Jeep Grand Cherokee

stopdk1

my god, i just picked mine up yesterday. i had not seen this site before. needless to say i have not had problems yet, but from the looks of this board i better get ready.

can anyone tell me what i should be on the lookout for? from the sound of it, seems like brakes, feul pumps, funny noises and window motors. does that about cover it?

i think i'm going to be sick now.

ibmfred

Currently own 2 JGC's, bought new. A 94 and 96, with 110k and 106k miles. Have hauled our 3500lb boat each season. 4 wheeled our brains out while spending a few years building a lake house. The 94 needed a fuel pump at 97k. Other than periodic tires, batteries and brakes, no problems, none. My sister's got a 96 JGC with over 130k miles. Catalytic converter and A/C evaporator replaced recently. No other problems.

OK. it sounds like the 99's are garbage. Are owners of 2000's and 2001's JGC's reporting reliability problems? Or can we assume these are new enough that they just haven't started to have problems?

knottd

I've had my 2001-JGC (V8) for about 1 month. I just noticed the other day, about every 20 seconds I hear a thumping noise when sitting at a stoplight with my heating system on? Probably a fan kicking on, but the noise is annoying none-the-less. Anybody else have this or know what I'm talking about???

joannk

I have a '99 JGC and had similar crunch sound over speed bumps, etc. Dealer lubed the bushings...problem continued...Dealer then replaced the sway bar. No more crunch. But it has only been 200 miles since.

rb123

I currently own a 99 grand Cherokee and have had a couple problems, but that was the first year for the redesigned model. Before that I had a 98 and never had a problem. I know that some people have had a lot of problems with there 99's and 2000's, but I think the 2000's were a lot better,And I think for 2001 most everything has been corrected. know several people that have grand Cherokee's and have had no problems and love them. got the v-8 in mine, but that six is a great engine. So good luck with your new vehicle

mac2002

I have a 2000 Grand Cherokee Ltd, 2WD, V-8 on lease. I love this thing. I have only put 4700 miles on it, but not a single problem. Anyways, my friend really would like to buy out my lease, in which case I would probably buy the same thing but the 2001 model. The seats in the 2001 are a big improvement! I may consider the 4WD, but don't really need it. It seems the problems that I read about on this board usually are from owners of the 4WD models, i.e., drive shafts, differentials, etc. Any ideas? Also, anyone think that by late summer, that the dealers/manufacturer might increase the rebates, or promotions? I calculated on autoweb.com a Sticker price of $34,720, and invoice of $31,615 for a 2001 GCL 2WD, V-8 with CD Chgr, Heated seats, Sunroof, and Full Spare. Then they give an Estimated Market Price of $32,930. I hope to pay less than this. I probably would pay invoice, but would love to get it for less than invoice. Thanks, Mac

rgiorgio

Go to carsdirect.com. They are giving these things away.

livetodrive

My 2001 JGC v8 with Quadra Drive now has 6,500 miles on it and is running like a top. It has not had any problems since it was new. It has no rattles or other annoyances. I think the quality for 2001 is much improved over recent years.

kenmor

Our Grand Cherokee was t-boned while doing 15 mph in a parking lot by a Lincoln doing 10 mph. The force of this minor impact resulted in our Jeep rolling on to its roof and being totalled. Fortunately, I wasn't hurt as I was wearing my seat belt, but the rollover did cause the front passenger roof to cave in. A passenger would have been in serious trouble, as any driver without a seatbelt. I want to make other JGC owners aware of just how unstable this vehicle is and also ask if anyone knows if there are any pending actions against Chrysler and/or compensation packages for this problem. We all know rollovers are more common in an SUV, but being hit at 10mph and this happening is criminal in our book. The Lincoln only had minor bumper damage and their air bags didn't deploy (they do at 15mph!).

leo948

click on the link to msg #67 from this thread. it's a decent deal from carmax. i guess i was lucky that there's one here in town (orlando).
leo948 Jan 12, 2001 2:10pm

good luck

livetodrive

Let me try to understand your situation. You were broadsided, apparently on the driver's side with a force strong enough to cause your vehicle to roll over. I am sure you understand the vehicle simply responded to the laws of physics as it rolled over. You walked away unscathed, and yet are quite upset with the vehicle. It sure shows how far we have come in our expectations of auto manufacturers. Anyway, if my JGC starts to roll over, I'll try to remember to duck!

