Problems with 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee STEERING

While driving steering wheel and front of car is shakes/wobbles violently

Steering wheel and front of car shakes violently.

My jeep violently shakes when i'm driving speeds of 50+ and it is very dangerous because as we all know highways and freeways are speeds between 55 and 70 and i cannot drive over 50. the other day it started to shake so bad that i had to pull over and almost hit the cement guard rail. i have to transport my grandchildren from time to time and god forbid anything happen to them chrysler will be responsible. i have done research and this issue is called the death wobble and is the perfect name for it. they need to do a recall on this issue before someone gets killed. please make chrysler do the right thing and fix this problem.

1999 jeep grand cherokee. consumer writes in regards to vehicle front end shake "death wobble" he experienced. *smd the consumer is seeking reimbursement, for the replacement of the steering damper, tie rod end, and the upper and lower ball joints. *jb

Within the last 6 months my jeep's engine has shut off" while driving" at various speeds 5 different times but not exceeding 60mph. four of the six times i was able to shift into neutral and restart the engine, two times i had to wait approximately 5 minutes before it would restart. the incident at 60mph happened on a 4 lane highway and luckily i was close to the shoulder when it shut off and i was able to get it off the road before the steering locked up and no one was hurt. the computer never registers any problem and my mechanic has stated that it could be numerous issues but nothing for sure. to the best of my knowledge jeep has never issued a warning or recall for this issue. this is extremely dangerous and an accident just waiting to happen. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 jeep grand cherokee with an aftermarket drive works tie rod, part number: de-es3475. the contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal noise. the steering wheel also pulled to the right and the contact lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a tree. the vehicle was towed to the contact?s home where a mechanic inspected the vehicle. the failure was located at the front driver?s side inner tie rod tread, which separated and caused the nut and pin to release. the contact did not sustain any injuries. the police department was called an a report was filed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 236,000. updated 8/5/13 *cn the consumer stated the tie rod end he purchased from his local retail store was defective. the threads on the end, were worn.

Out of know where the engine just started knocking, and the smell of gas and the steering wheel started acting out of control. i had to park it and get another car. but i still have it because i really like my jeep!

Faulty clock spring caused the air bag light to come on and not function correctly. *tr

Four times in the last year, the vehicle when traveling over 50mph, develops what online research describes as "death wobble". the steering wheel vibrates suddenly in your hands, the front end wobbles and it is difficult to control. slowing down below 50mph usually resolves the issue...but that is an unacceptable solution. seems to happen when the vehicle is warmed up and has traveled 20+ miles. a major national tv channel has produced a news article about this with film of the vehicle during the "death wobble". we believe that congress has asked jeep about this issue previously. the jeep company in our town suggested rotating tires and checking brakes. they claim to have never heard of this issue, however there are lots of online complaints. in addition to lots of complaints, there's been lots of money spent on lots of parts and labor to fix the issue. everyone seems to have a different opinion as to what the problem and solution are. even though there are only 45000 miles on the vehicle, it cannot be trusted to provide a safe journey. we are disappointed with the company and vehicle. hoping for a recall soon! (on a side note, a neighbor of ours has also experienced this same issue with his jeep. if we are aware of 2 people with the same issue, it has to be a major issue with the vehicle.) please help. thanks. *tr

While driving at approximately 35-40 mph, the steering gear in my 1999 jeep grand cherokee locked up. when i tried to make a right turn, the steering wheel turned freely but the steering of the car did not correspond. luckily, i was able to stop the vehicle as it almost careened into a ditch. this problem caused the vehicle to veer off the side of the road, causing minor property damage to shrubbery but nearly causing an accident or injury to passengers or other motorists. when the vehicle came to rest, the steering would only turn approximately 20% to the right side. the vehicle was near my residence at time of incident and was slowly driven home, then taken the following week to the dealership to diagnose. the dealerships diagnosis was that the vehicle had a faulty steering gearbox, and that the travel stops within the steering gearbox had broken or otherwise malfunctioned, requiring the replacement of the entire steering gearbox unit. this problem is identical to the steering gearbox recall daimler-chrysler issued on 2000 year model jeep grand cherokees manufactured within 60 days of this vehicle. the cost for parts and labor to replace the gearbox and flush out any old steering fluid is estimated at $1,006.95. the service history on the vehicle included replacement of the power steering pump (once or possibly even twice) while the vehicle was under factory warranty. the gearbox assembly has never required service, and never given any prior indication of being faulty. a telephone call to the jeep customer service line resulted in an unsuccessful attempt to have jeep share in the expense of replacing the faulty gearbox. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 jeep grand cherokee. while driving various speeds, the vehicle would completely shut down. there were no lights and no power steering when the vehicle shut off. there were no warning indicators prior to the failure. the failure also occurred several times while driving 75 mph. the contact had to wait 2-3 minutes before the vehicle would restart. she took the vehicle to the dealer a few times and they stated that the crank sensor was the cause of the failure. the dealer removed and replaced all the codes; however, the failure recurred three times afterwards. she returned to the dealer in april of 2008 and was informed they wouldhave to run more tests. the contact then traded in the vehicle for a newer model. the current mileage was 83,074 and failure mileage was 81,808. updated 07/15/08. *lj there was a noise coming from the steering when the consumer made left turns. the hatch shocks were replaced

