Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN
210150509/01/20051001700045rfe/545rfe trans - delayed engagement due to cooler return filter replacement. *sc10/20/2005
2100803A10/03/2003210080310004543High speed grumble sound. *tt12/18/2003
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
080300608/25/20060803006A10021239Powertrain control module initialization. *kb03/23/2007
210080309/05/200310003990High speed grumble sound. *tt11/10/2003
210090310/02/2005210180510003524Automatic transmission diagnostic teardown procedure. various models including the 2004 ram truck, durango, sebring convertible, cherokee, vision, neon, and voyager. *tt *sc10/22/2003
180040302/14/200310001097Malfunction indicator lamp illumination and the transmission may operate in its default mode of second gear. *tt04/14/2003
0702/01/200310001102Recommended steps to confirm the safe and proper engagement of the park position on the vehicle's automatic transmission. *tt04/14/2003
1800403A02/28/2003180040310001098Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and the transmission may operate in it's default mode of second gear. *tt04/14/2003
210020207/08/2002635721Subject regarding revision in diagnostic procedures and labor operation times for re transmissions. *tt10/30/2002
210060103/16/2001211699621898Automatic transmission fluid usage atf+4. *tt *mj10/03/2001
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
080150503/02/200510013731Powertrain control module initialization. *sc04/26/2005
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
030020308/29/200310003531Fluid weepage past rear axle vent line jiggle cap. *tt10/22/2003

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
POWER TRAIN
EA01017CHRYSLER GROUP LLC11/01/200112/18/2002ROLL-AWAY IN REVERSE WHEN PARKED02V053000
 Daimlerchrysler has recalled the zj models to incorporate a secondary detent spring into the shifter.even though the wj 6 cyl. vehicles use the same manual detent lever that as the vehicles in the recall population, odi believes that the wj redesigned shifter, which improves floor shifter functionality and ergonomics, helps to provide feedback to the driver to indicate whether

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
09/05/2006525488
 2002 jeep grand cherokee. consumer writes in regards to several expenses related to vehicle and requests reimbursement *tgw the consumer stated the front brakes which included rotors and a master cylinder, left rear seal axle, bearing, snap ring had to be replaced more than once on different occasions. also, the vehicle broke down on several occasions and smoke was emitting from the vehicle on one of those occasions. it was discovered the relay fan radiator fan needed to be replaced. the transduce pressure sensor, solenoid, transmission gov and gasket were replaced at a cost of $ 530.50. *jb
03/10/2010457001
 Quadro trac transmissions no longer works in 4 wheel drive. it just stopped working with no warning or noticeable equipment failure. *tr
01/10/20101620001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2002 jeep grand cherokee. the contact stated that when she tried to accelerate from the stop light, the vehicle did not respond immediately. when the contact removed her foot from the gas pedal, the vehicle lunged forward. the vehicle then began to accelerate very slowly and within a few minutes it started to drive normally. the current mileage was 162,500 and the failure mileage was 162,000. updated 3/30/2010 updated 05/06/10*jb
10/01/2008890001
 I was approaching a stop sign traveling about 30mph in my 2002 jeep grand cherokee. when i took my foot off the accelerator, the engine continued to accelerate. i applied the brake but could not stop the car. the harder i tried to stop the car, the engine ran harder. it was like the cruise control was on and trying to maintain the 30mph speed. the cruise was not on. i ended up inside an office building that thankfully was not occupied at the time. the car was totaled and i was injured. *tr
09/09/2006567191
 2002 grand cherokee overheated and had to be towed to mechanic. fan blade separated from the fan, which put a hole in the radiator. *ts the failure occurred on august 24, 2006. the consumer feels that the failure stems from a recall that was issued on august 30, 2006 by daimler chrysler. the dealer that serviced the vehicle indicated that the vehicle would not be covered under the recall because the failure occurred prior to the recall being received. after repaired the vehicle overheated again. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the fan relay switch had to be replaced as well as the thermostat. while repairing that problem the technician found out that the vehicle had a blown head gasket. the dealer didn't have the parts available to replace it. the head gasket was replaced under warranty. the transmission cable broke while the dealer was test driving the vehicle. the consumer request reimbursement for all repairs. *nm