loach

I posted this message in the "can't decide which SUV to buy" forum and didn't get much response, so I figured I'd go right to the owners for comments. I'm sure most of you in this forum will be biased toward the GC, and that's fine. I'd like to hear your comments about my dilemma:

I've been shopping mid-size SUV's for the past 6 months. I'm in a position now financially where I can make my move, but the title of this topic fits my situation pretty well. I've driven the Tribute, Escape, Santa Fe, Pathfinder, Grand Cherokee, Rodeo, and Highlander. I was impressed with all of these vehicles to one degree or another, but without going into all the details about why, I've pretty much narrowed the field to the Pathfinder SE and Grand Cherokee Laredo. I'll admit right off that after driving both this weekend, I think like the Grand Cherokee better, but my practical side tells me to go with the Pathfinder. Pricing's not much of a factor if I decide to go w/the V8 GC. The 1.9% financing on the GC brings the payments right in line with the 3.9% on the PF. I feel the GC is a more comfortable vehicle for me, and I'm used to Chrysler products. The little things like the tilt steering wheel control, longer armrest console cover, no step bar to get my pant legs dirty, etc. fall in the GC column. However, the 1999 reliability problems of the GC scare the hell out of me, and the crash test results seem to favor the PF as well. Surprisingly, I thought the Grand Cherokee rode smoother and handled better, despite the solid axles front and back. I'm looking for comments from other Edmundites - do I go with what I think I want and hope the reliability has improved enough since the '99 debacle, or do I go with my practical side and sleep well at night with a Pathfinder in the garage?

isoman

I'VE HAD MY 2000 GRAND CHEROKEE LARADO FOR 17 MONTHS HAVE PUT 10,000 MILES ON IT AND HAVE NOT HAD ONE PROBLEM WITH IT. I HAVE THE V8 AND WOULD SUGGEST YOU GET THIS. THE POWER IS FANTASTIC AND I GET BETWEEN 16-18 IN TOWN AND A LITTLE BETTER ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE THE QUADRA DRIVE AND THIS WORKS GREAT ON SNOWY SLIPPERY ROADS.THE ONLY THING THAT BOTHERS ME SOMETIMES IS THE VISIBILITY. THE REAR WINDOW IS SMALL AND THE FRONT CORNER POSTS LIMIT YOUR VISION. OTHERWISE IT HAS BEEN A FANTASTIC TROUBLE FREE VEHICLE.

levent2

Jarrod4, I've also sent a request asking about this JGC.....haven't had a response yet. They seem to be rare but I did see a couple of notes out there, in Town Hall, warning about this engine. I don't know if it's an isolated incident but they tend to overheat because they were shoehorned under the hood, require the additional air intakes in the hood and the question I have to ask is "why were they discontinued?"

I saw one, a '98 with 38K miles and it was in great shape, asking $21K. I like the idea of the 5.9 but after seeing the comments in Town Hall, I'm not so sure.

poolguy1

We have a 96 AC that with 70k miles that has had only a few problems, A/I Evaporator replaced, Sway bar replaced, and now the Infinity CM radio has quit. The Jeep has a message center displaying the date and time on the floor console, and the minutes are set by setting the clock on the radio unit. I would have an after market radio installed, but I don't know if the clock on the message center could be set to the right time without a factory radio unit. Has anyone had any previous experience? All in all it's been a good vehicle, and my wife loves it, so it makes my life a whole lot easier!

drjo

I'm considering a 2001 JGC, and notice the upcountry package is priced the same as the total price of 3 other options: skid plates, AT tires, and full size spare. Upcountry however, also includes gas shocks. Any opinions on whether that's clearly the better deal, or whether it's a trade-off between off-road performance and the on-road ride?

