Problems with 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee POWER TRAIN

This jeep will run fine, but when it comes to red lights and idle, the car will shut off and not turn on again for atleast 10 minutes. spent about 3,000 usd to fix at multiple mechanic and the issue remains. why has jeep never taken the time to recall this issue as it can cause the lives of many drivers.

Jeep had the dreaded "death wobble" many parts failed and needed replaced multiple times within 30,000 miles of highway driving at safe speeds. tires were properly inflated and alignment was correct. *tr

My jeep grand cherokee lost power while driving. i was able to pull over with difficulty. i then put in park and was able to get engine started and drove back home. my husband checked out and thought i might have bumped the key since i need the seat so close in order to touch the pedals. i heard on the tv there was a recall on models 2005-2007. why not on older? if i had been going any faster i might not have been able to steer to the side. *tr

My jeep is doing several things that is cause for not driving it because it can cause a accident. it does not always just start. i have to move the steering wheel up & down ^ then it will start generally. when driving the jeep will rev up all of a sudden especially at stop signs. if i didn't have my foot on the brakes i could have caused a accident. also i would have to keep my foot on the gas or it would die on me. these things have been going on for the last 2-3 months.when i put my jeep in reverse or in drive it makes a major clunking noise like my transmission is ready to fall out. this clunking noise started when all of the other problems started! i have emailed several websites & have not received a response to my problem!! help!!! *tr

I was driving down the road yesterday in my jeep grand cherokee and the throttle went wide open on me, i tried to get it to stop by tapping the gas thinking it was just a little stuck, but it would not stop so i immediately pulled over, had to slam it into gear, got out and ran into a gas station and had them call 911, came back out and my jeep was shooting flames out of my exhaust and the entire under carriage was glowing red. resulting in a loss of my serpentine belt, power steering pulley, melted my transfer case, and more that is yet to be inspected. *tr

I was driving in the rain going the speed limit. my jeep hit a pool of water on the surface of the highway and started to skid and hydroploane. the next thing i knew it was flipping over and landed on the shoulder of the highway. i was lucky to be wearing my seat belt. i was suspended upside down by my seatbelt. i was able to unbuckle it and crawl out the drivers side window which was completely blown out. seconds after i got out of the car it burst into flames and the entire vehicle was engulfed and burned completely inside and out. there was nothing left of it but burnt frame. as soon as the car came to a stop upside down, i smelled gas and just a minute or two later the car was totally burned up. *tr

Over the past three years my power windows slid down. one left rear a few years ago slid down as we were going down the road. rt passenger side down about a year later. january 2nd my passenger side window did the same. i took it into the shop and mechanic said it was the regulator, it would be 300.00 to fix it, he said yep that's common in jeeps. i have a friend who has a 2002 jeep, same problem with all four.... i'm a single mother, single grandmother that cant spare that kind of money. yesterday 04/14/2009 i walked out to my jeep to discover the window was down. thought wow i don't remember leaving my window down because i have sound equipment i would hate to have stolen. it was chilly out that morning, tried to roll it up.... guess what? now all of my power windows are broken due the regulators. fuel pump, and injectors are my problem too. oh yeah!!!!!!!!!! let me add the heater core to that. i love my jeep... i take good care of it, it looks brand new. the oil is changed with the best money can buy and on time every time if not sooner. *tr

Sudden acceleration once again by those wonderful jeep cherokees. 2001 exiting a carwash in the chicagoland area. this is the third in less than 2 years. now that these jeeps are getting more miles on them this is going to happen alot!!!!!!!!!! beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *tr

Vehicles gear was put in p-park,shut off and vehicle continued to roll down driveway---the gears are passing or (slipping gears)---p is reverse,n is drive, none of gears are correct. *tr

Incident happened in mall parking lot. tried to put jeep in reverse and vehicle did not go into gear. put vehicle in park, checked to make certain emergency brake was not on then put in reverse again. this time it accelerated extremely fast and backed into a parked car behind me which slid into car next to it, which slid into the car next to it. it happened in about 1/4 second and damaged 4 cars, counting the jeep. *tr

