Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | |||||
| 082497 | 07/11/1997 | 54022 | Conditions with the odometer display may flash when the emergency flashers are activated. *yc | 03/30/1998 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||||
| 2100903 | 10/02/2005 | 2101805 | 10003524 | Automatic transmission diagnostic teardown procedure. various models including the 2004 ram truck, durango, sebring convertible, cherokee, vision, neon, and voyager. *tt *sc | 10/22/2003 |
| 2100601 | 03/16/2001 | 211699 | 621898 | Automatic transmission fluid usage atf+4. *tt *mj | 10/03/2001 |
| 210899 | 04/30/1999 | 604975 | Vehicles exhibiting buzz, whining, or moaning like noise from cold transmission when reverse gear is selected. *tt | 05/21/1999 | |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM) | |||||
| 181299 | 06/18/1999 | 181797 | 607298 | This bulletin explains the operation and application of the leak detection pump (ldp) monitor test. *tt | 09/17/1999 |
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT | |||||
| 210998 | 10/26/1998 | 602337 | A thumping or creaking noise may be heard coming from the transmission tunnel area on acceleration or while driving over bumpy roads. *yc | 10/26/1998 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | |||
| 05/15/2003 | 74000 | ||
| I bought this 1997 jeep wrangler from a used car dealer in june 2002 with a limited warranty and was told the vehicle pased inspection and had no problems. since then i have had to have the wiring harness repaired, the fuel pump replaced, the transmission replaced, it has a faulty fuel gauge reading, the intake and exhaust manifold need to be replaced and now the steering linkage or stabilizer bars are faulty. | |||
| 1 | |||
| Transmission failure. | |||
| 01/11/1996 | 11 | 06/05/1996 | |
| Powertrain control module failure. vehicle shut down without warning on several occasions but would restart after a few minutes. on last instance, when vehicle was restarted, the engine went to 3000 rpms and would not return to idle. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||
| 05/15/2003 | 74000 | 1 | 06/04/2002 |
| I bought my 1997 jeep wrangler in june, 2002 from a used car dealer in baltimore, md with an as-is warranty and was told the vehicle had passed inspection and was in good condition. it had 64,000 miles on it and appeared to be good. since then i have had nothing but problems with this jeep. first the wiring harness, then the transmission, now a diagnosis to replace the intake and exhaust manifold, replaced fuel pump and has a faulty fuel gauge, and possibly the stabilizer bar or steering components. this jeep is costing me more in repairs than the actual value of it. i fear that it is unsafe and that i m facing more expenses if i keep it, but i am still making payments on it. do i have any recourse as far as lemon law protection, recalls, help!!! i don't know what to do with it. *jb | |||
| 01/08/2002 | 1 | 01/01/1997 | |
| I have an automatic transmission in this jeep. it would not shift into 3rd geer. it has never been used off road. its my daughters car. she uses it to go to college and back home.*ak | |||
| 06/01/2001 | 1 | 05/01/2000 | |
| When putting vehicle in park after about 2 minutes it will go into reverse, but the lever is still in park. consumer has yet to contact dealer. *ak at times the car will go into neutral, but the lever is still in park. the head lights also short out at times. i have to move the blinker handle to get them on again.*yd | |||
| 09/07/1999 | 05/01/1998 | ||
| On 09/07/99 as my jeep wrangler was parked in the parking lot of my bank it proceeded to roll backwards out of the parking lot, across a busy street, and into a canal ( ditch). it landed on its right side and was submersed. it took two tow trucks and 3 hours to pull it out. once at the jeep dealership they investigated to see what had happened. they came to the conclusion that it was the gear shift ( which had been in the parked position) but never gave any specifics. my insurance and i ended up paying a total of about $9,000 dollars. the repairs took a month and a half, in which my insurance paid for a rental car. when i asked about having the powertrain investigated by an outside mechanic they offered to sell it to me for $1000 dollars. i filed a complaint with the manufacturer shortly thereafter, and never to this day have received a reply. after reading the artcile in the newspaper today about the defects in the grand cherokees it made me think about my jeep and what happened to me. the situations with others was exactly like my experience except that no one was injured. please investigate the wranglers years 1995-1999 also for similar accidents. that jeep was my first vechicle after graduating college, i had always wanted one. it was the first and will be the last jeep i ever own after that horrible experience. i am just so thankful that no one was injured.*ak | |||
| 02/20/2001 | 1 | 10/01/1996 | |