kojak74

My 98 I-6 was fine until I had it tuned at 30,000. A few hundred miles later, the check engine light came on when I started it and it would not go out. I took the Jeep back to the mechanic--everything seemed fine except for the light. He ran diagnostics (NC) and reported that I should take the Jeep back to the dealer to get the computer software updated. Since the light was out and it ran fine, I did not bother. A few weeks later, repeat performance. I am skeptical that something in the tune up and fuel injection cleaning didn't cause this. Should I bother going to the dealer? If so, should I have to pay to have the computer flashed? I am out of warranty.

sdk18

I bought my 95 GC Laredo 6 as a gold key lease program vehicle in 97. Since that time, I have not spent one dollar on anything but regular maintenance and tires. Bought with around 20k miles and will go over 100,000 this week. I haven't driven it lightly either. I tow a boat all summer with it, which occasionally involves half burying the wheels in Lake Erie sand while launching the boat. It has never let me down. My wife wants me to trade it in for something "nicer" which I think means QX4, RX300 or the like. I laugh when I think about those vehicles launching the boat. If you plan on using your car for anything remotely associated with 4WD, get the GC.

bobforman

Let us know what you decide. I too have narrowed my search. However, I'm leaning to the Pathy because of its superior nav system. I'm thinging this might be a toy but it might also be the wave of the future. Even though the Pathy has more HP, with the V8 the JGC seems to have the edge on acceleration. The Pathy does have excellent reliability but both a good dealer networks.

mark156

Hi Folks, I pop in on this site occasionally and report about my JGC. I have had mine for 26 months/28,000 miles with no problems other than the drive-train that has been replaced twice and now works fine. At 18,000 miles I had the front rotors resurfaced and no further problems. Other than that, I really enjoy the Jeep. I just go in for regular maintenance. My tire wear is very even and they still look almost new. If I had the problems that some others have had I would be upset too. Actually, I have several friends with Jeeps and they are having good luck as I am. Personally, I don't anyone who has had major problems. (of about 10 people I know with Jeeps)

Happy Jeeping, Mark

tonychrys

"I have had mine for 26 months/28,000 miles with no problems.... other than the drive-train that has been replaced twice and now works fine. At 18,000 miles I had the front rotors resurfaced..."

Every other message in this forum starts off in a similar same way. It is not normal to have to replace the the drive train twice in most cars with under 30k miles.

Anyone ever hear the psychology term "rationalization"?

ccg7

Does anyone know what type gas mileage difference could be expected between the standard 3:55 and the tow package 3:73? DC is giving me a trade but there is a tow package on the new vehicle. I don't think I like having the lower rear end.

rinkinkin

I haven't been here for a while. Now has 11000 Km since Sept 2000.
Changed front rotors at 7500 Km
city mileage : 13 m/g

Still solid as a rock

one minor glitch though : my headlights flickers uncontrollably in the morning, whether in auto or manual mode. Any reason?

no other problems ..touch wood

leo948

i'm averaging 16-17 city/23 hwy for my '01 jgcl 2wd V8 w/tow pkg IV. with so much bottom-end torque available, moderate use of the go pedal gets me around town quite nicely and there's still tons of power in reserve to get me out of trouble. on the hwy i stay in the 70-75mph range.

i hope this helps..

mark156

Tonychrys, believe me, I'm wasn't very happy that the drive-train had to be replaced twice. Now that it has been done, it runs fine now; the bad memory has begun to fade. I love the looks and handling of the Jeep so that's why I'm not too upset I guess. I can accept small infractions from a dealer and their product if they take responsibility for the defective parts and treat the customer well. The dealer treated me great and that made a big difference to me. I've have purchased cars of just about every make and model and EVERY car maker can have glitches. My 2000 Mercedes E430 sport has been flawless (9,600 miles). Hopefully, some of the Mercedes influence will seep into the Chrysler products.

Mark

tonychrys

I realize that every vehicle can have problems, but every other post in this forum is about almost the same problems. Over and over and over. DC simply dropped the ball when it came to putting this vehicle into production and used it's consumers as guinea pigs while they worked out the kinks.

I almost bought a JGCL a couple of months ago, I had it ordered. As soon as I started reading this forum and looked at all the crash test ratings, I quickly canceled the order. Thanks, but no thanks.

