1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee

1,638 federal complaints (2,319 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 5 federal investigations · 171 service bulletins · 9 Canadian recalls
See all 38 model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee →
Engine
4.0L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 19 hwy
Federal complaints
1,638
Recall campaigns
4
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Brakes
727
Power train
464
Glass & wipers
179
Engine & cooling
151
Seats
94
Electrical system
94
Fuel system
90
Air bags
84
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 268 complaints01 years old: 217 complaints2 years old: 182 complaints3 years old: 104 complaints4 years old: 115 complaints5 years old: 73 complaints56 years old: 49 complaints7 years old: 59 complaints8 years old: 58 complaints9 years old: 52 complaints10 years old: 33 complaints1011 years old: 29 complaints12 years old: 29 complaints13 years old: 20 complaints14 years old: 27 complaints15 years old: 19 complaints1516 years old: 19 complaints17 years old: 10 complaints18 years old: 10 complaints19 years old: 2 complaints20+ years old: 6 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 1,381 of 1,638 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 49 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 44 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 79 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 77 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 60 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 56 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 63 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 37 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 24 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 22 complaints200,000+ miles: 16 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 527 of 1,638 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Brakes

727 complaint records1 fire report14 crash reports
"THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CLOCK SPRING. *JB *NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Power train

464 complaint records78 crash reports
"ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS VEHICLE JUMPED INTO REVERSE FROM PARK. ENGINE WAS ON. PLEASE ADD ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Glass & wipers

179 complaint records3 fire reports2 crash reports
"HVAC BLEND DOOR FREQUENTLY DOES NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY CAUSING VISIBLE ISSUES WITH THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA12005
opened Jun 2012
closed Nov 2014Fuel System, GasolineCrash Related Fuel Tank Fires - led to recall 13V252000
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak...
PE10031
opened Aug 2010
closed Jun 2012Fuel System, GasolineCrash Related Fuel Tank Fires
NHTSA has conducted extensive analysis of the data regarding fuel tank integrity for the model year (MY) 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (JGC).
DP09005
opened Nov 2009
closed Aug 2010Fuel System, GasolineFuel Storage System Crash Related Fires
In a letter dated October 2, 2009, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned NHTSA to open a defect investigation and recall model year 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees.CAS alleged that the subject vehicles have defective fuel tank storage systems that...
EA01017
opened Nov 2001
closed Dec 2002Power TrainROLL-AWAY IN REVERSE WHEN PARKED - led to recall 02V053000
DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS RECALLED THE ZJ MODELS TO INCORPORATE A SECONDARY DETENT SPRING INTO THE SHIFTER.EVEN THOUGH THE WJ 6 CYL.
PE01021
opened Jun 2001
closed Nov 2001Power TrainINADVERTENT ROLLAWAY IN REVERSE PARK