2001 grand cherokee ltd which slipped from park into reverse customer states that the car slipped from park into reverse while it sat idling as it somehow rolled backwards down an embankment over a retaining wall and ended up flipped on it's side in 6' of water**cc the consumer stated earlier models had been recalled for the same problem she experienced and supposedly the 2001 models had been corrected. *jb *jb

Automatic transmission began to slip then would not engage at all in the course of 2 days. the entire transmission was destroyed by the torque convertor "completely breaking apart" per the transmission shop resulting in the complete transmission having to be completely rebuilt at 83,000 miles. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the gear shift position indicator was placed in park with the engine running and the driver attempted to exit the vehicle. the transmission unexpectedly jumped into drive while the door was ajar, this resulted in the contact being thrown underneath the moving vehicle. after traveling over the contact's legs the vehicle continued forward motion until it rolled over a twenty foot embankment and was stopped by a tree. the contact sustained leg injuries. the vehicle was towed and later inspected by the insurance company who deemed it a total loss. additionally, it was discovered the gear shift position indicator was in drive.

2001 jeep grand cherokee laredo purchased new in april 2001. at 66,842 miles the overdrive snap ring broke into 3 pieces and wedged into the park pawl. when the vehicle was put into park, it would roll. the transmission had to be reworked with all new seals and gaskets and the damaged overdrive components had to be replaced. although i found documentation online that stated the transmission warranty had been extended to 70,000 miles, chrysler would not even listen to my complaint. their customer service rep actually hung up on me when i called. the total bill was $1,863.78. the dealership also found a defective governor pressure sensor which was replaced under warranty. this problem had occurred before. it caused the vehicle not to start because the governor sensor detected the vehicle was in gear when it was actually in park. i've also had constant problems with the brakes and rotors. have already spent about $1,000 on those and the repairs only last for about 10,000 to 20,000 miles. the front end shakes uncontrollably when braking above 35 mph which is very dangerous when meeting oncoming traffic. if you can't control the front end, it is very easy to crash right into an oncoming vehicle. i've spoken to several jeep owners and read many complaints online about the same problems i've had. i have engaged an attorney and we will be notifying chrysler of a lawsuit in the very near future. *nm

1. window regulator faulty: 1st incident occurred 9/2003 at 40,000 mi; driver window fell down due to faulty window regulator. although warranty had expired, manufacture replaced, charged me $50 deductible. 2nd incident occurred 11/05 at 79,700 mi.; front passing window, it fell down due to faulty window regulator. dealer stated known problem, as did daimler chrysler, but told me i would have to file a complaint with nhtsa. was told that is what extended warranty is for. (they apparently do not back their product and are not quick to resolve known defects.) 2. 12/2004 transmission problems (clutch ring): car would not go in reverse; shifting rough. was told known problem and was told i was lucky that it wasn't the whole transmission. repairs approximately $600. 3. brake problems: warped rotors/calipers/pads replaced at 24,000. i am currently on 3rd set of brakes (just now have 80,000 mi on car). last set did not last a year. premature warping, squeaking brakes, rattling car, steering wheel, just like the other complaints listed at nhtsa. have had a few near accidents due to the shaking. replaced at my expense except for the 24,000 mi job. 4. emissions code on check engine light: due to faulty gas cap. dealer charged me $100 for the diagnostics, and almost 18 for a gas cap. i have never heard of such a think, and feel it is something the mfg should be responsible for since it is an environmental issue. again, was told i was lucky that it was only a gas cap?? why should i feel lucky when i spend $28,000 for a car that has known issues with the model and the mfg acts as if they didn't care, and tells me i should pay $2500 for an extended warranty. no, they should fix the known problems. we pay that much under the misconception that they stand by their product. as a result, i have problems with tires wearing out sooner than they should and front end alignment issues. *jb

My 2001 jeep grand cherokee had a defective transmission cable. this morning when i moved the truck from the driveway, i put it in park and proceeded to exit the vehicle. the vehicle continued to roll down the road. i quickly reacted and engaged the parking brake. i have two small children and my wife usually drives the truck. if this had happened while she was driving, the results could have been devastating. *jb