05/01/200640000112/30/2004
 2002 laredo engine light and service light illuminated. *ts when the consumers vehicle was returned to him, the engine light was still on and other problems had surfaced. the consumer believed the dealership didn't do anything to the vehicle but create more problems. *jb the vehicle used excessive amounts of antifreeze. the transmission malfunctioned. the four wheel drive could not be used. the check engine light and coolant light remained illuminated at all times. the head gasket blew. while the consumer's foot was on the brake pedal the vehicle would accelerate suddenly. the ses light has been illuminated since the vehicle was purchased. *nm
01/01/19012
 2002 jeep grand cherokee developed problems with the transmission.***no answer required***. *mr this problem occurred once while the vehicle was on and once while it was off. the second incident caused $6000 worth of damage to the vehicle. *nm
11/02/2002910/26/2001
 Concern regarding safety of brakes, shake very noticeably when brakes applied. replaced front rotors and calipers. *bf there was continuing unresolved brake problems. the steering would also shake when the brakes were applied, the shaking and pulsation problem worsened, the cd changer had an internal fault, there was a fault in the transmission governor pressure sensor, the transmission leaked from the t casse adapter seals, the front pcv valve leaked at the front grommet on the valve cover, the front body seal was loose, there was a whine when the vehicle was driven up hill and upon acceleration, and the front rotors were out of round. *sc *tc
1
 The vehicle spontaneously shifted from park to reverse which resulted in damages to the vehicle. mr scc
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
03/10/2010457001
 Quadro trac transmissions no longer works in 4 wheel drive. it just stopped working with no warning or noticeable equipment failure. *tr
10/26/2008640001
 My 2002 jeep cherokee limited has 64,000 miles on it. the check engine light came on while driving. took it to jeep dealership. computer hook up indicated a transmission problem. i was told it needed a new torque converter. had the torque converter replaced. when replacing the torque converter, i was told the trans. plate was bad and needed to be replaced. replaced plate. computer now says the 02 sensor is bad. replaced 02 sensor. while getting to the 02 sensor, was told a bolt was rusted to trans. coolant line and broke a hole in it. had the coolant line replaced. now the jeep stalls! had to drive it back to the dealership with one foot on the gas, one on the brake to keep jeep running and not to cause and accident! now i'm told my spark plugs need replacing and fuel system cleaned. replaced spark plugs, fuel system was cleaned and replaced the idle air control motor!!! jeep stalls when putting into reverse or drive! why is the jeep stalling????? i've already dumped a pile of money into it and it's worse off than when i took it in the first place! *tr
09/29/2008951
 Car was placed in park in our driveway. wife left vehicle to retrieve article from house. when she returned, she saw vehicle in reverse headed for the house across the street. vehicle stopped when it struck the house. *tr
04/04/2005450000304/01/2004
 The 2002 jeep grand cherokee has a failure in the transmission with the governor pressure solenoid. the problem is that is part consistently fails even after being replaced. when driving the transmission begins to skip and slows all the way down. it can cause a crash and injure people. i have had this part replaced 3 times within a 1 1/2 year period and the cost is not cheap everytime it cost $656.00. there needs to be a recall on transmissions for jeeps from 2000-2002, because i am not the only one being effected by this mishap. *nm
09/02/20063006/30/2006
 Anytime i step on the gas pedal and it changing into another gear, the car stalls and with a violently push forward. this happens every time i am speeding and it changes gears. almost everyone who sits in my car complains about this rocking and tells me it may injure me someday. *jb
07/24/200694000106/02/2004
 Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50 mph, a dog pushed the gear shifter into reverse which caused the high gear in the transmission to be inoperable. the contact sustained minor injuries. the vehicle was driven to the dealer who determined the shift button failed.
