Comments: 1-15, 16-18
Several loud rattles have developed within the interior.
Brake rotors are warped with only 10,000 miles on it.
When you let off of the accelerator pedal, the transmission clunks loudly. I have not yet taken in for service for this issue.
Seats are prematurely cracking, even though I apply leather conditioner weekly to them.
I had a 2000 Grand Cherokee Limited that I bought brand new in 2000. The problems that I experienced are as follows:
Brake rotors warped twice in 20,000 miles.
Brake pads had to be replaced when they turned the rotors.
Gas tank started to leak, a new tank had to be installed.
Rear transfer case leaked three different times. Dealer could not explain the cause.
Drivers side seat heater malfunctioned.
Drivers side power lock malfunctioned.
Our 3rd Jeep was a 2004 Gr. Cherokee Overland purchased new July 2003. By July 2004, with pitted wheels that the district mgr would not address, and an air conditioner that NEVER WORKED, we reluctantly traded. On a very hot day I even drove for an hour, took the car back to the dealer and challenged anyone in there to drive the car and tell me it was OK. They acknowledged a problem, but after 2 days, we got the car back WITHOUT the A/C working. When you spend $41,000 on a vehicle, you expect the basics to work. It is also embarrassing. Either we had a true lemon or the dealer just could not work on A/c. It is not worth the trouble to keep going back. We miss our Jeep, but the A/C in our Escape works great!!!
Jeeps are beautiful looking cars, with great off-road capability and a long list of standard features for the money. I bought mine brand new in 2001 because I try to buy American when possible.
What I quickly realized was that I don't do 5% of the offroading I daydreamed about and the laundry list of problems I've had with the car have cost me a fortune. The dealer always plays dumb and has a surprised look on his face. I tell them, "don't look surprised, this is my fifth trip back in 25k miles." Reliability has been a nightmare. The final insult is the trade-in value because no-one wants to buy a used Jeep and incur someone else's problems. I finally chalked the whole experience up for a loss and told the Toyota dealer "give me what you'll give me." I'll tell you right now that Jeeps are like boats, the two happiest days are when you buy and IF you manage to sell. My 4runner is like riding on trusty clouds. Mmmmm...
To the writer of the last comment.
I know that everyone is entitled to their opinion, however
your opinion about Jeeps is garbage (to put it kindly).
I've owned a number of them over the past 20 years, and
never, NEVER! had an issue with reliability.
I am on my 3rd Jeep. Started with a 1987 Cherokee laredo, top of the line from AMC back then. Went 280,000 miles little to no problems. The next was a 1994 Grand Cherokee limited it is my primary vehicle at 204,000 miles with original unrebuilt drive train intact. Still it is not burning oil, has never seen a warped brake rotor and is totally dependable. Out in my garage I have a 2004 Overland because I did not want the soccer mom suspension, small windows, and 'apply-the-brakes' traction control from the Alabama Benz that Daimler designed into the 05 model. Use a Torque Wrench (85 ft.lbs) on lug nuts and you won't have warped rotors. Jeep doesn't want you to apply leather dressing to the seats, yours cracked, mine didn't...hmmmm! Drive sanely, maintain the vehicle and it is a great buy. In Dec 2003 I paid 32,000 + tax for a loaded Overland- only options missing adj pedals and an engine heater. 42 grand?? > you paid WAY too much!
To the above listed comment:
I know you've had many more problems than your admitting. I too owned 2 Jeeps, my first a 93 JGC Limited and the second a 2000 JGC Limited, there will not be a third jeep.
Too many problems plague this model and I've seen the same thing over and over. It doesn't matter if it's a 93 or a 2005, though I admit the list grows as they get newer and newer.
I think that Jeep owners should boycott Daimler/Chrysler and demand they sell the Jeep line/name/trademark to a manufacturer that cares about Jeeps history-Before Jeep becomes extinct.
I'm on my second Jeep and will continue to buy them!
My first was a 1998 Laredo TSI -- loved it onroad and off. Sold it Feb '05 for $6k. Never had any issues, or leaks, and it was (still is) a strong vehicle.
In September '03, I bought the 04 Overland... LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! It's just hitting 30k miles, and I still haven't had any issues. I don't expect to, either.
:)
I would just like to say that I own a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the inline 6 engine, and after 5 years of ownership and 90k miles, I have not had any trans problem or engine problems. The only problem I have had is with the brakes. Went with raybestos brakes and haven't had a problem since. Would I buy another Jeep, sure would:)
Bought my '93 Grand Cherokee Larado 4x4 in '95. Itlooked better than new!! After all these years, these are the things that now need fixing: short in radio - antenna drops when playing... just tap the dash & it goes up again; dash warning sign says back lights are not working, but they are... glitch in sending device, windshield wipers will not go on in high mode, catalytic converter rattles, can't open passanger side door with key without setting off the alarm. I get 16-17 mpg city & 23-24 mpg freeway on regular. Except for these items, the car runs great, and looks like new. Forl ess than $3000 I'll get another 100,000 miles out of it. Was offered a 2004 Overland with 30,000 miles for $25,000. I think I'll take the extra $22,000 and buy a mutual fund. Why take a chance? right?