To each his own...

mark156

Tonychrys, I bought my Jeep in Dec. '98 when they first came out. My '96 Jeep GC Ltd. ran great after 3 yrs. and 36,000 miles, so I thought I would be safe with the new design. It's a shame that Chrysler let the flaws come to market. But, you did the right thing. Chances are you could have gotten great vehicle but I would react the same as you, I wouldn't take a chance.

Also, you have to realize that in forums like these, the unhappy customers a have tendency to overpower the happy customers which is normal. Happy customers, by nature, don't usually voice their opinions as loudly. So, the numbers can be skewed when you consider the volume of Jeeps sold.

what did you end up buying or are you still looking?

Mark

tonychrys

I ended up spending more and getting a loaded RX300 AWD w/Nav. I could have got the loaded JGCL for about $32.3K at the time.

I admit I REALLY wanted to get the JGCL, I like the looks and interior features offered. But in the end, safety was my primary decision. I can't even believe for a supposedly "high-end" SUV that was just redesigned in '99 that you can't get side-airbags. Plus the IIHS off-set crash tests were another deciding factor.

If I was doing any "serious" off-roading or towing then the JGCL becomes a better choice. The V8 has some great torque and Quadra-drive is one of the best off-road systems around.

seqlady

Only thing worse than having problems with a new car is having the dealer tell you it's your fault. My '96 JGC had terrible rotor problems (my fault, according to the dealer)...fortunately, it was leased and I could unload it after 3 years. With the new design and looks for '99, I felt confident that the brakes would be dependable (wrong again, rotors replaced twice in 16,000 miles). This time we bought the car and I'm eternally grateful because we were able to unload it without waiting the full 3 years! NEVER AGAIN! Going from Jeep to Toyota is like getting a cast taken off your leg...you know, you get used to limping and hobbling and think you're doing pretty darn good considering.......then, voila! You're walking normally again and you realize that what you thought was OK really isn't. I'm very disappointed in Jeep and especially the dealer, who really can make or break it when you have a problem.

rivergirl

Mtalk-
I saw your message about your 96 JGC having problems shifting into 3rd gear when it is cold. My 96 Jeep is experiencing the EXACT same problem. I took it in to our dealership today and they want to overhaul the transmission to the tune of $1400. We're going to get an estimate from another transmission shop but we're also thinking about dumping it and buying a new car. I'd be very interested to hear what you've learned about this problem.

stopdk1

I just bought the JGCL v6 so consider the source. I had narrowed the choices down to these two vehicles as well. I do wish that the jeep scored better than it did on the crash tests. but I feel more and more now that how a driver reacts is the most important factor in crashes. with such a reproducible crash simulations it is very easy to stack the deck in your favor, and crash ratings that are higher can lead to a false sense of security. JGCL SHOULD have side air bags though--big oversight.

it got to be the little things, like not having to remove the rear headrest on the jeep to fold down the seats--pain in the [non-permissible content removed]-- stuff like that.

but I chose it mainly because the dealer in the area has an impeccable reputation for dealing with customers. no matter what car you buy, you will have to deal with these people.

I have to belive that you can get a much better deal on the JGCL than the pathfinder. i live in Connecticut and bought the V6, F package, with leather, sunroof, heated seats, full spare, and infinity system for $27,100 plus tax and tags(dest. incl.). the pathy cant touch that. it seems that in this area at least, a lot of dealers are swapping the dealer and customer incentives. customer gets 2,000, dealer gets 4,000. when they switch you get the 4K they get the 2K. they make less per car, but they sell a ton more cars in the process. they don't sit on the lots that long, so they get all 3% on hold-back--pretty smart! they really are giving these things away, plus we have had a lot of snow up here, so people are really buying them up.

so see if you can swing a deal like that, it will make up your mind for you.

firemandavid

I am looking to buy a 95 JGCL. It seems to be a realy good deal.I love the looks and power to tow my boat. Does anyone have a 95 model that could tell me if this is a good vehicle for towing a boat and if it is reliable. I realy dont know what to do. i havent heard much about them but that i do see a lot of them for sale. I dont know if that is good or bad.I realy cant afford to have another lemon in my driveway.

mark156

Stopdk1, if your Jeep is a '99 or newer, you don't have to remove the headrests when you lower the back seats. The headrests can be tilted forward when you push the button at the base of the headrest. Just push the button and pull the headrest forward; it's very easy. My '96 headrests had to be removed but not the '99.