The airbag light came on a few weeks ago. i took my vehicle in to find out what the issue was. a clock spring had broken in the driver's side airbag, rendering the airbag undeployable. the original estimate for repair was $309+ tax. the mechanic tried to repair but realized that the only way to fix the airbag is to replace the entire steering column at a cost of $1800. i called chrysler to report this issue to them, and they refused to help even though it was their design that rendered this repair of an important safety feature so expensive it is unconscionable. *tr

Tie rod ends replaced . cooling fan sensor , front wheel bearings, rear differential completely rebuilt, what's next? will never buy a chrysler product again!!!!!!!!*jb

While driving my 1999 jeep grand cherokee on nov. 20 2005, i lost steering, causing me to collide with another vehicle then run off the road and hit a sign. this all happened before i could get the vehicle stopped while traveling about 35 mph. after looking under the front of the vehicle, i found that the ball joint connecting the tie rod to the pitman arm had completely separated causing a complete loss of steering. fortunately, no one was injured. this is a problem that definitely warrants a recall. *nm

While driving approx. 30-35 mph tried to round a bend in the road and the steering failed, the steering wheel locked and i was unable to turn the vehicle and crossed the center lane of the road and crashed head-on into a school bus. the vehicles were towed from the scene and my vehicle was later inspected by an engineering firm to determine the cause of failure which was tie-rod defect/pitarm failure. the report indicated that this area does not have grease fittings. the failure of the part was due to improper manufacturing. *tr

1999 grand cherokee jeep, brake failure and head gasket replaced. *bf the consumer stated while driving and without warning, the vehicle seized up. the vehicle was towed to a garage who replaced the transfer case, rack and pinion, and spider gears. *jb

A mechanic and the state inspector indicated, upon inspection that the truck will fail inspection. the left outer tire rod and left upper ball joints are lose and the truck shouldn't be driven.*ak

While parking vehicle steering wheel locked up. driver was not able to steer or turn left or right. had taken vehicle to dealership, but mechanic was not able to resolve or duplicate the problem.*ak

I was driving along in a major city, columbia, south carolina, when all of a sudden my wheels stopped turning as i was attempting to make a turn. i called 911 and assistance was immediately dispatched. i was driving a 1999 jeep grand cherokee laredo. i had never experienced any problems similar to this one prior to this incident. once the tow truck and a vehicle mechanic arrived it was determined that the steering shaft was defective. i was told that this problem could have stemmed from a factory defect. i would like for an investigation to take place regarding the aforementioned type of vehicle to see if this indeed was a factory defect. i have a towing and vehicle mechanic bill that i had to pay regarding this incident that i think should be covered by the vehicle manufacturer if this proves to be a problem created by them. this could have very well been a fatal accident for me as well as for my 3, 13, and 18 year old passengers had this occurred while i was driving along the interstate or at any rate of speed higher than the speed of about the estimated 15 mph or so when attempting to make the turn. i look forward to hearing from you regarding this matter.*ak

While driving to florida in our 1999 jeep grang cherokee, the tie rod on drivers side dropped to the ground. fortunately for us, we were not going fast at the time. the tie rod end which consists of a ball and socket came apart. inspection by a jeep dealer determined that all 4 tie rod ends (2 tie rod and 2 drag link) were loose and in danger of failing. if we had been moving at highway speed when the failure occurred, we would have lost all steering control. there are no grease fittings on the failed and failing parts and no mention of having the tie rod ends checked at regular intervals in the owners manual. we ended up having all four tie rod ends replaced, the vehicle aligned, and buying four new tires, but that being said, we just feel fortunate we weren't in a serious accident or worse. the failure of the tir rod ends should be made a recall for the protection of other jeep owners.

