2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Jeep › Grand Cherokee › 2004
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
14 recalls name the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Newest first.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured March 29, 2003, to July 3, 2003, and 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured May 27, 2003, to May 20, 2004. Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM may fail, causing the front air…
Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module and the side impact sensors, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R60.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, to March 28, 2003, 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, to May 23 2003, and 2003-2004 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured November 1, 2001, to June 30, 2004. Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the…
Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Chrysler dealers will replace the air bag control module and side impact sensors as required, free of charge. This recall remedy was applied during earlier recall campaigns of these vehicles under safety recalls 12V527 and 13V040. All owners that have not had the recall repair performed under safety recalls 12V527 or 13V040 are strongly encouraged to have it performed and not wait for the final remedy to be deployed to the field. The recall began on December 29, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R06.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, through March 28, 2003, and 2002 through 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, through May 23, 2003. A component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seatbelt…
Inadvertent deployment of the airbags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a supplemental jumper harness to the airbag control module, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall by interim letter in January 2013. The remedy for affected Liberty vehicles is expected to be available in April 2013. The remedy for affected Grand Cherokee vehicles is expected to be available later in the year. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
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…
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
Chrysler IS recalling 103,409 my 2001-2004 jeep grand cherokee vehicles with heated seats and with chrysler recall no. 06V-197 completed (03-04 my) or seat heater elements service replacement (01-02 my). the front seat electric heater elements could overheat.
Overheating could potentially cause a fire or injury.
Dealers will replace the front seat heater elements free of charge. the recall began on november 23, 2009. owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
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…
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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 tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall IS expected to begin during july 2006. owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with heated seats, the front passenger seat electric heater element could overheat.
Overheating could potentially cause a fire.
Dealers will replace the heated seat elements. the recall began on july 24, 2006. owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
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…
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.
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 anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. the recall began may 9, 2006. owners may contact anzo USA at 909-468-3688.
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…
In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
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 equipped with 4.0L engines, the crankshaft position sensor wiring insulation may crack and expose the wire.
In the presence of moisture, this could result in sensor malfunction, which could cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor. owner notification began on march 29, 2004. owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a recent software programming error, the tire, wheel, and inflation pressure information was inadvertently omitted from the vehicle certification label.
The vehicle owner would not be aware of the tire, wheel, and inflation pressure information for their vehicle.
Owners will be provided with a corrected tire certification label. owner notification began on march 1, 2004. owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
On certain sport utility vehicles, the power steering gear may contain an improperly formed spacer clip, which could dislodge within the steering gear.
A dislodged clip may cause increased steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the steering gear assemblies. owner notification began on march 12, 2003. 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.
Driving normally on the highway came to an exit slowed down my passenger air bag went off and 10-15 seconds later the driver one. I was able to be aware the driver might go off so I pushed my seat back and immediately after it went off. White smoke from the airbags engulfed the cabin I stepped out on the side of the highway and waited for the white smoke to dissipate
I scheduled a recall appointment for my Jeep Grand Cherokee. The dealer confirmed that the appointment was scheduled and that the necessary recall part had been ordered. However, when I arrived, my vehicle was parked and no work was started. I was not given an estimated repair time, and after waiting for 3 hours, no progress had been made. This recall is mandatory, and the dealer failed to complete it. I am reporting this as a safety issue and request that the matter be investigated.
The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the vehicle was not braking normally, and braking distance was extended while coming to a stop. The contact stated that the ABS warning illuminated after driving over a bump in the road. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to several independent mechanics to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the calipers, rotors, and brake pads replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that recently after adding brake fluid to the brake fluid reservoir, there were signs of a brake fluid leak coming from the rear passenger’s side wheel well. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.
Car was bought at affordable auto. The parking break had to be used in order for car to stay parked. We got home the windows on passenger side did not go down. Transmissions slips and goes out of gear you must change gears like a stick shift and the jeep is automatic. The truck was as is but the safety hazards sHould have been fixed. We took back to the dealership affordable auto next day and two more times after that. All the problems still were there. Yesterday I asked could they put freon in the truck since they wont fix anything so the air conditioner does not work and I have a heart condition. I was told they will not put freon in the jeep until we catch up on car payments. we are a month behind because tried to get windows fixed but motors is dead completely. I told them that was wrong and we were threatened that they will repossess the jeep if we don't like it.
The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while adjusting the side mirrors on the driver side console, the contact noticed that the mirror failed to adjust as designed. The contact attempted to unlock the doors by pressing the unlock button on the driver’s side console and the doors failed to unlock. The contact stated that the buttons on the driver’s side console failed to function as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 86,000.
