Oil pressure sensor (changed under warrenty}
Wow with all the negative comments on the WJ Grand Cherokee wonder if I should sell quick. For some strange reason (based on other reviews) we have been almost 100% satisfied. We now have 28000+ miles and have had only two minor problems, but then we shouldn't have problems with a quality vehicle in that few miles. It is not an economy car by any means, but doesn't do bad for a 4400lb vehicle with a small V8 and full time 4WD. We are on our first set of brakes. Rotors are starting to show wear and pads will most likely be due replacement by this time next year. I personally feel that is totally acceptable. I do my own maintenance of which to date has only been routine oil changes, rotate tires, etc..
Only problem We've had with Jeep is the Oil Pressure gauge quit working giving a check gauges light, 0 indication on gauge and deep concern by me. I called our Jeep Dealer they told us to look for obvious reasons for the light / low oil pressure. Lack of oil, Major leak or physical damage if we found none it would be safe to drive to the dealer, about that time the gauge came back to life. We took it to the dealer and they changed the sending unit under warranty.
My only real negative to the Jeep is / was the factory tires are down right dangerous in anything but dry road conditions. We live in the Upper of Michigan and get more than our fair share of WINTER driving conditions. I finally got rid of the OEM tires this fall. They still had lots of tread left (7/32) but I had come to think of them as down right dangerous in bad weather, poor off road capabilities, Heck they didn't even get decent traction on a wet boat launch. After replacing the OEM tires with Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor the truck now performs as a Jeep should in snow, slush and off road. I don't know why Jeep would put such a wimpy tire on a "Trail Rated" vehicle. I can only guess that maybe Jeep feels a majority will be sold to soccer Moms and never see off road or real winter conditions. The others will just have to buy better tires.
Overall a very positive experience so far. Sure hope I don't end up with some of those problems other years / reviewers have had. At least I know what to look out for.
About your concern on reputation, it's often undeserved. Lack of maintenance is the bottom line. Watch for oil seal leaks, witch is the cause of premature wear on diffs and transfer case. Otherwise it's a run forever machinery, with above average structural stiffness. I own a 99 that ride and drive like new.
37,000 mile update.
Still no problems with truck. It is a new machine with the Good year silent armor tires. Sticks to slick roads like glue. Goes through deep snow like a Jeep should. Wish I would have gotten rid of the factory tires the first winter.
Discs and pads still OK at last inspection. Only flaw I should mention it requires a fair amount of expensive scheduled maintenance. I'm glad I do my own so only have to pay for fluids etc. I have the full time 4wd so the tranfer case fluid / diff fluids run $15+ a quart. Plugs were changed as scheduled and did show a fair amount of wear for the low mileage (My last vehicle a GMC Jimmy the plugs still looked good at 100,000 miles).
Over all still very satisfied with truck.
55000 (+ 14000 towed behind motorhome with active braking system) mile update.
Still satisfied with the Jeep. Just replaced the front brakes. Totally satisfied with service life. Just developed a problem with drivers door power locks. Does not work with remote or inside switch most of the time. Haven't had time to check it out / get it checked out yet.
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