Faults:

Just yesterday, my driver's seat started the "rockin' n' knockin'" that everyone else here has described. For giggles, I dropped by the nearest Jeep dealership to see what exactly was wrong with it, as I thought it was the reclining lock that was going out. However, as soon as I mentioned the rocking motion, the serviceman knew exactly what was wrong with it. Kinda makes you wonder how he knew so quickly without even having to look, huh?

Anyway, it appears that the bolt that holds the rail to the PLASTIC seat frame pulled through on the left front side. I asked if this could be welded back, and he said that the plastic they use would not hold the weld very well, and said that it would have to be replaced (of course). I received a quote of $181.00 for the new PLASTIC seat frame, and a quote of about $300.00 for the labor.

Don't know about you, but I'm sure that I can put up with that annoying trouble spot for two weeks until I can drive to my father's house to jury-rig a fix, based upon one or two ideas.

1. I can fashion a six to eight inch steel plate to fit on the inside of the frame, to sandwich the plastic frame between the steel plate and the rail, and have the bolt go through the steel plate. If that doesn't work, then...

2. I'm going to get some heavy gauge steel wire, braid a few strands, and strap the frame (maybe even the spring frame) down to the base. In the four+ years that I've had the vehicle, I've never moved the driver's seat. For folks that have more than one driver for the vehicle, this could present a problem.

I have also taken the liberty of submitting a complaint to Jeep.com describing my problem. Whether or not I'll get a boiler plate reply is unknown at this point.

Otherwise, my Laredo has performed fantastically. Except for a few other minor issues, I couldn't be happier, and as of right now, I'm certain to buy Jeep again.

Faults:

The transmission sensor went out, then the ignition broke, preventing the key from turning.

The radiator came apart and flooded the transmission with coolant (as the coolant passes through the radiator).

The Electric window just fell down the door, and the electric locks stopped working right before I had to go on a trip, so I would lock the tailgate with an "S" hook and a piece of rope.

The door covers both kept popping out until I drilled holes in them, and added sheet metal screws. The brakes were also a big problem.

I bought the extended warranty which doesn't pay for crap. My synopsis of a Jeep extended service plan is this. "If you are driving down the road and the engine falls out of your Jeep, Jeep will replace the motor mounts free of charge. Of course you will have to pay the $72.00 per hour for one of their incompetent mechanics to install them. That is if you were stupid (like me) and bought their extended service (rip off) plan. I have had two Jeeps - My first and my last, both the same vehicle.

General Comments:

This car would have been better as an artificial reef.