This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
While driving on the highway, smelled an awful smell, like rotten eggs, pulled over and stopped and then smoke started flowing out from under the hood. It was towed to a dealership, then told axle shaft damaged, all bearings damaged, differential damaged, rack and pinnion (sp) also damaged, coming to $1700 in replacement parts.
My front differential needs a major overhaul again. This will be the second. It was replaced at 21000 miles and now, less than 40000 miles later it needs to be replaced again. I have contaced the manufacture and they refuse acknowledge any type of design problem. Since I have exceeded the mfg warranty, they don't want to have anything to do with me. I researched in NHTSA and have found numerous similar complaints. This is becoming costly.
While traveling at approximatley 65mph a load knock and vibration began in the front of the car. I pulled of the road and nothing appeared to be leaking so I continued. Everything seemed to be alright until the steering became loose and a terrible smell started to come out of the differential. The differential apparently has overheated and began to release the oil onto the engine block. The dealer mechanic first thought the problem was the cv joints and axles, he replaced them for $500. The problem continued! then he replaced the hub and bearing assemblies when a noise, consistent with the vehicle speed started. That was another $500! I have now spent $1000 and the problem is still not fixed and apparently this is problem many Jeep owners have encountered. It is time they fix this problem!
After the vehicle has been run on the highway for approximately 30 miles, the transfer case locks up, making it very difficult to make any turns. It is scrubbing rubber off the edges of the tires, and the transfer case makes a racheting sound when attempting to turn. I wrote DaimlerChrysler customer assistance on July 18, 2000 but have not received any reply from them. This is the second failure of this component, the first at 17167 miles on 07/09/96. This vehicle is not safe to drive over 25 miles until I get this problem corrected.
Airbag failure on impact twice, brake component failure 10 separate times, water pump failure at 50,000, differential noise and failure at 65,000, manifold cracked, motor mount, and transmission mounts failure at 74,000
- Bakersfield, CA, USA
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Failure of full time 4- wd power train resulted in $3900 damage and fire. Real axle and differential, front differential, and transfer case had to be replaced. Dealer and Jeep, Inc said problem due to different brands of tires on car with minute variations in size determined by measuring with a measuring tape -- although all were correct size as indicated in the owner's manual. Consumers need notice of this unreasonable risk.
The rear end/differential of the vehicle caught fire while driving. Review by dealership where towed to so far indicates no apparent parts failure in the rear end, although there may be something wrong in the front differential and/or transfer case, and becasue full-time 4WD, may have contributed. Regardless, dealership in fairfax, va, where bought, did not identify problem when taken for service twice in proceeding two-threee months w/complaints regading the front end "binding" during turns. Fire was cooking the gas tank, happily, a fire extinguisher was available to put out the fire before the car burned up. Fire dept (gettysburg, pa) did follow-up extinuishing, etc. Police on the scene. Reported here because I've heard differiantial failure not uncommon for this vehicle, and the fire under the gas tank was certainly is a major hazard. (I had three kids in the car, one in child seat). Jeep supposedly initiating a "third - party investigation."
Vehicle had caught on fire due to grease in differential that had boiled and released a plug, causing explosion and fire. There was a primary concern of the location of gas tank and differential which were close together. Prior to this incident, consumer had taken vehicle into dealer 3 times with problems in driveline, but dealer couldnt deterime cause of defect.
When the spare tire is used, while in 4- wheel drive mode, front differential overheats, and the vehicle gets stuck in 4-wheel drive. Manufacturer has been notified. A recall has been issued on similar Explorer's. however, this vehicle was not included. Manufacturer was not notified.
Vehicle began making tinny growling noise that got louder with acceleration. Brought to dealer. Advised frt differential, pinion bearings, seals and axle boots failed at 70 mph. Frt differential rebuilt. Including all pinion bearings, side bearings, seals and axle boots.
All the bearings in the front differential keep failing causing excessive noise and vibration. This has happened about 5 times. It started around 35,000 miles.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Warren, MI, USA