Bracket which holds power assist pump broke while starting. dealer and manufacturer have been notified. feel free to provide any further information.*ak

My power steering began to fail last february and it fails whenever i am going at speeds below 20mph or if i am off of the gas pedal. i have talked to several jeep owners (2000 or 1999 models) that are experiencing the same problem. when i call daimler chrysler they contend that they are unaware of any problem with the power steering. i don't believe it. i have also had problems with the seat heaters. i have had to replace the drivers side twice and now the rarely used passenger side heater is failing. they told me during my second repair that the 1999 jeeps have a very fragile part and that they have replaced them with a better part for the 2000 jeeps. i had to pay repair costs on my second repair because my warranty had expired and i'm afraid that they may not even cover this new problem even though they admitted that the part is faulty and very fragile.*ak

Vehicle pulls to either side when driving, taken to dealer several times. dealer adjusted steering box, it did not remedy the problem.*ak

1999 defective chrysler grand jeep cherokee.***no answer required***. *mr the consumer experienced repeated problems with the rotors, pads and calipers. the consumer has experienced hard vibration not only in the front end of the vehicle, but the steering wheel, floor, seat and instrument panel. the vibration was so severe the consumer would lose control of the steering wheel. the rotors would heat up, the caliper froze. the intermediate shaft was replaced, the rear latch was lubricated due to squeaking. the battery was replaced because the consumer had a hard time starting the vehicle. *jb

Power steering failed and vehicle was difficult to maneuver. *ak

Steering had been making a wining sound on slow turns for about a month. dealer could not find the problem. said it was just noise not danger. was pulling small u-hall trailer down mountain in 2nd gear. on tight mountain turn had very stiff steering, no power steering. went into nearby town and turned street corners, problem continued. shifted into drive and problem disappeared. went over another mountain pass in drive and problem reoccured on all tight turns at speeds of about 1 or 2 mph. normal highway turns had no problems. after dropping off trailer, took car to dealer - could not find a problem. returned home by same rout. the whining noise continued but no problem steering on tight mountain curves. dealer says jeep have never heard of this problem.*ak

Consumer states that steering pulls to left while driving. consumer also advised that steering pulls "dramatically" to the left when brakes are applied. dealer has replaced/repaired several components including tires, steering gear box and 3 alignments. problem still exists. ts

I have taken my car into either courtesy motors in chico california or normandin jeep in chico california. each time, my car was returned to me unrepaired. no safety defect listed in summary. *ak

When shifting vehicle in reverse it makes a loud noise and vehicle jerks. dealership replaced tranfer case twice, and rebuiltd the driveshaft.*ak the vehicle would not start due to fuel pump failure. driver side wiper blade was worn out. rear differntial was worn, also the rotors were replaced, the fule injection was serviced cleaned the throttle body, power steering fluid was serviced,tires were rotated,pinion bearings, front axles seals replaced. *yh

Steering wheel is very loose due to deffective steering gear box. please provide any further information.*ak

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

During activation of brake system traveling at any speed there is a pulsation in the brakes, there is a squeaking noise, and vehicle pulls to the right. dealership has examined vehicle three times, and failed to remedy the problem. brake rotors and front stabilizer bars have been replaced.*ak consumer stated there was also a possible oil leak, dealer replaced the tie rod to pitman arm and the real pinion seal, also the steering dampner assembly was replaced,and the engine surges at times sometimes hesitates, also there was a leak behind the driver/rear floorboard.

Was at a dead stop and was rearended. passenger's rear shoulder belt failed to hold occupant, but lap belt held. *ak

Vehicle would vibrate severely when applying brakes at 35-40 mph, and more severely at higher speeds. vehicle has been to the dealer on eleven occasions, and the problem has reoccurring. *ak the engine makes noise. there was a clunk noise from drive line to reverse. the vehicle would not hold in park. consumer stated that both inner and outer tie rod failed and were replaced. while driving at 85 mph the vehicle makes a growling noise. transmission makes clunking noise when putting in gear. the steering wheel vibrates while going over pumps due to front brake rotors failure, also the steering shock was replaced. *yh

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

Consumer states of having problems with steering wheel up on braking. ts

When driving less than 10mph steering intermittently locks up either turning left or right. dealer couldnt duplicate on 4 previous visits. resently had 2 near misses in intersection due to steering lockup. steering will become released when i apply maximum strength. i am really scared for my family.