| I was having problems shifting into second gear,at first,i was coming up to a stop sign and tried to down shift when the shifter would not go into any gear,it was locked up took it to a mechanic and he said that 5th gear was cracked and locked up all the shafts in the transmision. i have been having problems with shifting into second gear since i bought the vehicle and took it to the dealer 2 times and they said that nothing was wrong. *ak | |||
| 02/12/2001 | 1 | 06/01/2000 | |
| Gear shift froze in fifth gear pulled gear shift from transmission and couldn't shift into different gear. the fifth gear is now sitting in my closet. new part has been installed, now my check engine light is on due to faulty 4th cylinder ejecter. dealer said all my valves needed to be replaced for $1400.00 gave him the finger and said nice try! *ak | |||
| 01/03/2000 | 1 | 01/01/1997 | |
| Driving in 5th gear attempted to downshift for stoplight, was able to get into neutral, but was unable to shift into any gear. was stranded in the middle of busy intersection unable to move. *ak | |||
| The engine stalls when shifting from first to second gear. dealer has seen vehicle twice, and said vehicle needed a new fuel rail. *ak | |||
| While driving in heavy traffic at highway speeds the vehicle will completely shut down without warning, cause unknown. dealer cannot identify the problem. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 03/01/1997 | 1 | 05/01/1997 | |
| Transmission valve body failed. yh | |||
| 12/20/1998 | |||
| While driving at 55mph downshifted and the shifter would not release from fifth to forth, pulled out of gear and coasted, vehicle would not go into any gear at all. dealer contacted and was not aware of the problem, awaiting a new transmission for vehicle. provide further information. *ak | |||
| 07/01/1997 | |||
| Design of skid plate over the transfer case and exhaust causes it to act like a shovel pan cutting grass off road and depositing it there causing the grass to burn. | |||
| 07/01/1998 | 2 | 02/01/1997 | |
| Automatic transmission, in 4wd, disengaged while climbing steep hill. the engine reved up then the tranmission re-engaged. this occured while transmission fluid was full to the upper mark. problem did not occur when transmission fluid was over filled. | |||
| 9 | 12/28/1997 | ||
| 4-wheel drive inoperable. in addition, driver's seat belt will not retract/gas gauge failed, shows tank 1/4-1/2 full when it is actually out of gas/passenger's side door handle very tight and squeaky/abs brakes squeal loudly/automatic transmission has trouble shifting and sticks prior to releasing to next gear, and seat belt warning system buzzer sounds at times uneven and loud with a squeaking noise. *ak | |||
| 05/01/1996 | 1 | 05/01/1996 | |
| Transmission problem. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) | |||
| 06/08/1998 | |||
| While driving about 30 mph and shifting gears, the gear shift came off in driver's hand, causing driver to lose control of the vehicle. owner experienced this problem 3 other times. all times the part was repaired by the dealership. *ak | |||
| 10/01/1998 | 1 | ||
| Gear shifter came out of its housing as the car was being driven, due to weak lock, replacement of both upper and lower level shifter. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT | |||
| 03/31/2001 | |||
| Transfer case broke apart from vehicle while traveling at approximately 70 mph. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak | |||
| 06/10/2000 | 10/01/1999 | ||
| The shift stick popped out of its fixed location. i believe this could be a hazardous problem, luckily it happened when i brought my vehicle to a stop. for further reference- this vehicle is adult driven by myself only and is never taken off road. i purchased it with 31k miles. after removing the shifter boot, we noticed that there is no bolt or any other type of feature that actually secures the shifter in its location. i would be than happy to answer any other questions regarding this, to prevent a serious accidents transpiring from this defect. thank you. | |||
| 06/13/1999 | 1 | 05/01/1999 | |
| Whike driving at 65mph on interstate transfer case came apart and front driveshaft fell out. when this happened the airbags deployed,windshield wipers came on, washer squirted, dash lights came on. the passenger air bag busted the windshield, and the face of the passenger. her jaw is broken in three places and her four upper teeth were removed from their sockets. she required extensive reconstructive surgery, and is still in the hospital. noothers objects or vehicles were involved. the driver beat the airbag down and safely parked the car in the median. why did airbags deploy and with such force? *ak | |||
| 9 | 12/28/1997 | ||
| 4-wheel drive inoperable. in addition, driver's seat belt will not retract/gas gauge failed, shows tank 1/4-1/2 full when it is actually out of gas/passenger's side door handle very tight and squeaky/abs brakes squeal loudly/automatic transmission has trouble shifting and sticks prior to releasing to next gear, and seat belt warning system buzzer sounds at times uneven and loud with a squeaking noise. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT | |||
