2003 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 2003 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
- Airbags25629.8%
- Visibility17019.8%
- Brakes718.3%
- Engine576.6%
- Electrical536.2%
- Interior & seats495.7%
- Driver assistance323.7%
- Steering242.8%
- Transmission202.3%
- Fuel system182.1%
- Exterior lighting151.7%
- Powertrain (other)151.7%
- Seat belts131.5%
- Suspension131.5%
- Other / unspecified101.2%
- Body & structure91.0%
- Tires & wheels60.7%
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
The driver and passenger front airbags deployed spontaneously while merging onto the highway. I was startled by the noise, my vision was obscured, I was unable to breathe due to the chemical accelerants, and the bag made contact with my face and arms. All of these events put me and other drivers at great risk of severe bodily and property damage. Since June 24, the vehicle has been in possession of a Chrysler dealership. A pre-service write-up has been created, but to my knowledge, no work has been done to the vehicle. I am unaware of an inspection having been completed. I did not see any warning lamps or other symptoms prior to the airbags deploying.
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V046000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where repairs were performed on the air bag control module and side impact sensor. However, after the repair was completed, the air bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 378,910.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR FAILED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO USE THE HEAT AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDERNEATH THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT BOX. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONNECTED PLUG TO THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR MELTED THE WIRES AND PLASTIC CAP THAT SURROUND THE RESISTOR AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BYFORD CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OF CHICKASHA (3121 S 4TH ST, CHICKASHA OK 73018) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR RECALL AND WINDOW MOTOR REGULATOR ASSEMBLY PROBLEMS. *SMD ALSO, THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FRONT WINDOW MOTOR REGULATORS BROKE, THE CD PLAYER MALFUNCTIONED, THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER WAS INOPERATIVE AND THE BRAKES WERE NOT PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. *JB
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR RECALL AND WINDOW MOTOR REGULATOR ASSEMBLY PROBLEMS. *SMD ALSO, THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FRONT WINDOW MOTOR REGULATORS BROKE, THE CD PLAYER MALFUNCTIONED, THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER WAS INOPERATIVE AND THE BRAKES WERE NOT PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V054000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 7/21/15*CN THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE RADIATOR, HEAT SENSOR, BRAKES AND TIRES. UPDATED 07/28/15*JB
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Airbag light has stayed on even after a battery replacement. Check engine light now stays on for no apparent reason.That’s all,thanks
I STARTED MY JEEP, NOTICED MY HATCH WAS NOT CLOSED, GOT OUT WHILE IT WAS RUNNING, THE SECOND I CLOSED MY DRIVER DOOR, MY JEEP WENT INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN, AND KEPT ACCELERATING HIGHER, THIS VEHICLE TOOK OFF VERY AGGRESSIVELY, LUCKILY MY WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, SHE PUT IT IN NATURAL, AND SHUT THE CAR OFF BEFORE ANYTHING WAS STRUCK, NOW DUE TO I BELIEVE THE RAPID ACCELERATION IT RUNS HORRIBLY WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE. THIS JEEP IS AN 2003 , WELL BROKE IN AND MAINTAINED, THERE'S NO OTHER REASON AS TO WHY IT "BECAME SELF AWARE" I HAVE A LOT OF VEHICLE KNOWLEDGE AND THIS IS VIRTUALLY AND UNFATHOMABLY IMPOSSIBLE , PLEASE REVIEW EVERY ASPECT OF THIS VEHICLES COMPLAINTS AS THIS IS VERY UNSAFE
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
JUST RECENTLY IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW FELL WHILE DRIVING AND BACK DRIVER WINDOW FELL WHILE DRIVING WHILE IT WHAT SNOWING WHILE MY SON WAS IN THE CAR. HAVE A POPPING NOISE IN STEERING OR SOMEWHERE IN FRONT END. I CAN'T USE MY ACCELERATE BUTTON ON STEERING WHEEL WHILE IT'S IN CRUISE BECAUSE IT WON'T STOP ACCELERATION ONCE YOU PRESS IT. I WAS GOING ABOUT 55 AND WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO 60.
ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK ON DRIVERS SIDE MAKES A LOUD BUZZING SOUND WHEN TRYING TO ENGAGE.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
2 recalls have not been taken care of by the manufacturer. I purchased this vehicle 2 years ago and have noticed that the seats do indeed over heat. The airbags haven't deployed thankfully, but I'm not comfortable taking any chances. Do I have to pay a dealer to complete these repairs? Also, since I have had this vehicle, my blinkers and brake lights do not work consistently. They were in operable for almost a month. I had a Mechanix check them, and they said they were dine. Homer's auto shop florence oregon) I didn't drive at night for almost a month. Then my blinkers just started working again. All the fuses are fine, and no other electrical issues. Brake lights started working also. Up until 3 days ago, a driver behind me pulled around next to me at the stop light to tell me the brake light was out. I checked it when I got home and it was fine.
DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME/BRACKET BROKE IN FRONT OF DRIVER'S SEAT, ALLOWING THE DRIVER SEAT TO LEAN DETACH FROM THE FLOORBOARD AND MOVE BACKWARD TOWARD THE REAR SEATS. WHEN RESEARCHING THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE, IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. IF THE DRIVER SEAT FRAME CANNOT HOLD UP TO NORMAL USE, HOW WILL IT HOLD UP TO THE FORCES EXERTED UPON IT IN THE EVENT OF A REAR-END COLLISION? THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY DEFECT AND BASED ON THE VOLUME OF OTHER CONSUMERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE, IT IS UNBELIEVABLE THAT ACTION HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
JUST RECENTLY IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW FELL WHILE DRIVING AND BACK DRIVER WINDOW FELL WHILE DRIVING WHILE IT WHAT SNOWING WHILE MY SON WAS IN THE CAR. HAVE A POPPING NOISE IN STEERING OR SOMEWHERE IN FRONT END. I CAN'T USE MY ACCELERATE BUTTON ON STEERING WHEEL WHILE IT'S IN CRUISE BECAUSE IT WON'T STOP ACCELERATION ONCE YOU PRESS IT. I WAS GOING ABOUT 55 AND WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO 60.
I STARTED MY JEEP, NOTICED MY HATCH WAS NOT CLOSED, GOT OUT WHILE IT WAS RUNNING, THE SECOND I CLOSED MY DRIVER DOOR, MY JEEP WENT INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN, AND KEPT ACCELERATING HIGHER, THIS VEHICLE TOOK OFF VERY AGGRESSIVELY, LUCKILY MY WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, SHE PUT IT IN NATURAL, AND SHUT THE CAR OFF BEFORE ANYTHING WAS STRUCK, NOW DUE TO I BELIEVE THE RAPID ACCELERATION IT RUNS HORRIBLY WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE. THIS JEEP IS AN 2003 , WELL BROKE IN AND MAINTAINED, THERE'S NO OTHER REASON AS TO WHY IT "BECAME SELF AWARE" I HAVE A LOT OF VEHICLE KNOWLEDGE AND THIS IS VIRTUALLY AND UNFATHOMABLY IMPOSSIBLE , PLEASE REVIEW EVERY ASPECT OF THIS VEHICLES COMPLAINTS AS THIS IS VERY UNSAFE
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN CHRYSLER RECALL NUMBER J14 FOR FRONT SEAT ELECTRIC HEATER ELEMENTS THAT COULD OVER HEAT. BOTH CHRYSLER AND JEEP DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF EXCESSIVE HEAT GENERATED BY VEHICLE SEAT HEATER AND DECLINED TO MAKE FIX OR REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGE. SPECIFICALLY, THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD FIX IT AND CHARGE ME FOR THE REPAY, BUT WERE NOT GOING TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM. SEAT DID EVENTUALLY OVERHEAT TO A POINT THE HEATER NO LONGER WORKED. OWNER SET FORTH TO REPAIR SEAT AND DURING SEAT TEARDOWN OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF SEAT FIRE. MULTIPLE PICTURES AND MELTED WIRES WERE COLLECTED AND PRESERVED. THESE ITEMS WILL BE PROVIDED TO NHTSA UPON REQUEST. IT IS AMAZING DEATH/INJURY DID NOT OCCUR DUE TO THIS KNOWN DEFECT THAT CHRYSLER REFUSED TO ADDRESS. ALL CHRYSLER VEHICLES WITH SIMILAR HEATER DESIGN SHOULD BE INSPECT AND REPAIRED WITHOUT CHARGE TO VEHICLE OWNER. IN ADDITION, CHRYSLER SHOULD BE MADE TO PROVIDE COMPENSATION TO THOSE THAT HAD REPAIRS DONE AT THEIR COST. *JS