Whenever coming to a stop, vehicle would jerk forward. would have a whistling noise while driving. vehicle would stall out. also, there's a slight delay when starting vehicle & then another slight delay after shifting into drive. took vehicle to mechanic & was informed the problem was with rack and pinion steering& needs to be corrected. *ak

Several dealerships have not been able to resolve problem. front tires are grinding away the interior wall of the wheel wells. tire is now grinding on steel chasis and beginning to erode itself. chrysler has no solution after 6-8 visits for repair in 4 months. mechanics recommend the car not be driven until a solution can be found due to safety reasons...in the meantime i have purchased a new vehicle i can not drive and neither the dealership nor chrysler will replace the defective vehicle.( dot number: tire size: 245/70/r16 )

Daimler chrysler has been aware of these problems, been on tsb software , but no recall but i have been continued to be mislead and now, i will proceed with either the lemon law or arbitration at this point. for a vehicle that cost $33,000 you would not of expected these types of problems, and when they occur chrysler should own up to its responsibilities and fix the issues, customers have been misleard in thinking there getting a reliable and dependable vehicle and with this last problem i have encounter , there needs to be some justice and compensation for what i have to pay out , but yet i continue to pay my monthly payments .no safety defect mentione din summary. *ak

It appears that something in the front end is out of alignment or out of balance, and that has been causing front end components to wear out. the symptoms are steering wheel shaking and rotors that wear/wap at an abnormally high rate, causing brake pulsation. to date the steering column/linkages have been worked on 4 times. the front and rear brakes have been serviced/replaced 8 times. at one point the steering linkages was so loose that any change in the road surface caused a change in vehicle direction.*ak

The steering in this 1999 grand cherokee jeep has major flaw associated with making tight turns. whenever we try to make a tight right or left turn the steering wheel shakes violently with a total loss of steering control.*ak

The steering (due to the quadra-drive system) made the vehicle feel as though it was on a very bumpy highway. i went to the dealership and test drove an identical vehicle and experienced no problems. i, then, took the vehicle to the service department whereupon they told me it was all a "minor" problem, though the "check engine" light appeared on the way to the dealership and after the vehicle had supposedly been fixed. the dealership in question attributed this warning to a vapor leak. the vehicle had been this way since it was purchased.

Abs light, and brake light came on, indicating a brake malfunction.*ak wiring to the right wheel speed sensor was cut by lower control arm. the vehicle has electrical and suspension problems. driver and passenger side power windows inoperative. fuel pump failed. vehicle is leaking transmission fluid due to pan gasket failure. fuel is leaking from fuel tank due to defective fuel sending unit seal. abs light, air bag lights are on and a/c blinkers are not working due to ignition switch looses. vehicle makes noise due to power steering gear assembly failure. *yh

99 jeep grand cherokee has been in shop 5 times (current mileage:7500). i have had clattering/noises with sharp turns (transfer case fluid, then case itself, then pump replaced); gear whining noise chrysler is blaming on the dana corp. my dealer "unable to fix problem as necessary tools are on back-order"; vibration when applying the brakes attributed to a warped rotor (per tsb); problems with keyless remote entry and slow refueling, something leaking from front end. many other owners are having similar problems as evidenced by the multiple complaints on internet message boards (yahoo.com; jeepsunlimited.com) chrysler seems to be stonewalling on most of these problems, especially the dana corp. rear-end problem. i'm very frustrated after having spent $38,000 on this vehicle!

[email protected] : problems=steering, fueling, tran. slips 2nd-3rd,won't start, brake pulsation,shift to reverse loud clunk noise.

Steering stiff, pulls hard right, then left, won't track straight on flat road.

Consumer purchased vehicle in november 98, and has taken vehicle to dealership four times in four months for steering noise due to rack and pinion steering failure. dealership replaced steering pump/gear box, and rack and pinion. vehicle has been at dealership for one month for repairs. jeep manufacturer is aware of the problems, and sent a representative to new jersey to look at vehicle . representative has not found a remedy for this defect. jeep-800-334-9200----reference #5514019. *ak