06/05/20064
 2002 jeep grand cherokee slowed down without warning and stalled. when restarted in park vehicle began to reverse. upon inspection mechanic determined the gear alignment was off track and fixed the problem. *kb the consumer was informed the gear box had to be cleaned out as well, because a liquid substance was spilled inside of it, which caused the gear lever to become misaligned. a day after the repairs were made, the consumer began to experience a gear slippage while driving. the vehicle was taken back to the dealership and upon inspection it was discovered the vehicle had a bad gear shift, which was causing the slippage. the consumer didn't have any problems for a couple days when suddenly the vehicle would not start while in park. the dealer told the consumer it was normal and that the gear just needed a small adjustment. the consumer decided to go to another dealership. it was finally determined that the shift cable was bad. the consumer requested reimbursement from the first dealer because they claimed the problem was a bad shifter module when it was really the gear shift cable. *jb
08/17/20066910/05/2003
 After reading almost all complaints with other 2002 jeep grand cherokees, i have to put in my two cents worth. i can relate to almost every complaint that there is. i just had both my front left and right window regulators replaced a month and a half apart, one just today at $327.00 with my employee discount. (i work for a car dealership) last month, i have had almost $500.00 worth of repairs for my power steering pump problems. i have had my brake rotors turned and resurfaced and am in need of doing it again. then on the other hand, i have experienced problems with my dual control panel not working correctly which i have not have repaired yet because i don't have the money for that one and didn't know at the time that it was a problem. then when my jeep was under warranty i have had the air conditioner compressor replaced, new battery(for hard or no starting), amongst other repairs that i can't think of at the moment. i have also been experiencing hard starts with my truck and also the transmission not engaging or jumping (accelerating) while switching gears that the jeep dealer has not been able to recognize as a problem. i feel that those new chrysler commercials are not up to par as american and german engineering. those germans know how to build vehicles in the first place and help repair them as the problem seem necessary. *nm
04/19/200654000103/14/2002
 2002 grand jeep cherokee -at 6:40 a.m. backed into parking spot where i work; pulled forward and straightened up backed into spot; jeep jumped curb hit building; put jeep in drive; jeep catapulted forward at high rate of speed. i went through an iron fence into a long term parking lot; stopped hitting another jeep head on and a concrete base; iron fence damage to two additional cars parked. no one else was involved; only injuries were to myself when air bags deployed. ems and police arrived and policeman turned off jeep which was still accelerating after impact. jeep was totaled and all damages are being covered by our state farm insurance. *jb
02/01/2006110/22/2002
 I had the vehicle in park, got out, went behind the vehicle, it started moving backwards, knocking me over, then went across the road hitting another vehicle resting against it. *nm
02/01/2006204/01/2004
 2002 grand cherokee transmission slipped into second and third gear. *ts ***nar*** the problem was diagnosed as a transmission governor sensor. one year later, the coolant light illuminated even though the coolant was full, the oil pressure gauge went all the way too high and stayed there, the dealer stated it was a bad sending unit. the engine light illuminated, when the vehicle misfires, a popping sound comes through the radio whenever it is turned on. the transmission has started to slip again. *jb
09/20/200558000111/26/2001
 Dt: the contact states he owns a 2002 jeep grand cherokee limited. the consumer states that there was technical service bulletin 10005603 regarding the visibility:defroster/defogger system:windshield:controls/wiring. the consumer stated that he had the repairs done, but the cost was $1,357.24. he was still not satisfied with the repair of the vehicle because some of the vents pushed through a lot of air, and some of the vents pushed through a minimum amount of air. the consumer felt that this was a safety defect because it did not allow the defrosting system to work properly on the passenger's side of the vehicle. the consumer was concerned that there was no heat or air conditioning on the passenger's side. the digital control for the passenger's side of the door did not work due to the breaking of the door vents and the duct work for the defrost/defogger, air conditioner, and heating system. the consumer contacted the manufacturer, and they stated they would get back in contact with the consumer after they contacted the dealership. when the manufacturer called back, they stated there was nothing that they would do because the vehicle was over the three year, 36,000 miles warranty.*ak the transmission governor solenoid was replaced. the rotors were replaced because they were warped.
