Owners have filed 1,433 complaints
about the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee with NHTSA between 1996 and 2024.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 34 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 61
Against the median year of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 96
18.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 10
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1997 compares with every other Jeep Grand Cherokee
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
62.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
20.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
51.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
93.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
269.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4415.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
9735.0%
150,000+ miles
8831.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 1996peak 82Aug 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA12005Opened 12 Jun 2012Closed 14 Nov 2014FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013 requesting that Chrysler recall the Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles due to the rate of fatal, non-fatal fire, and fuel leak incidents when compared to peer vehicles (compact and...
PE10031Opened 23 Aug 2010Closed 14 Jun 2012FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
NHTSA has conducted extensive analysis of the data regarding fuel tank integrity for the model year (MY) 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (JGC). As a result of that work, the agency has decided to upgrade its safety defect investigation to an Engineering Analysis and to expand the scope of vehicles included in the investigation. NHTSA's assessment of the data collected during this investigation indicates that rear-impact-related tank failures and vehicle fires are more prevalent in the JGC than in the non-Jeep peer vehicles. In addition, the agency's analysis of its FARS data for the peer vehicle...
DP09005Opened 6 Nov 2009Closed 23 Aug 2010FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Fuel Storage System Crash Related Fires
In a letter dated October 2, 2009, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned NHTSA to open a defect investigation and recall model year 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees.CAS alleged that the subject vehicles have defective fuel tank storage systems that present a fire hazard in crashes. CAS alleged that the plastic fuel tank's placement behind the rear axle and below the rear bumper, and the lack of adequate shielding, make it more vulnerable to rupture or leakage from a rear-impact by another vehicle (including damage from other components located on the Grand Cherokee), or in the case of roll...
EA02029Opened 16 Oct 2002Closed 10 Feb 2004LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
HOOD LATCH FAILURE
ODI OPENED EA02-029 TO DETERMINE WHETHER A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND EXISTED IN THE MY 1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES.DURING EA02-029, THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC FAILURE MECHANISM IDENTIFIED THAT COULD DIFFERENTIATE THE MY 1997 VEHICLES FROM OTHER VEHICLES CONTAINING THIS SAME HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY OR COULD ACCOUNT FOR THEIR HIGHER COMPLAINT RATE.AS A RESULT, ODI EXPANDED THE SCOPE OF THIS INVESTIGATION TO INCLUDE ALL GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES.IN PERFORMING EA02-029, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT SOME OF THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCHES IN THE SUBJEC...
PE02045Opened 17 May 2002Closed 16 Oct 2002STRUCTURE
HOOD LATCH
EA01017Opened 1 Nov 2001Closed 18 Dec 2002POWER TRAIN
ROLL-AWAY IN REVERSE WHEN PARKED
DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS RECALLED THE ZJ MODELS TO INCORPORATE A SECONDARY DETENT SPRING INTO THE SHIFTER.EVEN THOUGH THE WJ 6 CYL. VEHICLES USE THE SAME MANUAL DETENT LEVER THAT AS THE VEHICLES IN THE RECALL POPULATION, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE WJ REDESIGNED SHIFTER, WHICH IMPROVES FLOOR SHIFTER FUNCTIONALITY AND ERGONOMICS, HELPS TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK TO THE DRIVER TO INDICATE WHETHER ?PARK? HAS OR HAS NOT BEEN ACHIEVED.ALTHOUGH THE INVESTIGATOR WAS ABLE TO INDUCE A ?FALSE PARK? IN THE WJ PLATFORM FOR 6 CYL. VEHICLES, THE LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY WAS GREATER THAN THAT REQUIRED FOR ALL ZJ MODELS, AND THE CO...
PE01021Opened 28 Jun 2001Closed 1 Nov 2001POWER TRAIN
INADVERTENT ROLLAWAY IN REVERSE PARK
Recalls on the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
13V252000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
07E104000
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E022000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E011000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.
Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
02V053000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER HAS NOT PLACED THE SHIFTER LEVER FULLY INTO THE "PARK" POSITION AND LEAVES THE VEHICLE RUNNING, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AFTER SEEMING TO BE STABLE.