| 04/26/1999 | |||
| When driver was pulling of from a stop, the gear shift lever came apart in the driver's hand. the dealer/manufacturer is aware of the problem. please provide further details. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH | |||
| 12/26/2001 | 1 | 10/01/1997 | |
| Car was parked and it jumped out of gear into reverse and hit air pump at the gas station. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT | |||
| 04/11/2000 | 1 | 11/01/1996 | |
| Noticed oil leaking. had the vehicle serviced at the dealer who put a new seal on. after a second seal was put on, took it to the dealer to have the torque turning checked on the rear pinion gear. was told that the bearings were all bad and needed to be replaced. also, they had to rebuilt the rear end. *ak *ml | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT - SEAL | |||
| 04/11/2000 | 1 | 11/01/1996 | |
| Noticed oil leaking. had the vehicle serviced at the dealer who put a new seal on. after a second seal was put on, took it to the dealer to have the torque turning checked on the rear pinion gear. was told that the bearings were all bad and needed to be replaced. also, they had to rebuilt the rear end. *ak *ml | |||
| 09/10/1999 | 2 | 05/01/1997 | |
| Axle oil seals are leaking over the rear brakes (on both sides). i know at least 3 other persons with the same problem who had it fixed under amy warrenty has run out, there should be a recall. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY | |||
| 05/01/2001 | |||
| Clutch, flywheel all related parts failed, water leaking on passenger side floor, clock and radio broke dealer cant fix, seat belts wont retract, sway bars come loose | |||
| 07/01/1996 | |||
| Clutch and catalytic converter both need replaced with only 20,500 miles . also has had two driveshafts replaced with only 10,000 miles. has seen very little 4-wheel drive use, and has 20,500 after 4 years as original owner. | |||
| 04/22/1999 | 2 | 07/01/1997 | |
| No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak | |||
| 04/01/1998 | 4 | 07/17/1998 | |
| Manual transmission will lock out 3rd gear when trying to downshift between 20-35 mph. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE | |||
| 08/05/2002 | 1 | 07/26/1997 | |
| Clutch pedal fell off while driving 55 mph. clutch pedal attachment to clutch cylinder has a plastic grommet which broke and caused clutch pedal to fall off. *ak neither dealer nor jeep customer service would assist in procurring replacement grommet, consumer was told that the old style has a pin connection instead of plastic. *scc | |||
| 06/21/2001 | 08/01/1999 | ||
| Exhaust manifold cracked 6/21/01, local jeep dealer had no recall, not under warranty. i was in the process of finding a better aftermarket replacement manifold when on 7/19/01,while stopped w/ engine running, the plastic hydraulic line for the clutch melted from the excessive heat, and caught on fire.*ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT | |||
| 05/29/2000 | 1 | 12/01/1996 | |
| Blew rear differential and have never taken it off road or driven hard. very angry and disgusted!!!! it's in the shop now. *ak | |||
| 06/23/1998 | 01/01/1997 | ||
| The rear differential was cracked, as was the exhaust manifold. also the crank sensor harness and the tps were melted against the manifold. the dash leaked water and the brake shoes/lining and rack and pinion set needed replacing. the drivers side seatbelt would never retract and the dash lead water extensively causing the resstr-blower to go out. the radio was also broken for a couple of months | |||
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT | |||
| 07/01/1996 | |||
| Clutch and catalytic converter both need replaced with only 20,500 miles . also has had two driveshafts replaced with only 10,000 miles. has seen very little 4-wheel drive use, and has 20,500 after 4 years as original owner. | |||
| 09/17/1999 | 1 | 08/01/1999 | |
| While driving on interstate at 65mph, front end of drive shaft fell out. luckily it did not flip vehicle. bent the drive shaft in half. | |||
| 06/13/1999 | 1 | 05/01/1999 | |
| Whike driving at 65mph on interstate transfer case came apart and front driveshaft fell out. when this happened the airbags deployed,windshield wipers came on, washer squirted, dash lights came on. the passenger air bag busted the windshield, and the face of the passenger. her jaw is broken in three places and her four upper teeth were removed from their sockets. she required extensive reconstructive surgery, and is still in the hospital. noothers objects or vehicles were involved. the driver beat the airbag down and safely parked the car in the median. why did airbags deploy and with such force? *ak | |||
| 06/26/1997 | |||
| Was driving approx. 35mps approaching a turn, had slowed down to 10-15mph, when turning vehicle felt a shake, the steering began to freeze/lock up and consumer then had no control of vehicle, resulting in drifting off road. when driver looked in rearview mirror she saw metal pipes laying on the road. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION | |||
