2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited review from North America

The front differential was found full of shavings at 48000 during fluid change. Extended warranty replaced the differential.

The climate control module was found defective at 48000. Extended warranty replaced the module.

The heater blend door broke at 50514 miles for the passenger side. A TSB indicates this to be a known problem due to a poor design for several model years and lists part numbers for a redesigned unit. I had to pay $908 for this repair, as the blend door was not covered under extended warranty.

I had a water pump fail, I replaced it myself rather than go through the warranty hassle. With a $100 deductible, why bother?

The 10 disc CD changer is a piece of junk. I am quite within my right to say this, as I was a factory authorized professional consumer electronics servicer for many years. The changer hangs frequently between cd swaps. It is of course not under warranty.

Now, I have a defective Vari-lok rear differential (69000 miles). The assembly is on national backorder since Dec 21 2005, no reliable delivery date yet. I am told by the dealer the entire rear axle assembly must be replaced due to the housing warping. The housing is aluminum. In my opinion a dumb move for a vehicle which has factory trailer towing package and is used off-road.

The driver side leather seat is showing significant pressure point wear at 69000 miles.

The driver side seat heater has failed at 69000 miles.

I also have a defective cooling fan control module (hydraulic driven from the power steering pump) which is waiting on replacement due to the rear differential being on back order. (Extended warranty issue. Both are on the same claim, so the dealer cannot do the repairs separately).

I have contacted the dealer several times, the dealer has talked to the field rep. I have talked to Chrysler corporate twice thus far on this, and it is my humble opinion that Chrysler could not care less about customer service.

This vehicle is serviced every 3000 without fail. It is used, but not abused.

I get 20 mpg on the open highway with the 4.7L at interstate speeds.

Overall, the Grand Cherokee is a great vehicle. Sadly the track record is not so good from a reliability standpoint.

The vehicle handles well, and is very capable off road. (well, it was until the varilok unit failed. Now it acts like an open-spool differential and quite noisy). I am a bit disappointed that Jeep did not see fit to use a true Dana 44 rear end instead of the aluminum version this Jeep has.