2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee

762 federal complaints (890 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 4 federal investigations · 80 service bulletins · 5 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
762
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.

Air bags
257
Glass & wipers
173
Brakes
74
Seats
67
Engine & cooling
60
Electrical system
59
Power train
37
Speed control
32
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: 44 complaints01 years old: 44 complaints2 years old: 39 complaints3 years old: 76 complaints4 years old: 72 complaints5 years old: 55 complaints56 years old: 45 complaints7 years old: 29 complaints8 years old: 27 complaints9 years old: 36 complaints10 years old: 83 complaints1011 years old: 53 complaints12 years old: 80 complaints13 years old: 29 complaints14 years old: 7 complaints15 years old: 12 complaints1516 years old: 6 complaints17 years old: 8 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 7 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 754 of 762 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 54 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 64 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 76 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 76 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 60 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 47 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 29 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 33 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 21 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 5 complaints200,000+ miles: 18 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 483 of 762 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.

Air bags

257 complaint records1 fire report18 crash reports
"2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR AIRBAG RECALL NOTICE 15V-046. *SMD..."- 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 air bags parts in the directory →

Glass & wipers

173 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"HEATER FAILS TO WORK ON ONE SIDE OF THE DASH CAUSING GREAT DISCOMFORT FOR THE PASSENGERS AND DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE. *JB..."- 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 →

Brakes

74 complaint records2 crash reports
"AT 18,000 MILES THE BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE. CONSUMER CONTACTED JEEP, AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER. *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 brakes 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
RQ14001
opened May 2014
closed Nov 2015Air BagsJeep inadvertent air bag deployment - led to recall 15V673000
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of inadvertent air bag deployments (IABD) occurring after the recall remedy for NHTSA recall 12V-527 had been installed on recalled model year (MY ) 2002-2003 Jeep...
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...

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
15V046000Air BagsChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, to March 28, 2003, 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, to May 23...Normally free
12V527000Air BagsChrysler is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, through March 28, 2003, and 2002 through 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001,...Normally free
09V117000SeatsCHRYSLER IS RECALLING 103,409 MY 2001-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES WITH HEATED SEATS AND WITH CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 06V-197 COMPLETED (03-04 MY) OR SEAT HEATER ELEMENTS SERVICE REPLACEMENT (01-02 MY).Normally free
06V197000SeatsON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HEATED SEATS, THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT ELECTRIC HEATER ELEMENT COULD OVERHEAT.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
2015040
2015-01-28
Airbag49,870On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbag, side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pretensioner.
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.
2012378
2012-11-09
Airbag45,433On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbag, side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pretensioner.
2009109
2009-04-14
Other5,000On certain vehicles, the front seat electric heater elements provided as a repair for recall 2006135 (Chrysler F17), or provided as an aftermarket service part, may overheat and cause a fire.
2006135
2006-06-08
Electrical5,877On certain vehicles, the front seat electric heating element may overheat and cause a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the heated seat elements with updated elements that feed back temperature to the existing control module to...

