1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Jeep › Grand Cherokee › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
11 recalls name the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Newest first.
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 and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy
Owners may take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, Chrysler will install a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles in the recall that are equipped with an aftermarket tow hitch, Chrysler will assess whether the hitch and surrounding areas show evidence of sharp edges or other puncture risks. If so, Chrysler will replace the tow hitch with a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles already equipped with a Chrysler designed tow hitch, Chrysler will inspect the area around the tow hitch installation, and if any installation issues are identified, they will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign numbers are N45 (for the Grand Cherokee vehicles) and N46 (for the Liberty vehicles).
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant(s) may be seriously injured by shattered glass.
Remedy
Safelite will notify its retail customers and replace the glass free of charge. Retail customers can contact safelite toll free at 1-888-843-2906. Safelite will notify its wholesale customers and reimburse wholesale customers for current inventory and at a specified rate for replacing their customer's glass. Wholesale customers can contact safelite's wholesale division, service autoglass toll free at 1-888-246-6298. The recall began on january 15, 2008.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Affinia (brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. the recall began on march 20, 2006. owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
Remedy
Airtex will notify its customers and will replace the affected fuel pumps free of charge. the recall began on january 25, 2006. owners may contact airtex customer service department at 1-800-880-3056.
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 and remedy
Risk
Inadvertent movement of the vehicle could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a secondary detent system to the floor shifter assembly. daimlerchrysler sent interim notices to owners concerning this problem on march 22, 2002. owner notification began september 23, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle description: passenger and multi-purpose vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of connecticut, illinois, indiana, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, or wisconsin, and the district of columbia. the front disc brake rotors can experience…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The reduced strength can allow the cast iron wear surface to separate from the hub, reducing the brake effectiveness of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. the fuel tank mounted fuel level sending unit accuracy can degrade over time, indicating significantly more fuel in reserve than IS actually present.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Owners may not be aware that their vehicle IS low on fuel increasing the risk of a vehicle crash if the vehicle stops due to no fuel.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel level sending unit.
The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with a newly designed module.
Owner complaints
991 complaints112 involved a crash17 involved a fire89 injuries5 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- 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…
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.
- Electrical system · 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…
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
- Air bags · 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…
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.
- Electrical system · Engine · 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 .
- Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle will stall at time when just driving along on city streets
- Electrical system · 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Fuel/propulsion system · 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…
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
- 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.
- Electrical system › Ignition · Fuel/propulsion system · 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…
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.
- 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…
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 !!!!
- Electrical system · Engine
Engine stalls when driving the vehicle
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · 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…
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.
- Structure › Body
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.
- Suspension
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.
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
Engine stall/shut off on a highway at 70 miles/hr in center lane of a five lane interstate highway with plenty of gas in the tank. has happened three times on different days. I'm original owner. heavy failure analysis done. Allege that jeep cut corners that risk driver safety. They used and may…