2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS TO HEATED SEAT ELEMENTS RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT HEATER WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. HE BECAME AWARE OF THE RECALL AND HAD THE DEALER CHECK, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS ONE OF THE FEW THAT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OF SEATS THAT POSED A DANGER OF CATCHING ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS LED TO BELIEVE, THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BECAUSE THE HEATED SEAT ELEMENT POSED NO DANGER OF FIRE. HAVING BEEN LED TO BELIEVE THE PART POSED NO FIRE HAZARD, AND THAT IT MAY HAVE JUST WORN OUT, THE CONSUMER AGREED TO PAY THE COST TO REPLACE THE HEATED SEAT ELEMENT. HOWEVER, WHEN THE ELEMENT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE PART WAS NOT WORN, BUT CLEARLY DAMAGED BY FIRE.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
JUST RECENTLY IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW FELL WHILE DRIVING AND BACK DRIVER WINDOW FELL WHILE DRIVING WHILE IT WHAT SNOWING WHILE MY SON WAS IN THE CAR. HAVE A POPPING NOISE IN STEERING OR SOMEWHERE IN FRONT END. I CAN'T USE MY ACCELERATE BUTTON ON STEERING WHEEL WHILE IT'S IN CRUISE BECAUSE IT WON'T STOP ACCELERATION ONCE YOU PRESS IT. I WAS GOING ABOUT 55 AND WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO 60.
WAS DRIVING ON THRUWAY AT 65 MPH, HIT A SLIGHT SEAM IN THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENTIRE FRONT END BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY, FORCING ME TO LEAVE THE HIGHWAY IMMEDIATELY AND STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AT ABOUT 10 MILES PER HOUR, THE SHAKING LESSENED AND ACTUALLY STOPPED. THINKING IT WAS A FLUKE OCCURRENCE, I CONTINUED ON MY WAY. UNFORTUNATELY, NEXT TIME I HIT ANY SORT OF IMPERFECTION IN THE ROAD, THE "DEATH WOBBLE" STARTED AGAIN IN THE FRONT END.
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 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE IDENTICAL FAILURES OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FRONT CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. UPDATED 6/21/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. IT WAS DETERMINED THE CRANK SENSOR BECAME EXTREMELY HOT WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN. THE FAN RELAY ALSO FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT AND THE INTERNAL TRANSMISSION SENSORS FAILED. UPDATED 07/01/10.*JB
2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO THE JEEP WAS RUNNING AND IN PARK. I WAS STANDING OUTSIDE ABOUT 20 YARDS AWAY. THE GEARSHIFT POPPED FROM PARK TO REVERSE ON ITS OWN. I WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO STOP IT IN TIME. ALSO, WHEN I PARK IT AND TRY TO REMOVE THE KEY THE KEY IS LOCKED IN PLACE LIKE ITS STILL IN GEAR. I HAVE TO PUSH THE GEARSHIFT WITH FORCE TO RELEASE THE KEY. A MECHANIC HAS SAID THAT THE LINKAGE WAS LOOSE. I HAVE TIGHTENED IT AND THE PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SHIFT CABLE IS RUBBING AGAINST THE FUEL LINE, AFTER 156000 MILES IT HAS WORN A HOLE IN THE LINE. DURING A RESENT VACATION I NOTICED THE SMELL OF GAS BUT COULD NOT TELL WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. WHEN THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF IT WOULD STOP LEAKING. AFTER I WAS BACK I WAS USING THE CAR AGAIN BACKING UP AND NOTICED A DRIP DRIP DRIP ON THE GROUND. AS I WAS ONLY A MILE FROM HOME I WENT HOME AND PARKED AND IT STILL LEAKED