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Problems with 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee STEERING

On average, the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts to “feel” problems with the STEERING and its various aspects after 90 004 miles.

Components Affected by STEERING Issues

We have classified the 55 complaints from 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee about STEERING into the following categories.

GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) 10 HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM 4 COLUMN 2

Recently reported STEERING problems on 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Anytime i hit a small bump in road or when turning the front end loses control and vehicle shakes violently sending me into other lane. several wires have melted under the hood and the front driver seat gets extremely hot while driving a distance over 13 miles

When driving, the steering pulls to the left side fairly hard. also, when making either right or left turns the result is a very jerky and not smooth. when there is a bump in the road, the steering wheel jerks and turns slightly causing possible dangerous driving conditions. the vehicle is drive-able however there is definitely some cause for concern. have replaced the suspension with brand new shocks and there seems to be no difference in the steering wheel's response to bumps. wheels also appear to be in great alignment as well. i have seen where this issue is very common with this make and model and would like to be able to get the issue corrected for a feeling of comfort and safety while driving my vehicle.

Steering gear box suddenly locks up on slow turns in traffic

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. while operating the vehicle, a grinding and humming noise was present from the steering column. also, the power steering assist suddenly malfunctioned and caused the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn in either direction. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering pump and hose were faulty and needed to be replaced. the contact indicated that the vehicle was repaired on four separate occasions, but the failure continued. the manufacturer and local dealer were not notified. the failure mileage was 88,000.

Had a car accident few days ago and the air bags did not deployed at either side. also, the steering column is stack in lower level, the mechanic said it is broken inside, needed to be replaced.

Takata recall, jeep drifts back and forth on road regardless of surface of road,sways back and forth, feels very unsafe, happens at any speed,

Ignition switch-p41. i went to the garage one saturday morning on my way to work and could not crank up my vehicle. the ignition would literally not turn the steering wheel or anything. the lights to the car would blink and my car wouldn't start with the key in the ignition; however, the safety recall is on a model car one year after mine. this is not the first time the ignition would not crank up. one time, i literally had to pull over and stop the car only to try and start it again but it wouldn't crank. in order for it to go, i had to bang on the ignition park to get it to turn the key and further start the ignition. the issues are the same as the recall but i'm out of pocket some $687.00 at the dealership, which i had to wait 3 hours for a tow truck to come through. i do not understand why this model car was not covered under warranty as well. i am a single parent and it is so frustrating to try and provide for my child when i can't use the only transportation that i have plus the fact that it costs an arm and a leg just to fix. i cannot afford another car note at this time. please consider the 2004 models in this recall.

My 2004 jeep grand cherokee interior lights stay on and windows will not work. have had this problem fixed 2 times now and it has happened again. on the internet it says it is a flaw in the wiring harness. a black ground wire breaks. also the vehicle is developing the death wobble where going down the road if you hit a bump the front end shakes violently. had this same problem on my 1997 jeep grand cherokee. very dangerous.

Death wobble - at certain speeds on certain road surfaces the vehicle will hit a bump initiating a violent shaking in the steering components of the car and causing a loss of control.. it is only by an immediate, sharp and momentary application of brakes (or accelerator) will the shaking stop.

Recall s33 for jeep wrangles - the clock spring fails due to dust - many other people who use their jeeps in dusty area's also have this issue. mine has failed and upon inspection is full of dirt and dust.

While in motion driving on a busy two way city roadway street, the vehicle lost power, lost brakes, no steering and no electrical while in motion, that endangered my life from a head on collision. currently no power, the windows are open, the windshield wipers are stuck.

Takata recall while driving my steering wheel is very loose shakes when i use the brake peddle. pulls me left then jerks be to the right or vise versa. this is very scary. i have kids that depend on me to get them from school bus stop etc i do not feel safe driving my own vehicle i've put 2 sets of new tires on my jeep since february of this year 2017. this happeneds on the highway city street back roads you names it

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. while driving 40 mph, the vehicle shook violently and the steering became difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the tie rod failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

In january 2016, i purchased this vehicle. i noticed the vehicle steering seemed a little off. i took it to a local shop and it was determined the steering gear needed to be replaced. it was rather expensive to have it repaired. i'm unsure of when the problem arose as it was for sale for months prior to me purchasing. apparently this had been repaired under a prior recall.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. the contact stated that while driving at 10 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the failure occurred constantly. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering gear box needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 144,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. while driving at 55 mph, the wheels, steering, and tires began to shake severely. the contact had to come to a complete stop or drive at lower speeds in order for the shaking to stop. the failure recurred intermittently. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 180,000.

