10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
59,297 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments

problem #20

Jan 122015

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 15V054000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 7/21/15 the consumer experienced a problem with the radiator, heat sensor, brakes and tires. Updated 07/28/15

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #19

May 222014

Grand Cherokee

  • 154,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving various speeds, the check engine indicator illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer for diagnostic testing. The engine cooling fan relay switch was replaced four times. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #18

Apr 142013

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 118,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while bleeding the brakes, the cooling fan activated while the vehicle was off. The contact sustained cuts to the arm. The contact spoke with the manufacturer because there was a recall for the cooling fan under NHTSA recall campaign id number: 06V199000 (engine and engine cooling) but the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 118,000.

- Shamong, NJ, USA

problem #17

Apr 152012

Grand Cherokee

  • 107,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 5 mph, the temperature increased and the vehicle was close to overheating. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the fan motor was not functioning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing where the mechanic replaced the fan motor. The failure recurred twice after the repair. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #16

Mar 012012

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Consumer states major problems with engine and blown head gasket

- Ship Bottom, NJ, USA

problem #15

Jan 202012

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 114,000 miles
While stopped at a traffic light my Jeep started to accelerate and, even with the brake pedal fully depressed, surged forward. This has happened numerous times in the past week both at traffic lights and at stop signs, always while stopped. The rpms have increased to between 1,500 and 4,500. The Jeep dealer attempted to fix it on Tuesday, however the problem re-occurred on my way home and again with a mechanic in the vehicle when I brought it back. To date, the car is still at the dealer and has not been fixed.

- East Northport, NY, USA

problem #14

Jan 152012

Grand Cherokee

  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. The contact was driving approximately 50 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic where they advised the contact that they were unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and the current mileage was approximately 120,000.

- Topeka, KS, USA

problem #13

Nov 152010

Grand Cherokee

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 45 mph the vehicle stalled. The dealer was contacted and informed him that there were no recalls. The contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was approximately 98,000. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Pasadena, TX, USA

problem #12

Aug 182010

Grand Cherokee

  • 60,500 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 40 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle as it resumed normal operation. The failure would occur intermittently until progressively becoming worse. On one occasion, the vehicle stalled and the contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 60,500.

- Mclean, VA, USA

problem #11

Mar 172010

Grand Cherokee 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact was driving approximately 70 mph when the vehicle lunged forward and stalled. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The following day the vehicle operated normally; however, the identical failures occurred on three separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The technician stated that the failure was related to the front control module. The vehicle has not been repaired at this time. The failure mileage was 112,000. Updated 6/21/10 the consumer stated the vehicle would shut off with no warning and would not restart. It was determined the crank sensor became extremely hot which caused the vehicle to shut down. The fan relay also failed which caused the vehicle to overheat and the internal transmission sensors failed. Updated 07/01/10.

- Corona, CA, USA

problem #10

Jan 142009

Grand Cherokee

  • 89,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. On three occasions, while driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and had it towed to the dealer. The crankshaft position sensor was replaced, but the failure recurred immediately after the repair. She took the vehicle back to the dealer, but they could not duplicate the failure or provide a remedy. The failure mileage was 89,000 and current mileage was 91,000.

- Appleton, WI, USA

problem #9

Feb 252009

Grand Cherokee

  • 53,000 miles
2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalls when idling at stop lights, it also nears stalling and then lunges forward when idling. I was stuck in the center lane during rush hour traffic last evening with my 2yo in the back seat when my Jeep stalled. This is not an uncommon occurrence, it has happened every day for the last month. This is a very serious and dangerous situation; it makes you feel as if you have no control over your vehicle! I am taking it to the dealership on sat, but from complaints I have read on comsumeraffiars.com I am not expecting them to be able to do anything. I have already contacted Jeep and even though there are recalls for certain models for the exact same problem my VIN doesn't match up to be able to do anything about it.

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #8

Jan 142009

Grand Cherokee

  • 88,442 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle stalls and the RPM's begin to rise suddenly. The vehicle does not backfire, jerk, or make noises. The failure occurs while driving at any speed. The contact must activate the hazard lights and restart the engine. Usually, the vehicle restarts, but sometimes it takes 3 or 4 attempts to restart. The dealer replaced the crankshaft position sensor, which remedied the issue for a few hours. The failure recurred the same day she retrieved the vehicle from the dealer. The contact is scheduled to take the vehicle back to the dealer, but just wants the defect to be corrected properly. She researched the failure and found numerous complaints for the issue. She believes a recall should be issued for the defect. The current and failure mileages were 88,442.

- Port Washington, NY, USA

problem #7

Aug 122008

Grand Cherokee

  • 66,000 miles
Car stalls while running. This happens mostly on low gear but also has happened while on the highway. This is a serious hazard to the extent I do not want my children in this vehicle. Do not know what to do as I see on the web many complaints of this nature.

- Miramar, FL, USA

problem #6

Dec 192006

Grand Cherokee 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited, bought my Jeep about 1 a year and half ago. It has the dual climate control the problem with the heat started in the passenger side. It only blows cold air now the driver side is out too. Quote from dealer is it will cost 800- 900 to repair and turnaround time was at least 2 days.

- Plano, IL, USA

problem #5

Apr 292005

Grand Cherokee 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer states: Vehicle cuts off while going down the highway, no warning, doing almost 70 mph. Nothing worked, and there were no brakes. The only thing working was the 4-way flashers. Tried to turn steering wheel and lost power steering. Another time went to turn in the position the wheels were and in that was the way the vehicle went. The repair shop mechanic said it needed a crank sensor. Previously, before they put in a fuse and it blew out.

- Supply, NC, USA

problem #4

Jan 062006

Grand Cherokee 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Fumes entered the cabin of the vehicle through the vents. The fumes made the driver nauseous and made her feel as though she was going to pass out. The vehicle was taken in for testing, but the cause was undetermined. The engine light came on. The consumer stated that there was a hole in the hose. Vehicle caught on fire while parked. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The power window shorted out prior to the fire.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #3

Jan 202005

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The relay switch failed to operate which caused the vehicle to overheat. The manufacturer was contacted by owner and was aware of the problem.

- Saint Simons Island, GA, USA

problem #2

Mar 152004

Grand Cherokee

  • 5,000 miles
When driving at any speed check engine light appeared on the dashboard, then, vehicle jerked and lost power. The consumer had the vehicle was towed to the dealership on two occasions, but problem recurred.

- Woodstock, IL, USA

problem #1

May 152003

Grand Cherokee

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,000 miles
I took my vehicle in for the routine oil change at the dealership I purchase the vehicle. After that day, the vehicle vibrates to the point you cannot play a cd. They are telling me this is how the vehicle performs. I have been to the dealership many times with the same response. I also have taken it to other Chrysler dealership with the same answer, it seems that the answer is the same after they look at the repair history. I also have met with the Chrysler marketing rep twice, and the dealership told me that the Chrysler technical rep drove the vehicle. Yet when I requested a encounter with him they declaim and said there is no technical rep. I also met with the general manager from the dealership twice, sales manager many times, I need this to be look into because I think my vehicle was tampered with, because if it was running like this when I bought it I would have not bought it. The vibration is getting worst. I do have a extended warranty, that I cannot use because they refuse to even look at the vehicle. Their solution was to sell me another vehicle, which I declined because they wanted more money down. Why should I buy another vehicle when I have a new one that they destroyed.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

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