12/07/200425467102/14/2002
 Vehicle stopped while while pulling into the driveway engine remained running, but the vehicle would not move. vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the problem. *ak
04/01/200435000511/05/2001
 May 11, 2004 dear sir or madam: i am writing this letter with regards to my grand cherokee laredo 2002, vin #1j4gw48sx2c165706 and file #12263562. in december of 2003, i pulled into a chrysler service center to have my truck serviced in nj, because it was driving improperly, and not getting up to its normal speed properly. i did not know what the problem was until a chrysler jeep dealer identified the truck as having transmission problems. at the time the truck only had 35,000 miles on it. since i was unable get any assistance with my vehicle from chrysler, i was forced to call aaa, a reliable service and provider to tow my truck. when the aaa tow man arrived he informed me that i had a problem with my shift gear/transmission. i immediately responded with great skepticism, as chryslers service representatives assured me that i no longer should experience any problems with my transmission. the aaa representative whom was sent to tow my truck managed to get my truck started and i was on my way once more. the next day i returned to the dealership and told them of the recent problems i was experiencing and immediately they checked the truck in. when the truck was being checked i notified the mechanic that the truck would only start in neutral. i also brought it to their attention; a new problem that the truck was experiencing. the truck rolled backwards and forwards while in the parking gear. .at this point, as a valued consumer, i would like to return this truck with no penalties, be reimbursed for the car rental and possibly continue a lease on another vehicle other than a cherokee. i am disappointed and feel my life and safety is being jeopardized if i am to continue to drive this vehicle. please consider this letter as a formal affirmation of cognizance! sincerely, adrian jenkins
03/23/200425902103/29/2002
 Electrical problems, check engine light, beep under dash, dome lights coming on, radio goes off, all dash lights(abs, brake,etc.). transmission problems 3 times in shop for slipping and leaking seals. leaking at pan, output seal and, drive train they changed seals and 1 month later output seal was leaking again. govern assembly was replaced 8/3/03 along with solenoid, transduce. faulty batteries. shocks all leaking but they replaced 1 front 1 back. *jb
12/21/2003304/15/2002
 My wife & i were driving on i-95 south when my jeep grand cherokee's check engine light came on but before we could do anything it shifted from drive to 2nd gear and went from 60mph to around 25mph while we were still in the 3rd inside lane of a 3 lane hwy so we proceded to pull off the hwy and check out the truck and also let it sit for awhile and in doing so the lite went off so we proceded to get back on and go straight home but as we tried to get on the hwy it happened again but this time we went from drive to 1st gear and we almost got rearended by an 18 wheeler but he moved over at the last second, where we got on there was no break down lane so we had to go for about a mile and in the process we started to loose the brakes do to problems ariseing from the abs and also the engine was acting funny it started to shut off then it would speed up and it did it 3 or 4 times so when we got off we had the jeep flatbeded to greenwich jeep in greenwich,ct. soon as it's fixed i'm getting rid of it but i did want to note the problem with you! *ak
06/28/2002111/01/2001
 The consumer parked and exited the vehicle. without warning the vehicle rolled backwards and hit a utility pole. the consumer sustained some injuries and the vehicle was damaged. *ak the consumer received a recall related to the problem. *nm
05/03/2003299991
 2002 jeep grand cherokee shifted from park to reverse while running without any human intervention. the car was running for approximately 3-4 minutes in park and suddenly shifted into reverse causing an accident with damage to the rear bumper when striking a concrete barrier. *jb
01/31/2003107/05/2002
 While driving the transmission down shifted to 2nd gear. dealer has been notified. ph. the consumer stated the cruise control engaged and the transmission downshifted from 5th to 2nd gear, which caused the engine rpm's to go from 1800 to 4600 rpm's. the dealer stated there was no fix. *scc *jb
12/21/20029000
 When vehicle is put in reverse gear, it hesitates before engaging. the dealership can not located the cause of the problem. please provide more details. ts
08/15/2002105/01/2002
 Needs total remake of transmission at 3500 miles 3 mos old. *ak
01/01/2002
 Started vehicle and it would not move, put back into park, then into reverse and it still would not move, put into park, could not get it out of park, shut vehicle off and started put back in reverse andit was okay, contacted dealer, dealer called me back, stated jeep would replace the transmission. this is where we stand now. *aky
03/15/2002201/01/2002
 Backed out of parking place, put it in drive and it would not move, shut vehicle off started ,put back into drive and it was okay. vehicle was reported before to your office last month with transmissiion problems. this time contacted manufacturer . dealer had it five days could find nothing wrong, he stated. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
06/18/200759000507/08/2006
 Tl*the contact owns a 2002 jeep grand cherokee. on june 18, 2007, the vehicle began sputtering and hesitating. as of july 9, 2007, the vehicle would not go faster than 20 mph. the current mileage is 60,788 and failure mileage was 59,000.