Engine stall/shut off on a highway at 70 miles/hr in center lane of a five lane interstate highway with plenty of gas in the tank. has happened three times on different days. I'm original owner. heavy failure analysis done. Allege that jeep cut corners that risk driver safety. They used and may still be using cheap chinese microprocessor chips in their program control modules (pcm). fred bailey fatal accident IS telling. his jeep shut down on a bridge. plenty of gas in the tank. tractor trailer plows into the back of this jeep (like mine). the gas tank explodes and he dies. www.dyingjeep.com shows a jeep video actually doing the stall/die routine. www.jeep forum.com has literally thousands on posts/threads by angry and frustrated owner who have even much newer jeeps that do the same thing. I paid a lot of money to keep my jeep in working condition. it IS worth about $3,000 if it was reliable. I did the fuel tank recall. Brought in the jeep. It already had a tow package installed. they keep the jeep for hours. likely did nothing to it under the recall. didn't give me $100 gift card. edmonds value of my car with 247,000 miles on the odometer IS less than $1,000. even if I got the extra $1,000 recall credit, it means I have to buy another low quality vehicle from a brand I do not trust. in short, jeep needs to make new program control modules available again and at affordable cost. they owe safety to all jeep owners. shame on them and good on you for fining them $105 million. there IS potential cause to fine them even more for not addressing this stall/die issue. the stall leads to the rear end collision as we can easily deduce from the fred bailey event. no time to react to the stall... Then boom. I believe jeep has hidden information about these events from you. the problem IS no secret to owners from 1992 on.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Takata recall was sitting at a red light and it just shut off on me and would not start back up.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Last summer I had the vehicle in the shop for intermittently shuts off when driving.they replaced fuel pump. And alternaer and belts.the vehicle was also had a tuneup.the vehicle sta.. Iirts right up but when I am driving it will cut off at any time.the vehicle IS unsafe .i have put over two…
Last summer I had the vehicle in the shop for intermittently shuts off when driving.they replaced fuel pump. And alternaer and belts.the vehicle was also had a tuneup.the vehicle sta.. Iirts right up but when I am driving it will cut off at any time.the vehicle IS unsafe .i have put over two thousand dollars in my vehicle.the dealer has taken my money and the vehicle IS a death trap.i am retired and I need my car to get around.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I went in for the recall regarding the fuel tank issue (in rear end collisions) - on september 22 2015. I was told that it would take 4-6 weeks in order to receive the mandated 100 dollar gift card. However, as of november 18TH 2015 I have not received it. When I've called, I keep being told that…
I went in for the recall regarding the fuel tank issue (in rear end collisions) - on september 22 2015. I was told that it would take 4-6 weeks in order to receive the mandated 100 dollar gift card. However, as of november 18TH 2015 I have not received it. When I've called, I keep being told that the response to the gift card was more than chrysler was anticipating and that it could be several more weeks before it's even mailed out. Furthermore, nobody on the recall resolution team has any information about when the gift cards will be mailed out, or when they will be received. However, they keep telling customers "4-6 weeks".
- Fuel/propulsion system · Structure › Body
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…
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
- Engine · Steering
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.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1997 jeep grand cherokee. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact mentioned that the vehicle would have to be given some time before it could restart. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to dealer where it was…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 jeep grand cherokee. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact mentioned that the vehicle would have to be given some time before it could restart. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to dealer where it was diagnosed but the failure caused was unknown. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Visibility/wiper
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…
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Structure
Consumer writes in regards to dealership not able to complete vehicle hitch repairs, due tot he age of the vehicle. *smd
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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)…
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 medium SUVs) built during the same time period.In the RRL, ODI described how the location of the aft-mounted fuel tank made the SVs vulnerable to rear impact crash fuel tank failures.During the analysis, besides the high speed/high severity crashes present in both the SV and peer vehicles, ODI observed a significant number of low and moderate speed rear impact crash related fires and leaks, particularly in the Liberty.The data also demonstrated that SVs originally equipped with towing hitch receivers (trailer hitches) appeared to be under-represented in rear-impact related fuel tank failures.In the RRL, ODI requested that Chrysler provide its response by June 18, 2013, otherwise NHTSA might proceed to an Initial Decision that the SVs contain a safety-related defect.Chrysler responded to the RRL on June 4, 2013 and vigorously disputed the tentative findings of the RRL.Among other things, Chrysler argued that the SVs had an overall safety record superior to their peers, met or exceeded all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and only experienced fires in severe high energy rear impacts.Nonetheless, while continuing to maintain that the SVs did not contain a safety-related defect, Chrysler proposed a recall (13V-252) of approximately 2.5M (1.6M currently registered) model year (MY) 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) and MY 2002-2007 Liberty (KJ) vehicles on June 18, 2013.The recall remedy submitted by Chrysler would employ a hitch receiver assembly consisting of a steel cross-member behind the fuel tank with forward-projecting arms bolted to the frame rails on either side of the fuel tank.For the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler indicated it would conduct a customer satisfaction campaign and inspect vehicles equipped with aftermarket tow hitch receivers, and if necessary, replace any such hitch receivers whose conditionmay increase the risk of fuel system failure in rear crashes.Examination of the available data established that the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee did not pose the same magnitude of safety risk as the MY 1993 - 1998 Grand Cherokee and MY 2002-2007 Liberty, particularly in low and moderate speed rear impacts.Because the agency has concluded that the vehicles do not present an unreasonable risk to safety, ODI is closing its investigation of the MY 1999 - 2004 Grand Cherokee.Although it was not within the scope of the Petition initiating this investigation or the Preliminary Evaluation preceding this EA, ODI also examined the performance of the MY 1993 - 2001 Cherokee as part of this investigation.NHTSA's assessment of the available data for the Cherokee did not establish an unreasonable risk in comparison to peer vehicles.ODI does not approve proposed defect remedies.While offering to install hitch receiver assemblies on the MY 1993-1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002-2007 Liberty, Chrysler did not, in ODI's view, provide enough evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed remedy in rear impacts.The Complete Summary for this Closing Resume (EA12-005) can be seen by