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
02V104000Fuel System, GasolineON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L ENGINE ONLY, THE DESIGN OF THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS COULD ALLOW DEBRIS TO ACCUMULATE AT THE #3 CYLINDER LOCATION.Normally free
01V119000Seat BeltsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO.Normally free
00V034000Seat BeltsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT SHOULDER HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE TURNING LOOP (ATL) TOP MOUNTING BOLT WAS INADEQUATELY MANUFACTURED.Normally free
98V276000Seat BeltsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT RETRACTOR SPRING CAN DISENGAGE FROM THE REWIND MECHANISM, DISABLING THE RETRACTOR FUNCTION, AND PREVENTING THE BELT FROM FITTING SNUGLY AROUND THE...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2013222
2013-06-26
Structure62,760Chrysler Canada has determined that an opportunity to incrementally improve performance in certain types of low-speed impacts may exist in certain vehicles.
2002074
2002-04-17
Engine43,127Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a 4.0L engine only. The design of the intake and exhaust manifolds could allow debris to accumulate at the #3 cylinder location. This could result in a vehicle fire.
2001134
2001-05-24
Seats And Restraints10,930Certain vehicles fail to comply with requirements of C.M.V.S.S. No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." The front seat belt retractor may not work properly, it therefore will not adequately protect occupants in the event of a crash.
2000143
2000-06-29
Brakes47,393On certain vehicles originally retailed in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces, the composite front disc brake rotors may fail due to corrosion.
2000103
2000-04-17
Airbag18,949On certain vehiclces, water and/or road salt in the proximity of the air bag control module may lead to corrosion.
Show 4 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2000045
2000-02-28
Seats And Restraints17,530On certain vehicles, the adjustable turning loop on the shoulder belt top mounting bolt may have been manufactured with a core hardness that exceeds the specification for this type of application.
1998232
1998-11-24
Seats And Restraints1,041On certain vehicles, the rear outboard seatbelt retractor spring could disengage from the rewind mechanism, disabling the retractor function which prevents the belt from fitting snugly around the occupant.
1998226
1998-11-20
Emissions143Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1101 - emission device. The wrong vehicle emission control information label (veci) may have been installed.
1998215
1998-11-09
Emissions134Certain vehicles may not comply with CMVSS 1103 - exhaust emissions. The spark plugs on these vehicles may fail due to loose centre electrodes. Plug failure may result in exhaust emissions in excess of the regulations.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms.
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
3100619
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
SB-N47
Sep 2015
Equipment1999-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE REAR STRUCTURE PERFORMANCE MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING CERTAIN LOW SPEED REAR COLLISIONS ON AFTERMARKET TRAILER HITCH *CN
N47
Sep 2015
Trailer HitchesThe aftermarket trailer hitch on about 1,443,000 of the above vehicles may adversely affect the rear structure performance during certain low speed rear collisions. Vehicles equipped with a trailer hitch must be inspected and replaced if required.
23-014-15
Apr 2015
EquipmentChild Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability.
9002849
Sep 2014
StructurePart Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA.
9002901
Jan 2014
Power TrainPart Description: Seal - Shift Shaft on RFE transmissions Issue Description: This seal (04799346) is replaceable with Seal Kit (68235551AA), which includes a seal and retainer. The Seal Kit is applicable to all (5)45RFE transmissions.
N47062013
Jun 2013
Trailer HitchesNew CSN Advanced Communication ? N47062013 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a Customer Satisfaction Notification (CSN) on 1999 through 2004 Jeep® Grand Cherokee vehicles.
0803006
Aug 2006
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *KB
2100903
Oct 2005
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTIC TEARDOWN PROCEDURE. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 RAM TRUCK, DURANGO, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, CHEROKEE, VISION, NEON, AND VOYAGER. *TT *SC
2101505
Sep 2005
Power Train45RFE/545RFE TRANS - DELAYED ENGAGEMENT DUE TO COOLER RETURN FILTER REPLACEMENT. *SC
2401305
Aug 2005
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COOLING COIL ODOR. *TT
0801505
Mar 2005
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC
0200204
May 2004
SuspensionA SQUEAK OR SQUAWK-LIKE SOUND MAY BE PRESENT IN THE FRONT OR REAR SUSPENSION. *TT
2300904
Mar 2004
StructurePOPPING OR CLICKING-LIKE SOUND IN AREA OF FRONT SEAT FRAME. *TT
2400104
Jan 2004
VisibilityNEW HVAC SUB-ASSEMBLY REPLACES BLEND OR RECIRC DOOR COMPONENTS. *TT
1803103
Sep 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling4.0L ROUGH ENGINE IDLE AFTER RESTART FOLLOWING A HOT SOAK. *TT
0300203
Aug 2003
Power TrainFLUID WEEPAGE PAST REAR AXLE VENT LINE JIGGLE CAP. *TT