I was driving to the store when the right front lower spring support gave out.i have now been without a car for 3 weeks. updated 09/10/15*lj updated 12/12/2017*cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. while driving over 30 mph, the vehicle violently vibrated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 131,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. while stopped at a red light, the horn sounded without warning until the battery was removed. the contact stated that the steering wheel was loose. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 104,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. the contact stated that while driving at low speeds and making a right turn, the steering wheel seized. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 129,000.

Steering becomes hard when making a left turn at low parking speeds. problem is intermittent but has caused near loss of control of the vehicle. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. the contact stated that extreme force was required in order to turn the steering wheel when making a left turn. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnosed that the steering gear box needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer advised that vin was not included i nhtsa campaign number 03v079000 (steering). the approximate failure mileage was 49,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. while driving 35 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the dealer adjusted the steering, but the failure persisted. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 127,956.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel shook violently without warning. the failure recurred numerous times. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front upper and lower ball joints failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred worst than before. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

2004 jeep grand cherokee. while driving at 55 mph, the wheels, steering, and tires began to shake severely

i have a 2004 grand cherokee . several months ago, i started to have stalling issues. hot or cold, dry or wet, first drive of the day or last, it didn't matter. the engine would cut out in the middle of driving regardless of speed. i had to put it in neutral, recrank it and put it back in drive just to avoid accidents, otherwise it drifts out of control. at first i thought this was an isolated incident but now it happens almost everyday. it's dangerous but i have no choice to drive to get to work and from the internet a lot of other jeep users have the same issue. why no recall on this issue? obviously there is a defect. *tr

When driving at low speeds there is a knocking/grinding when turning the wheel to the left which has became louder and more frequent. since this began the steering is now loose and pulls as if needing an alignment although this was done approx. less than 1 yr ago. it has became difficult to keep car straight when driving although i have not experienced a loss of power steering (yet). possibly related to recall but it doesn't appear my vin was included. this is a huge safety issue! i have heard several complaints of steering failing while traveling causing wrecks. they should reconsider the range of vehicles included in this recall. *tr

We slipped on some black ice and the jeep went up a hill and then we flipped and landed upside down. this is the second time this happened the other time was last year feb 18 2013 when my 2001 jeep grand cherokee rolled over three times before landing upside down. last year it was me and my 3 sons. thus year it was me and my husband. i injured my leg and back. also neither times did the air bags deploy. *tr

While approaching the intersection ( making a left turn ) my steering stiffing and i could not make a left turn into my lane ( inner lane ). i had to illegally turn into the outer lane. i immediately took my vehicle to an certified mechanic ( belle tire ) who advised that my gear box was malfunctioning. they also told me that there was a recall for that unit ( gear box- racket pinion ). i called the local dealership ( chrysler ) whom advised that they do not have a recall for that unit. they advised me to contact you guys for help. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. the contact stated that while depressing the brakes, the steering wheel began to shake abnormally. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. the technician stated that the steering gear box would have to be replaced. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 03v079000 (steering) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. the vin was not available. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 18,000. *tr

I had a collision with a deer and my airbags did not deploy! my brakes did not work, and my steering was dysfunctional! *tr

While turning left on a highway lost the ability to continue turning left. barely avoided oncoming traffic. had vehicle towed to garage. found that the steering gear box had failed. *tr

My wife was backing up in our drive way she did not see my sons honda civic behind her very poor vision from being so high factory settings. she ripped the gas tank open. a few years later she was rear ended and again the tank ripped open we were lucky both times no fire. then we have had death wobble every jeep suffer,s from it at some time in it,s life as per the dealer. i replaced every steering part in the front end after 40,000 miles again it happened to me at 55mph on the highway i came so close to it rolling it over it took me more than a month to get back in it. the design of the rear is just an accident waiting to happen the rear is the same as a ramp to drive up. i am far from a rich man this product cost me close to 40,grand. i truly thought we could get a few cost free miles.i am disabled i live on a fixed income. now my investment is worthless. i was a driver for a living and have driven more than a thousand cars and have never experienced this with any other car help help help please [xxx] p.s i service my cars like clockwork! i try to fix things before they break..this jeep has me beat! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. while driving approximately 10 mph, the contact attempted a left turn when the steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver. the contact applied the brakes to stop the vehicle. the vehicle regained power steering after the contact restarted the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 03v079000 (steering:gear box other than rack and pinion) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. while driving approximately 25 mph and making a left turn, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to maneuver. the contact also heard an abnormal grinding noise coming from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technician advised that the steering gear assembly would have to be replaced. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 03v079000 (steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Steering losing power when turning right, accompanied by a whine and sounds of pressure loss. no leaks in power steering pressure hoses, no leaks in gear box (gear box was dry), no leaks in any other relevant parts within the steering system. problem was investigated by aaa and pepboys. power steering pump replaced and flushed on 6-jan-12. the loss of power steering problem is still persisting, and is worse now with a new pump and clean pump system. pepboys national research indicates that the problem is within the gearbox, spacer clip moving out of position when turning right cutting off power to the steering system, and moving back into position when turning left restoring power to the steering system. chrysler has a tsb reported march 4, 2003 for this exact failure. chrysler claims this vehicle's vin is not included in the manufacturer's tsb, nhtsa campaign number: 03v079000. case has been opened with chrysler - case #: 21743619. i cannot steer this vehicle at all without the assist of power steering. extremely concerned with the potential danger of losing power steering while driving causing a crash, flipping, and potential serious injuries or death. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. the contact stated that while making a left turn, the wheel refused did not respond. the dealer and manufacturer advised the contact of nhtsa campaign id number: 03v079000 (steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion), but advised that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 115,000.

