Comments: 1-15, 16-20
I purchased the vehicle new, but immediately noticed that the brakes did not seem to operate properly. Several conditions ranging from high pitched squealing to abnormal anti-lock brake activity occurred.
For instance, at every stop, a loud screech would sound causing other drivers to look around expecting to see someone unable to stop. It sounded as though the brake pads had worn completely down somehow so I brought the vehicle in to the dealer for a look. After an inspection I was told that this was caused because the brake pads were new and that the squealing would go away soon. It did not. It actually got worse and I brought it back several more times. I was finally told that the brake pads were constructed of a metallic fiber and I would have to live with the sound. I asked why my vehicle was the only one that made such a horrible noise, though and was told that some pads can be louder than others and there was nothing they could do.
My real concerns came when the vehicle started to vibrate when applying the brakes. This problem became more and more intense with time and occurred after about 10,000 miles. I brought it in again to find that all four brake rotors were warped. I was told this was not covered by warranty because it was a wear and tear problem and I had to pay for the replacement. I asked if I could expect to get more than 10,000 miles out of my next set and the dealer actually told me that Jeep rotors are notoriously bad and that I may only get another 10,000 miles. He suggested I pay extra to install upgraded rotors which should last much longer and had a 10,000 mile warranty. I reluctantly did. Unfortunately these rotors lasted exactly 13,000 miles at which point I had to have them replaced again at my cost. The vehicle only had 23,000 miles on it now and was on its third set of rotors, which the dealer insisted was "normal" for Jeeps.
Some other problems I continue to experience are as follows: When applying the brakes, if I go over a bump in the road, the vehicle's anti-lock brakes will kick in and the vehicle will stutter and skid a bit causing me to briefly lose control. Even though I've asked the dealer to look into this, they tell me they cannot find any problems with this. I also had two occasions where I applied the brakes and they did not work at all. I then had to pump the pedal to get them to work. This problem was rare and I was unable to duplicate it for the dealer so they insisted they could not repair it if they could not duplicate it.
Also unrelated, I have had repeated problems with the side view mirror memory function. The mirror continues to lose the memory setting and drift out and away, which is more of an aggravation than anything else.
Just as my 36,000 mile warranty ended, the leather-wrapped steering wheel disintegrated.
The Jeep has lots of power and is fun to drive. It is also very comfortable and I think the design is beautiful and very well thought out.
I just wish the brakes were not so scary.
I also own a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and it also had warped disk brakes. The steering column also had to be replaced at 700 miles and is beginning to go bad again. On top of this, the transmission now has to be replaced at 45,000 miles. I am fed up with this vehicle and looking for anyone who has had similar problems with their "new" automobile.
I am about to replace the pads in my 2000 jeep gr ch ltd. I'm pretty sure that I'll have to replace the rotors based on what I've heard from other owners.
The unique problem this jeep has had is when pulling up to a stop sign, or almost all the time when you're under 20mph, the rear end bucks. I pulled up to a stop sign once and actually thought someone hit me in the rear end. I have had it in three times, the second time I duplicated it for the mechanic and they said they fixed it. Well, it still does it and I'm thinking it's a transmission problem rather than the rear axle.
Anyone else experience this problem??
I've had my 2001 Grand Cherokee for about a year now (bought it used). I put over 25k miles on it (it originally had 29k miles) and the brakes always squeaked as though I was driving a bus or taxi whenever I stopped. It's become shake, rattle and roll when I stop the truck indicating I have warped rotors. My last car, a Benz 190E, also experienced this. Anyway, I'll probably bite the bullet and pay the $600+ and get new rotors and brakes thrown in. Perhaps some carbon fiber pads will be better?
I have a 1999 Grand Jeep Cherokee with 46000 miles on it.. Everytime I'm driving at 50mph or above and then start to break, the stearing wheel shakes like there is no tomorrow.. Just brought it in to see what was wrong... Problem is worn rotors... Estimate they gave me was $870!!! UNBELIVEABLE!!!
I own a used 2001 Jeep Grand Limited (24k miles) and part of the deal was to fix the warped brakes which I noticed during the test drive. They fixed them and 5000 miles later it started surging again. I took it to a different dealer and they told me the first dealer only replaced the brake pads. So, everything was replaced and get this... This repair is listed as a technical bulletin and not a recall - but you need to ask the dealer to find it. Everyone out there should be eligible to get it fixed for free. Go for it!!
The other problems I'm going to the dealer with today - the memory on the side mirrors have a mind of there own and the radio will sometimes (1 every 2 months) go out for a split-second - causing the clock to go back to 12:00 but the radio memory still works.
I've had a 2000 Grand Cherokee LTD4WD since Dec. 1999.
