1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo review from North America
"Super Lemon"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Transmission went at 43,000K; luckily was still under warranty.
New brakes were done at 44,000K including new rotors by non-dealer auto repair place. When the vehicle was taken in for a transmission noise (still under warranty), the dealer replaced the rotors due to a recall. The dealer didn't tell us that the recall was for the rotors so the rotors that were replaced were only 1 month old and were an aftermarket rotors. The new rotors and the aftermarket brake pads didn't get along and made a loud squeal when the brakes were applied. The dealer wouldn't fix the problem because the brake pads were aftermarket and the place that did the original brake job tried turning the rotors, but then referred the problem back to the dealer because the brakes worked fine before the dealer replaced the (new) rotors. After numerous discussions with the dealer management and escalation up through the regional reps, we got reimbursed for the brake job rotors, but then had to pay to get new brake pads that would work with the OEM rotors.
The transmission whiny noise (remember the thing that started the brake rotor problem above) occurs when the car is cold, but will eventually stop after the car has warmed up. The dealer at first "could not hear the noise" and so after several times back to the dealer, we took the vehicle in early in the morning for a test drive and then the noise could be heard. However, the dealer was not able to figure out what was causing the noise so for now (3 years later) we find that if you just turn up the radio a little louder in the morning it's not as noticeable.
Oxygen sensor went at 52,000K.
Headlight relay stuck so the headlights wouldn't turn off.
Interior light relay stuck so interior lights wouldn't turn off.
Rear Differential and Axel at 91,000K.
Blower motor electronics replaced.
Front and rear trailing arm bushings need replacing.
And, for some reason, when you get out of the vehicle you get an electrical shock.
General comments?
This vehicle is basically used for around town driving and once a year tows a small tent trailer.
Very expensive car to keep going.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.0L 6 Cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 2 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 4 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 88330 kilometres |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Astro |
| Date of Entry | 17th September, 2002 |