Mark

caseys2

I just sign to buy JGCL for $31,300 (that includes destination charge). It seems like we got the simular options except the sun loop.

I thought I got the good deal, but after I read you post, it looks like I paid too much. Can you let me know what options you got and what kind of incentives (for example rebates) you got ? I just want to compare the price between two cars.

Thanks in advance.

kwyllie

Starting with a note to STOPDK1. You have either an I6 or a V8, not a V6. Thank goodness, since the V6 they were putting in Jeeps earlier in the 90s was not a good engine, in my opinion.

I've owned 4 Jeeps over the years. Two Cherokees, two Grand Cherokees.
Five problems:

Windshield washer motors break, to the tune of $80+ a pop
Electric window problem
Stupid motorized antenna quit working
Rear seal leak, fixed on warranty
Rebuild for the rear-end in the current (1998) JGC, common problem if you read this forum, fixed on warranty

My current 1998 JGC I6 is an excellent vehicle. Last summer I moved up from a tent trailer to a 21 foot travel trailer. I tow the new trailer up and down the mountain passes here in Oregon with no trouble. Last August I pulled the trailer to over 7000 feet in the Steens Mountains of SE Oregon up steep, washboard gravel and dirt roads. My speed was limited by the washboard, not the car, although there was some loss of power as we gained altitude.

I need more torque though, for travel in the mountains at highway speeds. I want to move up to a V8, but I'll wait another year and see what happens with DC before I buy another Jeep. Given the good record of the Jeeps I've owned, I'm willing to take a chance if DC survives and attempts to correct the problems we read about in this forum. So to you folks buying the new ones, keep us informed.

rbrubaker

My wife has a 2000 JGC Limited. She tore leather while tilting the headrest to put the rear seat down. The dealer replaced it put told her to read the owner's manual for the proper way to tilt the headrest. Well, the owners manual doesn't specify how to do it, but I'll tell you how not to do it.

Do not tilt the headrest first and then push the headrest down in to the seat. You will tear your leather.

So far so good with the vehicle. The transmission does hesitate when accelerating from about 5 mph periodically. Anyone else have this feature? (I6/2wd)

Bob

backtojeep

I had a 93 JGCL 4x4 for nearly 7 years. I put almost 200,000 miles on it without a hitch (just timely maintanance). These were not all highway miles either...My wife commuted 35 miles daily into downtown Atlanta (so if you've been there, you know what kinda traffic I'm talkin about). Anyway, we got a Camry in 99 because, due to my constant traveling, I did not want her driving a car with that many miles on it. Well, the Camry was a tank (extremely reliable) but we really missed our JGCL.
So I just picked up my very own 2001 JGCL Laredo 4x4 I6, tow package, cd/cass. I could not be happier with the vehicle.
I have a tough time believing the JGC is as bad as some are making it out to be. Let's face it, every car maker is gonna put out a "dud" unit every now and then (it's a fact of life). Before I bought, I checked into the Ford Expy & Explorer, the Lexus RX300, the Montero Sport, Tahoe, Xterra, Mercedes SUV, (get the point??) Anyway, if you visit any of those town hall meetings, you'll find people dumpin' on what they bought too. My soon-to-be ex-brother in law had a beautiful 98 limited v8 4x4. He complained about it all the time, but he was an idiot (would constantly stomp the brakes, then complain when he had problems with them).
Anyway, I'll be a "stand up guy" and I'll occasionally post a message (whether good or bad)and let the nay-sayers know whether they were wrong or right in my instance.
Well, with that...I'm outta here!!

lithium69

Does anyone know where i can get clear corners for my 1999 Grand Cherokee? Or if you have them please send pictures to iiilithiumiii@aol.com

bmart418

I purchased a 2000 Jr Cherokee Limited V8 last January. Overall, I'm impressed with the truck's acceleration and ride. However, terribly unimpressed with repairs. I needed new rotors at 12K and 16K miles, now fading again with 25K miles. Dealer told me it was my driving... not the case. New to this site, so any similar complaints? Secondly, my speakers on Left intermittently cut out while DC changer is playing. First trip to dealer: "unable to duplicate." Second trip, replaced changer with no resolution. Any suggestions?

rhetor

Had to have rotors resurfaced at 7000 miles -- and, of course, the dealer claims it is my driving, or just something one has to deal with in an SUV.