- 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…
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 vehicles and three Jeep models shows a higher incidence of rear-impact, fatal fire crashes for the Jeep products.PE10-031 had focused on the fuel tank system integrity of the JGC vehicles during rear-end collisions and impacts.The fuel tank is located at the rear of the vehicle, between the bumper and axle, and is manufactured from a plastic material (HDPE).Three peer vehicles (across the same MY range as the JGC) were identified for comparative assessment: the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Explorer, and Toyota 4Runner.ODI has collected and assessed a significant volume of data for the JGC and three peer vehicles under the Defect Petition (DP) 09-005 and PE10-031, much of which was either provided by the petitioner or by the subject and peer manufacturers in response to ODI's information request letters.NHTSA has also utilized its FARS database.Fatal crash data was collected for the JGC and its three peers, along with data for two other Jeep vehicles, the Cherokee and Liberty, which were also manufactured with rear mounted fuel tanks and assessed by ODI as Jeep peer vehicles.Based on the agency's current analysis, ODI is upgrading its investigation to determine whether the subject vehicles contain a defect that presents an unreasonable risk to safety.The subject vehicles for EA12-005 will be MY 1993-2004 JGC, MY 1993-2001 Cherokee, and MY 2002-2007 Liberty; the estimated production volumes for these vehicles is approximately 5.1 million, although attrition is a factor for the older vehicles.Please note that the counts shown in the above failure report summary are for the JGC only (values shown in the total column are unique).Data for the other Jeep models and possibly other peer models will be collected during the investigation.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:506249, 549376, 734783, 869217, 10009553, 10335943, 10351589, 10351980, 10357528.
- 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…
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 rollover crashes, from other external objects.CAS also alleged that the fuel filler neck tears off in crashes.In its petition, CAS cites data from NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) showing 172 fatal fire crashes with 254 fatalities involving the subject vehicles from calendar years 1992 through 2008.CAS stated that there have been at least 44 crashes with 64 total fatalities (subject and non-subject vehicles) where fire was entered as the Most Harmful Event (MHE) in the FARS database.In response to the CAS petition, ODI made a preliminary examination of available data.FARS data showed 2,988 occupants of the subject vehicles have died in crashes since 1992.Of those, 55 died in 44 crashes where fire was listed as the Most Harmful Event.Identifying crashes most likely associated with the alleged defect as described by CAS (defined as the subject vehicle being struck at the 5, 6 or 7 o'clock positions) isolated 10 crashes with 13 occupant fatalities.ODI also reviewed the Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) database and identified 12 reports alleging A) a post-crash fuel tank leak and/or B) a post-crash fire potentially related to a fuel tank leak.Of the 12 reports, 10 involved fires (two involved fuel leaks only) with 9 alleged injuries and 1 alleged fatality.The existence of these post-crash fires does not, by itself, establish a defect trend.Further review and investigation into these incidents is needed to determine the existence of any relationship between the alleged defect and each fire or leak.It should be noted that ODI also conducted a preliminary review of the Early Warning Reporting (EWR) data that did not find the subject vehicles to be over-represented for post-crash fires.ODI's initial review neither supports nor excludes the possibility that a defect exists in the subject vehicles.However, ODI has always taken the position that vehicle fires pose a significant safety risk.Accordingly, ODI has granted the petition to further investigate the conditions associated with post-crash fires in these vehicles.
- 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…
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 subject vehicles may exhibit increased operating frictional resistance; however, since none of the primary hood latches showed any evidence of mechanical or operational deficiency and the complaint rate of hood fly-ups measured over an extended exposure time was low, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.
- Hood latch
There is no summary currently available
- 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…
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 complaint rate was significantly lower than the recalled zj population.further, the odi investigator was also able to create a ?false park? In peer vehicles with the same level of difficulty and frequency as the subject vehicle wj platform.the wj complaint rate was inflated due to national exposure through the press. The complaint rate prier to the july 5, 2001 media coverage for the wj vehicles IS similar to the peer vehicle incident rate.based on the above, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time in the wj population.accordingly, this investigation IS closed with a safety recal for the zj platform only.
