATION. NHTSA INVESTIGATION UNITS ENDANGERS PUBLIC SAFETY WITH DELIBERATE LACK OF DATA, RESULTING IN BOGUS NON-INVESTIGATION. ON OCT 11 2013, 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO, VIN NO [XXX], HAD VEHICLE MALFUNCTION EVENT, UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, HIGH SPEED START, HIGH IMPACT AND HIGH ENERGY COLLISIONS, DEFECTIVE BTSI (BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERRUPTER), NO BRAKE THROTTLE OVERRIDE, NO SAFEGUARDS TO STOP VEHICLE, HIGH RATE OF SPEED CRASHING OVER AND OVER, IN THROTTLE WIDE OPEN, NO SOFTWARE OR HARDWARE UPGRADE TO STOP OR PREVENT UNUSUAL ACCELERATION WHILE IN PARK, INABILITY TO BRAKE VEHICLE TO STOP AT SUCH HIGH RATE OF SPEED. TIRES VAPORIZED, CHUNKS OF RUBBER BROKE, METAL RIM REMNANTS OF TIRE SKIDDED SIDEWALK AND STREET, IN SERIES OF HORRIFIC COLLISIONS, DOCUMENTED BY PHOTOS AND REPORTS WHICH NHTSA DELIBERATELY REFUSES TO ACQUIRE FROM ME AS PART OF MY COMPLAINT, TO MANIPULATE THE OUTCOME OF BOGUS AND DELIBERATELY FLAWED PSEUDO-NHTSA INVESTIGATION. DUE TO HEIGHT MISMATCH SQUARE BOX JEEP AND SUBCOMPACT CARS, JEEP WAS BATTERING RAM AGAINST SUBCOMPACT CARS EFFECTIVELY WITHOUT IMPACT BARS (BARS TO LOW) IN SUCH MALFUNCTION EVENT, WRECK SUBCOMPACT CARS, ENDANGER LIVES AND HEALTH OF OCCUPANTS OF SMALL CARS WHO ABSORB IMPACT (INSTEAD OF DISTRIBUTED FORCES VIA IMPACT BAR), GRAVE COLLISIONS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Taillight on back passenger side won't work, steering has been bad since I had, steering linkage and suspension failing, emergency brake doesn't work, cruise control won't work, oil pressure always reads high, airbag light stays on n seatbelt light stays on if I don't turn key on n let sit for an few seconds before starting jeep, gas pedal sticks , power steering fluid is leaking bad, steering linkage close to breaking heard noise so I pulled over. Also shocks bad, when hit an small bump it sounds like whole front end breaks
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER GETS SO HOT OR FEELS LIKE IT'S BURNING MY LEGS.. I CAN ONLY USE IT ON LOW TO PREVENT BURNS.. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. (RECALL #09V117000) IF THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IS OPEN, I CANNOT LOCK THE DOORS, OR PUT THE WINDOWS UP UNTIL IT IS SHUT. (RECALL #01V288000) .. PERIODICALLY WHEN I START THE JEEP THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL STAY ON.. I HAVE TO PULL OVER, TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, AND REPEAT THE PROCESS UNTIL IT GOES BACK OFF. (RECALL #12V527000)
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEVERAL YEARS AGO I WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER BECAUSE I HAD NO TAIL/RUNNING/TURN OR BRAKE LIGHTS. I IMMEDIATELY HAD THOSE REPLACED. WITHIN A MONTH I TOOK MY JEEP IN FOR THE YEARLY STATE INSPECTION AND FOUND THAT I HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THEN, THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS DESIGN OF THE JEEP, THEY WERE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THIS PROBLEM AS I TOLD THEM ABOUT MY RECENT TRAFFIC STOP AND HAVING JUST GOTTEN IT FIXED. THIS VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED EXTENSIVELY! NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I ADDRESS THE ISSUE (AND IT'S NOT THE BULBS, THOSE ARE RARELY BURNT OUT, IT'S THE CONNECTION, CLEANING THE CONNECTION SURFACE HELPS BUT ...) I AM CONSTANTLY BEING STOPPED AND TOLD I HAVE NO TAIL LIGHTS WHATSOEVER, IT'S EXHAUSTING AND A DANGER TO MY AND EVERYONE ELSE'S! ONGOING PROBLEM.
I WAS DRIVING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. ALSO, SUNDAY MORNING I WAS DRIVING TO CHURCH WHEN MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. I WAS TOLD MY A MECHANIC (NOT ON DUTY) THAT IT COULD BE MY FUEL PUMP, WIRING OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THE TRAILER HITCH, THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INDICATED THAT THE FRAME AND TRAILER HITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED BEFORE THEY WOULD PROVIDE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION FOR LONGER THAN TWO YEARS. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
THE POWER WINDOWS REPEATEDLY BREAK--WON'T OPERATE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR/REGULATOR HAS BROKEN DOWN TWICE. IN ADDITION, TWO OTHER WINDOW OPERATORS HAVE FAILED. THE CULPRIT: A WHITE PLASTIC HALF WHEEL THAT THE CABLE GOES AROUND THAT OPERATES THE WINDOW. JEEP CHARGES $500 PLUS TO REPAIR EACH TIME! OPERATING THE VEHICLE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE WINDOW. IT CAN BE STATIONARY AND WHEN YOU GO TO OPERATE THE WINDOW, IT STOPS FUNCTIONING. PLEASE NOTE: I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW, I DON'T HAVE CHILDREN, AND THERE ARE ONLY 111,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST WINDOW STOP OPERATING IN 2010, AND FOURTH ONE IN 2016.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY DAUGHTERS JEEP JUST FAILED STATE INSPECTION DUE TO SEVERE CRACKING OF THE TIRE NEXT TO THE RIM. ALL 4 TIRES ARE GOODYEAR WRANGLER ST 225/75/16 104S. THE TREAD DEPTH IS STILL VERY GOOD HOWEVER THEY WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION DUE TO THE LARGE CRACKS TOTALLY AROUND THE RIMS. A TECH AT THE LOCAL JEEP STORE TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THESE TIRES. HE STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM GOES WAY BACK.THE LOCAL GOODYEAR DEALER (SULLIVAN TIRE) WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP. GOODYEAR USED TO BE ONE OF THE BEST TIRES, WHAT HAPPENED? IT SEEMS THAT ALL OF THE OTHER TIRE COMPANIES OFFER A MUCH BETTER PRODUCT. NO MORE GOODYEAR TIRES FOR MY FAMILY!!! *TR
MY DAUGHTER WAS RETURNING HOME TO MADISON, AL FROM AUBURN UNIVERSITY, ALABAMA USING INTERSTATE I-65 NORTH. JUST OUTSIDE OF BIRMINGHAM, AL AT MILE MARKER 170 SHE HAD A BLOWOUT OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. THE TIRE TREAD SEEMED TO COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE SIDEWALL ALL AROUND THE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY USELESS. THE TIRE WAS ON A JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE OVERLAND WITH FULL TIME FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, WHICH WE BELIEVE HELPED MY DAUGHTER COME TO A SAFE STOP ON THE HIGHWAY MEDIAN. THE TIRE WAS A GOODYEAR WRANGLER SR A P235/65 R17 DOT MK87 DYWR 0506. WE ARE NOW VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE REMAINING WRANGLER TIRES ON THIS VEHICLE AND IF IT IS SAFE TO CONTINUE TO USE THEM. PICTURES OF THE DAMAGED TIRE AND THE TIRE ITSELF ARE AVAILABLE. *TR
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 .