I bought my first Jeep, an'04 Overland, in July '03 loaded and with Navigation, for 35,000.00 (after rebates).Love the style and the powerful acceleration. It took a while to get used to the"busy"drive train feel from the full time all wheel drive, but learned to appreciate the all weather peace of mind.30,000 miles later, No rattles, leather is great and, everything still works just as new, brakes, trans, All options!Only complaint was the chrome plating on the inside of the rims pitted and peeled and the emblems were getting dull. One stop at the Dealer and they were replaced under warranty!Not too sure about the '05 style, but I'll probably be keeping this one for a while anyway!
I have bought three new Grand Cherokees since 1998, and have been pleased with all of them. The first was a Laredo SE 4WD with in-line six and select track transmission, which gave wonderful service until it was totaled after being hit and rolled in an accident January 2003. The only problems in five years were a $50.00 speed sensor, a catalytic converter replaced under warranty, and the heater in the leather driver's seat.
In April 2002, I bought a new 2002 Limited 4WD with the 4.7L engine for my wife to drive. It had a bad fuel injector which became apparent within the first month and was replaced quickly and free under warranty. The front brakes developed a vibration, and those were replaced free under warranty after 15,000 miles. Other than that, we have had no problems at all in 42,000 miles.
After rolling the 1998 Jeep, I bought a new 2003 Overland in January of that year, and the only problem with that vehicle in 30,000 miles was the CD changer, which was replaced quickly and free under warranty. One comment on the Overland, recent experience has demonstrated how much improvement a different set of tires can make in the handling. I replaced the stock Goodyear SRA's (which still had 10K miles or better of life left in them) with some Yokohama Geolander H/T-S tires, and the traction and reduced body roll is dramatic. The Michelin Cross Terrain Tires on my wife's 2002 Limited are also very good performers.
All of my Jeeps have had leather interiors, and I have never had cracking or other problems with the material. I have never had a pitting problem on any of the alloy wheels, but then I clean the brake dust off of them occasionally.
I like Jeep Grand Cherokees and have watched them closely since the early 1990's. My brother bought a new 2005 Grand Cherokee with the 5.7L Hemi last week and we will see how this newest version does. So far it is pretty impressive. However, it has been my experience with all the generations of the Grand Cherokees that Jeep seems with every new model to give some nice new features while taking away some good ones, and the 2005 models are no exception.
I am pondering where to go for my third set of rotors and new brake pads on my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Special Edition with 25,000 miles. The first set lasted 9,000 miles. The dealer told us when the first replacements were installed that Chrysler knew they had a problem with the rotors warping. I was told if it happened again, Chrysler would make it right. Well, it happened again! The story goes something like this: "Too bad, warranty is for 12k/12months, regardless of pre-existing condition."
This can't be good public relations. When a reputable company knows they have a part with bad quality, they normally go back to the supplier and make it good. Our rotors were so bad they couldn't turn them down either time.
As to carrying a torque wrench and tightening lug nuts myself, I wouldn't know one end from the other. That is what the mechanics in a supposed 5 Star dealer get paid for - right? Wrong!
I love my Jeep, but I can't afford it's problems. No more Chrysler products for me. I'm going back to Honda and Toyota for my next SUV or car or truck.
I have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with 12,000 miles the a/c has quit along with the passenger side electric window motor and the check engine sensor had to be replaced also the brake rotors are warped... this is my first and last jeep product I'll ever buy... for the cost it's not worth it...
I have a 2004 Grand Cherokee Laredo. I have 20,000 miles on it, no problems at all. The ride is great and if you are actually going to use it off road there is no other way to go. I love Jeeps, but I did get the extended warranty.
Jeeps I owned; 62 CJ 5, lasted forever,.. 74 CJ 5 with the V8, a monster,...80 CJ 7, still on the road today,...85 Grand Wagoneer, 89 Cherokee (my Blizzardmobile, went everywhere, did everything),... 94 JGC, same personality as the 89, still running strong, Had other real 4X4's including an underpowered, puke Japenese truck. The only vehicle that came close was my 77 K5 Blazer. Would I buy another Jeep? What do you think?
Well..I have had a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with all options including the Up Country package. Ill have to say that I love the vehicle...BUT...the tranny went out (3rd and 4th gear slippage). I take excellent care with all the vehicles I have owned. Changing oil at 3500, flushed transmission every 30,000 miles, etc, etc... so you can imagine my frustration and disbelief when the tranny went out. AND, there was no warning.. no sign of slippage, etc.. except one day.. it just happened. Now, I'm having to put a rebuilt tranny.. and not a mopar, because I can't afford that one.. two grand more than the $2500 one I'm having to put in. I don't know...I'm pretty upset about it all and not sure if I am going to get another Jeep down the road or not.