: the contact stated while driving 60mph, smoke emerged from the front end. The vehicle was driven to the nearest dealer for inspection. They determined the front differential unit had begun to smoke due to extreme heat buildup in the differential; although, no flames were visible. The vehicle was towed to the residence where it remains.

- Norfolk, VA, USA

We have this roaring noise in the rear end which is so loud you can't hear the radio if it's on all the way. Also have trouble with the surging at high speeds or going up a hill. Almost didn't make it home the last time we drove it 40 miles away. Since my husband has a heart condition we have not driven it any more. After reading the letters that have had this rear end noise fixed and it comes back not sure what to do.

- Abilene, TX, USA

Rear end made a loud noise and after that the rear differential is very loud. It is like a grinding whining noise. After problem started occurring I have had minor transmission slips in first and second gears. This is the third occurrence of this problem in as many years. The first two times the warranty covered it but is has since expired. This vehicle has never been driven off road or towed anything or experienced a heavy payload. Doesn't seem right for this part to keep going bad like this with only highway/city light-duty driving.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

While driving approximately 40 mph a loud noise was heard. Dealer inspected vehicle and found rear differential had to be replaced.

- Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Consumer had vehicle serviced, technician indicated that rear bearing power train was missing.

- Stoughton, MA, USA

Heard noise coming from rearend and transmission slipped. Took it to petri Jeep in scottsdale, AZ. They said bearings were worn out in rear diff and transmission needed to be rebuild. Ok, they fixed it, at 71000 miles. I think this was way too soon. The Jeep now has 88000, the transmission is acting up again and the humming noise is returning. At 75000 my extended warranty expired. Im not happy!!!

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

While driving on the highway vehicle locked up and started smoking. Vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that problems were differential and transfer case.

- Hackensack, NJ, USA

Heard a noise coming from the rear of the car took it into the shop and was told that it was the rear differential, and I was also informed that my transmission was slipping in 1st & 2nd gear. I had the differential repaired and the transmission serviced. We got snow this year where you would need the 4 wheel drive, well being I never had the need to use the 4 wheel drive mode I was surprised to find out that mine didn't work. Took it into the shop and was told that the transfer casing and transmission need to be replaced. So I took it to the dealer I bought the Jeep from. I let them repair my transfer casing and was told because I didn't have the exact same tires on the vehicle that is what caused the transfer casing to fail. The tires were the same size on the front and rear just different brands. They told me that I didn't have a problem with the transmission. I then picked the Jeep up and the roaring sound came back so I took it to the dealer to see what they thought the noise was I was told at that time that my front differential was bad and needed to be repaired and that the rear differential was also bad, but being I had that work done at a independent shop I had to take it back to them to fix the rear and then took the Jeep back to the dealer to have them do the work on the front. I am in the process of taking the Jeep back to the dealership because my Jeep is now pulling to the right. I was able to drive my Jeep for a week. I really have not had my Jeep since January I really think that daimler Chrysler knows there is a problem with the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and I hope that something will be done about.

- Chesapeake Beach, MD, USA

Rear differential

- Winston Salem , NC, USA

Fuel gauge - vehicle runs out of fuel at 1/4 tank marker.

- Goose Creek, SC, USA

The rear differential began making a howling noise getting louder and louder. Pinion gear has play and is loose where it enters the differential. The local dealer here in ventura California says that it is not warranty and we will have to pay for it. This is ridiculous due to the low mileage on the vehicle. It has not been driven off road nor pulled heavy loads. I have driven many vehicles over the last 20 years and have never had a differential problem before till now. I see on your site also that this is a known problem...what is the fix" of course Chrysler does not want to deal with it. I see also that persons who have had repairs performed at the dealership have had the same problem reoccur. It seems this assembly may be defective"

- Port Huneme, CA, USA

Rear differential failed driving off of lot after purchase, dealer replaced entire rear bell housing gears.

- Dayton, OH, USA

A brief search on internet shows many people have this problem. If failure were to happen at high rate of speed, serious injury could result. No safety defect.

- Lincolnshire, IL, USA

Rear differential makes noise. Dealer advised that it was due to "road noise, " but it feels that tires are about to fall off. Consumer states this has been an ongoing problem.

- Little Falls, MN, USA

All of the problems identified in my complaints are covered by Chrysler extended warranty. But I strongly feel Jeep is building an inferior and unsafe product which can cause serious accidents. The most notables were the (2) auto transmissions failure at freeway speed. The transmissions had to be replaced and the replacement unit was installed with a defective pump which also went out. The most recent incident is with the engine and all electrical system shuts off at freeway speed with no warning. The explaination given was a weak battery and loose battery cable. All other incidents are due to sub-standard Jeep oem parts. I wish my complaint will force Jeep to investigate why a Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 limited, their flagship, would failed time after time at such a young mileage. Thank you.

- Kirkland, WA, USA

There were loud noises and excessive vibration coming from differential. Dealer has seen vehicle 3 times and still no solution.

- Castle Hayne, NC, USA

Member in military stationed in republic of Korea. Phone prefix: "011" no safety defect listed.

- Apo, AR, USA

Differential unit failed.

- De Soto, TX, USA

No summary

- Morris Plains, NJ, USA

Vibration, roaring & rear end noise five weeks after purchasing vehicle. Drive shaft was replaced at 4941 miles. The problem reappeared and the axle assembly was replaced at 13947 miles. Rear assembly replaced again two months later at 16387 miles. Rear end / scraping noise and roaring reappeared. Metal found inside rear differential pan and side berring race damaged. The entire rear end unit was replaced at 28844 miles. Prior to the Jeep being repaired on the previous dates indicated, it was also brought in for similar type problems on 11/12/99 at 25775 miles and 1/24/00 at 28323 miles but was not repaired. The last time it was repaired on 2/9/00, the Jeep was at the dealership for three days and they said there was nothing wrong. However, after demanding that the rear end be checked, they found metal inside the rear differential pan and that the side berring race was damaged.

- Cordova, TN, USA