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
9100645
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherVerify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders: Warranty, Mopar, customer pay and service contract. Order "68" part number for New unsold units only.
101232
Oct 2024
Power TrainPlate - Planetary
9001784
Feb 2021
EquipmentMechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
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.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
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.
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.
9003215
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application.
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.
M3511082012
Nov 2013
Electrical SystemAdvanced Field Action Communication ? M3511082012 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on 2002 and 2003 model year (KJ) Jeep Liberty vehicles built through March 28, 2003 and 2002 through 2004 model year (WJ) Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles built through May 23,...
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.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
21-001-13
Jan 2013
Electrical SystemMIL Illumination - DTC P1776 Solenoid Switch Valve Latched in LR Position
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
0900205
Jun 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE OIL WEEPAGE AT THE ENGINE OIL FITLER ADAPTOR HOSE CONNECTION(S). *TT
05002
Apr 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingNEW WATER PUMP FOR 3.7L ENGINE - NO LONGER COMMON WITH 4.7L. ADVANCED SERVICE INFORMATION #05-002. *TT
2100905
Mar 2005
Electrical SystemMIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) ILLUMINATION FOR DTC'S (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES) P0750, P0755, P0760, P0765, P0846, P0871 OR P0841. 2004-2005 JEEP CHEROKEE AND 2005 CHRYSLER 300/MAGNUM *SC
0801505
Mar 2005
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC
1804504
Dec 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingWARM ENGINE ROUGH IDLE. 4.7L. *TT
1900504
Oct 2004
SteeringPOP/TRICK/CREAK SOUND IN STEERING COLUMN. *MJ *EH
2100804
Oct 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION -DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1776 SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE LATCHED IN LR POSITION. *MJ THIS BULLETIN REPLACES 21-008-04 DATED JUNE 1, 2004. *TT
2301004
Sep 2004
StructurePASSENGER COMPARTMENT FLOOR WATER LEAK. *TT THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES BULLETIN 23-010-04 DATED 04-29-04. *TT
0200102
Aug 2004
SuspensionSPECIAL BALL JOINT, ALLOWS ADJUSTMENT TO CASTER AND CAMBER ANGLES. *SLC THIS BULLETIN REPLACES 02-001-02 DATED 06/10/02. ALSO TO INCLUDE 2005 JEEP WRANGLER. *TT
0200204
May 2004
SuspensionA SQUEAK OR SQUAWK-LIKE SOUND MAY BE PRESENT IN THE FRONT OR REAR SUSPENSION. *TT
2300204
Apr 2004
VisibilityFLIP-UP GLASS MAY OPEN AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO VERY WET CONDITIONS. *TT *MJ
020199
Mar 2004
SuspensionSUSPENSION SQUEAK/SQUAWK - STABILIZER BUSHING. *MJ
2300904
Mar 2004
StructurePOPPING OR CLICKING-LIKE SOUND IN AREA OF FRONT SEAT FRAME. *TT
0900704
Mar 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingIRREGULAR ENGINE SNAPPING SOUND. *TT
2400104
Jan 2004
VisibilityNEW HVAC SUB-ASSEMBLY REPLACES BLEND OR RECIRC DOOR COMPONENTS. *TT
0800204
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemINTERMITTENT HORN CHIRP WHEN CUSTOMER ATTEMPTS TO ENTER OR UNLOCK VEHICLE. *MN
1900703
Nov 2003
SteeringSTEERING SHUDDER WHEN PERFORMING PARKING LOT MANEUVERS. *PH
2100803A
Oct 2003
Power TrainHIGH SPEED GRUMBLE SOUND. *TT
2500203
Sep 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingNEW EVAPORATIVE CANISTER INLET FILTER FOR USE IN SEVERE DEBRIS ENVIRONMENTS. *TT
1803103
Sep 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling4.0L ROUGH ENGINE IDLE AFTER RESTART FOLLOWING A HOT SOAK. *TT
2100803
Sep 2003
Power TrainHIGH SPEED GRUMBLE SOUND. *TT
0300203
Aug 2003
Power TrainFLUID WEEPAGE PAST REAR AXLE VENT LINE JIGGLE CAP. *TT
1802503A
Aug 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0110, FUEL GAUGE STUCK, IMPROVED COLD ENGINE PERFORMANCE. *TT
2100603A
Aug 2003
Power TrainTRANSMISSION HARSH 4-3 DOWNSHIFT. *TT
2100703
Aug 2003
Power TrainNEW FASTENERS TO PREVENT POSSIBLE 42RLE TRANSMISSION FLUID WEEPAGE. *TT
0600203
Aug 2003
Power TrainCLUTCH SLIPPING. 2004 CHEROKEE INCLUDED. *TT
0900303
Aug 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling4.0L MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE. *TT
2100503A
Aug 2003
Power TrainDELAYED OR TEMPORARY LOSS OF TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT AFTER INITIAL START UP ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 PACIFICA, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, SEBRING SEDAN, INTREPID AND 2003 SX2.0. *TT
1800503B
Jul 2003
Vehicle Speed ControlTRANSMISSION SHIFT/SPEED CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS/POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION. *TT
1802503
Jun 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0110, FUEL GAUGE STUCK, IMPROVED COLD ENGINE PERFORMANCE. *TT
0801603
Jun 2003
Air BagsNEW AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE OPTIMIZED FOR CURRENT AND PRIOR MODEL YEAR USE. *TT
0801503
Jun 2003
Electrical SystemINTRUSION ALARM WHEN IN ITS ARMED MODE MAY CAUSE A FALSE ALARM. *TT
2301503
Jun 2003
StructureWIND-LIKE SOUND AT TOP REAR CORNER OF FRONT DOOR. *TT
2301303
May 2003
StructureOPTIMUM ROOF RACK CROSS BAR POSITION TO PREVENT AIR TURBULENCE CONCERNS. *TT
1900103
May 2003
SteeringPOP/TICK SOUND IN STEERING WHEEL AREA. *TT *MJ

Showing 60 of 80 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. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  3. 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.
  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 →