A BIT UNTIL THE PRESSURE STOPPED. I DID NOT THINK TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THE LINE AFTER I REMOVED IT. I TOOK THE FUEL LINE TO A SHOP TO HAVE A UNION PUT IN THE LINE BUT THAT IS LEAKING AS THE FITTING IS NOT TIGHT ENOUGH. I GUESS I WILL NEED TO BUY A NEW LINE. I HAVE NOT SEEN A REPORT OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER JEEPS BUT IT IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM AS IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 12V527000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V046000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06E011000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS MALFUNCTIONED AND THE FLASHER RELAY LASTED ONLY SIX MONTHS TO A YEAR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE MALFUNCTIONING AND HAD A FAULTY DESIGN. THE LIGHTS CLIPPED INTO PLACE AND WOULD NOT WORK ON BUMPY ROADS. MCKINNEY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM & USED CARS (4574 CALHOUN MEMORIAL HWY, EASLEY, SC 29640, (864) 859-1981) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 265,000. *AS *TR
THE TURN SIGNALS INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT BUT THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS WORK.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I STARTED MY JEEP, NOTICED MY HATCH WAS NOT CLOSED, GOT OUT WHILE IT WAS RUNNING, THE SECOND I CLOSED MY DRIVER DOOR, MY JEEP WENT INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN, AND KEPT ACCELERATING HIGHER, THIS VEHICLE TOOK OFF VERY AGGRESSIVELY, LUCKILY MY WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, SHE PUT IT IN NATURAL, AND SHUT THE CAR OFF BEFORE ANYTHING WAS STRUCK, NOW DUE TO I BELIEVE THE RAPID ACCELERATION IT RUNS HORRIBLY WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE. THIS JEEP IS AN 2003 , WELL BROKE IN AND MAINTAINED, THERE'S NO OTHER REASON AS TO WHY IT "BECAME SELF AWARE" I HAVE A LOT OF VEHICLE KNOWLEDGE AND THIS IS VIRTUALLY AND UNFATHOMABLY IMPOSSIBLE , PLEASE REVIEW EVERY ASPECT OF THIS VEHICLES COMPLAINTS AS THIS IS VERY UNSAFE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving at low speed, the side curtain airbags deployed along with the front seat belts. No injuries just stunted by the loud bang. I took car to Jeep dealership to have recall R06/15v-046 repaired and to diagnose cause of side curtain airbags deployment. Dealer would not repair recall R06/15v-046 due to the requirement that the side curtain and seat belts be repaired before making the recall repairs. Side curtain airbags repair was not accomplished because some repair parts are no longer available (seatbelts/headliner). Dealer indicated that, even if they could have repaired side curtain airbags that the cost of the side curtain airbags repair would be on me. Dealer charged me for a diagnostic of side curtain airbags deployment. I feel that the manufacturer is responsible for the defects and are responsible for restitution. Subject car has airbags light on know but not beforehand. What is my recourse now that my car is unsafe with no repair available and of little value?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED KNEE AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE OTHER DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WAS DRIVING ON THRUWAY AT 65 MPH, HIT A SLIGHT SEAM IN THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENTIRE FRONT END BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY, FORCING ME TO LEAVE THE HIGHWAY IMMEDIATELY AND STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AT ABOUT 10 MILES PER HOUR, THE SHAKING LESSENED AND ACTUALLY STOPPED. THINKING IT WAS A FLUKE OCCURRENCE, I CONTINUED ON MY WAY. UNFORTUNATELY, NEXT TIME I HIT ANY SORT OF IMPERFECTION IN THE ROAD, THE "DEATH WOBBLE" STARTED AGAIN IN THE FRONT END.