06/16/200558510703/29/2002
 The cooling fan blade just broke while stopped at a light. it made the car thump i thought someone hit us but the fan blades broke the fan shrode and put dents all in the radiator and broke the fan guard. this vechile has had many of the same problems due to the electrical system. we lease the jeep and have put $$$ in it because they would not take it back as a lemon with in the 2 years. i still hear a beep coming from under the dash that jeep never found the problem or fixed it. i just had the fan relay changed because it went out. with in the first 2 years i had it in the shop for a variety of electrical problems i have all the paper work. i am afraid the jeep will catch on fire or cause an accident. i've also checked many other things that were issues with the jeep. leaking shocks and transmission pan and emissions is now leaking. the check engine light stays on and every time i get it checked it's a different problem. i'm out of my warranty now but there have been so many different things wrong. the dealer replaced 2 of 4 leaking shocks they left the transmission pan loose when they replaced a part in the transmission. this jeep is unsafe for the road it has lost power in the past while traveling so they replaced the battery twice with in a month.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
02/15/2002101/01/2002
 Started placed in drive gave gas and it went in reverse, placed in park, back to drive and again it went backwards, placed in park, back to low and it went ahead. then placed into drive and it was okay. reported to manufacturer and dealer, checked same and they stated that they could not find the problem. i was told to keep an eye on it.*ak
02/13/2002101/01/2002
 I placed a brand new 2002 grand cherokee in park only to discover it had either slipped into reverse or i didn't clearly have it in park. i informed the dealer and they said this was not a problem with new jeep grand cherokees. it clearly is still a problem. no question in my mind. *ak
10/26/2001109/01/2001
 Vehicle was parked in driveway in front of house. ignition was off. nobody was in car at time of incident. transmission shifted from 'park' to 'reverse' and vehicle rolled forward in driveway, jumped curb and retaining wall, crossed street, rolled down hill, hit tree, rolled through fence and continued until it reached bottom of hill where it rolled to a stop.*ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL
09/05/2006525488
 2002 jeep grand cherokee. consumer writes in regards to several expenses related to vehicle and requests reimbursement *tgw the consumer stated the front brakes which included rotors and a master cylinder, left rear seal axle, bearing, snap ring had to be replaced more than once on different occasions. also, the vehicle broke down on several occasions and smoke was emitting from the vehicle on one of those occasions. it was discovered the relay fan radiator fan needed to be replaced. the transduce pressure sensor, solenoid, transmission gov and gasket were replaced at a cost of $ 530.50. *jb
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
04/22/2008580001
 In march, 2005, with 59,000 miles, my 2002 jeep grand cherokee overland, which i purchased new in august 2002, needed a new rear differential. a replacement was also needed at 80,000 (july 2006), 86,000 (march 2007), and 98,000 (april 2008). as of this writing, the dealer has had the vehicle for over 3 weeks. in replacing first the bearings, then the gears, and then the entire rear end, they have been unable to solve the problem. attempts to contact chrysler have been unsuccessful. no one at the 800 numbers can offer any solutions. i have an extended warranty, so the repairs have been covered, minus my $100 deductible. but, i don't think the number of repairs is questionable. i've found a number of sites with other individuals reporting the same problem on this particular body style/model. perhaps there is a wide spread problem.. *tr
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
06/01/200730000104/04/2002
 2002 jeep grand cherokee started making horrible wobble noises from rear of vehicle at approximately 30,000 miles. paid $660 to replace completely worn (all) bearings. repair shop (progrear, san diego, ca) said this was a very common repair in zj grand cherokees. *jb
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
07/26/200563000112/15/2003
 At approximately. 63k, vehicle's transmission would not shift out of first gear until driven for approximately 15-20 minutes. when taken to a transmission specialist, they discovered the transmission was failing. truck has been well-maintained and only driven on highway and in city. truck was never used to tow anything or driven off-road. *jb
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
07/10/200745000109/11/2002
 Continued and unrepairable loud groaning noise from under carriage when making slow speed turns in either direction. steering hoses have been replaced, transfer case serviced. noise is loud enough for driver to believe steering or suspension may fail at any moment. *tr
10/01/20041
 Gear alignment failure. *bf the 4-wheel drive did not engage. the consumer took the vehicle to 2 different dealer and they both stated the vehicle was fine. when the consumer went back to the first dealer, they stated the vehicle did not always go into 4-wheel drive. the dealer stated the back tires were spinning, but the front tires were not moving at all. the dealer called the consumer back and stated the vehicle was not equipped varilock differential which was needed for the vehicle to work in 4-wheel drive at all times. the manufacturer offered no financial assistance. *jb