Dt: the engine light came on. the consumer took the vehicle to a transmission shop. they said there were few problems with it from the manufacturer. took to a transmission shop because the owners manual said that it could be from transmission slipping. *ak the original parts on the transmission were replaced due to failure. *jb

Shifting cable was replaced after failure. jeep was "slipping" in gear. i was run over by the vehicle after putting it in park and getting out. vehicle began "slipping" in gear again. i had no reverse. took it to the dealer and they said a lever was loose on the tranny and they tightened it. still slipping. *jb

The engine revved at a very high rpms when starting. when changing gears it made a loud clung sound and wanted to lunge into that direction. the vehicle has never shifted properly between gears. it was almost like it was slipping, and then finding the right gear. it was not a smooth transmission either. since i purchased the vehicle a little over 1-1/2 years ago the car has been in the shop more than 15 times. the dealers could not find the cause of the problem. i had to replace a transmission sensor, 02 sensor, sun roof, rear end, and cd player. the heater blend door had to be replaced , which didn't sound expensive, but the fix was to remove the entire heater plenum and replace the broken door, stop and drive assembly. cost $890.00. *ak

The vehicle failed to accelerate. the engine revved up and the vehicle wouldn't accelerate beyond 2nd gear. the vehicle was towed to the dealership and the transmission was replaced because it had burned out. the failure recurred one month later, the vehicle stopped accelerating and felt like it was in neutral. the vehicle was towed to the dealership and the transmission was replaced again because of the same failure. *jb

The consumer owns two 2001 jeep grand cherokees. in both vehicle's the right rear axle seal broke causing differential fluid to leak into brake system. *bf each vehicle sustained $1000. in damage. the seal was fixed and the brakes were repaired in both cases. the consumer thinks a manufacturing defect is the cause of the problem. *nm

Consumer complained about a transmission problem. when accelerating from the start position vehicle did not pick up any speed until it reached 35 mph or greater. *ak

When engaging into drive vehicle jerked violently. dealer stated transmission governor pressure solenoid failed. *ak

Transmission/powertrain/electrical components/brakes at just over 36,000 miles the powertrain/transmission module failed. there were three minor incidents where when i was accelerating normal into traffic the transmission roared and spun, but the vehicle would not move, i shifted into neutral after letting up on the gas, then shifted back into drive and the transmission "kicked in". the fourth time this occurred, however, was when i was accelerating to merge onto the freeway, the vehicle lost power and i had to coast over to the shoulder of the highway onramp and the vehicle was towed to the dealership. a sensor or transmission control module was replaced at a cost in excess of $500 (just out of warranty) to me. at 50,000 miles while driving along the road, i heard a loud bang and thought i had a blowout of a tire. it was not the tire however, it was the passenger side power window. something inside the door popped and the window fell down in the door. another bill in excell of $500. now at 63,001 miles, the transmission once again just would not go into gear. as i tried to accelerate off my street, the engine whined as though i were in neutral but it would not kick in. it would only go in reverse, none of the forward gears would make the car go forward. it was towed to our mechanic who says the entire transmission must now be replaced.*ak

2001 jeep grand cherokee was placed in "park" with engine on and left vacant while owner walked to nearby housing complex mailboxe. the vehicle slipped out of gear, into reverse, and struck the owner and the building before owner re-entered vehicle and regained control. the owner suffered a significant scratch, about seven inches long, on waist and scratches and bruising on thigh, now swollen and causing a limp. vehicle's tailgate is smashed in, bumper scraped and rear wiper bent. *jb

2001 jeep cherokee laredo. transmission valve body failed at 43000 miles and needed to be replaced. i was informed by the service shop that chrysler has an ongoing problem with the transmission body valves for this type of vehicle. *jb

The automatic transmission on my wife's 2001 grand cherokee went out at 42,000 miles this vehicle has never been used for towing or heavy duty use and has been properly maintaned. *ak