On 08/01/ 19 took my Jeep in to have brakes fixed at big o tires they changed front and back pads and rotors. After that they found the Master Cylinder to be defective and replaced that also. I have the bill to show this work. In 2022 my Check Brake light would stay on all the time, my brakes were good to me. Big O’s had burned down the year before, I live within 2 streets of their business, their fire was in my front window! Odometer : Readings on Dates: 1) 102,335 : Original date of Brake work! 2) 107,000 : day when brought in to fix light on, 9/29/22. Day before on the phone, the man who answered the phone said I would never fail inspection because of brake light on, only check engine light!! 3) 107,453 : the Gentleman on 9/29/2022 said he had changed the Master Cylinder again, while explaining that some master cylinders had sensors on the inside and other could be replaced. On the 9/29/22 got no paperwork, was there all day! 4) 4 pm: today called the store, have at the moment a 2/21/23 for 8 am, I called to give them the current odometer reading, the gentleman that answered the phone, Was well aware of me and said, I would be be getting a call from the GM. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
There was an open recall for rear structural enhancement of the vehicle that required a hitch be installed. I scheduled the recalled repair, it was marked completed and i was told they are no longer doing that repair. My son works for another jeep dealership and informed me they have to do that no matter how old and they are still performing the needed repair but mine has been marked closed so he is unable to help fix mine. How do i address this issue to have it completed correctly
My jeep does the death wobble anytime I hit a small bump in the road, pothole, Lane marker...etc. it is very hard to control at that point and seems as though it might flip if it gets any worst or hit a big enough bump. It is very hard to control and to get to stop once it gets going. It poses a huge safety concern for myself and others being that I have to get the truck to stop when it does the death wobble which means someone coming behind me would/should have to stop as well and definitely is a nuisance to myself and other drivers. Please help. I have read and been told it could be any one of the steering or suspension components.
When the steering wheel is turned either completely to the right or left while moving forward or in reverse, a scrubbing noise is heard that appears to be the tire wheel coming in contact with the suspension.
The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact stated that the vehicle started after approximately five attempts. The contact then stated that she heard a loud noise near the fuel tank after the vehicle was started and while driving. The check fuel warning light, the check engine warning light, and the check pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the brakes were serviced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact then stated that the mechanic noticed that the fuel pump was in the back seat of the vehicle and stated that the fuel pump was missing. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,359.
The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lunged to the right. The contact stated that on several occasions while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle lunged to the left or to the right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the driver’s side rear control arm was extremely rusted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,009.
The Vehicle well completely stop with no indication of stopping the engine just turns off power steering is gone power brakes are gone there’s nothing
When driving the truck will randomly shut off or stall no matter the speed or if its parked. replaced the crankshaft and cam shaft position sensor and still has the same issue. These vehicles must have a bad ECM unit on them or something.
On 10/21/21 myself and my child (rear passenger in booster safety seat) were in a solo vehicle accident that resulted in our vehicle hitting an embankment before rolling 3x landing on the wheels again in the right position on the same side of vehicle we originally had impact. We were less than 1 mile from our home, headed to school, there was no unsafe conditions, and I don't have any memory of the morning or accident due to severe injury and brain injury, but there's no reason or logical reason for me to be driving in the manner or at the speeds that I was. I passed a car in front of me on a very rural road right as we came upon the almost figure 8 curves on a road I drive everyday. The people I passed and many witnesses including my small child stated that I was gaining more speed as we came to the sharp curves, I crashed at approximately 65-70mph on a 30mph road, there were no brake marks or any sign of an attempt to slow down on my part, but I have too wonder because I am not sure anything that would have made me want to drive that recklessly, especially when I had my child in the vehicle. My child was asked what was happening before we wrecked and she said she heard a pop sound? And I said "oh [XXX]", that was the last thing that happened. We rolled 3x with not one airbag deploying, and the way that the jeep is caved in, I am very much interested in this model being looked over for structural flaws, pictures will be provided. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Discovered that all windows and side mirrors were no longer operarable from within vechicle panel on driver side. Unable to lock the vechicle from within, as well. Unable to lock the vechicle with key control from outside, only manually, though the key control can still lock all other doors, including the rear gate. firestone stated that only a jeep dealer can repair this issue.
TL* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front and rear underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to spitzer chrysler dodge jeep RAM (13001 brookpark rd, cleveland, oh 44142 (216) 356-5749) where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the rear differential failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred and worsened. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Am the owner of a 2004 jeep grand cherokee, I am the only owner, I have taken it several times to the dealer, and they have told me that I have to change the complete rear lamps (they have only changed the bulbs once) in dealer they tell me that has nothing that I must change the (taillamps assy), please I need your help, my cherokee has always been parked in my closed garage, it never stays on the street
On sept 4TH 2020 I stopped to put air in a tire. I noticed the side wall appeared to be splitting. I checked the other tires and they were splitting as well. All for tires have been replaced. I still have the tires that were splitting.o also have pictures.