- Inadvertent rollaway in reverse park
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10229910Towing Capacity For Vehicles Modified With N45 Or N46 Trailer-Hitch Assembly This bulletin specifies the approved tow rating for vehicles not equipped with trailer tow package that have received a trailer-hitch assembly as a result of the N45 or N46 Campaign.
- 10221079Towing Capacity For Vehicles Modified With N45 Or N46 Trailer-Hitch Assembly This bulletin specifies the approved tow rating for vehicles not equipped with trailer tow package that have received a trailer-hitch assembly as a result of the N45 or N46 Campaign.
- 10220995Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 10220409Chrysler will offer owners an upgrade to the rear structure of the subject vehicles by the addition of a trailer hitch to better manage the crash forces in low-speed impacts.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10189177Chrysler will offer owners an upgrade to the rear structure of the subject vehicles by the addition of a trailer hitch to better manage the crash forces in low-speed impacts.
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10150552Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that are marked **** for the model year are no longer supported with OEM retrofit kits. NOTE: Dealers are encouraged to honor any customers? request for the installation of the Child Seat Tether Anchors and Dealer reimbursement will be made by FCA US LLC regardless of vehicle age or mileage. See the Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual and/or Warranty Bulletin D-08-33 for reimbursement detail.
- 10139909Towing Capacity For Vehicles Modified With N45 Or N46 Trailer-Hitch Assembly This bulletin specifies the approved tow rating for vehicles not equipped with trailer tow package that have received a trailer-hitch assembly as a result of the N45 or N46 Campaign.
- 10139596Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 10136886New Safety Recall Advanced Communication ? N45062013 During recent discussions, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (?NHTSA?) and Chrysler Group LLC (?Chrysler?) mutually identified an opportunity to incrementally improve the performance of 1993 through 1998 model year Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles and 2002 through 2007 model year Jeep Liberty vehicles in certain low-speed impacts. Chrysler has decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall to respond to customer concerns about that assessment. Chrysler will offer owners an upgrade to the rear structure of the subject vehicles by the addition of a trailer hitch to better manage the crash forces in low-speed impacts. Chrysler intends to inspect the involved vehicles and if necessary, install a trailer hitch where appropriate, free of charge (parts and labor). The parts required for this program are currently not available. Chrysler is making all reasonable efforts to obtain the parts as quickly as possible. Chrysler will contact dealers when the parts and repair procedure becomes available. Dealers will be notified of the launch of this safety recall by way of established methods used in the past. We ask that you please take the time to ensure that your personnel are aware of this communication and are prepared to execute a customer friendly process for inquiries on involved vehicles.
- 10003524Automatic transmission diagnostic teardown procedure. Various models including the 2004 RAM truck, durango, sebring convertible, cherokee, vision, neon, and voyager.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089311Concerns with a/c evaporator odor. *Nlm
- 6089145Conditions on obd II misfire monitor. *Nlm
- 6089123This bulletin involves a/c cycle to "off" when the ignition key IS turned off. *Nlm
- 6089092Concerns with door check roller repair. *Nlm
- 6089038Information on tire and wheel runout. *Nlm
- 6089000Information on transmission cooler reverse flushing with cooler bypass kit installed. *Nlm
- 6088991This bulletin involves overdrive unavailable in extreme cold temperatures, bypass kit installation, inhibitor programming. *Nlm
- 6088979This bulletin involves transfer case shifter noise. *Nlm
- 6088890Information on leak detection pump (ldp) dealer test mode. *Nlm
- 6088886Concerns with erroneous mil illumination. Drivability improvement. *Nlm
- 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *Nlm
- 6088845Vehicle may experience remote keyless entry transmitter batteries discharge prematurely. *Nlm
- 6088838This bulletin involves door locks cycle when rear window defogger IS turned off. *Nlm
- 6088834Information regarding nhtsa authorized airbag deactivation for medical necessity. *Nlm
- 6088826Concerns with liftgate ajar switch terminal corrosion. *Nlm
- 6088814Vehicle may expereience inoperative cd player sales code raz radio. *Nlm
- 6088801Information regarding garage door opener. *Nlm
- 6088799Information regarding fuel gauge accuracy. *Nlm
- 6088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *Nlm
- 635721Subject regarding revision in diagnostic procedures and labor operation times for re transmissions.
Every Jeep Grand Cherokee model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.