Risk: INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2013220167,318 units in Canada
Structure
Chrysler Canada has determined that an opportunity to incrementally improve performance in certain types of low-speed impacts may exist in certain vehicles. The company will carry out a voluntary customer satisfaction campaign to offer a structural improvement to mitigate the risks of fuel leakage in certain low-speed collisions. Chrysler will inspect the affected vehicles and install a Chrysler trailer hitch if appropriate. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Recall 2002067100,000 units in Canada
Other
As a Customer Satisfaction Campaign DaimlerChrysler has initiated the following action: With certain Grand Cherokees, if a driver has not placed the shifter lever fully into the "park" position and leaves the vehicle running, the vehicle may unexpectedly move rearward after seeming to be stable. Inadvertent movement of the vehicle could result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will install a secondary detent system to the floor shifter assembly.
Recall 200014347,393 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles originally retailed in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces, the composite front disc brake rotors may fail due to corrosion. The cast iron wear surface may separate from the hub reducing the braking effectiveness of the vehicle. Correction: Front brake rotors will be replaced with rotors that utilize a stainless steel hub section.
Recall 199720822,825 units in Canada
Fuel System
THE FUEL TANK MOUNTED FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT ACCURACY MAY DEGRADE OVER TIME, INDICATING SIGNIFICANTLY MORE FUEL IN RESERVE THAN IS ACTUALLY PRESENT. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE RUNNING OUT OF FUEL AND STALLING WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. UNDER CERTAIN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS A STALLED VEHICLE COULD POSE A SAFETY RISK. CORRECTION: FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A UNIT THAT INCORPORATES REVISED FORMULATION PRINTED CIRCUIT INK ON THE RESISTOR CARD.
Recall 19971028,527 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
THE CIRCUIT DESIGN IN THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE MAY ALLOW THE POTENTIAL FOR INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT UPON VEHICLE IGNITION SHUT DOWN. CORRECTION: THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A MODULE THAT INCORPORATES THE LATEST PRODUCTION REDESIGNED CIRCUIT TO PREVENT THIS CONDITION.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 250,000 milesEmpire, ALCrash
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11606904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,501 milesNewington, CTFire
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10764610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,501 milesNewington, CTFire
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10764610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,501 milesNewington, CTFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10764610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,123 milesDerry, NHCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON JANUARY 18TH 2014 I WAS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ROADS WERE SOMEWHAT ICY AND MY JEEP WAS REAR ENDED BY A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE DAMAGE SUSTAINED TO THE JEEP INCLUDED A BENT BUMPER AND BENT FRAME, RESULTING IN THE FRAME BEING PUSHED UP AGAINST THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO BECOME FAULTY AND A SLIGHT AMOUNT OF FUEL TO LEAK OUT FROM THE TOP. THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL ON THIS MODEL YEAR GRAND CHEROKEE DUE TO A POTENTIAL FIRE BEING CAUSED FROM REAR-END COLLISIONS FROM THE GAS TANK; HOWEVER I DID NOT BECOME AWARE OF THE RECALL UNTIL AFTER THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. CHRYSLER'S POOR HANDLING OF THE RECALL AND THEIR POOR NOTIFICATION SYSTEM MADE IT SO THAT THE JEEP WAS NOT ABLE TO BE PROPERLY REPAIRED. NOW, BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE, THE RECALL FIX WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN BECAUSE THE REAR BUMPER AND FRAME RECEIVED DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE, AS OF NOW, HAS YET TO BE REPAIRED. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER WITH THIS ISSUE AND THEY INDICATED TO ME THAT THERE IS NO PROOF THE DAMAGE COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED, IF THE RECALL FIX HAD HAPPENED. I WOULD LIKE TO GET THE VEHICLE FIXED, HOWEVER FINANCES PREVENT IT FROM DOING SO. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE RECALL FIX WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HAPPEN. I FEEL AS THOUGH IF CHRYSLER BETTER HANDLED THIS RECALL AND MADE THE FIX AVAILABLE PRIOR TO 2014, THE DAMAGE SUSTAINED TO MY JEEP WOULD HAVE NOT OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10747334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,123 milesDerry, NHCrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ON JANUARY 18TH 2014 I WAS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ROADS WERE SOMEWHAT ICY AND MY JEEP WAS REAR ENDED BY A 2005 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE DAMAGE SUSTAINED TO THE JEEP INCLUDED A BENT BUMPER AND BENT FRAME, RESULTING IN THE FRAME BEING PUSHED UP AGAINST THE FUEL TANK, CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO BECOME FAULTY AND A SLIGHT AMOUNT OF FUEL TO LEAK OUT FROM THE TOP. THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL ON THIS MODEL YEAR GRAND CHEROKEE DUE TO A POTENTIAL FIRE BEING CAUSED FROM REAR-END COLLISIONS FROM THE GAS TANK; HOWEVER I DID NOT BECOME AWARE OF THE RECALL UNTIL AFTER THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. CHRYSLER'S POOR HANDLING OF THE RECALL AND THEIR POOR NOTIFICATION SYSTEM MADE IT SO THAT THE JEEP WAS NOT ABLE TO BE PROPERLY REPAIRED. NOW, BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE, THE RECALL FIX WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN BECAUSE THE REAR BUMPER AND FRAME RECEIVED DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE, AS OF NOW, HAS YET TO BE REPAIRED. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER WITH THIS ISSUE AND THEY INDICATED TO ME THAT THERE IS NO PROOF THE DAMAGE COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED, IF THE RECALL FIX HAD HAPPENED. I WOULD LIKE TO GET THE VEHICLE FIXED, HOWEVER FINANCES PREVENT IT FROM DOING SO. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE RECALL FIX WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HAPPEN. I FEEL AS THOUGH IF CHRYSLER BETTER HANDLED THIS RECALL AND MADE THE FIX AVAILABLE PRIOR TO 2014, THE DAMAGE SUSTAINED TO MY JEEP WOULD HAVE NOT OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10747334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 250,000 milesEmpire, ALCrash
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11606904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,000 milesFresno, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11363851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,000 milesFresno, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11363851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesTavares, FL
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11280884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesTavares, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11280884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLake Havasu City, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 .
NHTSA complaint #11243393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLake Havasu City, AZ
ENGINE
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 .
NHTSA complaint #11243393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLake Havasu City, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
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 .
NHTSA complaint #11243393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesChicago, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE WILL STALL AT TIME WHEN JUST DRIVING ALONG ON CITY STREETS
NHTSA complaint #11190640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,000 milesROY, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WIRING HARNESS LOST CONNECTION TO GROUND FOR THE PCM. GROUND WOULD NOT ALLOW FUEL PUMP TO WORK PROPERLY WITHOUT MAJOR WORK TO THE WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #11071665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,000 milesROY, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WIRING HARNESS LOST CONNECTION TO GROUND FOR THE PCM. GROUND WOULD NOT ALLOW FUEL PUMP TO WORK PROPERLY WITHOUT MAJOR WORK TO THE WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA complaint #11071665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,900 milesSAN Antonio, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
VEHICLE STALLS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING . CAR CAN BE GOING 70 AND STALL OR JUST FAIL TO MOVE WHILE STILL RUNNING THEN STALL. THIS WILL HAPPEN RANDOMLY AND SOMETIMES WILL RESULT IN A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHICH THEN GOES OUT AGAIN AND THE CAR WILL RUN FINE FOR DAYS THEN HAPPEN AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #11050971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 218,600 milesColorado Springs, CO
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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
NHTSA complaint #11025138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wrightstown, NJ
TRAILER HITCHES
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
NHTSA complaint #11024692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wrightstown, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11024692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,000 milesStone Robbins, GA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11002381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,893 milesColumbia, SC
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11001897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,893 milesColumbia, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11001897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,893 milesColumbia, SC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11001897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Elmhurst, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR SOMETIMES DOES NOT STARTS. I JUST GET A CRANKING , IS BEING LIKED THIS FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. SPEND MONEY TRYING TO FIX IT. BUT THEY CAN NOT FIND WHAT IT IS. ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN I GET TO WHAT EVER I HAVE TO GO,, I PARKED LEAVE AND THEN I COMEBACK A FEW HOURS LATER. AND IT JUST CRANKS AND DOES NOT START. I LEAVE IT THERE. COMEBACK THE NEXT DAY AND THEN IS STARTS. LEFT IT W MY MECHANIC FOR A WEEK AND HE TOLD , THEY CAN NOT FIND WHAT IT IS !!!!
NHTSA complaint #10979783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesOxnard, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE STALLS WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE
NHTSA complaint #10966721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesOxnard, CA
ENGINE
ENGINE STALLS WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE
NHTSA complaint #10966721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesDenton, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10949176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesDenton, TX
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
NHTSA complaint #10949176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesDenton, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10949176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.