TL* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. The contact stated that after shifting from reverse to drive and pressing on the brake, the vehicle accelerated. The contact stated the more he pressed the brake, the more the vehicle accelerated. The vehicle slightly contacted another vehicle in the contact's driveway. The dealer and manufacturer had not been contacted. The vehicle currently sits unrepaired in the contact's driveway. The failure mileage was 124,000. *Dt*jb
The ecm IS malfunctioning causing vehicle to stall and misfire at any speed mainly when accelerating making it hard to keep under control safely.
The check engine light gives a code ( signal loss from cps and ckps) can't accelerate without backfire and missing. Sometimes when crossing r/r tracks the engine will die it starts back up after you wiggle the 3 main connectors
I was driving on the highway and hit another car that was stationary on the side of the road. I had impact on the right front passenger side of my truck, flipping their car as well as my truck. My airbags did not deploy. I had no indication lights on my dash and had no known electrical issues. Lucky the car I hit was unoccupied and I recieved a few minor injuries.
TL* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal vibration from the front of the vehicle which was also felt in the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vibration ceased at low speeds. The contact stated that the failure was constant. The vehicle was taken to barnett chrysler jeep dealer, located at (3430 hwy 61 n, white bear lake, mn 55110) to be diagnosed. A cause for the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.
TL* the contact owned a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed the vehicle independently drifted into the right lane and the contact correct the vehicle driving back into the left lane. The vehicle then started to sway in and spun out of control colliding with the guardrail. The contact stated the air bags failed to deploy. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance as she sustained whiplash and bruising. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was unknown. The manufacturer nor local dealer was not notified of the failure. *Dt*jb*dt*jb
I scraped the underbelly of the gas tank and the metal plate protecting the gas tank has fallen off. It was very rusty as well.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of inadvertent air bag deployments (IABD) occurring after the recall remedy for NHTSA recall 12V-527 had been installed on recalled model year (MY ) 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty and MY 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).The recall was in response to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) investigation EA12-001 during which data provided by FCA indicate that the air bag circuitry inside the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module can degrade. ORC degradation can result in an inadvertent air bag deployment, without a crash or impact, while the vehicle is being operated.An IABD may involve frontal, side and belt pretensioner devices, and may result in injuries consisting of burns, cuts and bruises to the upper body region, and or the potential for a loss of control and or crash.The remedy FCA developed for 12V-527 consisted of installing an in-line jumper harness with an integrated electrical filter for the circuits that connect to the air bag modules (squib circuits).This filter is intended to eliminate transient electrical spikes to the ORC which FCA asserted are responsible for the IABDs.ODI has identified a total of 9 NHTSA complaints across all affected vehicles indicating an IABD event occurring after the vehicle had previously been remedied under 12V-527.In addition, FCA reported 12 additional complaints of post-remedy IABD events. The IABD events took place both while driving and while the vehicle was stationary. Six customers incurred injuries consistent with air bag deployments however no crashes were reported.As a response to this investigation, FCA has issued 2 new recalls involving the IABD.On January 27, 2015 FCA notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (15V-046) to remedy potential IABD events occurring in 753,176 MY02-03 Jeep Liberty vehicles built through 03/28/03 and MY 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles built through 5/23/03.Note that this recall, which was scoped based on field IABD events does not include all MY 2003 Liberty or MY 2004 Grand Cherokee manufactured with the same level ORC module.According to FCA, the ORC degradation and subsequent electrical overstress condition that causes the air bags to deploy inadvertently is not fully remedied with the filter installed during the 12V-527 campaign.To remedy IABDs under 15V-046, FCA will install a new design ORC module using a next generation electrical architecture.The next generation architecture has been used in other non-subject vehicles for many years without evidence of IABD events occurring.In addition to this recall, on October 15, 2015 FCA advised NHTSA that it would conduct safety recall 15V-673 to remedy potential IABD events in the remaining 284,089 MY 2003 Jeep Liberty and MY 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured with the earlier generation ORC module that were not previously recalled.FCA initially did not recall these populations due to the lack of known IABD events.However, FCA is now aware of 7 IABD events occurring in this population. After consultation with ODI regarding the long term durability and noise toughness of the earlier ORC architecture, FCA decided to recall this population also.The recall actions initiated by the manufacturer address the safety risks identified by the investigation.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10622092, 10629705, 10619008, 10618842, 10626762, 106404
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
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.
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.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.