Shift interlock cable became disconnected, enabiling the shfit lever to be moved from the park position without depressing brake pedal. also the key can be removed from vehicle without selecting park with the shift lever. *ak

When stopped, with the transmission in drive, the car would jump forward without ever touching the accelerator. the only way to prevent the car from lurching forward was to increase pressure on the brake pedal, but the lurch was still felt. i have heard this termed a "bump stop" by others that have had it happen to them.*ak

The consumer had the vehicle in the shop almost 10 times for repairs. the consumer argued that the power steering was out of order and she was unable to steer the vehicle in reverse. the vehicle had experienced other problems such as the drive pinion, heating pads, brake rotors, calipers, pads, power steering pump, the rear shock absorbers and rear sway bar links. the dealer was contacted about the problems no help was offered. it had appeared that there had been a recall issued for the grand cherokees built only from nov 22- dec 5 2000 for the power steering and the consumer missed it by a month, but the vehicle experienced the same problem as the recall that was issued. the consumer was very dissatisfied with the dealership. *ak *cb the vehicle also experienced three tire blowouts. the consumer was told the problem was caused by the gear box, there was a recall regarding the issue, however the consumers vehicle was not included in the recall. the front pinion seal leaked. *jb

When accelerating from a stopped position, vehicle feels sluggish, as though it is starting from second or third gear. when stopping, a loud clunking noise is heard. rough and erratic shifting is felt as the transmission downshifts. with a vehicle with less than 27,000 miles on it, the transmission does not seem to be working normally (at least as normal as any other automatic transmissions i have had over the years). i have read several other complaints posted that express similar problems, but have not seen any resolution from jeep other than telling their customers that this is normal operation. this troubles me and does not give me much confidence in their ability to troubleshoot the problem. i want a record of the problem for future reference. *la

Front axle brake rotors warped prematurely, had to cover cost out of pocket (not warranty). also oil seal on rear axle failed, causing rear brakes to be filled with grease, about to fail prematurely (have not fixed yet, $400 job). vehicle only has 47000 miles. extended chrysler warranty will not cover either. *jb

Loud grinding sound comming from the front axle. *ak

While driving the vehicle shifted into reverse. the transmission had to be replaced. *nlm

Vehicle was running, in the park position, no driver in driver's seat, accellerated in reverse striking vehicle which was parallel parked behind vehicle, catapulted forward, striking vehicle paralleled parked in front of vehicle.

Rear differential leaking, causing loud clunking noise. *ak

We own a small store and my husband had pulled up to the ga tank to fill up the jeep. he got out and proceeded to put gas in the tank when it suddenly jumped into reverse and sped backward. the jeep was going at an excessive speed and the door was open, it hit a post and bent the door back. my husband proceeded to jump into the jeep and applied the brakes and skidded to a stop. my husband pulled some muscles in his chest and bruised some ribs. i have contacted chrysler and a consultant has been sent out, but in my calls to the company i have not been able to talk with anyone that can tell me what to do or where to call.*ak

Car was in park with engine running with no one in the car and vehicle suddenly jumped into reverse, began backing up and picking up speed. the car traveled in a wide circle crossing backwards across all lanes of traffic. a man at the scene chased the vehicle got the door open and attempted to stop the vehicle. the car ultimately picked up more speed, jumped a curb and crashed into a metal fence. the man injured his shoulder as he attempted to stop the vehicle. thankfully the only other vehicle at the scene witnessed what was happening and managed to escape damage or injury.*ak

Consumer states that while driving and no warning the four wheel drive will not disengage and the consumer can only drive 35mph and under. dealer notified. nlm

Transmission failure. *ak

I first called the dealership; they reported there were no recalls on this type of defeat. then i reported the incident to my insurance company. i later found there is an investagation on this happening to jeeps. i did $8,000 damage to my jeep and another car. no safety defect listed. *ak

While driving, consumer applied brakes and without warning brakes made noise and skipped. *ak the rear axle seals were leaking. left front out side mirror was loose. the right front window rattles. the rear hatch light was inoperable. the brakes pulsated and the rotors were resurfaced. shock absorber makes noise when hitting slight bumps. the vehicle rattle in front at 15-30 mph. the front tires were wearing out due to misalignment. the vehicle was hard to start after warmed up. *yh