Clearly there is a design flaw. My questions are below.

Please, since several people are more or less asking this same question, could someone take the time to respond?

1. What can I do about the problem (e.g., with the dealership or DC)? The Lemon Laws probably don't protect me, since there aren't other problems (knock on wood). But the brake warranty is 12,000 miles, so if the pulsation/undulation re-occurs, it's going to start costing me. What steps do I take?

2. Do SUVs, because they are heavy, get less life from rotors/brakes? Or is the dealer full of it?

3. At what mileage would one ordinarily expect to have rotors machined?

4. How much life did it take out of my rotors to have had them machined already?

harry0

I had my rotors machined four times and replaced twice. I was told it was the way I drive and that just one PANIC stop will damage the rotors.I told the service dept that I didn't recall any panic stops and asked if anti-lock brakes would prevent rotor damage during a so called panic stop.I'm still not sure what the answer was. They also said I probably drove threw a puddle with hot rotors. My rotors go bad about every 5000 to 7000 miles. It's quite a thrill going off a exit ramp on a highway. The vibration in the steering wheel and front end is severe when I apply the brakes.
The brakes are just part of a long list of problems with this lemon. The loud clunk when I put it in reverse is another. I also get some sort of thump in the rear end when I am sitting at a red light. Some times it will stall for no reason. I also get some sort of hum in the drive train area when I go over 50 mph.
I was told these are all common with a 4x4 Jeep and that I was driving a truck not a Lexus. They also told me if the hum really bothered me I should just turn up the radio. There should be a warning label on these things..CAUTION DRIVING THIS SUV WILL LEAD TO INCREASED BLOOD PRESSURE AND STRESS...
This car was a lease and I still have 7 Payments on it,but I just threw in the towel. I bought a Toyota 4 Runner Limited on March 1st. I am really happy with the 4 Runner. There are no funny noises and it drives great.My Jeep will sit in my drive way for 7 months then I will just turn it in.
Consumer Reports Magazine Auto Issue just came out and said Jeep reliability has been among the worst they have seen.

mp19fan

I'm just about finished w/ my 3 yr lease, whew! Just like seqlady said, it's like getting a cast taken off. I just bought a full size 2001 Montero LTD, and the thing is rock solid and very quiet in the cabin.

I had many similar problems: loud clunk when shifting into reverse (dealer said this was normal), pulsating rotors when braking, the front tires feeling like they're oblong when turning corners in 4WD full-time (maybe a front differential problem, but dealer says this is normal), misc. creaks and rattles coming from the dash which the dealer couldn't duplicate (gee, surprise), and a weird thing with the transmission, where the rpm's would sometimes increase, like the tranny is about to downshift, but never does. Only during slight acceleration where it seems to be in between gears (i.e., when going up a very slight incline on a freeway).

Like I mentioned before, I'm glad I'll be turning this Jeep in in a couple of months. Problem is, I leased a '95 and had nothing bad to say about it.

And another thing, when I leased the '98, I asked my salesperson if he knew of any interior/exterior changes to the JGC for '99. You can guess what he said. This was in May of '98. If I'm not mistaken, the new ones rolled in around Aug. Shame on me for not researching, but I'll never recommend that dealership again. --Jimmy

bmart418

I got a Golden Retriever and a fiancee and thus traded my 98 Corvette for the aforementioned Grand Cherokee...what a mistake. I bought mine 2 months after my Mother bought one...before any problems surprised us. She has 11K miles on hers and when I drove it 2 weeks ago, that old familiar front brake rubbing was there! She took it to the dealer on Monday. Surprise! "the brakes were fine." I have been attempting to trade-in for a new Volvo XC but can't afford to do so yet because of the rapidly and ever-declining value of the car. But now when I read the Volvo responses, some are not any better! I have no "panic stops" nor do I ride the braks. Essentially, all highway miles. I don't understand why there has not been a recall or correction of the brake problems with all of our complaints.