I'M 100% CONVINCED OUR VEHICLE FITS "DEATH WOBBLE" CONDITION. IF YOU HIT A BAD BUMP OR SERIES OF SMALL BUMPS, FRONT END SHIMMIES VIOLENTLY WITH STEERING WHEEL SHAKING BACK AND FORTH OUT OF CONTROL. CAN ONLY SLOW DOWN AS BRAKING DOESN'T SEEM TO HELP MUCH. IT HAPPENED TO MY WIFE 3X AND MYSELF 1X ALREADY IN PAST 6 WEEKS. VERY SCARY!
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* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V046000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER SCHEDULED THE RECALL REPAIR APPOINTMENT AS WELL AS FOR A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THE REAR STRUCTURAL ENHANCEMENT. WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OEM TRAILER HITCH NEEDED TO BE ORDERED AND THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO ORDER THE PARTS TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR CONCERNING THE AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER CONTINUED TO STATE THAT THEY WOULD FOLLOW UP WITH A SOLUTION, BUT THE CONTACT RECEIVED NO FOLLOW UP RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER BEYOND A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION REGARDING THE TRAILER HITCH; HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH IN DAYLIGHT ON A DRY PAVED COUNTRY ROAD, I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES AND THE CAR SHUDDERED LIKE I RAN OVER SOMETHING, AND WAS THROWN VIOLENTLY INTO THE OTHER LANE, THEN ALMOST OFF THE ROAD INTO THE TREES. ON EXAMINATION, I FOUND THE CAR'S FRAME HAD FAILED AND RIPPED AWAY WHERE THE RIGHT REAR CONTROL ARM ATTACHES TO THE FRAME. THE CONTROL ARM MOUNT IS ON THE FRAME THAT CAME LOOSE, ALLOWING THE REAL AXLE TO SHIFT BACKWARDS SEVERAL INCHES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I LIVE IN NEW YORK AND I EXPECT RUST BUT NOT TO THE POINT OF THE DISINTEGRATION OF SEVERAL INCHES OF FRAME. THE SHEET METAL USED FOR THE FRAME APPEARS TO BE THIN, PERHAPS 20 GAUGE STEEL. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN GREAT CONDITION, AND IS DRIVEN DAILY BY MY WIFE. I AM GLAD I WAS DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I REPORTED THIS FAILURE TO MY LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER (GOLDSTEIN CHRYSLER, LATHAM NEW YORK) AND TO THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE. NEITHER OFFERED ANY HISTORY ON SUCH A PROBLEM. I CANNOT BE THE ONLY PERSON TO HAVE SUCH A FAILURE, AS THIS IS A COMMON VEHICLE. I WILL TAKE PHOTOS TO DOCUMENT WHAT THE DAMAGE TO THE FRAME LOOKS LIKE. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD THEM. PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I WILL GET THEM TO YOU. THE VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
GAS TANK SUBJECT TO FIRE FROM REAR INPACT
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING A JEEP 2003 MICH LX TIRE 235/65/R17 SIDEWALL DRY ROT, REPORTED TO MICH THEY SAID IT WAS THE OZONE, AS A SCIENTIST AND AN NDT LEVEL 4 INSPECTOR I WAS SURPRISED THAT THE PERSON THEY SENT ME TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE SPENT LESS THAN 10 MINUTES LOOKING AT THE REMAINING 3 TIRES. THE PERSON REFUSED TO GIVE ME ANY WRITTEN REPORT THE TIRES ONLY HAVE 15K ON THEM. MICHELIN WILL NOT GIVE ME A VOUCHER FOR 4 FREE TIRES I AM AFRAID OTHERS WILL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE THE DRY ROT SIDE WALL WILL BLOW OUT AND CAUSE A DEATH OR SEVERAL. MICHELIN RECALLED 1,3 MILLION TIRES VOLUNTARILY BUT REFUSES TO RECALL MINE. BEWARE OF MICHELIN TIRES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V054000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 7/21/15*CN THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE RADIATOR, HEAT SENSOR, BRAKES AND TIRES. UPDATED 07/28/15*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 .