1900303
Aug 2003
SteeringPOP/TICK SOUND IN STEERING WHEEL AREA. *TT
0900303
Aug 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling4.0L MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE. *TT
2301503
Jun 2003
StructureWIND-LIKE SOUND AT TOP REAR CORNER OF FRONT DOOR. *TT
0801103
Apr 2003
EquipmentREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) FOB ONLY OPERATES AT CLOSE RANGE ON DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE. *TT
07
Feb 2003
Power TrainRECOMMENDED STEPS TO CONFIRM THE SAFE AND PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARK POSITION ON THE VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *TT
010103
Jan 2003
Power TrainNV247 TRANSFER CASE - GPOP - ISSUE REVIEW SYSTEM. *TT
0500302B
Dec 2002
Service BrakesFRONT BRAKE PULSATION DURING LIGHT TO MODERATE BRAKE APPLICATION. *TT
0300302A
Oct 2002
Power TrainCUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF A HIGH-PITCHED REAR AXLE WHINE SOUND COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. *TT
02013
Aug 2002
Unknown Or OtherCUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION WHERE THE PANIC ALARM FOR THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) SYSTEM TRIGGERS WITHOUT ANY CUSTOMER INTENT TO TRIGGER THE ALARM. *TT
0300302
Aug 2002
Power TrainCUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF A HIGH-PITCHED SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR AXLE OF THE VEHICLE BETWEEN 55 AND 70 MPH (88-112 KPH). *TT
2100202
Jul 2002
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING REVISION IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES AND LABOR OPERATION TIMES FOR RE TRANSMISSIONS. *TT
1802002
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherFLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
0500302A
Jun 2002
Service BrakesSUBJECT REGARDING FRONT BRAKE PULSATION DURING LIGHT TO MODERATE BRAKE APPLICATION. *SLC
2302002
May 2002
StructureNEW REPAIR PROCEDURES WITH SEPARATE LIFTGATE LATCH MOTOR AND COMPONENTS. *SLC
1900502
May 2002
SteeringSUBJECT REGARDING STEERING HONK ON 4.0 L AND 4.7 L LHD GRANE CHEROKEE VEHICLES. *SLC
0500302
May 2002
Service BrakesSUBJECT REGARDING FRONT BRAKE PULSATION DURING LIGHT TO MODERATE BRAKE APPLICATION. *SLC
2301502
Apr 2002
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *SLC
0800702
Mar 2002
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *SLC
1801202
Feb 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING COLD START RPM FLARE. *JG
0800401B
Dec 2001
SeatsON SOME VEHICLES THE HEATED SEAT MAY BE INOPERATIVE DUE TO AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE SEAT CUSHION HEATING ELEMENT. *TT
01028
Dec 2001
Electrical SystemADVANCE SERVICE INFORMATION INVOLVING INOPERATIVE BODY CONTROL MODULES (BCM). *TT
1900801
Nov 2001
SteeringEXPERIENCING A POP/TICK SOUND HEARD COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AREA WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. *TT
0800401A
Nov 2001
SeatsA CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE THE HEATED SEAT MAY BE INOPERATIVE DUE TO AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE SEAT CUSHION HEATING ELEMENT. *TT
1802501
Oct 2001
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH 2-3, 4-5, AND 5-4 UPSHIFTS CAUSING A POWERTRAIN CLUNK OR SHUDDER WHEN ACCELERATING. *TT
2302701
Sep 2001
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT
0300101A
Sep 2001
Power TrainSOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A POWERTRAIN RELATED SOUND WHICH MAY BE DESCRIBED AS FRONT AXLE WHINE. *TT
0500501A
Sep 2001
Service BrakesEXPERIENCING BRAKE ROUGHNESS OR PEDAL PULSATION WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *TT
1900301REVA
Aug 2001
SteeringSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HONK-LIKE SOUND WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS.*SLC
0500501
Aug 2001
Service BrakesCUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE A VIBRATION OF THE STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, SEAT, INSTRUMENT PANEL, OR A MINOR PEDAL PULSATION (BRAKE ROUGHNESS) UNDER LIGHT TO MODERATE PEDAL APPLICATION. *SLC
1900301
Jun 2001
SteeringSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HONK-LIKE SOUND FROM THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM, OCCURING MOST OFTEN DURING A RIGHT HAND LOW SPEED TURN, SUCH AS PARKING LOT MANEUVERS. *TT
0801001
May 2001
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT
1801201
May 2001
EquipmentSUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT
2400701
May 2001
VisibilityA CUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE COLER OR WARMER THAN DESIRED AIR TEMPERATURES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE HVAC SYSTEM VENTS. THIS CHANGE IN AIR TEMPERATURE MAY OCCUR GRADUALLY OVER TIME AND ONLY ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTOMATIC ZONE CONTROL (AZC) HVAC SYSTEM.
2500401
May 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES CAUSED BY AN EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM LEAK. *TT
2600501
May 2001
Unknown Or OtherTHIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CONTAINS BOTH UPDATED SELF-ADHESIVE SERVICE AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL PAGES AND UPDATE PAGES. *TT

Showing 60 of 171 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Jeep Grand Cherokee →