| 12/26/2003 | 56200 | 1 | |
| The clutch pedal quit working and the throw out bearing was broken. *ph *jb | |||
| 10/30/2003 | 73000 | 4 | 10/22/2001 |
| My vehicle has run rough, idling rough, bucking, losing coolant and dripping from the tailpipe about a week after the extended warranty expired. i have had major valve train problems and had to have the camshaft replaced along with the gasket, cylinder head, core return, radiator and now the latest is oil pressure gauge sending unit. oil pressure still showing zero even after replacing sending unit! *ak | |||
| 10/03/2003 | 0 | 1 | 10/03/2003 |
| Transmission sticks and grinds when shifting into 2nd gear; dealer changed transmission fluid, but still sticks and grinds; shifting into 3rd, 4th, and 5th gears it seems like synchronizers aren't working properly. this vehicle was a used vehicle which i recently purchased and was told that this is a common complaint and it seems like dealer doesn't want to do anything about it. *la | |||
| 06/24/2003 | 73629 | 6 | 01/24/2003 |
| While traveling on the highway without prior warning the vehicle shut down. *ak the gauges malfunctioned (gas read empty), the vehicle jerked uncontrollably. different mechanics were unable to duplicate the problem. the transmission leaked (there was pink fluid in the battery area), the belt pulley had fallen off and the vehicle overheated, and the battery failed. *scc *jb | |||
| 01/18/2003 | |||
| 5-speed trans hard to shift cold.front sway ber links breaking | |||
| 05/01/2000 | 2 | ||
| The vehicle experienced a leak from the transfer case and other transmission problems. nlm | |||
| 12/10/2000 | 12/01/2000 | ||
| Transmission sticks trying to shift into 2nd gear, has been serviced, still is sticking while shifting especcially into 2nd gear, which sometimes grinds. dealer has changed the transmission fluid twice, 2nd time used synthetic fluid. 2nd gear feels like the syncronizer is not working properly, or very slowly. i must hold the clutch in for an extened period to allow 2nd gear to syncronize before shifting into it up and down shifting. *ak | |||
| 25 | 05/01/1997 | ||
| 2nd gear - difficult to engage, and often pops out of gear while driving or parked; 4wd low also difficult to engage, and often pops out to neutral while driving | |||
| 03/30/1997 | 1 | 02/01/1997 | |
| Instrument panel: all instrument panel gauges are driven by a microprocessor, such that it tells the panel what the gauges should read. when the instrument panel cpu fails, all gauges; fuel/temp/oil/volt and tachometer, speedometer an d odometer) fail simultaneously. this is disconcerting at best, highly dangerous (say if one were on a freeway) at worst. also, transmission: the 5-speed transmission used with the 4.0l has major problems shifting into second when cold. jeep's answer for years has been they all do that yet they have continued to use the same transmission and have no fixed for the problem to this date. *ak | |||
| 03/30/1998 | 1 | 10/15/1996 | |
| I was exiting the highway and starting to slow for the merge at the end of the ramp. i was in fifth gear and downshifting into fourth, when i found i could no longer shift. the shifter got stuck in neutral. luckily there was little traffic and the light just after the merge was green or i would no have been able to pull over. i would have been stuck in the middle of the road and possibly would have caused an accident. it could have also happend on the highway with worse possibilities. the jeep has been used only as a car. no off-roading or towing. the transmission was also maintained as per manufacturer recommendation. i have that documentation if needed. | |||
| When driving the vehicle vibrates and there is a noise, when trying to shift gear sometimes it sticks, took to dealer and he said that this isthe way it should be . *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION - FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY | |||
| 10/11/1999 | 2 | 12/24/1997 | |
| While shifting from second to third very quickly the stick becomes loose and falls off completely. the vehicle is not operable . this happened twice. contacted dealer first time, and they put a pin which broke. second time, dealer put another pin which also broke. *ak | |||
| 09/14/1998 | 1 | 06/15/1996 | |
| The gear shift lever pulled out of the transmission. | |||
| 12/09/1997 | 2 | 11/01/1996 | |
| Consumer was driving at approximately 40-50 mph, went to change gear when stick shift came out onto consumer's hand. shift pulled right out of transmission. consumer then had to try to put shift back in and downshifted to regain control of vehicle. dealer replaced shift lever. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE) | |||
| 1 | 10/01/1996 | ||
| The faulty transfer case causes severe shaking of the entire transfer case and front driveshaft when accelerating from a dead stop, the driveshaft and crushed transfer case mount were replaced but this did not solve the problem. nlm | |||