No sumnmary listed for above vehicle. *ak

Suv put in park in drive way, exited suv and walked around behind suv to talk to child in yard, left the driver side door opened. turned from talking to child to return to vehicle and noticed it was moving quite fast in reverse. attempted unsucessfully to enter car from passenger side. noticed suv turning into safe direction from people, pets, and property and toward trees. closed door on passenger side. suv driver side door hit tree, bending the door completely forward into the front quarter panel and riping interior of door off. luckily no one was injured, or more property damaged.*ak

When driving and applying brakes vehicle will shake and shimmy very hard. consumer believes that rotors are defective, the dealer found that the rotors were warped and replaced them under warranty, there is an odor and humming sound coming from the a/c when turning on the system, the deler has been unable to duplicate the problem, the vehicle experienced low idle while in gear, the dealer found it necessary to flash the pcm, exhaust manifold was loose causing it to make a rattling noise.*ak *nlm

While driving 45 mph vehicle shifted from drive to neutral, vehicle still at dealer at this time.*aki

Vehicle will either not engage transmission after shifting (for about 10 seconds) or less commonly will suddenly accelerate on its own when put in reverse requiring hard pressure of the brakes to stop the vehicle. both events are probably related but dealer/chrysler state they can not duplicate the problem. i find this to be a dangerous, life threatening defect and i believe it occurs to other jeep as well. i will be going through arbitration then through the courts pursuing my rights under the lemon law. i worry more about others who may have defective vehicles and don't take the initiative to protect themselves. i hope nhtsa can investigate this further. dt

I left my job site, exiting at a gated driveway. i placed the car in park, or so i thought, and operated the parking brake. i then exited the vehicle with the motor still running, in order to close the gate behind the vehicle. as i turned back to the vehicle, after locking the gate, i immediately noticed that the "reverse back-up lights" were on. that was a positive indication that the vehicle's transmission was in "reverse" not "park." luckily, the vehicle did not move towards me. i then re-entered the vehicle via the driver side door, and observed that the gear shift lever was actually in "reverse" confirming what was indicated by the back up lights being on. puzzled that this happened, i attempted on several tries of shifting the gear shift lever to ascertain if i could recreate the same condition (i.e., of shifting into "park" by "feel" and actually stopping in "reverse" one position short of the "park" position). i was able to do so, that is, incorrectly stopping at "reverse." since i drive this car at night most weeknights, i would normally shift the car into "park" by feel. please note that i spent nearly six years servicing jeeps, trucks and other wheeled vehicles for the national guard as a reservist, and as such feel fully qualified to offer the following description of the problem. suffice it to also point out that the parking brake will not hold the vehicle from moving while fully operational if the accelerator is pressed while the vehicle is in "reverse." the "defect" or shortcoming in this case, appears to be the result of a faulty safety button that is an integral part of the gear shift lever mechanism. i noticed a distinct pattern of the shift lever stopping at "reverse" as if in "park" if the button is not completely pressed while shifting the lever forward towards "park." the button mechanism has a range of motion that allows an incomplete protective action, stopping the lever at "reverse" one notch short of "park."*ak

The vehicle is "hopping" up to stop signs/stop lights. the steering wheel shudders when applying brakes at 50-60 mph. the differential was faulty from day "one", and has been disassembled and reassembled/ parts replaced up to four times. it will be fine for awhile then the whinnying/whistling/groaning progressively gets worse until i fear for my safety and take it back to the dealer for repair again. i believe this repair is faulty from the factory. *ts *jb ****dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis****761448

Vehicle went from park to rolling forward. i jumped in to brake but vehicle did not respond. rolled forward hitting my house and kept going across lawn and hit neighbor's house. airbags did not deploy. cops did not report what i told them happened instead they wrote what they thought happened but the fact is that the vehicle moved when it shouldn't have, brakes didn't respond, and this shouldn't have happened. how can i put my family in this car even after they fix it?*ak