Never been off road. Never towed anything. My wife drives it and treats it extremely gentle. At 5000 miles had to replace front brakes and rotors...warped. At 15000 replaced pads and rotors...warped. At 25000, same thing.
37,000, again. 50,000 again. Its never been off pavement.
Jeep and I went round and round over the front alignment.
It was out of specs. Ended up having to put offset ball-joints on. (within 15,000 miles) they said it was not covered under warranty. Front ring and pinion had to be replaced at 22,000. Luckily they said that was covered.
Twice the Serpentine belt has thrown and left us stranded. Front driver door and back door same side locks stopped working...650 bucks to have fixed.
I'd hate to know that I had to depend on this truck, no, this piece of sh-t to go off road.
Do your self a favor... DO NOT BUY A JEEP.
Unless you love to spend time and money at the service department.
David.
I have 108,000 miles on my 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee and I have experienced brake problems the entire time. I have to get new rotors or turn them about every 15,000 miles.
I also experience problem when I am braking and driving over a bumpy surface. The anti-lock brakes take over and cause me to be unable to brake for 3-5 seconds. This caused me to have a minor accident two years ago.
Other problems include air conditioning cooling problems, a hole in the exhaust manifold, and rear-end noises from the axle.
The extremely frustrating thing about this brake problem is that although I would never buy one of these overpriced, poorly designed, and wasteful things, I have no control over all of you driving behind me. And at least you people making comments here are addressing the issue and paying attention. What about all the poor slobs out there who don't have the money to get them fixed, or don't care? Jeep should be ashamed (or better yet, sued), because a problem like this is EVERYBODY's problem!
Most SUV owners don't care. That's why they're always 3" OFF YOUR BACK BUMPER!!! AT LEAST WHEN THEY'RE NOT BLOCKING THE LEFT LANE REFUSING TO BUDGE ABOVE 120-130 KM/H.
I once had a guy in an Explorer who would NOT move out of my way until we had reached 180 km/h, while he yapped on his CELL PHONE. This is typical of these idiots.
Brakes?, what's brakes?
I own a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. We bought it used in 2002 with 29,000 miles on it. The mileage now stands at 48,000 miles. In the two years we have owned this Jeep we have had to have the brake rotors replaced every 5,000 miles! You guessed it, they are warped every time! Chrysler refuses to admit that there is a problem. They actually had the nerve to suggest that it must be my driving habits, that I must ride the brakes. That really sent me over the edge.
I also have the same problem with the drivers side mirror not holding its memory. For the longest time I thought I just wasn't capable of setting it correctly, but now I know after reading the previous comments that it is not me! Power locks on all the doors have also gone out.
The big problem though is the constantly warped rotors. I now understand why the original owners got rid of this car!
Add another one to the list: 2000 Grand Cherokee with 38,000 miles. At 25,000 miles front rotors warped and were changed. At 37,000 miles, front rotors warped and changed again.
Service manager says he has continuous line of Jeep GC's coming in with warped rotors. Can't believe that Chrysler hasn't stepped up to the plate to admit this. It does, however, make my decision on what vehicle not to buy in the future a little easier.
I also have a 2000 Jeep GCL I bought with 47K miles. I have 52K and have noticed the rotors are warped. I checked at the auto parts store and replacement rotors are $60 each. They list composite and forged rotors within $5 of each other and I believe the composite is OEM which is steel covered aluminum which would explain why the rotors warp. Would like to know if anyone has switched to the forged rotors and had better life results.
I have owned a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee since it was new. I have also had to replace the front brake rotors many times. I have found the rotors to warp between 10,000-15,000 miles. I currently have 78,000 miles on it. I have to be very careful about having my tires rotated and balanced. Many times the air guns they use apply too much pressure and warp them rotors. I always demand that they hand tighten the lug nuts when putting the wheels back on the vehicle. I replace the rotors myself when they need it. I get them for $39 a piece at Auto Zone Parts. This is only a little more than having them turned. It takes me about 20 minutes per side. I remove the brake calipers without taking the pads out. I replace the rotor and then put the calipers back and then put the wheel back on. Again, all of this in less than 20 minutes per side. Since I am doing it myself, it is costing me less than $100 to get smooth brakes again. I can't stand having my steering wheel shaking.
I write this in response to the last comment, but it applies to all of you. Spend the initial money on a really good set of rotors, crossed drilled or slotted performance rotors and then forget about ever needing to change them again.
I have a 2001 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LTD 4.7 V8 that I bought new. It now has 64k miles on it and the dealer said I have about 20% brake pad left on the front and 40% on the rear. I have NEVER replaced them or had rotors warp. I'm wondering if the wheels on some of these jeeps are overtightened. I've always used the same tire company to change my tires and wonder if they torque them per specs and therefor keep from warping the rotors? It should be noted that I drive, well VERY aggressively. So I can't think I'm babying the brakes by any means.