Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2003 to Dec 2003
The most reported issue is power train problems (266 complaints). 162 complaints involved crashes. 28 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (11)
NHTSA Campaign: 09E012000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V252000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty vehicles. The fuel tanks in these vehicles are at risk of failure and leakage in certain rear impacts.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: Owners may take their vehicles to dealers and the dealers will perform a free inspection of the rear structure. On vehicles in the recall that are not equipped with a tow hitch, Chrysler will install a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles in the recall that are equipped with an aftermarket tow hitch, Chrysler will assess whether the hitch and surrounding areas show evidence of sharp edges or other puncture risks. If so, Chrysler will replace the tow hitch with a Chrysler designed tow hitch free of charge, provided the condition of the vehicle can support proper installation. On vehicles already equipped with a Chrysler designed tow hitch, Chrysler will inspect the area around the tow hitch installation, and if any installation issues are identified, they will be repaired free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign numbers are N45 (for the Grand Cherokee vehicles) and N46 (for the Liberty vehicles).
NHTSA Campaign: 09E025000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E026000
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E022000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
NHTSA Campaign: 07E104000
Component: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
Fix: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
NHTSA Campaign: 06E011000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.
Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.
NHTSA Campaign: 00V136000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, OR WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS CAN EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED FOR AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN THE "SALT BELT." IF THE ROTORS ARE NOT REPLACED, THE CORROSION CAN EVENTUALLY COMPROMISE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR.
Risk: THE REDUCED STRENGTH CAN ALLOW THE CAST IRON WEAR SURFACE TO SEPARATE FROM THE HUB, REDUCING THE BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE ROTORS WITH ROTORS THAT ARE COATED WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION.
NHTSA Campaign: 02V053000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER HAS NOT PLACED THE SHIFTER LEVER FULLY INTO THE "PARK" POSITION AND LEAVES THE VEHICLE RUNNING, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AFTER SEEMING TO BE STABLE.
Risk: INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY DETENT SYSTEM TO THE FLOOR SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. DAIMLERCHRYSLER SENT INTERIM NOTICES TO OWNERS CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM ON MARCH 22, 2002. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA Campaign: 97V194000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL TANK MOUNTED FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT ACCURACY CAN DEGRADE OVER TIME, INDICATING SIGNIFICANTLY MORE FUEL IN RESERVE THAN IS ACTUALLY PRESENT.
Risk: OWNERS MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT THEIR VEHICLE IS LOW ON FUEL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH IF THE VEHICLE STOPS DUE TO NO FUEL.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT.
NHTSA Campaign: 97V080000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DESIGN ALLOWS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT UPON VEHICLE IGNITION SHUT DOWN.
Risk: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MODULE.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 1516)
Fuel/propulsion System →2 issues
Your vehicle stalls unexpectedly while driving normally on city streets. This could happen at any time while you're cruising, not just during acceleration or specific conditions. The repair will likely involve diagnosing the fuel system, ignition system, or engine control components to identify what's causing the stalls.
Parts you may need:
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Your Jeep has a fuel system recall that your dealer has been unable to complete for over a year, even though they fixed the brake recall promptly. You've run out of gas four times on busy highways and while driving to work, suggesting the fuel system isn't delivering gas properly to the engine. The dealer will need to obtain and install the correct fuel system components once they become available.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other →2 issues
Your vehicle stalls randomly while driving, sometimes at highway speeds (70 mph) and sometimes while sitting still. The engine may recover and run fine for days, then stall again without warning. A check engine light may appear and disappear on its own. This intermittent stalling could be caused by a fuel delivery issue, ignition system failure, or engine sensor malfunction that needs diagnostic testing.
Parts you may need:
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Your Jeep sometimes won't start and only cranks over, especially after you've parked it for a few hours. The problem goes away on its own the next day, making it hard for mechanics to diagnose. You've spent money trying to fix it over a couple of years without success. This issue is likely related to the starting or electrical system, and may require testing the battery, starter, or ignition components.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train →1 issue
While driving your 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the engine suddenly lost power with no warning lights appearing. When you pressed the brake pedal all the way to the floor, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle, causing you to leave the road and roll into a drainage ditch. The airbags did not deploy during the rollover. The vehicle was towed but never inspected or repaired. This issue likely involves a complete failure of both the engine and brake systems, which would require a full diagnostic inspection and potential replacement of critical powertrain and brake components.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags →1 issue
Both your driver and passenger side airbags deployed unexpectedly right after you started the vehicle, causing you to sustain a head injury that required emergency medical treatment. The reason for this unexpected deployment is unknown. The airbag system may need complete diagnostic testing and potential replacement to prevent this from happening again.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,service Brakes,engine →1 issue
Your engine control computer (ECM) has a faulty circuit board that causes complete electrical failure without warning—whether you're stopped or driving. When this happens, your engine shuts off, all lights go out, emergency flashers won't work, and your power brakes stop functioning. The dealer says the ECM circuit board needs to be replaced to restore normal operation.