Increased steering effort, steering stuttering/binding- steering is difficult when turning at low speed- occurs all the time. replaced power steering gear, rebuilt 278414/natl[r]. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed that the steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the mechanic advised that the gear box would have to be replaced. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 03v079000 (steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vin was not included in the recall. the approximate failure mileage was 106,000.

I own a jeep grand cherokee 2004--the problem i am having is with the steering. it is very hard to steer to the right the wheel locks and i cannot turn. i took the jeep to hayes chrysler dodge jeep and was told i needed a power steering pump and pressure line and a power steering gear box. the total quote is $1601.00--i could not afford that so i took it to midas and they advised me there was a recall on this part and jeep should replace the part free of charge. i pulled the recall notice and it does state to take the vehicle to the dealer and it would be replaced. i was told by the dealer and also chrysler that my vn # was not on the recall list....i am very upset because my vehicle is doing the same thing as stated in the recall but since my vin number is not listed they cannot do anything. please advise me what ic an do at this point. when i first purchased the vehicle i took it back the same month and told them something was wrong with the steering i do have documentation. i also took it back a 2nd time and they told me they could not find anything. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. the contact stated that intermittently the steering column locked while driving. a technician from the dealer concluded that his vin was excluded from recall # 03v079000, steering gear box other than rack and pinion; therefore, he was ineligible for a free remedy. no repairs were made. the failure mileage and current mileages were 82,000.

Whenever the contact makes a slow left hand turn the vehicle makes a growning sound and a rubbing sensation can be felt in the steering wheel. the vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the problem could not be reproduced. the contact did not notice any differences beforehand, current and failure mileage is 52000. bml

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. the contact stated that while driving 45 mph over a road bump, the vehicle started to jerk violently. the contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.

When i drive my car and i start to brake at in the speed range of 20mph to 65mph, my brake pedal starts to vibrate and my steering wheel starts to shake uncontrollably, i have to start pumping the brakes for the steering wheel to become nearly moderately controllable. i have been reading online that many people with the same year jeep grand cherokee have been having the same problem. even with earlier models. why hasn't there been a recall on this yet, there is something obviously wrong with the brake or steering system.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. the contact stated that the steering wheel would become extremely stiff when attempting a left turn. the dealer was notified who advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 03v079000 (steering: gear box -other than rack and pinion). the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. while driving at any speed, the steering wheel becomes very difficult to steer and locks up for 5- 10 seconds. the failure occurs intermittently. the dealer is not taking responsibility for repairing the vehicle. through research, the contact discovered nhtsa campaign id number 03v079000 (steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)); however, the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in the recall. he believes it should be repaired under the recall because it is experiencing the same defects. the failure mileage was 41,000 and current mileage was 46,000. updated 4/14/09 *cn updated 04/17/09.*jb

After losing power steering vehicle collided with a guard rail. air bags failed to deploy in the frontal/side collision prior to a head on collision into a median/ditch and a roll over in a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. vehicle was totaled so nothing was done to repair. consequences were a totaled vehicle, loss of personal property and severe bodily damage to driver resulting in brain contusions and hematomas, a 7 in gash on forehead and neck surgery to correct two disc that were crushing spinal cord into a "z" shape> *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee laredo. the contact stated that it requires increased steering effort when turning the steering column, which increases the risk of a crash.he contacted the manufacturer in reference to recall# 03v079000 (steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)). upon contact a representative advised him that because his vin number was excluded from the vin range, they would not assume any responsibility for the repairs. as of current date the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 72,000. the current mileage was unknown.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. the vehicle vibrated and made a rubbing noise in the steering when making a left turn. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 03v079000 (steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)). the current and failure mileages were 68,200. updated 09/15/08 *bf the consumer stated when turning to the left, friction was felt in the steering wheel and a scrubbing noise was present for at least 6 months. updated 09/18/08. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. when the contact turned the steering wheel to the left at 10 mph, she would hear a dragging noise and the steering wheel would become difficult to maneuver. the failure did not occur when the wheel was turned to the right. the dealer stated that her vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 03v079000 (steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)). the current and failure mileages were approximately 40,000.

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