leo948

i understand the problem but IMHO i wouldn't consider a vehicle a 'lemon' just for poorly chosen rotors. so far i've got about 3500mi on my jgcl with no vibration yet but when i do start to experience it, i'll be upgrading the rotors (and probably pads too while i'm at it) to some PowerSlot, Brembo, or Baer ones. i'm always looking for articles about jeeps/suvs on the web (customizing, etc) and it seems that a brake upgrade is almost always tops on the list (for all suvs, not just jeeps). check out http://www.trucktrend.com and go to the 'modified' section. i personally don't think it's that big a deal to the spend ~$170 to get some quality rotors.

just my .02

seqlady

Puruse this site and you'll see that Jeep has a long history of rotor problems:

<http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/>

My '91 Cherokee had the rotors recalled

My '96 Grand Cherokee had the rotors replaced once and they were in TERRIBLE shape when the lease was up (the entire vehicle shook uncontrollably)...I thought the re-designed '99 would be better (wrong!)

The '99 Grand Cherokee had rotors replaced twice, and then I had to call the 800 number at Chrysler for the 3rd repair....since I had never gotten the full 12,000 miles out of a single set of rotors, it was obviously a defect and should be covered under warranty! They agreed, but I realized that this was an ongoing problem and would be one of many in the months to come. The Jeep had to go, and I am thrilled to be rid of it! I don't buy the "driving habits" as a cause of rotor problems....I've never had a problem in another vehicle that I've owned...also don't buy the SUV theory...we had a 1989 4-runner that NEVER had brake problems in 135,000 miles. The only affordable way to own a Jeep (and to keep your blood pressure at safe levels) is to get rid of it before the warranty is over!

leo948

i can empathize with your situation. when you had the rotors replaced, did you replace them w/mopar(jeep) parts or a different aftermarket set? it seems that your 4-runner had a quality set of rotors straight from the factory. the point i was trying to make w/my earlier post was that it seems the stock jeep rotors aren't up to the task and shouldn't be replaced w/same, rather with an upgrade.

rinkinkin

My 2000 GCL had the front rotors replaced at about 5000 miles and I am afraid the 2nd set is coming. Other than this , my Jeep is problem free.
Earlier, I read an posting here there are some top quality aftermarket rotors , can anyone please let me have the link to that website or contact?

leo948

you can do a little research by checking out:

http://www.brembo.com

http://www.powerslot.com

for some consumer reviews of the above:

http://carreview.com/reviews/brakes/product_2344.shtml

for a short installation article:

http://www.gr8ride.com (search for 'powerslot')

if you'd like pricing (this is just one site i've found that carries the powerslots):

http://www.truckperformance.com

that's should be enough to keep you busy. i'll probably get the powerslots since they're bolt-in, cheaper (the brembo kit goes for ~$3k), and they actually use the bare brembo rotors for their products. i can't give you any 1st-hand experience with them but they seem like a great deal.

mjk6

I just been to the dealer with my jeep, said the rear axle is ready to go, $2,000 to fix it.
I spoke with Chyrsler while i was still at the dealer asked why this has happened, only
55K and i had it servised by a dealer like that owners manual says. The dealer called back and said the field rep. offered to pay for half the parts, iwould have to pay the other $732 while the
dealer would absorb the labor $400. Does anyone have any suggestions what i can do. I
plan to call chrysler on mon., the field rep. mentioned, there were no complaints on my
vin. number previously about this problem soooooo they will only do 50/50.I appreciate the
dealer working with me but chrysler should pay for all the CHEAP parts.
Thank you for any information.

ewilliams2

Hey Folks... Well, I was looking to purchase a 1998 JGC Laredo (V6,4x4). After reading these posting, I'm a little nervous... to say the least!!!! Does anyone have anything good to say about the JGC? Consumer Reports rates it as a reliability risk with an emphasis on poor Electrical, Integrity, Hardware, and Brakes... all of which have been talked about in posting on this sight. Still, I'm struggling... probably caught up in the mystique of the JEEP name. Any suggestions? Should I run for the hills?