Parts you may need:
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Service Brakes →1 issue
When you press the brake pedal, it goes all the way to the floor without stopping the vehicle — you've lost all braking power. This is a serious safety issue that needs immediate attention. The dealer was notified but didn't diagnose or repair the problem. Getting your brake system inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic is critical before driving.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →1 issue
While driving your 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the engine suddenly seized and your check engine light came on. You didn't take it to a dealer for diagnosis or repair, and the manufacturer said they couldn't help. The engine seizing could involve anything from internal damage to oil starvation, and a mechanic would need to diagnose what caused the failure.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,electronic Stability Control (esc),fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your engine control module (ECM) is shorting out, causing your engine to run with the wrong air-fuel mixture, lose power while driving or stopped, and even shut off completely — which happened to you on the highway and put you in danger. The short also caused backfiring and gas to flood your muffler. Additionally, your vehicle information center display isn't working, and your EVAP canister fittings have deteriorated, allowing fuel vapor hoses to lose their seal and create emissions problems. Fixing this will likely require replacing the engine control module and inspecting or replacing the EVAP canister fittings and hoses.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your Jeep is having trouble starting and frequently hesitates or stalls while driving at any speed, both in city and highway conditions. You've already replaced the distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs, wires, and coil, but the problem continues. The sudden loss of power at highway speeds is dangerous and has nearly caused a crash. Finding the root cause will likely require testing and possibly replacing multiple fuel system and engine control components.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your horn stopped working because the horn button is built into your steering wheel airbag, and mechanics say the only way to fix it is to replace the entire airbag assembly at significant cost. Without a working horn, you can't warn other drivers of potential hazards on the road. A repair would involve replacing the steering wheel airbag unit or installing a separate horn switch.
Parts you may need:
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Exterior Lighting →1 issue
When you use your high beams or turn on the right turn signal, your hazard lights flash rapidly in the back of the vehicle instead of working normally. You've been pulled over multiple times because of this issue. The multifunction switch has already been replaced, but the problem persists.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System →1 issue
Your Jeep's wiring harness lost its ground connection to the engine computer (PCM), which prevented the fuel pump from working properly. This means your engine won't run correctly or may not start at all. Fixing this will require significant rewiring work to restore the proper ground connection.
Parts you may need:
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Electronic Stability Control (esc) →1 issue
Your coolant sensor warning light kept coming on, so you replaced it, but the light continued to flicker on and off. About a month later, your radiator suddenly split open at a seam without any warning lights or temperature gauge changes, even though you had just checked the coolant level before driving. You had to replace the entire radiator.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,electrical System,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee was subject to two recalls, but the dealership couldn't complete the repairs because the necessary parts weren't available. You've experienced an ignition failure that causes your vehicle to lose power while driving. The manufacturer hasn't been notified of this issue, and the recall has been pending for an unreasonable amount of time due to parts being out of stock.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,engine →1 issue
Your engine stalls while you're driving the vehicle. This is happening with your electrical system and engine, so the issue could be related to ignition, fuel delivery, or electrical connections that keep your engine running.
Parts you may need:
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Structure →1 issue
Your dealership refused to perform a safety recall (N45) unless you paid for corrosion damage repairs on your own. Since this is a mandatory safety recall, you believe FCA should cover the full cost to make your vehicle safe again.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your fuel gauge is bouncing up and down erratically instead of holding steady, making it hard to know how much gas you actually have. Additionally, your rear driver's side window keeps rolling down by itself every time you start the ignition. Both issues appear to be electrical problems that will likely require diagnosis of the fuel sender unit and the window motor/switch assembly.
Parts you may need:
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Trailer Hitches,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee didn't come with the factory trailer hitch installed when you purchased it. You discovered the vehicle was excluded from a fuel system recall campaign (13V252000), and both the dealer and manufacturer refused to help resolve the issue. You ended up installing an aftermarket trailer hitch yourself instead. Resolving this would likely involve either having a dealer install the original equipment trailer hitch or ensuring your aftermarket hitch is properly secured and rated for your vehicle's towing capacity.
Parts you may need:
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Related Vehicles
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